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Copyright N^_
COPYRIGHT DEPOSITS
SIX DECADES IN TEXAS
OR
MEMOIRS
OF
FRANCIS RICHARD LUBBOCK
GOVERNOR OP TEXAS IN WAR-TIME, 1861-63
A^iPERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS, WAR, AND POLITICS
EDITED BY
C. W. RAINES
ACTING STATE LIBRARIAN, AND ADTHOR OF A "BIBLIOGRAPHY OF TEXAS,' "LIFE OF SANTA ANNA," ETC.
ILLUSTRATED
with
FULL PAGE ENGRAVINGS AND ETCHfNGS
AUSTIN
BEN C. JONES & CO. PRINTERS
1900
TWO COPIES RECSIVEO,
Library of Congft^ Offlcb of thfi
APR 5 -1900
Kdtflttar of C«pyHght%
■^'•3^^
•L^.?::
60059
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1899, by
FRANCIS RICHARD LUBBOCK, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
SECOND COPY,
THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED TO
THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS,
WHOM I LOVE, AND WHOSE LOVE I HAVE
ENDEAVORED TO MERIT BY
FAITHFUL SERVICE.
F. R. Lubbock.
>/
GOVERNOR FRANCIS RICHARD LUBBOCK.
1862.
AUTHOE'S PREFACE.
The man who has protested, from the writing of the first page to the last, that he could not write a book, has writ a book; and if there is anything of profit or pleasure in it for the people of Texas, they must attribute it, first, to my devoted wife, and second, to my able editor. The former tolled me along as a woman knows how to toll a man until she got volumes of manuscript from my memory dotted down by my rapid pen ; the latter culled it to fill one volume of medium size.
It does not claim to be a history of Texas, but a personal memoir interspersed with such public events as came into my mind, and it extends over the entire life of the Kepublic and the Confederacy, coming down in a more desultory way to the pres- ent time.
F. R. Lubbock.
EDITOE'S PEEFACE.
The manuscript of Governor Lubbock's memoirs was in the spring of 1897 placed in my charge to edit. Passing over a large amount of biographical and other interesting matter, I selected that only which in my judgment was most conducive to the ob- ject decided upon, viz., to give special prominence to Governor Lubbock's recollections of almost unwritten Texas history. The story of the final struggle of the Confederacy, with matters sub- sequent thereto, are but subsidiary to this idea.
I must not omit to state that Mrs. Lubbock, feeling a just pride in her distinguished husband's career, has been the soul of the enterprise throughout, — urging and encouraging him to com- mit to paper the recollections of his eventful life, and giving me invaluable assistance up to the final arrangement and preparation of the work for the press.
To eliminate whatever errors that had crept into the manu- script (prepared principally from memory), I have given it my careful supervision; and I am, therefore, justly chargeable with all inaccuracies apparent in the text as to public events.
As the memoirs touch upon the great epochs of Texas history, the reader will naturally find much of descriptive matter per- taining to war and adventure, with a strong thread of politics permeating the whole. The book makes no pretensions to graces of style; it is simply a plain, unvarnished statement of facts and fancies in sturdy English, with "nothing extenuated nor aught set down in malice."
An intimate acquaintance with Governor Lubbock, acquired during my long sojourn beneath his hospitable roof, enables me to refer with confidence to his present most noteworthy character-
EDITOR'S PREFACE.
istics, — spriglitliness of mind and bod}^, habitual geniality, can- dor, conscientiousness, and genuine kindliness of heart.
The qualities that made him strong in his public career were quickness of perception and tenacity of purpose, a rare combina- tion, which he made effective by great energy in action.
If all men knew Governor Lubbock as well as I do, they would readily comprehend how self had no place in his ambition, and how he always served his country with a singleness of purpose rarely surpassed. The moral of such a life can not be questioned.
C. W. Raines.
Austin, February 22, 1900.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS AND AUTOGRAPHS.
Austin, S. F 38
Houston, Sam 74
Smith, Henry 113
Houston's Autograph 142
Governor Lubbock and Mrs. Adele Baron Lubbock 330
My Brothers and Sisters 25
Magruder, Gen. J. Bankhead, C. S. A 423
Smith, Commodore Leon, C. S. N 433
Green, Gen. Tom 438
Wharton, Gen. John A., C. S. A 538
Davis, Jefferson, Autograph 548
Party Captured vpith Mr. Davis 571
Mr. Davis and Winnie 600
F. R. Lubbock 606
Treasury Group 619
Ireland, Gov. John 623
Four Texas Governors 626
F. R. Lubbock and S. E. Black Porter 630
Family Group 631
San Jacinto Group 644
SCENERY.
Ruins op the Alamo 30
Capitol of the Republic, 1837-9 49
Ranch Homestead 123
First Capitol Built by the Republic 143
Second Capitol Built by the Republic 196
Present Capitol of Texas 628
Camel Riding 239
Confederate Cotton -Clad Fleet 440
Sabine Pass Surrender Scene 504
Off for Red River Campaign 535
Crossing the Mississippi 549
Our Austin Residence 617
Section of the State Library 628
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER ONE. Early Life in South Carolina — La Fayette's Visit to Beaufort — Training under Irish Schoolmasters — Removal to Savannah and Death of My Father — Return to Charleston, and Clerk Life There — Nullification and Compromise, 1832-33 — Clerking and Cotton Buying in Hamburg 1-19
CHAPTER TWO. Business in New Orleans — The Firm of Ketchum & Lubbock, Druggists — Marriage with a Creole Girl in the Crescent City — Louisiana Sugar Planters and Government Protection — My Wife and I on a Visit to My Mother in July, 1835 — Incidents of Our Return Home — Business Reverses and Recuperation — My Brother Tom a Volunteer in the Texas War — Visit to Texas in 1836 — Tom's Story of Adventure — Favorable Impression of Texas and the Texans 20-40
CHAPTER THREE. Removal to Texas — Settlement in the New Town of Houston — Opening of Congress — The Telegraph Newspaper — Indian Pow- wows— Various Incidents — San Jacinto Ball at the Capitol — Celebration at Liberty — Lost and Benighted on the Prairie — First Purchase of Wild Land — Assistant Clerkship in the House of Representatives — Joining the Masons — Currency Meeting — Appointed Comptroller by President Houston — The Philosoph- ical Society 41-70
CHAPTER FOUR. War Meeting in Houston — General Albert Sidney Johnston — Gen- eral Houston as the Author then Viewed Him — Difficulty with Colonel Ward — Visit to Mrs. Powell's — Presidential Candi- dates— Anecdote of Rusk — Preachers and Churches — "The Glor- ious Fourth" at Galveston in 1838 — The Bonnell Expedition — Houston's Administration; Its Work — Lamar President — My Experience as a Granger 71-95^
CHAPTER FIVE. Our French Naval Visitors in 1838 — Festivities at Houston and Galveston — The Selection of Austin as the Capital of the Re- public — In the Commission Business at Houston — General Houston and Bride Our Guests — The Carvass of 1840-41 in
CONTENTS.
Harris County and ily.Election as Clerk of the District Court — The Canvass for the Presidency of the Republic Between Bur- net and Houston and the Election of the Latter — Henry Smith Declining to Be a Candidate for Vice-President, Ed Burleson Becomes the Running Mate of Houston and Is Elected — The Santa Fe Expedition — My Brother Tom a Lieutenant in the Ex- pedition— Lamar's Work in the Cause of Education — Expulsion of the Cherokees from Texas — Collapse of the Public Credit, and the Beginning of Retrenchment 96-106
CHAPTER SIX. Some Notable Alen of the Republic: W. H. Wharton, E. S. C. Robertson, Edward Burleson, R. M. Williamson, Robert Wilson, Richard Ellis, Henry Smith, Emory Raines, Dr. Alexander Ew- ing, Thomas F. McKinney, Sam ]\I. Williams, and William L. Hunter 107-119
CHAPTER SEVEN.
Method of Business in the Clerk's Office — ;My Fondness for Horses — Purchase of a Ranch and Stocking It — Removal to My Ranch in 1847 — Our Neighbors — Agricultural Work and Stock- raising — A Round-up — Incidents in the Life of a Cowboy — The Laziest Man in Texas — JNIy Negro Stockmen — As a Cattle Baron— The Cattle Trade Then and Now 120-140
CHAPTER EIGHT.
Honors to President-elect Houston En Route to the Capital — His Inauguration and the Inaugural Ball — Appointments by the President— Comptroller Again — How Austin Then Appeared — Resign the Comptrollership and Return to Houston — The Work- ings of Retrenchment — The Exchequer System in Finance — The Vasquez Raid — Called Session of Congress at Houston — The WoU Raid — Volunteers — The Somervell Expedition — Dissen- sions and Disaster at Mier — The Texas Prisoners — Congress at Washington — Depreciation of the Exchequers — Seat of Govern- ment Troubles — Complimentary Resolutions to President Hous- ton 141-156
CHAPTER NINE. Anson Jones President — His Policy Outlined in His Inaugural Address — Discussion of Annexation Between Mr. Donelson and Secretary Allen — The Seat of Government Trouble Again — Houston on Annexation — My Letter to President Jones — Mex- ico Conditionally Acknowledges Independence of Texas — Vari- ous Annexation Meetings — Convention of 1845 — The Republic in Danger — President Jones Vindicates Himself — Annexation Consummated — The Closing Scene and the President's Farewell Address 157-178
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER TEN. Texas in the Union — Henderson Governor — The Mexican War — Texans at IMonterey — General Henderson and His Brigade — Ben McCulloch and Buena Vista — Hays and Walker with Scott — Peace and Territorial Expansion — Democratic Party Or- ganization— The Glor'ous Fourth at Austin in 1846 — Educa- tional Interests in Houston — Henderson's Welcome Home — His Character 179-189
CHAPTER ELEVEN. Wood's Administration — Federal Usurpation at Santa Fe — The Public Debt — Governor Bell — Settlement of the Santa Fe Ques- tion— Seat of Government Election — Texas Newspapers — Scal- ing the Public Debt — Whig Convention in 1852 — Election of Pease as Governor over Ochiltree — Education, Railroads, Public Buildings — Settlement of the Public Debt — The Know-Nothing Party — The Organized Democracy in 1856 — Know-Nothing Convention at Austin — Houston the Know-Nothing Leader in Texas — The National Canvass, and Personal Incidents 190-208
CHAPTER TWELVE. Waco Convention and Its Nominees, Runnels and Lubbock vs. Houston and Grimes — Candidates for Congress — Canvass for the State Ticket — Reagan and Evans Difficulty — Various Inci- dents— Complete Democratic Victory 209-222
CHAPTER THIRTEEN. The vSeventh Legislature — Election of United States Senators — The Inauguration and Addresses of Runnels and Lubbock — The Message — P^stablishment of the University of Texas — Joint Resolutions — Frontier Protection — Debates and Debaters — Res- olutions in Memoriam — Stockdale and Bob Taylor Incident — State Convention of 1858 — Democratic Mourners' Bench and Repentant Sinners 223-235
CHAPTER FOURTEEN. The Ranch Again — My Preparations for Raising Asiatic Poul- try— The Various Breeds Kept Separate — Some Pleasure, but No Profit to Me in the Business — Government Importation of Camels in 1856-57 — A Private Cargo at Galveston — A Year's Experience with This Lot of Camels on My Ranch — Items of Camel Life — Mrs. Looscan's Recollections of the Camels 236-242
CHAPTER FIFTEEN. State Convention at Houston in 1859 — The Platform — Its Expan- sion Plank — Tabling of African Slave-Trade Resolutions — The Nominees— Congressional Conventions and Candidates — Run- nels and Lubbock vs. Houston and Clark — Campaign Inci-
CONTENTS.
dents — Election of United States Senator — Houston Governor — Financial Stress — Frontier Troubles — State Convention at Gal- veston— Resolutions — The Delegates to Charleston 243-266
CHAPTER SIXTEEN. National Democratic Convention at Charleston — Disagreement as to Platform and Withdrawal of Southern Delegates — The Con- vention Fails to Make Nominations and Adjourns to Reassem- ble at Baltimore — Withdrawing Delegates Meet and Organize at Richmond — Douglas Faction Reassemble at Baltimore — Ir- regular Proceedings — Withdrawal of Northern Delegates — Douglas Nominated for President — Adjournment — The With- drawing Delegates Meet in Convention at Baltimore on the Adjournment of the Douglas Convention and Adopt for a Plat- form the Majority Report Made at Charleston — Breckenridge Nominated for President by Delegates Representing a Majority of the States — Yancey's Speech — Adjournment 267-294
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. Anti-Democratic Politics — Constitutional Union Convention — Bell Nominated — Platform- — Houston Announces as the Peo- ple's Candidate for President — Lincoln and the Republican Party — The Feeling in Texas Over Lincoln's Election — The Se- cession Convention — Texas Joins the Confederate States — The Committee on Public Safety — Failure of All Peace Overtures from the South— War Begins 295-313
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. Union Element in Texas — Frank Terry, Tom Lubbock, and Tom Goree at the Front — Compliments for Gallantry at Manassas — Military Operations in the State — Shelling at Galveston — Pro- test of Foreign Consuls to Captain Alden — My Candidacy for Governor — Dallas Convention — Terry Rangers — Trip to Rich- mond and First Impressions of President Davis — On My Way Home I Saw Tom for the Last Time 314-328
CHAPTER NINETEEN. Lubbock's Administration — Inauguration and Address — Some Appointees — Message Extracts — Personnel of the Ninth Legis- lature— Historic Buildings — General Hebert and Coast Opera- tions— My "Burning" Letter — My Veto Message — Texan Forces in the Field and Noted Texas Rangers 329-356
CHAPTER TW^ENTY.
