This Day In Texas History - March 15

[joe817]

1836 - At Refugio, Mexican General Urrea was again confronted with the duty of complying with the fatal decree of December 30. Thirty-three Americans were captured in the course of the fighting at Nuestra Señora del Refugio Mission, half of them with Capt. Amon B. King's company, the others "one by one" (see REFUGIO, BATTLE OF). King and his men had infuriated their enemies by burning local ranchos and shooting eight Mexicans seated around a campfire, and these enemies were clamoring for vengeance. Urrea satisfied his conscience by shooting King and fourteen of his men, while "setting at liberty all who were colonists or Mexicans." [ http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/onli ... /qer1.html ]

1836 - Texas Revolutionary soldier Lewis T. Ayers was captured by the Mexican forces of Gen. José de Urrea. Ayers was involved in the series of skirmishes between March 12 and March 15 that came to be known as the battle of Refugio. He was serving with Captain Amon King in an action against the Mexican rear guard when he was captured. Ayers was one of thirty-three prisoners subsequently led out to be shot, but was saved by the intervention of one of Urrea's subordinates, Col. J. J. Holzinger, who halted the execution so that German prisoners might be reprieved. Though he was not a German, Ayers was spared, and afterward set free, reportedly because he gave a Masonic sign that was recognized by the Mexican general.

1856 - The court-martial of Capt. Charles Edward Travis, son of the Alamo hero William Barret Travis, convened at Fort Mason. Charles Edward Travis was accused of slander, cheating at cards and unauthorized absence from camp.On March 15, he pled not guilty to the charge of "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman." He mostly took charge of his own defense because he was also an attorney. The trial and deliberations lasted about a month. Charles Edward Travis was found guilty of all charges on April 11 and was later dismissed from service.

1866 - The Constitutional Convention approved an ordinance to nullify the actions of the Secession Convention.

1881- With the completion of the Texas and Pacific Railroad, 317 lots were sold forming the town of Abilene, named for the cattle town in Kansas. It was hoped that Abilene Texas would become even more important that it's Kansas namesake

1909 - 40 Comanche and Kiowa braves, led by Chief Quanah Parker, join the parade for the opening of the annual Fat Stock Show in Fort Worth. The Show would later become the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show.

1912 – Legendary blues man Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins born in Centerville, Texas. At age 8, he built his fist guitar out of a cigar box and chicken wire.

1916 - Harry James, jazz trumpet player and big-band leader, was born in Albany, Georgia. Though thought by many to be a native Texan, he did not arrive in Texas until the 1930s, when he and his parents moved to Beaumont. There he played trumpet and led a band. In 1936 James joined Benny Goodman's orchestra. He made a name for himself with fiery trumpet solos and an appearance in the band's 1938 movie, Hollywood Hotel. After he started the Harry James Band in 1940, his hit song "You Made Me Love You" (1941) sold over a million copies. A true virtuoso, Harry, along with his band, developed the boogie-woogie style for big-band swing.

1999 - At the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, Bob Wills was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the category "Early Influence." His plaque is near those he influenced and those who loved him—Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and others. He is one of the few persons inducted in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was born near Kosse, Limestone County,

[joe817]

Letters from the Past: Benjamin Briggs Goodrich to Edmund Goodrich, March 15, 1836 (Delegate to convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos reports that the enemy is marching toward Washington. Women and children may have to be evacuated beyond their reach. Enemy fights under a red flag signifying "no quarter." )

"Dear Edmund,
Texas is in mourning, and it becomes my painful duty to inform my relations in Tennessee of the massacre of my poor brother John. He was murdered in the Texas fortress of San Antonio de Bexar (known as the Alamo) on the night of the 6th of this month, together with one hundred and eighty of our brave countrymen, gallantly defending that place against an invading army of Mexicans, eight thousand strong; not one escaped to tell the dreadful tale.

The Alamo had been surrounded for many days by a besieging army of the Mexicans, variously estimated at from 3 to 8 thousand men,2 commanded by Genl. Lopez de Santa Anna in person; the fortress, as before stated, was besieged, and it fell and every man was put to the sword. They effected their purpose by a general charge aided by scaling ladders. Upwards of five hundred of the enemy were killed, and as many more mortally or dangerously wounded. Col. Travis, the commander of the fortress, sooner than fall into the hands of the enemy, stabbed himself to the heart and instantly died.

Seven of our brave men, being all that were left alive, called for quarter and to see Santa Anna, but were instantly shot by the order of that fiendish tyrant. Col. Bowie was murdered, sick in bed.3 Amoung the number of your acquaintances, murdered in the Alamo, were Col. David Crockett, Micajah Autry, formerly of Haysborough, John Hays, son of Andrew Hays of Nashville, and my unfortunate brother, John C. Goodrich: but they died like men, and posterity will do them justice. Santa Anna is now in Texas with an invading army of eight or ten thousand men strong--determined to carry on a war of extermination. We will meet him and teach the unprincipled scoundrel that freemen can never be conquered by the hirling soldierly of a military despot.4

The struggle is great and our difficulties many--but the army of the patriot is doubly served, when his fireside and his liberties are invaded-- We rush to the combat, and our motto is Revenge, Liberty or Death. Approach poor old mother cautiously with this awful news, for I fear her much worn out constitution will not survive the shock. -Publish this information if you think proper--We ask for help and in the name of everything that is sacred to Liberty and Independence.

So soon as the Convention (of which I am a member) adjourns, I shall proceed forthwith to the army.-- The blood of a Goodrich has already crimsoned the soil of Texas and another victim shall be added to the list or I see Texas free and Independent.-- Give my love to my dear mother, sisters and brothers, and friends generally--
Benj. Briggs Goodrich

P.S. News has just reached that the enemy are on the march to this place and we know not at what moment we shall be compelled to move our women and children beyond their reach. Their mode of warfare is strictly savage; they fight under a Red Banner,5 and we ask nor expect no quarter in the future,--I will advise you from time to time (if alive) and would highly appreciate hearing from you.-- Direct your letters to Cantonment Jessup, pay postage and I will be sure to get them.