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1836 - The Convention of 1836 adjourned in haste as the Mexican army approached Washington-on-the-Brazos. The convention, which met on March 1, drafted the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, organized the ad interim government, and named Sam Houston commander-in-chief of the republic's military forces before the delegates evacuated Washington-on-the-Brazos. Their hurried departure was part of the so-called Runaway Scrape, in which Texans fled the advancing troops of Antonio López de Santa Anna. Houston's subsequent retreat toward the Sabine left all of the settlements between the Colorado and the Brazos unprotected.

1836 - Albert C. Horton's cavalry discovered Col. Juan Morales approaching Goliad with the Jiménez and San Luis battalions, 500 veterans of the battle of the Alamo whom Antonio López de Santa Anna had sent from Bexar to reinforce Urrea. Fannin finally learned of King and Ward's defeat in the battle of Refugio from Hugh McDonald Frazer on March 17, but he still did not order the retreat to Victoria until the next day. [The Battle of Goliad is quickly approaching ]

1836 - At 4:00 P.M. on March 17 Fannin(commander of Goliad forces) learned of the defenders of Rufugio's defeat and subsequent slaughter through Hugh McDonald Frazer of the Refugio militia, who had volunteered to investigate.

1836 - Sam Houston's retreating army crossed the Colorado River,near the site of present La Grange (Fayette County).

1855 - The first law school in Texas was established at Austin College. Austin College, an independent liberal arts college, was incorporated at Huntsville in 1849. Previously, all legal training in Texas had taken place by apprenticeship. The innovation was discontinued at Austin College after four students had completed the one-year course, and in 1876 the Texas Synod of the Presbyterian Church, United States, decided to move the college to Sherman.

1884 - Frank "Bring 'Em Back Alive" Buck, hunter, author, and film maker, was born in Gainesville, Texas. He traveled over the world trapping and transporting exotic animals to zoos and circuses. He wrote at least seven books and produced several motion pictures about animals and his adventures. Buck died in Houston on March 25, 1950.

1938 - The panhandle town of Shamrock held it's first St Patrick's Day Celebration. Parades, Bands, Food and Fun were the start of a tradition that continues today. Shamrock, on historic Route 66, was named for good luck and courage. The name was first suggested by George Nickel, an Irish immigrant and sheep rancher. But the post office never opened until 6 miles south, the Rock Island railroad came through in 1902. Originally the town was named Wheeler, but with Nickel's store just up the road, the railroad named the rail stop "Shamrock", and that name was transferred to the post office in 1903.

1949 - Wildcatter, "Diamond Glenn" McCarthy opened his new Shamrock Hotel in Houston. 50,000 guests including 175 celebrities showed up for the million dollar party that followed. NBC radio broadcast live from the Shamrock's Emerald Room, until drunken revellers took over the stage from Dorothy Lamour and told off-color joke. NBC quickly cut to other programming, and Lamour left the stage is anger. The Shamrock Hotel has maintained a long reputation for extravagant luxury suites.

Letters From The Past: HOUSTON ARMY ORDERS

"Army Orders Head Quarters Colorado River March 17th, 1836. To Colonel J. W. Fannin Colonel J. W. Fannin, Jr., will take a position on the bay of Lavaca, or any other point best calculated for the protection of the provisions, ammunition, &c., at Coxe's point and Dimit's landing. The army now near Burnham^s, on the Colorado, will remain for a time, and, according to circumstances, fall down the river.

Colonel Fannin will therefore hold himself in constant readiness to join the commander-in-chief. The Redlanders are already in motion, and will join the army as soon as possible. Regulars and volunteers are also on the march to headquarters.

If Colonel Fannin can not maintain his position, he will fall back on the main army—the object of the movement now ordered being only for the protection of the arms, ammunition, &c. The present force on the Colorado numbers four hundred and twenty effective men.

Should a permanent fortification be necessary on the bay of Lavaca, or other point, for the protection of the stores, &c., Colonel Fannin will judge of the expedience (with the command under him) of erecting them. The commanding general, not having detailed report of his force, can only order that such measures shall be taken as will be best for the good of the service and the protection of the country. Stock of all descriptions will be driven to the east side of the Colorado.

Sam Houston Commander-in-chief of the Army"

Letters From The Past: Sam Houston to James Collinsworth, March 17, 1836. [Copy.] Houston writes to the chairman of the military affairs committee of the Texan government [from a location near the Colorado River south of present-day La Grange] about his military situation vis-ý-vis the Mexican force marching eastward toward his army. Vows to fight:

"Burnham's, Colorado, 17t March, 1836.

Sir,

Today at half past four in the afternoon, I reached this point with about 600 men, when my rear guard arrives, which is a few miles in the rear, with the families which were not known to be on the route as the army marched and for which a guard was sent back. It pains me in heart that such consternation should have been spread by the few deserters from camp. We are here; and if only 300 men remain on this side of the Brazos I will die with them or conquer our enemies. -- I would most respectfully suggest the assemblage of the troops at this point. It covers more of the
country than any other known to me.

When they are assembled, I will detach suitable numbers to each point, as I may deem best. The Mexican army will not leave us in the rear. If they do, and find San Felipe in ashes, it will astonish astound them. I am assured that the mules and horses of their army are miserably poor and there are several hundred women and children with the army with a view to colonize Texas. If La Bahia was blown up previously to their march upon it, I should be satisfied. As to the state of the sea-board, keep the Navy busy. To it we must look for essential aid. Would it not be
well to send a special active agent to the U. States. -- one who will act efficiently and promptly. Appeal to them in the holy names of Liberty and Humanity. Our own people, if they would act, are enough to expel every Mexican out of Texas. Do let it be known, that on close examination and upon reflection the force of Santa Anna has been greatly overrated. He must have lost one thousand or perhaps more at the Alamo. It is said that the officers have to whip and slash the soldiers on the march; and if they should advance to the Colorado, it will be some time, as there is such scanty subsistence for animals. I have had the impression that the advance upon the Cibolo was to prevent our cooperation with Col. Fannin and hold us in check. --

If you can by any means soothe the people and get them to remain, they should have notice if I deem it necessary. Let them entertain no fears for the present. We can raise three thousand men in Texas and fifteen hundred can defeat all that Santa Anna can send to the Colorado. We would then fight on our own ground and the enemy would lose all confidence, from our annoyance. Let the men from the East of the Trinity rush to us! Let all the disposable force of Texas fly to arms! If the U. States intended to aid us let them do it now.

I shall raise a company of spies tomorrow, to range the country from this to Gonzales. Send all the good horses you can get for the army.
Let it be done speedily if possible, and send ammunition for 1500 men, but first send 800 men. I will do everything in my power for Texas.

I have the honor, &c.
(signed,) Sam Houston
Comr in Chief of the Army.

Hon. J. Collinsworth
Chairman Committee.

P.S. It is reported that Gen. Woll an Englishman is to head the army into the colonies. I entertain a belief that Santa Anna has returned to Mexico, but it will not be known to the troops. In the attack upon the Alamo the ramparts were swept of Mexicans twice and the enemy as often repulsed. But Santa Anna was by and urged the troops. He was not in danger. There was not a man in the Alamo but what died honoring the proud origin of an American. Let the men of Texas avenge their deaths. Rouse the Red Landers to battle. Ratify the Indian treaty, and let the Comaches be approached and their friendship secured. A campaign from Saint Louis by way of Santa Fe might be set on foot against Chihuahua. Remember Coxe's Point, Dimitt's Landing and Copano; they are important. I know the Government will do all in its power for the army. We want arms and need stationery.

yours,
(signed.) Houston"