The Frontier Regiment — ]\Iilitia Organization — Message on
United States Bonds — The Military Board — Letter to Me from
Secretary Benjamin — Exchange of United States Bonds for
Confederate States Bonds — Opinions of Wigfall, Hemphill,
CONTENTS.
Waul, and Reagan — My Keply to Secietary Benjamin — The Board's Circular Address — Arsenal, Cap and Cartridge Factory at Austin — War Legislation — Colonel Baylor, Conquerer of Arizona — President Davis on Retaliation — The Twin Sisters — Attitude of Texas in the War — Mason and Slidell — Confederate Disasters — Coast Army Ordered to Arkansas 357-370
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE. Arrival of Col. Tom Lubbock's Remains at Houston — Funeral Obsequies — Dearth of Arms — General McLeod — Memorial Ser- vices at Galveston — General Houston — Col. 0. M. Roberts at Camp Lubbock — Austin Ladies Meet and Adopt Resolutions of Sympathy for Their Sisters in New Orleans — Blockaders Off Aransas and Velasco — Galveston Threatened — Flags of Truce — Martial Law — General Hebert Preparing to Evacuate Galves- ton— Conference of Governors at Llarshall : Its Work and Re- sults 377-395
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO. Letter from General Hebert — General Sibley's Expedition to New Mexico — El Paso — March Up the Rio Grande — Battle of Val- verde — Official Reports^Socorro and Albuquerque — Occupa- tion of Santa Fe — Battle of Glorieta — Retreat — Peralto — Terrible March Across the Jornada — Return to San Antonio — Sibley's Final Report — Reiley's Mission to Chihuahua 396-409
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE. Bombardment of Corpus Christi — General Bee's Report — In- effectual Shelling at Port Lavaca — Evacuation of Galveston and Its Occupation by the Yankees — Letter from Me to General Hebert on the Situation — Captain Henry S. Lubbock and the Bayou City — Colonel Burrill, General Banks, and Military Gov- ernor A. J. Hamilton — Our New Commander and His Plans — Correspondence — Preparations for Recapture of Galveston. . . .410-431
CHAPTER TWENTY- FOUR. Battle of Galveston — General Magruder Leads the Land Forces in Person and Commodore Smith Commands the Cotton-Clads — A Glorious Victory — Official Reports from Both Sides — The Blockade Raised — General Magruder Congratulated by General Houston and Others — Naval Attack on Galveston — The Ala- bama— The Hatteras Sunk — Battle Off Sabine Pass and Con- federate Victory — Magruder's Reports and Recommendations — Results of the Month's Campaign 432-462
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE. Extra Session of the Legislature — My Message in Part — Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the Negro Question — The Texas Quota to the War — The Frontier Regiment — Yankee
CONTENTS.
Prisoners — The Support of Families of Texas Soldiers — Domestic Manufactories — Barbarities of the Enemy in Louis- iana and President Davis' Policy of Retaliation — Frontier De- fense 463-484
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX. Inspection of the Fortifications at Galveston — Call for Ten Thou- sand More Troops — Want of Arms — Fall of Vicksburg — Procla- mations to Encourage the People — President Davis' Letter to Gen. Kirby Smith — Death of General Houston — Gen. Kirby Smith on the Situation — Second Conference of Governors at Marshall — Indian Frontier — Dick Dowling's Fight at Sabine Pass 485-509
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN. Consul TheroUj at Galveston^ and Governor Pickens, of South Carolina — Gen. E. Kirby Smith to IMinister Slidell in Paris on French Intervention — Maj. John Tyler's ]\Iemorial to the Gov- ernor of Texas — Governor Murrah — My Last Official Message and Address — The Military Situation — Commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Confederate States Army 510-527
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT. Banks' Expedition to the Rio Grande — Colonels Haynes and Davis and Governor Hamilton — My Assignment to Duty on Ma- gruder's Staff — Our Need of Arms — Confronting the Enemy on Matagorda Bay — Baptism of Fire — No French Intervention, and Change of Base by the Enemy 528-533
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE.
Race of Armies for Red River — Field Transportation — Trans- ferred to Gen. Tom Green's Staff — Travel with Servant and Pack Mule to the Front — On Death of General Green Assigned to Duty on General Wharton's Staff — Mansfield — Pleasant Hill — Yankee Retreat — Monett's Ferry — Alexandria — Man- sura — Norwood — Horrible Barbarities of the Enemy — End of Campaign — Return Home with General Wharton — Again at the Front in Louisiana 534-547
CHAPTER THIRTY. President Davis Appoints Me Aide on His Staff — Affectionate Farewell to My Comrades and Departure for Richmond — Cross- ing the Mississippi at Night — Arrival at the Confederate Capi- tal— Condition of Affairs There— I Attend the President on His Visit to Hood's Army — Associates at Richmond — Hard Times — The Conference at Fortress Monroe — Terms, Unconditional Sur- render— Confederate Government Defiant — Admiral Semmes — The Ominous Pause 548-562
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE. Evacuation of Richmond — Confederate Government at Danville — Lee's Surrender — President Davis and Staff at Greensboro — Halt at Charlotte — Sherman-Johnston Negotiations — Depart- ure Southward of the Presidential Party and Escort — Last Cabinet Meeting — Last Council of War — Dissolution of the Government at Washington, Ga. — Mrs. Davis — The President and Party Captured — Indignities — My Letter Home Written from Macon — Augusta — Reagan, Stephens, and Wheeler — Fortress Monroe and Fort Delaware 563-577
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO. Life in Prison — General Schoepff — My Bare Quarters — Hard Fare — No Books but the Bible and Prayer Book — No Letters Allowed to Go Out or Come In — A Ruse — News — Release — Washington City — Interview with Secretary Stanton and Presi- dent Johnson — Return to Texas via Cairo and New Orleans — Welcome Home — The Situation in Texas 578-594
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE. Beginning Life Anew — Settlement of Debts — Removal to Gal- veston — Beef Packery — Heavy Losses — Business Tour to Europe — With Ex-President Davis in Britain and France — Re- turn Home 595-603
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR. Reconstruction — Restoration of White Supremacy — Tax Col- lector— Ex-President Davis in Texas— His Welcome at Dallas — A Candidate Again — Troubles in Van Zandt County — Demo- cratic Ticket in 1878 — Elected State Treasurer 604-616
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE.
Removal to Austin — The State Treasury — Roberts, Sayers, and the Public Schools — Dr. Cooper — The University of Texas — Agricultural and Mechanical College — Ireland — Fence-Cut- ting— Ross — Prohibition — Parsons' Brigade — Elkhorn Re- union— Railroad Commission — Hogg — San Antonio Conven- tion— Wortham Treasurer — My Retirement — Ireland and the Granite Capitol — Davis Memorial Services 617-629
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX. Family Matters — My Present Wife, Sarah Elizabeth Black Lub- bock— Her Carolina Family — Our Visit to South Carolina — Hospitable Reception — A Pleasant Sojourn — Atlanta — South- ern Prosperity 630-637
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN. Penitentiary Board and Board of Pardons — Hogg's Re-election — His Impress on Texas Legislation — Sherman and Burnet Monu- ment— Confederate Reunion and Winnie Davis — Culberson — Chilton — Primary Election — Omaha Excursion — Galveston Convention — Platform on Expansion — Sayers' Administration — Executive Appointments — ^A Year's Work — My Adieu 038-643
APPENDIX.
Texas Poets' Tribute 645-649
Speech on Jeff Davis 650-667
Military Board 667-670
Manufacture of Goods at State Penitentiary in 1801-2-3 071-073
Interesting Historical Document 673-676
THE MEMOIRS
OF
FRANCIS RICHARD LUBBOCK.
CHAPTEE ONE.
Early Life in South Carolina^La Fayette's Visit to Beaufort — Training Under Irish Schoolmasters — Removal to Savannah and Death of My Father — Return to Charleston, and Clerk Life there — Nullification and Compromise, 1832-33 — Clerking and Cotton Buying in Ham- burg.
My bark has a long time breasted the restless sea of life, and now that it is approaching the port I feel that my voyage has not been profitless. While I may have accomplished but little for the general good in proportion to my desires, I have been an active worker, endeavoring to serve my country faithfully. I may even venture to say, that according to my means and abil- ity I have contributed liberally to the comfort and well-being of my fellovvmen. I might have done the work more wisely, more as the Judge of all the world would approve, but not more zeal- ously, if I had only put as much thought on the Christian re- ligion as I have recently.
I was born in the town of Beaufort, on the coast of South Carolina, October 16, 1815. My father, Dr. Henry Thomas Wil- lis Lubbock, was the son of Capt. Richard Lubbock. My mother, Susan Ann, was the daughter of Capt. Francis Saltus, all citi- zens and residents of Beaufort district, South Carolina. Both grandparents were English. My grandfather Saltus was a rich cotton planter. On both sides, maternal and paternal, my fam- ily were engaged in marine and mercantile pursuits. Captain Saltus was a shipowner and wharfholder in Charleston, and with his sons carried on an extensive hardware and ship chandlery business in that city. T was quite a favorite of his, and he was so jolly and:good to me that I loved him very dearly. He died in
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
1833, leaving my mother a fine home in Charleston. He came to South Carolina in tlie last decade of the eighteenth century.
Capt. Kichard Lubbock settled in Georgia about the same time. He was an elegant old gentleman, and social in his habits and full of fun and frolic. His death occurred at Hamburg, S. C, I think about 1824. His wife, my grandmother, was Diana Sophie Sandwich, of English descent. She survived my grandfather till the year 1833, bequeathing at her decease a few thousand dollars to my mother's family. The masonic fraternity, of which my grandfather was an honored member, erected to his memory a monument on Shultze's Hill, Hamburg. My mother was a native of South Carolina, but my father was born in Georgia. He finished his literary course at Oxford, England, and then was graduated in medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. He practiced his profession a short time in Beaufort and vicinity. During this period, in 1811, my parents were married. A daughter was born to them in 1813, and I was the second child, named Francis Eichard, for my two grandfathers. Soon after my birth the family removed to Charleston.
After making Charleston his home my father became inter- ested in steamboating. He commanded the first steamboat, the Commerce, that ever made a through trip from Charleston to Augusta. Henry Shultze (the founder of the town of Hamburg, in South Carolina, immediately opposite Augusta, Ga.), and others were copartners in this enterprise.
At the age of three years I was sent to an infant school ad- joining our residence, at the foot of Church street, on South Bay, Charleston. I presume it was to keep me out of mischief, as they said I was very naughty, and my mother, in delicate health, had two other children to claim her attention. Aunt Yates, as I called her, was the teacher who exercised her ingenuity to keep my superabundant energy moving along in the right direction. I remember she would get me to thread needles for her accom- modation out of school hours. Our fondness for her kept us around, and lulled the restless demons within us into quietude. Our mothers would get a benefit only occasionally of our exuber- ant spirits and reckless efforts. I remember a special occasion when my mother must have been terribly shocked by the result
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
of one of jny adventures. We were spending Sunday at my grandfather's city residence, several blocks from ours, at the head of his wharves, knov/n as the Saltus wharves. I had a great fondness for boats, and owned a fine miniature schooner which I often sailed here. My mother, observing that I had lugged my boat with me, forbade me to take her out of the house or go near the wharf, as it was Sunday. Wearying of the con- finement, I disobeyed, and taking my little beauty, I repaired to the water side and there began sailing her, the plan being to start my boat from one side of the wharf by getting into a yawl and steering her across the dock to another yawl. Then, resetting the sails, I would turn her back to the point of starting. After making several trips, my boat was about to pass the land- ing place; to prevent this, I jumped hastily into the yawl, which careened as I leaned forward to seize my boat, and I fell over- board. I was sinking for the third time, when a seaman who had just landed from his vessel, observing me, sprang into the yawl, and seizing me by my leather cap (that fitted very close to my head, and was fastened by a strap under my chin), drew me from the water in an unconscious state. He took me in his arms to my grandfather's house, where I was laid down on the floor. It ,was then discovered whom the stranger had rescued from a watery grave. With much difficulty I was restored to life and consciousness.
It is said that truth is stranger than fiction. The man who saved my life was Capt. William Young, a nephew of my grand- father's. He had just landed one of my grandfather's vessels, which he commanded, and my kinsman had no idea whom he had rescued till he arrived at the house bearing his cousin in his arms, a truant, drowned boy.
For several weeks I was quite sick from the effects of the salt water, and though finally restored to robust health, I was very restless at night, dreaming continually that I was drowning.
Providence seems to have guided me all along the line, giv- ing me this very severe lesson and punishment for disobedience and Sabbath-breaking, one perceptible to a child not yet seven years of age. I have learned since then that a more severe pun- ishment in its results is Sabbath-breaking that gives us pleasure at the time and entirely unattended by outward mishaps for
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
that hardens us in the evil habit with all its serious conse- quences.
It was next decided to send me off to a boarding school. I suppose, as I was considered man enough to launch my boat in a harbor of the broad Atlantic, it was a very proper decision on the part of my parents, though I was of such a tender age. I was placed under the tuition of an Irish schoolmaster, Patrick Brett, and boarded with his family at Edgefield. He subse- quently removed to Beaufort, taking me with him.
I have sometimes said that all I knew in school books was beaten into me by an Irish schoolmaster. Most certainly I made rapid progress in my studies under his tuition; for he was a most excellent instructor, and a man of fine presence, though a severe master. He believed in flogging, and being a man of strong passions, sometimes appeared cruel. His wife, a lovely woman, was very kind and helpful to the children.
Irritated one day by the loss of his favorite whip, which I was instrumental with some other boys in having destroyed, Brett said after finding out the guilty ones that he would flog us all. But later he promised to let me off if I would buy him an- other whip like the one destroyed. Though I bought the whip, giving $1.25 out of my pocket money, I was flogged unmerci- fully, like the other older participants in the mischief. This flagrant bad faith on the part of the teacher shocked the moral sense of the whole school and caused considerable indignation.
As soon as my father heard of the affair he came to Beaufort, giving Mr. Brett a piece of his mind while in hot temper; not that anybody ever thought of objecting to flogging — that was good for such boys as they sent off to boarding school; but it must be done fairly and squarely. He took me away from this school and placed me with Mrs. Agnew, a first-class lady of a cultured family, to attend Beaufort College. Eev. Mr. Camp- bell was principal, with authority to flog me when I needed it.
At this school I began Latin, which was continued through my school days; but not an intelligent word of it would linger in my memory. By my experience, however, as a clerk of the court, a "venire," "habeas corpus," "amicus curiae," and so forth, were made familiar to me at that time. But I suppose it served its purpose, trained my mind a little, and kept me out
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
of mischief while I was at it. I got up a little enthusiasm in my studies at Brett's, there being nothing else to occupy my mind. But at Mrs. Agnew's I sought other sources of activity.
I was not a studious boy, nor was I a cherry-tree George Washington boy either; so becoming disgusted with my books, I determined to go on a pleasure trip. I walked fourteen miles, crossing Port PoA^al ferry. Arriving at my grandfathers planta- tion, I said to him that hearing he was ill I came out to see him. He patted me on the head, and complimented me for being a brave and good boy. He was, however, much annoyed, because he was just leaving for his summer residence. He was of course entirely Avell, and had not been sick. He started with his good grandson, regretting that I would lose a few days from school, the very thing I visited him for. My behavior was very ugly and unjustiliable, and this time I was checked up. He had pro- ceeded but a short distance when Dr. Fuller in his carriage, going to Beaufort, met us. My dear old grandfather, after ex- plaining my goodness in coming to see him, and his dislike to my losing a day from school, requested him to deliver me at Beaufort^ which was done. Next morning I reported, and re- ceived a sound thrashing for absenting myself without leave. They did not spend sentiment, but thrashed a boy in those days — probably too often. But I sometimes think a great deal more thrashing now would be beneficial in some schools.
In 1824, while I was in Beaufort, about nine years of age. General La Fayette visited the United States. He made the voyage from Charleston to Augusta on my father's elegant steam- boat, the Henry Sehultze. My father himself commanded her on that trip. He was an aid to the Governor of the State, James Hamilton, subsequently a great friend to Texas. On that oc- casion General La Fayette presented him with a fine gold snufE box, now in the possession of my niece, Adele Lockart Sayers, of Gonzales. In consequence of the steamer's running aground when near the town, she was detained till after night. A pro- cession was formed to receive our distinguished guest. I was in the line, carrying a sperm candle in each hand. That night, at the ball at ]\frs. Elliott's, I had the honor of being presented to the illustrious general, and complimented by him for my manliness and patriotism.
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A startling accident occurred that evening amidst our pleas- ure. Captain Agnew, adjutant of the regiment acting as the es- cort, was riding very rapidly on his spirited horse, with orders concerning the reception. In turning a corner of one of the streets he collided with a heavy gig driven by a boy, and con- taining two ladies going to the ball. They also were driving rapidly. One of the shafts with a sharp point entered the lower part of the neck of Agnew's horse, and also made a fearful wound in the thigh of the rider. He and his horse were borne off bleeding. Careful nursing and attention for many months finally restored the captain to perfect health. He lived with his mother, the lady with whom I boarded. The horse, too, after a time was all right. He was from that night called La Fayette. He was a beautiful bright bay with a black mane and tail, and an elegant saddle animal. After that I enjoyed many a good ride upon his back, for I was allowed the privilege of riding the family horses.
Through all these years Beaufort has been one of the pleas- ures of memory. At the time of La Fayette's visit I fairly ef- fervesced with delightful enthusiasm. It was a holiday for every- body. Our guest was a hero. He came in my father's boat and I took great pride in the Henry Shultze. Steamboats were not common things in those days as they are now. My pleasure was toned down soon by the fact that the very next trip after she took La Fayette to Augusta, via Beaufort, a fire broke out on the steamer while lying at the Augusta wharf. She had a large quan- tity of powder on board, so that the fire department were warned not to approach too near. The boat was soon blown up, scat- tering her cargo and portions of the wreck far and wide. The carpenter, Jim Porter, a free colored man, for whom my father was guardian and with whom I was intimately friendly, carried with him on the boat a fine fowl of the best game blood. This cock was a passenger, and soon became quite as famous in our section as La Fayette was illustrious on a wider stage. He was blown high up into the air; the boat went down to her wheel- house. The bird, on coming down, lighted on one of them, crowed — though nearly featherless — and appeared ready to fight the foe that had so rudely driven from his quarters his eockship. He was cared for as a great hero, and exhibited as the brave
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gamecock def3'iDg the powder, to the admiration of hundreds of men and boys. Although 1 never fought them, even when it was fashionable for gentlemen to do so, I always liked game chickens for their great pluck and beauty. It is said that a gamecock is the bravest thing in the world. If a bird ever runs from cold steel he has dunghill in him.
I was always fond of riding horses. My earliest recollection tells me of visiting a menagerie, and while many of the small boys were afraid, I just insisted that I should ride upon the giraffe or camelopard. My father, who was with me, indulged my whim, of course taking care I was not hurt. Afterwards I never was afraid to ride anything.
I vividly remember the first fall I ever had from a horse. It occurred in Beaufort, and was the first of many more, though I never was thrown by a horse except once. Mrs. Agnew had a very large old cream-colored horse that she drove to her gig; she allowed me to ride him to water, and sometimes for pleasure. Once I fell in with some l)oy friends, and we concluded to have a race. In making the run, while bearing hard and steadily on the reins, they broke, and over the old horse's rump I went, striking the ground on my head. Luckily we were at the time in very deep sand; so the only harm that came of it was a good hard fall and very dusty clothes. Of course I was chagrined at losing the race and having a fall, but the blame was placed "to the mean, no-account bridle," and not to any fault in my horse- manship. This I, at least, considered unsurpassed by any boy of my age, and my companions also recognized me as a good manager of a horse and a fearless rider even at that time.
As much as I love horses, I do not like dogs. At this period began my antipathy. A short distance from the town a par- ticular friend of my father's. Dr. West, lived. I was spending Sunday with his boys. We, the boys, got through our dinner and were told we could go out and play and return for dessert. When called by the servant-man, we rushed for the house. Up on the piazza an immense dog, without any warning — not even a growl — seized me by the left arm and actually threw me out upon the ground. Upon being picked up I was found to be very badly bitten: one of the main arteries of my arm was sev- ered. The doctor took it up, and I was sent to town as soon
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as possible. The dog was immediately dispatched; the theory in those days being that if the dog should ever have hydro- phobia in the future the party bitten would go mad.
My wound was considered dangerous by the physicians, and at one time a consultation was held as to the necessity of ampu- tation. My father came and protested; he was a surgeon, and believed if they would persevere m)^ arm could be saved and the danger of blood-poisoning avoided. It was finally cured up and with no bad result, though marks made by the teeth of the dog are still distinct after more than half a century. This was one thing that was not all fun.
Another visit to a boy friend proved serious to all except my- self. On this occasion several of us — Sam Lawrence, two Bowles boys, and myself — concluded we would prepare fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration. We took possession of an old family carriage of Mr. Lawrence that had been abandoned to prepare our work. The composition was placed in it, and one of the boys determined to test his preparation on the inside where we were. I protested and begged him to get away with his fire; that he would blow us all up. It flashed upon me that he was void of sense and did not see the danger. I made a desperate plunge to get out, and in doing so struck my head against the rail of the door which, fortunately being rotten, gave way and precipitated me to the ground. At the very moment I escaped from the carriage with a bruised head and a hard fall, all the composition and dry powder within it exploded, burning Law- rence and the Bowles very seriously. One of the latter came very near losing his eyes, and was for months confined to the house. The other was also much injured. It broke up our Fourth of July celebration that time. Thus quickness always served me.
I had a royal time in my school days in the good old town of Beaufort, where so many of the wisest and best people of South Carolina lived, and so many friends of my childhood. Among them was dear cousin Ann Bythewood, afterwards Mrs. Oswald. She was cousin only in affection. Nearly every Sunday, and frequently Saturdays, I would spend the day with her family. They bestowed every care upon me, and were as kind and con-
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siderate of my little wants and comforts as my mother could have been.
It almost appears as if I have not been telling about school life, but about a pleasure sojourn among friends. Well, school did not weigh heavily upon me, but even now, when I am doing the responsible work of a man, I have time for social pleasure; and I can spend an evening out and be at my desk next morning ready for good work. The truth is, I think it helps a man to take recreation; far more does it help a boy, and maybe I did my school work about as well as such a bundle of rollicking activitj' would have done it under any circumstances.
Among the various things I experienced at Beaufort were the chills and fever, contracted in Edgefield district. This was con- sidered as a matter of course in one's life in some sections; but I think it was on this account that T was taken home to be put under treatment.
Here I was placed in the South Carolina Society School. This institution was owned and managed by a very old society com- posed of intelligent and prominent citizens, and was attended only by members' children. While I was there Mr. Monk, an Irish gentleman, was my teacher. He was a first-class educator, and although like all Irish teachers (at least that's the way it seemed to me), somewhat arbitrary, was on the whole an ex- cellent man, and I esteemed him very highly. For a time my brother Tom attended this school with me. He and I were con- sidered wild, mischievous boys; not vicious, but just full of fun and devilment. We would play pranks — trip folks up, tie cats to door knockers, tin pans to dogs' tails, remove sign boards, fight schoolmasters, and such little pastimes.
My overflowing spirits found vent frequently in the company of girls. My sister Sarah, two years older than myself, attended dancing school, girls' parties, and other amusements for the young. She was a lovely and beautiful girl. I was very fond of her, and she was fond of her eldest brother and proud of him as a chaperon. She took me to the tailor and had me dressed up in swallow-tail coat and brass buttons, pumps and stock, like a little man, preparatory to going to dancing lessons. This gave me a fondness for the girls and that kind of pleasure.
]\Iy sister became a beautiful young woman, and was recog-
10 LUBBOCK' 8 MEMOIRS.
nized as a great belle. She was married quite young to Capt. James Curr}^, of Savannah, Ga., just after my father's death. They resided in Charleston. Captain Curry died soon after the birth of their second son, my sister following him very soon, it was said, of a broken heart. This son, Walter Curry, made a splendid young man. As I grieved for his mother, so I did for his early death, which I will speak of at the proper place.
I attended a Sunday school as well as a dancing school and a day school. My religious training was not overlooked. My mother was a Baptist, my father an Episcopalian. In such cases the mother usually is authority, and she sent me to the Baptist church. The Rev. Eichard Furman, a grand old man, was the pastor, and subsequently the Eev. Basil Manly, a very popular minister. I was a regular Sunday school boy and enjoyed it with my sister and my sweetheart; for I had a sweetheart from my infancy. The truth is, the school time of my life was full of pleasure as well as profit. My family were in good circumstances and my father a good provider, and we enjoyed it.
And now comes my last school year, just before I entered my teens. It was in Savannah, Ga., where my father moved his fam- ily early in 1828. Again my teacher was a native of the Emerald Isle, rt would seem that everything I was to learn was to be from the Irish. I don't know whether my father thought they were the best educated or the most accomplished floggers. They certainly had the combination. Walsh was a good teacher and a splendid specimen of manhood. I suppose about that time some of their best men, being dissatisfied with affairs in their own country, were coming to our Republic. I wonder if my fondness for the Irish was acquired by early associations. Maybe so, for I never cherished any ill-feeling, and I do like the impulsive, open-hearted character of that people. My sympathies have al- ways been with them, and I am for home rule in Ireland as well as in America.
My father's move to Savannah I suppose was influenced by his losses on his steamboats. There was no insurance on the Henry Shultze, and the Macon, which they built afterward in Philadelphia, was a very costly boat and expensive to run. He, with the hope of recovering from his pecuniary disaster, rented the City Hotel, the principal one of the place at that time.
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Although my mother had her suite of rooms and lived at ease with the children apart from the bustle of the hotel, my father kept me busy out of school hours assisting him in his ac- counts and other things I could attend to intelligently. Here was the beginning of my business education, so that when I was left an orphan boy at the head of a helpless family at the end of a year I felt considerable confidence in my business capacity.
My father died of country fever while he was preparing for a trip to England to look after an estate to which he was entitled. He was just thirty-seven years old.
Happily he left us with a large and valuable home in Charles- ton, near the Battery, to which we at once returned, with a small income and a large family, two daughters and five sons — Sarah Sophia, Ann Bythewood, Francis Richard, Thomas Saltus, Wil- liam Martin, Henry Shultze, and John Bell.
1 was old beyond my years in worldly experiences, and realized at once the difference between Frank Lubbock with a father and Frank Lubbock without a father.
Though never studious, I was called smart, active, and indus- trious. I could keep accounts and had a very general idea of busi- ness; so I decided with a quick, firm resolve to attend school no more and at once to seek work. In this way I could relieve my mother of supporting me and possibly aid her.
An opportunity offered to enter the hardware establishment of Mr. James H. Merritt, an Englishman of very austere mien, and with very arbitrary business rules. My grandfather Saltus protested against my going to him, saying, "With your positive and independent manner and quick temper, together with his arbitrary conduct and real meanness to his employees, for I know him, you will not remain with him a month, and it will have the effect of injuring you. Do not go there; wait awhile." But I was not one of the waiting kind. No other opening being in sight, I accepted the place, beginning work at $12.50 per month — not much, to be sure; but it helped to move along.
As my grandfather had told me, it was rough sailing from the start. I found my employer unreasonably exacting, very severe, and at times cruel to the negroes in his service. He would lec- ture me, and then, when T would stand no more, he would com- pliment me and raise my salary. To show how exacting he was
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at times, should I, as I did sometimes, dress up at dinner, so I could go directly from the store in the evening to one of my en- gagements (I belonged to several organizations, social, military, and political), just so sure would he have something special and mean for me to do, such as polishing up rusty saws, knives, and carpenters' tools. I learned, however, to manage this matter. I took care, when I desired to leave early, to wear my store clothes, and to appear entirely indifferent as to the time of quit- ting work.
However, I had said to my grandfather and others in the be- ginning, "I will stick," and "stick" I did. I remained in this employment three years, instead of one month, as predicted.
When I took the position with Merritt, a very dear friend of mine, Mr. David L. Adams, a large cotton merchant, cautioned me about the wild boys with whom I would come in contact, counseling me to avoid card-playing, ardent spirits, and tobacco, saying, "I have tried all of these; they are useless, and injure one mentally and bodily." He did not caution me against the girls. I was verj' social and visited constantly, being very fond of them. In most families there was a sideboard in the house, on which liquors, wines, and cordials were offered me guests. I persistently refused to indulge, and up to the time of my landing upon Texas soil I never partook of ardent spirits, and up to this good hour I have never had a piece of tobacco or cigar in my mouth.
I have always been thankful for friendly advice, and one of the causes of my success in life has been that I have so often fol- lowed it. I tried to be careful of my conduct. I lived with my mother; she was always in delicate health, and in addition was so near-sighted that she could not recognize her own children beyond a few feet. Thus there was the more responsibility rest- ing upon me, and the greater reason for circumspection.
But, impulsive and excitable, sometimes I had on too much steam and ran off the track. Just about the beginning of my clerk life I was involved in a foolish affair that was kept quiet at the time. In the face of my own hasty action, Providence seemed to have spared us from what came near being a sad oc- currence to many. My brother Tom was attending the South Carolina Society School. W. D. Porter was his teacher, an ad-
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mirable j^oung man, afterward rising to considerable distinction in the State. He concluded it was necessary to chastise Tom. Tom was very stout for his age, about twelve years, and one of the most stubbornly brave and plucky boys I ever knew. Porter worsted him on the occasion spoken of after a hard tussle. Tom refused to return to the school, and after a recital of his wrongs, we determined to whip Porter.
The latter frequently walked at night upon the Battery. He lived, as we did, in the vicinity of this lovely spot. We took the opportunity when no one was near, and made the attack. We were fierce, and while he was very strong, we punished him quite severely. In the conflict we bore him back to the rail of the Battery wall, the water of the L'cean lashing the wall and the spray beating over as in a gale. He was about to topple over into the sea, when, with our strength exerted to the utmost, we drew him back.
Somewhat alarmed, we left him about where we found him, a badly used up pedagogue, with his fine clothing nearly ruined. Tom, of course, never returned to the school, and the affair was at an end and hushed iip. Our families were intimate friends, and some family connection existed. Two boys learned a better lesson the time they whipped a schoolmaster than they ever learned when the schoolmaster whipped them.
I remember as it were yesterday an affair between Mr. Walsh of Savannah and Tom Lubbock. He punished with his ruler very freely on the hands, sometimes so severely that the boy could scarce use them for days. Tom, called up to receive pun- ishment in that way, determined to make a passive resistance. He walked up with his hands in his pockets, and positively re- fused to take them out, whereupon Mr. Walsh undertook to take them out himself. Tom's pants were of good material, his pockets deep, his muscle fine, his courage and endurance unsur- passed. He was tossed almost to the ceiling, buffeted about, and severely handled, all to no purpose. The strong man puffed, while the school, indorsing in their hearts the bold protest made against the common enemy, watched with admiration the boy's pluck, and were elated when he came off conqueror, for his hands were never drawn from his pockets. After this the ruler was
14 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
not* so frequently in demand. It may be that a schoolmaster learned something on this occasion.
The Nullification excitement arose very high in South Caro- lina during the year 1832. General Scott came down as a pacifi- cator, and succeeded admirably in that role. But the influence of Virginia really saved the Union at this time. Grand old Vir- ginia exercised a more potent influence in that respect than Scott or even Clay. South Carolina voluntarily rescinded her Ordinance of Nullification, and the Civil War was staved off nearly three decades.
South Carolina in November, 1832, passed her famous Nulli- fication Ordinance, making null and void within her limits the oppressive Federal law of 1828. -As President Jackson declared by his proclamation his intention to execute the law at Charles- ton at all hazards, and sent General Scott down to look after the forts in Charleston harbor, war appeared imminent. But Virginia came forward as a peacemaker. Her Legislature, late in January, 1833, passed resolutions recommending that South Carolina repeal her Nullification Ordinance and that Congress mitigate the ofl^ensive tariff law, and sent as a peace commis- sioner Hon. Ben Watkins Leigh to Charleston. Mr. Leigh did his part well in counseling moderation and mutual concession. Congress early in March passed Mr. Clay's compromise bill lowering the high tariff", and South Carolina a week or two later repealed the Ordinance of Nullification. That there was not a collision of forces was not due to any lack of bluster on the part of Jackson, but rather to the moderation of General Scott, to the patriotism of the Virginia commissioner, Leigh, and to the conciliatory policy of Henry Clay.
Once during the great political struggle between the Union men and Nullifiers the two parties were out m procession at night. In passing each other something of a collision occurred, Mr. James Adger, of the Union party, was struck. He was a very elegant gentleman, a large hardware merchant, and next door to Mr. Merritt. My employer was called upon about it, and an attempt made by some parties to convict me of the act. Circumstances sometimes combine to hold a boy up to unjust criticism, and even condemnation, when he is innocent of wrong-
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 15
doing, as T was in this instance. I was honorably exculpated, and retained the confidence of my employer and friends.
This 5'ear, 1832, was a period of great political excitement. I took eager interest in the issues pending, attended all the po- litical gatherings, and listened to speeches by many of the dis- tinguished men of South Carolina then engaged in the great State's rights struggle. At one time or another during my Charleston life, I heard Hayne, McDuffie, Turnbull, Hamilton, Pinckney, and Calhoun speak.
There was a Young Men's State's Eights Association, formed of young men from eighteen to twenty-one years. I was only seventeen, and I am proud to say that the constitution was changed that I might be received as a member, and I was im- mediately made secretary of the organization. That was the period that fixed my political belief and made of me a State's Eights Democrat, from which faith I have never wavered to this good day. I was also a sergeant in an artillery company. I had previously had some military aspirations, and received through General Hamilton, one of my father's strong friends, an ap- pointment to a cadetship at West Point. But on due reflection and consultation with the family, I felt constrained to decline the honor. What influence on my subsequent career the ac- ceptance of this appointment might have had I can not now conjecture. It is certain, however, from my principles, that I would have sided with my native State in any conflict with the Federal Government.
My clerk life was one of great labor and activity, and each day after my duties were performed at the store, I was kept busy with my military company, political organization, and social duties. My afternoon holidays were few and far between. Then I had a horse or a boat. My sweetheart had a share of my attention. As she lived a long way from my home, and I had been on my feet all day, I rigged up a novel mode of transporta- tion. I could not afford a riding-horse, and, sorrowful to think of, there were no street cars and no bicycles. What "a love of a thing," to use a lad5'''s expression, is a bicycle. I almost feel like trying one now. Then what a halo of glory it would have shed around my boy life in the city, with my girl more than a mile away! But love laughs at difficulties, and the fellow that swam
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the Hellespont would be no greater hero than I if I had some great poet to make rhymes about how Francis Kichard sur- mounted obstacles to get a smile from pretty brown eyes. But I had no poet, and I will just tell a plain, unvarnished story — I rode a mule.
By chance I got this mule, a small, unbroken one, for a very little money. At first it was pretty nearly equal to working my passage on a canal boat, for he was a contrary little rascal. Soon, however, with the aid of a small club, I taught him to turn a street corner. If desiring to go to the left, I would give him a good rap on the right jaw, and so if I wished to turn to the right, I would give him a reminder on the left. Nothing would have induced me to ride him through the streets in day- light. But this was before the time of electricity or even gas, and I could pass unnoticed, avoiding the stare and perhaps the jests of my friends at being so grotesquely equipped for court- ing. In daylight when I rode horseback, though I could sel- dom afford the luxury, I took good care to procure a spirited livery animal. In returning from an afternoon ride on the line of the South Carolina Railroad, when within a few miles of the city the Charleston train came steaming along and was about to pass me, I concluded I could keep along with it and probably outrun it. After keeping well up for a time my saddle turned, taking me with it. Fortunately, the girths were good and strong. I felt that my safety depended on my holding on, which I did to the very long mane of my horse. It appeared that at every jump I would be struck by the horse's hoofs. I escaped that danger, however, and finally succeeded in again getting my sad- dle and self on his back without sustaining any injury. I was greatly complimented on my expert horsemanship. This was the first railroad I ever saw, and if it was not the first built, it was at that time the longest line in the United States. It might appear to any boy at this day very foolish to attempt to outrun a steam engine, but at that time I was not far off when I thought a good saddle horse with a dashing rider could outrun an iron horse. At all events I knew more about steam then than the solons of Congress did about telegraphy, when they made sport of Morse's first project on that line.
While clerking with Merritt, my uncle, Capt. Richard Lub-
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 17
bock, came into port at Charleston with his brig laden with a cargo of salt from Turk's Island. When ready to sail he invited me to visit him and go out with him in his ship over the bar. I accepted his invitation, and was on board by daylight. After a cordial greeting we breakfasted, and then we sped out over the bar. Once in the open sea, I bid a final farewell to my uncle, who died soon afterwards from hardship and exposure. I took passage back on the pilot boat, which on account of business with other ships did not make the harbor until about night. My long-delayed return excited some uneasiness with my mother and einployer, as I had gone off without notifying anyone of my intentions, expecting to get back early in the morning.
On one of those glorious afternoon holidays several of us boys concluded to hire a boat and take a grand sail over to Sullivan's Island. The owners of the boat rigged her, hoisted her sailsy and started us off. One of the party, taking the helm, assumed command.
For awhile everything was calm, and we sailed along enjoy- ing our voj^age immensely. After getting out some four or five miles and nearing the island, the weather became squally. The captain and the crew lost their heads and made for the land as direct as possible. Just before reaching the shore our boat cap- sized and lay bottom upward. Luckily we were close to the shell beach, and the entire party reached the island in safety, but looking like drowned rats.
We then took a steamer back to the city and notified the owner of the boat where we parted company with her. We had, of course, to pay damages for him to get her back into port, and count our ruined clothing in the cost, so that our sail was a somewhat expensive affair for boys' purses. We unanimously resolved that when boys launch a boat in big waters, if they would not come to grief they must have an old tar at the helm.
While I was a good worker and very attentive to business and recognized as entirely reliable (for had I been otherwise I never could have remained with my exacting employer), I had my fun and a jolly good time all the same. I started out in life to do that.
I had enjoyment with the girls, pleasure with horses, excite- ment with steam cars, jolly times with the boats, glory with
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the military, and unbounded enthusiasm with public meetings and politics, and all this in the three years of the meanest drudgery of my life. Drudgery it was, but in it I made a repu- tation that gave me my future business openings; drudgery it was, but it was an education in business methods that served me well in all my after years.
Upon leaving Mr. Merritt, on the very day, at an increased salary, I entered into service with a West India commission house. My cousin, F. C. Black, the proprietor, handled large cargoes of sugar, coSee, cigars, and other tropical produce.
After a short time of service with Mr. Black, I was offered a more eligible position in Hamburg, S. C. This I accepted, mov- ing to that place in 1832, going into the house of Tully F. & H. W. Sullivan, large dealers in general merchandise, with cot- ton warehouse attached. I was placed in charge of the ware- house. This town was next in importance to Charleston as a cotton market.
J\ly friend Adams, heretofore spoken of, was a large buyer, and stored with us. He gave me the authority to buy cotton for him, and I was allowed to do so by the firm. This gave me a lit- tle income beyond my salary. My commission was fifty cents per bale. The cotton was brought in on wagons. The buyers would meet the teamsters, take samples of their cotton, sit down on the store steps or under a tree, make offers, and trade.
About the very first day that I tackled a teamster, being new in tlie business and fearful of my inexperience, I held the sam- ples too long to suit an impatient young Irish buyer named Eooney. He became rather offensive, twitting me as to my slow- ness and greenness. Finally he attempted to take the samples out of my hands. In the scuffle that ensued I came off vic- torious, and outsiders exhibited an increased respect for one who never failed to defend his rights when invaded.
I had many friends in Hambiirg and was received very cor- dially in tlie town. My name was known and highly regarded, on account of my grandfather Lubbock's long residence there.
I spent much of my leisure with my friend, Mr. Adams, at his country residence. I had also a dear friend in Miss Caro- line Hammond, the sister of Governor Hammond of South Caro- lina; they resided in Edgefield also. My grandmother Lubbock,
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 19
after my grandfather's death, had removed over to Augusta and I had other relatives near by in Georgia. My employers were kind, considerate, and liberal, so that I lived a life of hap- piness in Hamburg, never dreaming of a change.
20 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
CHAPTER TWO.
Business in New Orleans — The firm of Keichum & Lubbock, Drug- gists— Marriage with a Creole Girl in the Crescent City — Louisiana Sugar Planters and Government Protection — My Wife and I on a Visit to My Mother in July, 1835 — Incidents of Our Return Home — Business Reverses and Recuperation — My Brother Tom a Volunteer in the Texas War — Visit to Texas in 1836^ — Tom's Story of Adven- ture— Favorable Impression of Texas and the Texans.
But in the very next year, 1834, Mr. Willis Holmes, who had gone from Hamburg to New Orleans and engaged in the cotton brokerage there, returned for the summer. I had a particular friend and boon companion, Charles T. Ketchum. His son. Dr. Ketchum, also a friend of mine, resides now at Navasota, Texas. Mr. Holmes was on intimate terms with the Ketchum family. Charles was in the drug business with a mutual friend. Dr. Millican. He had a large experience for a young man, and was considered a first-class druggist. Mr. Holmes talked to us very freely from time to time during his stay, making us under- stand what an elegant city New Orleans was, and how easy it was to make money there with a small capital. He particularly recommended to Ketchum the drug business as being immensely profitable. After giving the subject due consideration, we de- termined to go to New Orleans early in the fall.
The next question was means. I had saved up a few hundred dollars; so had Ketchum. I was only eighteen years of age; he also eighteen, but a few months younger than I. We had both been at work for ourselves for years, and felt that we were men and fully competent for business. I had no idea of the drug business, but I could learn, and I could keep the books and sell goods, while Ketchum would specially attend the prescription department, which would be the money coining part of the con- cern.
I wrote to my relative and guardian, Mr. Francis C. Black, of Charleston, opening up the whole business to him. I said to him, "Can you give me the funds, some two thousand dollars, that you have of mine? Will you risk me? If I succeed, all will be well; if I fail, I will never call on you for another cent.'*
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 21
He answered, without any hesitation, "The money is at your disposal" That gratified me as much as the confidence of the Texas people, when they trusted me with greater sums years afterwards.
So prompt were we, that we obtained letters from the drug men of Augusta and Hamburg, and from friends, indorsing us as proper young men, stating how much money we could pay down and the amount of stock we wished to purchase. In a few days orders were sent to Philadelphia and the goods di- rected to be shipped to New Orleans, so that they would arrive about the time we would be there to receive them.
All things being arranged, Ketchum and I left Hamburg in time to reach the Crescent City about the first day of October, 1834.
I M^as eager to pursue my fortune in the Great West. I was regretful, it is true, at leaving them, but neither a pleasant sit- uation, nor friends, nor home, nor mother, nor sweetheart, could hold me back from the splendid success we anticipated.
As in Charleston, so in Hamburg I found a girl that I sup- posed I loved desperately. The correspondence between my old sweetheart and myself had grown cold and colder, until it finally ceased, and I spent many of my leisure hours in the delightful society of my new one, horseback riding, attending church, rambling through the woods gathering sweet shrubs and yellow- Jasmines that grew luxuriantly there, and in the meantime build- ing air castles. When I was about to leave Hamburg I made an appeal that she would wait for me awhile, that I would re- turn and claim her. She said, "Francis, I know you better than you know yourself. You will soon find a girl in New Orleans that you will love better than you do me, and you will marry there." We parted good friends. The sequel will show how it turned out.
October, 1834, found us (Ketchum and myself) in New Or- leans, at the City Hotel, at that time the leading 'inn of the place.
AVe had letters of introduction to many parties. Some of them we delivered promptly, hoping to get information as to business matters, such as rents and eligible locations. I had letters to Mr. John B. Leefe, who knew me as a boy, our fam-
22 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
ilies in Charleston being well acquainted. He had been in New Orleans several years, and was a prominent cotton broker there. He had married into a well-known French Creole fam- ily. In a few hours after our arrival I was invited to his house, introduced to his wife, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Baron, his wife's sister. Miss Adele Baron, and to other members of his wife's family.
We lost but little time in looking about for a location. Matthew Morgan, a large real estate owner, was erecting on Camp Street, a fine central location, several granite-front, three- story houses. We soon determined to take one of them. No. 37 Camp Street. The rent was $1200 per annum. It appeared high to us, but we concluded we had better start on a good street and in a handsome house, and reduce our rent by subletting a portion for offices. We soon had our establishment fitted up nicely, and the firm of Ketchum & Lubbock, having received their goods, erected their sign, unfurled their banner to the breeze, and were recognized as men of affairs.
Our business was good from the very beginning and increased rapidly. We very soon became ambitious to extend our trade, finding many opportunities to sell at wholesale to country mer- chants from Louisiana and Mississippi. Such sales were invaria- bly made on a credit. Our standing in New York and Philadel- phia being good, we ordered liberally to meet this increased demand; hence, for our limited capital, we were doing too much credit. In a very short time we also bought largely of castor oil in barrels, brought down the Mississippi, and shipped to Phila- delphia for refining. Upon several shipments we lost very heav- ily, on account of leakage and depressed market. It was worth eighty to one hundred dollars per barrel.
In addition to this, my relative and friend, Mr. Black, of Charleston, having offered to advance on bacon and lard for his West India house, we were induced to make frequent shipments, and sometimes of sugar and molasses in addition. This was a departure from our regular line of trade, and, as is usually the case, proved unremunerative.
We were economical in our store. Ketchum attended strictly to the sale of medicines, putting up all prescriptions. I attended strictly to the books and accounts, selling articles only by the
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 23
package, and oil and paints as usually kept in such establish- ments. We were active, industrious, and attentive to business, and we believed that in the main we were doing well, and that our gains would far exceed our losses.
J was in Mr. Leefe's family quite frequently. His wife was amiable. Her sister was there almost daily, the residence of her mother being in the vicinity. They all spoke French. I .was anxious to acquire the language, and as a favor to me Mr. Leefe took me to board with them. My evenings were spent at home, and if Miss Adele failed to be there, I soon began goinsr over to her mother's. She was very affable, a fine musician, having a beautiful voice, though her songs were in French, with the exception of one or two English ditties. The very fact ti^at she spoke little and poor English made her more interesting to me. As my girl friend had said to me on leaving Hamburg, I was soon very desperately in love with the Creole girl. I taught her English; she could not teach me French. I made a favorable impression, and on the fifth day of February, 1835, with the consent and approval of the entire family, was married to Miss Adele Baron. Her age was sixteen years and a few months, and mine a few months less than twenty.
My wife's family were all Catholics. When we waited upon the priest for arrangements to have the bans published in the church, he questioned me as to my faith and certificates of bap- tism. I told him my father was brought up in the Church of England and my mother was a Baptist, hence it was my opinion that I had never been baptized. He exclaimed, "What! Then you are a heathen! I can not publish the bans or marry you until you are baptized." "Go on with the christening then," said I; "the time is fixed for marrying, and marry we must." So I was immediately christened. My sister Annie thinks I ought to have known, as she was told that we were baptized in infancy.
In a few days after our marriage we located in a pleasant house on Carondelet Street, near our place of business. Mrs. Baron, with her two sons, resided with us, and we were happy and lived well without being extravagant. I became very fond of French cooking and their style of housekeeping.
My mother-in-law and myself were always good friends, and
24 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
since my experience in that direction I have always had a re- spect for a man that has sense enough to love his mother-in- law, and impress her with the fact that he is entitled to her sjjecial care and attention.
Our life was one of active, energetic business, together with much jDleasure. My wife's relations were very social and fond of gayety, and most of my leisure time was passed with them. Her father, N. A. Baron, Jr., was a prominent cotton and sugar . dealer of N^ew Orleans, when he died of cholera, in 1832. Her mother was Laura Bringier, daughter of Dorado Bringier, one of the earliest cotton planters and afterwards one of the largest sugar growers in Louisiana. He came there from the San Do- mingo troubles late in the last century. Her uncle, Don Louis Bringier, was at that time the surveyor-general of the State of Louisiana; her widowed aunts, Tureaud, Colomb, and Bringier, lived on large sugar plantations on the river, not far from the city. To them we made frequent visits, which were enjoyed immensely.
While it may be said that some of the sugar planters of Louis- iana were uncultured men, as a class they were well educated and elegant gentlemen. They were liberal and hospitable at the time I speak of, and up to the war between the States they were the most luxurious livers I have ever known, on either side of the Atlantic. They had fine plantations, good houses, well- kept grounds, excellent horses, well-trained servants, and tables laden with the best of everything that the New Orleans market or the country afforded, excellent beef and mutton, game of everj^ kind, fish, terrapin, tropical and other fruits, elegant sweet- meats, wines of every vintage, from table claret, following along to Burgundy and Champagne, old Cognac bringing up the rear, AAdth cordials of every description, especially Maraschino and Curacoa.
These planters received government protection, and at that time they generally advocated the principles of the Native American party, which was very similar to what was in after 3^ears called the Know-nothing party, and composed principally of old-time Whigs and high tariff protection men. Though while I was in New Orleans I was strictly business, and, not being of age, never voted, I took great interest in political mat-
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Thomas S. Lubbock. Henry S. Lubbock.
Sarah S. Curry. Anna B. Lockart.
John B. Lubbock.
Wm. M. Lubbock
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 25
ters, and fought this party on all occasions, particularly my wife's kin, who were more or less interested in sugar planting and wanted protection, advocating legislation, as I told them, for the benefit of a few at the expense of the many. I am to-day still fighting on the same line, opposed to all protection and class legislation.
In the month of May, 1835, I received intelligence that my mother was ill. For a long time in feeble health, she was fail- ing more rapidly now. Fearing the worst for her, I immediately commenced preparation for the trip, and about the last of May left New Orleans on a sailing vessel for Charleston, that being considered the best way at that time to make the journey. In consequence of adverse winds and a very heavy storm, we had quite a long and disagreeable passage, arriving, however, en- tirely well, about the middle of June.
The great fire that visited Charleston was at that time still burning, and I can never forget the night we landed, for the entire center of the city seemed wrapped in flames.
We found my mother very feeble. My eldest sister, her hus- band, Captain Curry, a most excellent man and good son to our mother, with my four brothers and sister Annie were with her, constituting a happy household, but with a cloud overhanging them, the probable early departure of our devoted mother.
From the moment my wife entered the house they all ap- peared delighted with her, and she grew day by day upon my mothers heart by her gentleness and tender care for her. As for me, while I could but grieve over the occasion of my visit, I was proud to see how they all admired my young Creole wife, and I was happy to know that, at a far off distance from home and only nineteen years of age, I had been fortunate enough to select a companion, a perfect stranger to my people, whom they could love as a daughter and sister.
My mother's life closed on the morning of the 4th of July, 1835, her children around her, at her residence on South Bat- tery, Charleston, S. C, just as the guns commenced booming in celebration of the day. My sister, Mrs. Curry, was afterwards head of the household.
It has always been a gratification to me that, immersed as I was in business, and happy as I was at home with my young
26 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
wife, that I acted so promptly and made the difficult journey that I might be with my mother to render aid and comfort to her and the family.
My brother Tom was at home, having but recently returned from New York under peculiar circumstances, which I will re- late, for the reason that the return probably changed his entire life, and under Providence directed mine.
He had selected the engineer's trade, the building of steam engines having made quite an impression on him. My brother- in-law, who was largely interested in the steamboat interest, selected the Allair Iron Works, of New York, the largest estab- lishment of the kind then in the United States. Tom was ap- prenticed to them by Captain Curry. He appeared pleased for a time, and was getting along well.
To the amazement of the family, he suddenly appeared at home. This explanation followed: He was called while at work on a boiler to go immediately to the postoffiee. He had on his working suit, very black and dirty, and consumed a little while getting ready. The foreman called him and ordered him to go without changing his clothes. He refused positively to go in his condition, giving as a reason that he had to pass some kinfolks and others of his acquaintance, and he did not intend appearing as a chimney-sweep. "I left, here 1 am, and there is a mighty good engineer spoiled." He was remonstrated with, told he was an apprentice, and that there would be trouble. He persisted, and finally Captain Curry succeeded in compromising with the company.
After much talk with Tom, he said, "Let me go to New Or- leans with you; I will get into something there; the folks will not be bothered with me here. I can take care of myself if you will give me a chance." So it was agreed, and he accompanied me to New Orleans.
We had a hard trip getting back; took the South Carolina Eailroad to Hamburg, stopping over to see my friends. I found my former sweetheart married to a cousin of mine and very happy. She protested that she did not marry until after she heard of my marriage, which she had predicted. They all treated me very handsomely, and were delighted with my wife.
From Hamburg we staged it to Montgomery, Ala., a long and
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 27
wearisome trip. We had a crowded coach all the way, and it was very hot weather.
Quite an amusing incident occurred at Columbus, Ga. We were well entertained, and the old landlady came into our room after dinner, entering into friendly conversation with us. She was quite inquisitive — What name? Where from? Where going? My wife replied, "We are going to New Orleans." "Why, my dear children, ain't you feared to go thar? The yellow fever is bad; killing off everybody." My wife said, "Oh, no; we are not afraid. I am a Creole, and as for my husband, he is from Charles- ton, and a Charlestonian never has yellow fever in New Or- leans." "Why, you children married? I though you was brother and sister. Why, look here, you a Creole and been to my table? If I had knowed you had nigger blood you couldn't have set at my table. But you don't look like you had any nigger blood in you." My wife was a blonde, with gray eyes and light brown hair, looking like her father, who was a Parisian. We of course explained to the old lady the meaning of Creole as used in Louisiana and eased her mind as to allowing nigger blood at her table.
As more intelligent people than our landlady do not under- stand it, I will explain the word. Creole means a native, so that children born of French parents in Louisiana are desig- nated as French Creoles; those born of American parents as American Creoles; of negroes, as negro Creoles. Chickens, eggs, and such things are called Creole chickens, and so on, and these are preferred. This is the way it is used also in the West Indies.
Between Columbus and Montgomery our stage was upset, wounding several passengers. My wrist was badly sprained. My wife was seriously injured. On arriving at Montgomery I had to call in medical aid to my wife, and we were delayed for awhile. To this occurrence was attributed her lifelong ill health, as she was hurt severely at a time the most critical for a woman. We left in a few days on a boat to Mobile, thence to New Orleans, arriving in September.
The few months during our absence made some changes in our business, and by the next spring things became serious. We had a large amount out in Mississippi and Louisiana; collections were poor; times were becoming very stringent; '36 was a year
28 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
of financial disaster. We had done more business than our capi- tal justified, and in the Black case we had gone outside of our business. Some of our creditors were pressing. So after ad- vising with friends, we determined to surrender our establish- ment and assets for the benefit of our creditors. We were honorable in giving up everything. I made no claim for money of Mrs. Lubbock's used in the concern, which in Louisiana at that day was a preferred claim. I reserved nothing but my horse, as I would then be living a long distance from the busi- ness center; my household furniture, not very expensive, I also retained.
In a few days after giving up the store to the assignee I ac- cepted a place with the largest dealers in watches, jewelry, sil- verware, and firearms in the city — Whittimore, Blair & Co. — with a salary of two thousand dollars per annum.
Soon after our return from South Carolina I had succeeded in getting a good position for my brother Tom in the cotton business with Mr. Holmes. Then came the circumstance that changed the course of our lives. Just about this time, the fall of 1835, much was being said about Texas. A call was made for a meeting to extend aid to Texas, then invaded by the Mexi- cans. Two friends of mine, E. C. Morris and William G. Cooke, were engineering the meeting. The morning after the meeting Tom informed me that he was the first to volunteer, and he wished me to assist him off. I was sadly disappointed. He had a good place. He was so young to go on such an expedition with- out a particular friend or counselor. Though well up in all manly sports, quite an athlete, very strong and muscular, and full of fire and determination, he was only seventeen years of age. But as he Avas fixed in his purpose, I fell into his views, fitted him out, and bade him godspeed, knowing that our folks at home in South Carolina would censure me for submitting to the arrangement.
Thus he left New Orleans with his company, known as the "New Orleans Grays," the first volunteer company to arrive in Texas from abroad. They were in time to volunteer in the ad- vance upon and storming of Bexar.
In the meantime the Consultation met at San Felipe in Octo- ber, elected Sam Houston General-in-Chief of the Texan army,
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 29
and created a Provisional Government, with Henry Smith at the head. Dissensions having arisen in the government, a Con- vention was called to meet at Washington, with plenary powers. Independence was declared on March 2, 1836, a Constitution adopted, and a government ad interim established, with David G. Burnet as President. Meantime the Alamo had fallen and Goliad soon followed; but Houston's victory at San Jacinto on April 21st practically decided the independence of Texas. President Burnet, then upon the barren island of Galveston, visited Houston's camp to enter into negotiations with the cap- tured Mexican dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
While Tom was going through his rough campaign in Texas on the flood-tide of success, I was struggling with financial diffi- culties on the ebb-tide of failure. By the time the little Texas army had completed their triumph at San Jacinto, I had squared up matters and was busy making a living, which, fortunately for me, I was able to do from my earliest boyhood without very great hardship.
Messrs. Austin, Wharton, and Archer, commissioners to the United States, came through New Orleans in January, 1836, but I learned nothing from them as to my brother. As the summer advanced I began to think of making a trip to look after my soldier brother, as I could get no reliable intelligence of him. I asked for a leave of absence and the firm gave me thirty days without stopping my salary. So the Unseen Hand that guides us in the way, even when we plant the steps just as our wishes or judgment dictates, was leading me to Texas — my destiny.
My boat, the schooner Colonel Fannin, after a pleasant voy- age from New Orleans, landed at Velasco, Texas, about the last of October, 1836. My main object in visiting Texas was to find my brother. As a soldier he had participated in the glori- ous struggle that had just closed, and when I began to appre- ciate its aim and end, I felt proud that I had fitted out one soldier for the Republic of Texas in the time of need.
Velasco, on the left bank of the Brazos, at its mouth, was at this time the chief port of the Republic, while Quintana, on the opposite side, was the seat of an extensive foreign trade. Ameri- can Galveston had not then been established. The main busi-
30 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
ness house here, and perhaps the largest in the whole country, was that of McKinney & Williams. With this noted firm I found brother. Our greeting was warm, as we had been sepa- rated a year or more.
After sufficient talk between us on family affairs, he pro- ceeded to give me the following account of his adventures since our parting:
"About the last of October, 1835, we landed in charge of Ed Hall at Velasco, from the schooner Columbus. The Grays re- ceived a hearty welcome from the Texans, and we organized im- mediately, electing Eobert L. Morris captain, W. G. Cooke first lieutenant, and Charles B. Bannister second lieutenant. We had left the United States as individuals to avoid a violation of the neutrality laws, hence our organization out of their juris- diction, though we all knew the result before; in fact, it was well understood in New Orleans. Dr. A. M. Levy was elected surgeon and Mandred Wood commisssary and quartermaster.
"We then took passage on the Laura up the river to Brazoria, and thence marched overland more than 200 miles to San An- tonio de Bexar. General Austin was then in that vicinity with a Texan army. We reached his headquarters a little tired, but in good trim about .November 21st, and reported ready for duty the next day. The Grays were the first foreign company to join the Texans, and our arrival in camp created great enthusi- asm. We were well fitted out with arms and uniform, and looked like real soldiers. It was not long before we showed the world that we did not belie our looks. General Austin left in a few days to go as a commissioner to the United States, and General Burleson was chosen commander to fill Austin's place.
"Well, you have heard about our taking Bexar. When Col. Ben IMilam came into camp he called for volunteeers to follow him into Bexar. The Grays were the first to volunteer, and finally about 300 came forward. We entered the suburbs of Bexar a little before light on December 5th in two columns, one commanded by Colonel Milam and the other by Col. Frank Johnson. JMajor Morris, our first captain, went with Colonel Milam. The Grays, then commanded by Captain W. G. Cooke, fell in line under Johnson. We had to fight our way from house to house. Milam was killed on the second day. Major Morris
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 31
became then second in command under Colonel Johnson, who hac' been chosen leader in jDlace of Milam. We steadily advanced towards the plaza, firing from the housetops, and picking with crowbars and axes onr way through the walls of the houses. The Grays led the advance to the plaza, and on the fourth night we forced an entrance to the priest's house, driving out the Mex- icans. This decided the fight, as the next morning showed us the plaza abandoned, the enemy having retreated to the Alamo Mission across the river. General Cos, without any more fight- ing, surrendered his army of about 1100 Mexicans to not more than 300 Texans That was a pretty good fight, wasn't it?"
I could but say, '"Yes." I felt prouder of Tom than ever. In answer to my further inquiries, he continued:
"The storming of Bexar, the most glorious feat of arms of the Texan revolution, closed the campaign of 1835, and no armed Mexican could be found east of the Rio Grande. A movement against Matamoros soon began, and the army gen- erally scattered out in that direction — some of the Grays under Major Morris and others under Captain Pettis, with Colonel Fannin. As for myself, I remained with the small garrison at Bexar till late in January, 1836, when, half sick, I turned eastward and proceeded afoot to the Brazos Eiver. Here I fell in with Capt. Thomas W. Grayson, who commanded the Yel- lowstone steamboat on that river. (Captain Grayson was a family connection, and before leaving South Carolina had been with my father on one of his steamboats.) This staunch old friend took care of me while sick and then gave me employ- ment on his boat.
"Before I got fairly on my feet again the terrible news reached me of Santa Anna's capture of the Alamo and the destruction of its brave defenders under Travis, Bowie, and Crockett. After that in a short time came the news of Colonel Fannin's surren- der.
" ^Fannin was on the retreat from Goliad, as ordered by Hous-
1 There is a melancholy interest which attaches to the name of the heroic but unfortunate Fannin.
From a letter given me by the executor of the late Mr. DeflFenbaugh, I give these e.Ktracts, which show Colonel Fannin's exertions on behalf of Texan independence even before the beginning of actual hostilities,
32 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
ton, when he was surrounded by a superior force of Mexicans under General Urrea and after a desperate fight compelled to surrender his army as prisoners of war. A week later, in shame- ful violation of the terms of capitulation, Urrea had shot all the Texan prisoners, more than 400 in number. This included eighteen of the Grays — two others of my old company having escaped.
"When the Texas army were encamped on the Colorado, the Yellowstone went up after cotton. While at Groce's plantation the Yellowstone was pressed into service by General Houston on his arrival at that place, and it fell upon us to cross the Texan army there to the east side of the Brazos. Meanwhile Santa Anna, in pursuit of Houston, had occupied San Felipe with his army, fifteen or twenty miles below, and it was suggested that an attacking force on the Yellowstoiie might drop down the river on Santa Anna, but nothing came of it.
"Santa Anna, baffled in his attempt to cross the Brazos at San Felipe by Captain Baker's company, crossed the river with a detachment of his army a few miles below and beat Houston
and also reveal the fact (never found in our histories), that while at the United States Military Academy Fannin was known as J. F. Walker:
"Velasco, Rio Brazos, Prov. Texas "Aug. 27, 1835. "Major Belton, U. S. A., Mobile Point:
[After describing the political situation in Texas, Colonel Fannin goes on to say] : "And now comes the object of this communication, to wit, will you authorize me to use your name at the approaching Con- vention or at any subsequent time as an officer qualified and willing to command as brave a set of backwoodsmen as ever were led to battle?
"The truth is, we are more deficient in suitable material for officers than we are vcCsoldiers, and all being Americans, will be willing — nay, anxious — to receive an officer of reputation. I hope to hear from you by the vessel which will return soon, and at any other time as you may think advantageous — which will be confidential or otherwise, agreeable to your request. 'When the hurly-burly is begun' we will be glad to see as many West Point boys as can be spared, many of whom are known to me, and by whom I am known as J. F. Walker — my maternal grandfather's name, and by whom I was raised and adopted, and whose name I then bore. . . . My last voyage from the island of Cuba (with 152) succeeded admirably.
"Yr. friend, &c.,
"J. W. Fannin, Jr."
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 33
to Harrisburg. He came near catching President Burnet, and burned the town.
'"On our way down the Brazos with cotton we had trouble with the Mexican soldiers. They fired into the smokestack of the Yellowstone, hoping thereby to cripple and capture the boat. But this having no effect, they next tried to rope the smokestack, and failing in that they proceeded to stretch their lariats across the river; but all in vain. The machinery of our boat was well protected by the cotton bales, and we sped on our way fearlessly, and soon left all our puny enemies behind. The Yellowstone was a high pressure boat, built for the upper Mis- souri and Yellowstone — hence her name. She had a good capac- ity for freight and passengers, and plied the Brazos regularly Irom Quintana as far up as navigable.
''We ran into Galveston Bay about the 24th of April, and found President Burnet camping on Galveston Island. The next day Captain Calder brought in the glorious news of the battle of San Jacinto. The Yellowstone, with President Burnet and part of his cabinet on board, then steamed up to the battlefield. I always regretted that we were too late for the great battle."
Taking up again the thread of my narrative, I will say that to pay expenses on this trip I had brought with me a stock of merchandise, principally provisions, which I thought would be in demand. Besides, as I remem'bered that the country was in a state of war, I equipped myself with a good gun, a brace of pistols, and a bountiful supply of ammunition, so as to be ready to render any service that occasion might require.
The short period of my stay at this town (Velasco) was filled with events exciting and strange to me. On the very first day a schooner with quite a number of passengers and a full cargo was wrecked upon the bar. It was said then that the Velasco bar was a hard sand bar, and when a vessel struck upon it she seldom escaped destruction. The people of the town gave every possible assistance with small boats; no lives were lost, and most of the cargo was saved.
My first night was spent in the hotel kept by J. M. Shreve, a
Kentuckian (subsequently he was chief clerk of the House of
Representatives of the Eepublic of Texas and I an assistant).
His partner in the hotel proved to be Benjamin S. Grayson, of
3
34 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
my native town, Beaufort. He was a brother of Capt. Thos. W. Grayson. We had not seen each other since our boyhood, and our pleasure was mutual upon meeting after so long a time in such a far away country.
After taking tea, Walter C. White and R. J. Clow, known to old Texans as Bob Clow, both of them prominent merchants and recognized as first-class gentlemen, together with Mr. Shreve, proposed that we should have a social evening in playing twenty- deck poker. I told them I had never seen the game played and knew nothing of it; that I really had never heard of such a game. They explained it, assuring me that the game was very simple and interesting; only twenty of the deck was used, and that if I knew the cards I would, in playing a few hands, become familiar with it; that the ante was very small, and they did not bet very high. I said, "Well, I have come to be a Texan, and I suppose I must be taught all the Texas ways, and the sooner I begin the better." The game was commenced at once. Very soon the plays were familiar, and occasionally Clow, who, by the way, was a fine conversationalist and a noted humorist, would re- mark, "Lubbock, you play the game remarkably well for the first time." "Lubbock, did I understand you to say that you never saw poker played before?" All of which I took in good part, playing with great earnestness, and as I supposed very care- fully. About midnight it was proposed, very much to my de- light, that we would settle up and quit. My account was short some twenty dollars, which was immediately paid. Clow then said to me: "Lubbock, I like you; I have really taken a fancy to you, and I Mali volunteer a piece of advice — never play poker." "Why," said I, "you have told me several times during the even- ing that I played remarkably well and appeared to understand the game fully, and really, Mr. Clow, I like the game. It is amusing, interesting, exciting, and while I could not afl^ord to lose twenty dollars an evening, probably I would win next time."
"I say, Lubbock, don't you play poker." "Well, Mr. Clow, why not? It seems to be fashionable with you merchants." "Well, I will tell you; you haven't a poker countenance." "What is that?" said I. "Well, when you have a good winning hand, it is dis- closed by your countenance. The consequence is that no one will bet against you; you are permitted to take the pot and win
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 35
but little. Should you have a poor hand, your tell-tale counten- ance again displays your poverty in the hand, and should you attempt to bluff, you are simply called, your hand beaten, and so you win nothing. Take my advice, my dear boy, and play no more poker." From that day to this present hour I have never played a game of poker for money, although I have seen thou- sands won and lost at it by others; for, unfortunately, Texas gentlemen do like poker. It's a blessed thing to give good ad- vice. Peace to your ashes. Bob Clow!
Apropos to the item of poker playing in Texas is the famous baccarat scandal trial in London that fills the papers this morn- ing, June 2, 1891, the same date of writing the above about cards in Texas fifty-five years ago. In the present case the court of the greatest nation in Europe, in the greatest city on earth, is investigating cheating in a social game between lords and ladies and the heir apparent of the realm. We are cultivated above that point. The heir apparent to our executive honors has to be better employed if he expects to be crowned, and if our ladies do indulge in a social game, they do not gamble. Would it not be as well, however, to look on that picture in London high life, and introduce some other amusement more elevating than card playing.
A day or two after my arrival in Velasco, while in a billiard room, I witnessed a homicide. Captain Snell, commanding a company of regulars at the post, came in. He accosted Lieu- tenant Sproul as to his absence from the post. Hot words en- sued, and the lieutenant was shot down by his captain and killed. Snell was exonerated, as Sproul probably attempted to draw his sword. He afterward had several unfortunate diffi- culties, and was himself many years afterward killed in Hemp- stead. He was a member of my brother Tom Lubbock's com- pany, the New Orleans Grays, and proved himself a brave sol- dier.
The government of the Eepublic had been organized at Co- lumbia on the Brazos, and on October 23, 1836, Gen. Sam Hous- ton, the hero of San Jacinto, was inaugurated as the first con- stitutional president. Thus the Brazos valley held the govern- mental honors and advantages, while the country eastward and westward boasted of the battlefields of the Eevolution,
36 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
Congress was then in session, and I hastened with my goods up the river by steainboat to the capital, bearing the same honored name as the capital of my native South Carolina. Leaving the river at Bell's Landing, where we were all put ashore, I found the town of Columbia about two miles westward on the edge of a prairie dotted with live oaks. The Congress was occupying two frame houses — the larger one, with partition removed, for the Eepresentative chamber, and the smaller one for the Senate (then having only fourteen members), the shed rooms being used for committees.
The circumstances were favorable, the little town being filled with people, so very promptly my goods were all sold at a fine profit, leaving me a few days to look about me. All the while no shelter could be obtained. I took my meals with Fitchett & Gill, the tavern-keepers, sleeping under a liveoak tree at night. This was the lodging place of many.
The town presented a wild and romantic appearance to me, just landed from New Orleans, a large and gay city. There was something in it new and attractive, the fine old liveoaks, other majestic trees of the forest, the woods near the town filled with bear, Mexican lions, deer, turkey, and game of every kind.
It made my thoughts fly quick and fast when my mind took in the facts: This is the capital of a republic, with the heads of departments, the Congress in session, and hosts of people in the town — President, judges, representatives, senators, captains, col- onels, generals, men of mark, men that would attract attention and respect in any country. Of great intelligence, pluck, and patriotism, they came here to seek homes for themselves in a wilderness. They determined to stay; they were not to be turned back by the hardships of a frontier life, the fear of the savage Indians, or the dread of Mexican invasion. They surmounted every difficulty in their path. They fought the fight with the redman of the prairie, and raising the Lone Star flag confronted the Napoleon of the West, Avresting from his tyranny the grand- est territory of this continent.
Here were Sam Houston, M. B. Lamar, Henry Smith, S. F. Austin, James Collinsworth, E. M. Pease, W. H. Jack, P. C. Jack, W. H. Wharton, John A. Wharton, x\nson Jones, Edward Bur-
/AIBBOCfCS MEMOIRS. 37
leson, Mosely Baker, David G. Burnet, Stephen H. Everett, Jesse Grimes, Sterling C. Eobertson, A. C. Horton, Alexander Somer- vell, Eichard Ellis, James S. Lester, Richard Scurry, Thos. J. Eusk, John W. Bunton, Jesse Billingsley, Ira Ingraham, Al- bert Sidney Johnston, and others. These men were unlike in character, and differing with each other about measures, even be- fore the smoke of the great conflict had cleared away; and being men of strong wills, their differences often had the characteris- tics of downright animosities. A great deal was told about how they disagreed, and how this one and that one "went it independ- ent," even at the time the little Texas army of eight hundred men confronted the Mexicans under their famous leader Santa Anna. All the same they whipped the fight. "Eemember the Alamo!" "Eemember Goliad!" stirred every heart and nerved every arm. The absorbing idea was victory. Victory was theirs. All honor to the patriot warriors of 1836!
San Jacinto won, an arduous task was before them, and these men in the first Congress addressed themselves with great ability and enthusiasm to the task of solving the problem presented to their consideration. A government was to be reared amid dif- ficulties on all sides. As yet they were not recognized among the nations of the earth. They had no revenue and no credit; the Mexicans were still their enemies; the Indians were within their borders: the little army was unpaid, poorly fed, and in need of clothing, and impatient at inactivity. Some argued that they should make a forward move against Mexico, while others. Presi- dent Houston of that number, believed in resting on the victory already gained.
There were dissensions about Santa Anna, who was under a guard of twenty men about twelve miles from the capital. What was to be done with him was a great question, until Sam Hous- ton cut the Gordian knot about this time. Some of the cabinet and many of the officers of the army believed that he had for- feited his life by the outrages perpetrated at the Alamo and at Goliad. Others, with President Houston as their leader, in- sisted that he should be treated as a prisoner of war. President Houston commissioned three well known brave and true men, his own selection — Col. B. E. Bee, Colonel Patton, and G. W.
38
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
Hockley — who in a quiet manner accompanied him overland to
the Mississippi, thence up the river and across the country to Washington City, D. C.
Stephen F. Austin, then Secretary of State, the leader of the colony that had taken possession of this beautiful Brazos coun- try lay dying at Geo. B. McKinstry's, in the town. He had toiled
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN.
long and well for his people, and just as they had begun to taste the cup of happiness, they must lose his counsel in the State.
Then in the army who should and who should not be com- mander-in-chief, now that Houston was elected President, was another very much discussed question. Eusk was left in charge at first after Houston. When he wished to resign, Lamar was appointed to take the place, but declined on account of opposi- tion on the part of the soldiers, and Eusk remained in command.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 39
Afterward Felix Huston was commander-in-chief for a time, when Albert Sidney Johnston came on tlie scene and was ap- pointed to take command. Then followed that remarkable his- torical duel that left Johnston a badly crippled up man for some time.^
On many points there was great divergence of opinion; but bound together by a common interest, having the same hopes and the same fears, when the public good called them to duty the grand men of the early days of Texas were never found wanting. In no other way could the glorious new-born Repub- lic have grown in strength and dignity amid the perils that beset her from first to last. I made the acquaintance of some of these men then, and a few months later most of them became my friends.
The strong, massive characters of the people, and the apparent grandness of the country, impressed me greatly. So thoroughly was I persuaded of the bright prospect ahead for those who would settle promptly, that I at once made up my mind that if my young city wife would give up New Orleans and follow me, Texas would be our home.
My stay in Texas was short, but I had found my country. Judge Ben C. Franklin had already administered to me the oath of allegiance to the young Eepublic; and as I was eager to begin life as a Texan, I hastened back to my wife to jointly perfect our plans.
I took passage for New Orleans on the schooner Julius Caesar, arriving at that port on November 28th, after a little more than a Hxonth's absence. One of my fellow passengers, whose ac-
2 "War Department, "Columbia, February 7, 1837. "Dr. A. Ewing, Surgeon General:
"Sir — -I am requested to instruct you to repair forthwith to the headquarters of the army, there to consult with the faculty on the case of Gen. A. Sidney Johnston, who has been badly wounded by a pistol shot.
"You will report while at the army the names of all surgeons em- ployed there; also a minute account of the situation of the medical de- partment, so that all deficiencies may be remedied.
"William S. Fisher,
"Secretary of War."
40 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
quaintance I then made, was the Hon. Wm. H. Wharton,* min- ister to the United States, en route for Washington. With him was his son, John A., then a bright ten-year-old lad. A quarter of a century afterwards or more I will have occasion in my nar- rative to notice the grown-up boy.
^Whar ton's instructions, made out by the first Texan Secretary of State, Stephen F. Austin, emphasized two vital points: 1. The recog- nition of the independence of Texas. 2. The annexation of Texas to the United States. Recognition was to be pressed first. The Congress had not then taken any action on our western boundary. Austin, in his instructions, named the Rio Grande, but if that hindered recogni- tion, Texas would recede to a point on the gulf half way between the mouth of the Rio Grande and Corpus Christi Bay, and thence on the dividing ridge between the Nueces and Rio Grande north to the Pecos fifty miles above its confluence with the Rio Grande, and up the Pecos to its main source, and thence due north to the forty-second parallel.
Minister Wharton, under date of New Orleans, December 2d, thus writes the Secretary of State: "I believe I told you at Washington that after my protest to General Jackson against the sale of Texas by Mexico, which was at first supposed to be the business of Gorostiza (the Mexican Minister at Washington), I had a long and as I conceived demi- official conversation with Donelson (the President's private secretary), in which he stated that if the United States chose to give Mexico a few millions for a quitclaim of Texas by way of hush money, leaving to Texas the arrangement of the terms of annexation, that Texas ought not through pride object to it. I answered him then, as I will again unless otherwise instructed, that the treaty between Texas and the United States must precede the hush money to Mexico; that after Texas was annexed the United States might give what she pleased, and that Texas for her part would never give Mexico anything but lead in pur- chase of peace and independence." — Ed.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 41
CHAPTER THREE.
Removal to Texas— Settlement in the New Town of Houston— Opening of Congress— The Telegraph Newspaper— Indian Pow-wows — Vari- ous Incidents— San Jacinto Ball at the Capitol— Celebration at Lib- erty—Lost and Benighted on the Prairie— First Purchase of Wild Land— Assistant Clerkship in the House of Representatives— Join- ing the Masons— Currency Meeting— Appointed Comptroller by President Houston — The Philosophical Society.
It was not long before my Creole wife decided with me for Texas. A few days before Christmas we accordingly embarked on the schooner Corolla, bound for Quintana, which port we reached in good time after a stormy voyage.
There were twenty-five or thirty passengers, including John W. Dancy, afterwards a prominent figure in Texas politics. He made his appearance on the schooner booted and spurred. After passing out the mouth of the Mississippi, the swell of the open sea, though not rough, made Dancy deathly sick, and he lay about the cabin and on the deck covered with freight, mostly barrels, in perfect abandon. The sailors passing fore and aft on duty were compelled to step over him so frequently that one of them became fretted and said to him, "Get out of the way, or I'll throw you overboard," to which Dancy only replied, "I wish you would." He doubtless felt it would be a relief, for he was so sick that he never took off his spurs. As he had come aboard booted and spurred, so he landed at Quintana, ready to mount a pony for the interior.
As on my first entrance into Texas, I brought with me for sale a stock of goods, staple groceries, flour, sugar, coffee, bacon, and other things. I hastened matters, for the reason that on the first of January, 1837, the duties were to be increased on all importations into Texas. Others, of course, were moved by the same cause, and there was great activity in this business. I suc- ceeded in getting a vessel promptly, and entered the Brazos among the foremost.
Our vessel had scarcely been made fast upon our arrival at Velasco before an officer, who proved to be MaJ. Isaac N. More- land, the commandant of the post, came on board. He desired
42 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
to know what cargo there was on the schooner. Learning from the captain that there were one hundred barrels of flour on board, he at once said, "I must have it for the army. To whom is it consigned ?" The captain informed him that the owner was on the vessel, called me, and introduced me as the owner of the flour. Major Moreland then said, "The troops are suffering, and I must have the flour on government account. What is the price?" I told him that the flour had cost very high in conse- quence of the upper rivers being closed with ice when I pur- chased, and to make anything I must have $18 per barrel in gold. He assented to the price, but remarked, "You will have to take government receipts." I then explained my condition, that it would ruin me flnancially if I did not receive the money for the flour; that it was purchased on very short time, and I would not be able to meet the obligation. I then said: "There will be several vessels arriving in a few days, all with flour on board. I will give you ten barrels of my flour. That will run you until other arrivals, when you can draw additional supplies from them, making it equal on us all. We compromised on that. I turned over to him ten barrels at $30 per barrel, taking government certificates. These were paid to me some fifteen years afterward, ujDon the sale of the Santa Fe territory to the United States. Thus one part of my merchandise was put out on long time without any interest, at the period when I needed it most; but that was in common with many other citizens, and we all sub- mitted cheerfully. Besides this, another circumstance affected my mercantile prospects. Congress, before adjourning, had ex- tended the time for the importation of goods under the tariff already existing. The result of this was to glut the market, particularly with the necessaries of life. Thus I did not sell out so rapidly. Probably this was the means of moving me from the Brazos to a new place and changing my whole life, as I did not make such a financial success in mechandising as to fasten me to it.
A few days after landing, the schooner Mexicana was captured by the Texas privateer Tom Toby. She fortunately had quite a large lot of Mexican sack flour, as well as other valuable army supplies on board. She was taken in charge by Capt. R. J. Cal-
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 43
der, the sheriff at that time of a large adjacent territory. He employed me to assist him in the sale of the captured cargo.
This was my f]rst labor for the government of Texas, soon after I had come to make my home in Texas, in December, 1836.
Velasco was then the prospective seaport and commercial em- porium of the young republic that was cradled in the rich valley of the Brazos, and now again after half a century she lifts her head with buoyant hope of success.
This work at Velasco accomplished, to make my wife com- fortable, we went up to Brazoria and boarded with Mrs. Jane Long, the widow of Gen. Jas. Long. He invaded Texas with about 300 men, taking Nacogdoches in 1819, but after a series of misfortunes was captured at Goliad in 1821 and taken off to Mexico. His faithful wife, left at Bolivar Point, near Galveston Island, and deserted by all but a servant girl, remained at her post during the succeeding winter, vainly expecting the return of General Long, who was murdered in the City of Mexico. To keep off the Karanchua Indians, Mrs. Long herself frequently fired off the cannon at the fort. She was rescued the next year by some of Austin's colonists. Mrs. Long's career had in it a touch of romance very rare even in the Southwest. She was a sensible, strong-minded woman, and she highly entertained us with the recital of her thrilling adventures.
We made some distinguished acquaintances at Mrs. Long's — among others. Judge Ben C. Franklin and General Lamar, then Vice-President of the Republic, in the prime of life and the halo of his glory won at San Jacinto. He was a man of the French type, five feet seven or eight inches high, with dark complexion, black, long hair, inclined to curl, and gray eyes. Lamar was peculiar in his dress; wore his clothes very loose, his pants being of that old style, very baggy, and with large pleats, looking odd, as he was the only person I ever saw in Texas in that style of dress. I found the Vice-President rather reserved in conversa- tion; it was said, however, that he was quite companionable vidth his intimate friends. He had proved his soldiership at San Ja- cinto— he was now trying the role of statesman. One of the guests at Mrs. Long's was telling a fishy story, with extra embel- lishments, when Lamar dryly remarked: "I have known men
44 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
to add a little fiction to their stories to make them interesting, but this fellow lies without metes, bounds, or landmarks." *
Judge Franklin, also a soldier of San Jacinto, as I under- stand, presided over the first court held under the judicial sys- tem of American Texas. Judge Franklin was about six feet high, well proportioned, with fair complexion and dark hair, a good lawyer, affable and courteous in manners.
Shortly after this, coming from Quintana to Brazoria on horseback, I was belated, got lost, and had to spend the night in the Brazos bottom. The darkness was made hideous by the yelp- ing of wolves, the cries of the Mexican panther, and the never ending hum of mosquitos. Being green from the States, I almost despaired of life, while anxiously waiting the issue. The wel- come morning brought me deliverance, but on my arrival at the boarding house my face appeared so disfigured by mosquito bites that my wife scarcely recognized me. This horrible night's ex- perience in the Brazos bottom six decades ago is still distinct in my memory.
About the last of December, 1836, I met the brothers A. C.
*" Through the period of a long life the ex- Vice President, Governor Lorenzo de Zavala, has been the unswerving and consistent friend of liberal principles and free government. Among the first movers of the Revolution in his native country, he has never departed from the pure and sound principles upon which it was originally founded. This steady and unyielding devotion to the holy cause of liberty has been amply re- warded by the high confidence of the virtuous portion of two republics. The gentleman, the scholar, and the patriot, he goes into retirement with the undivided affections of his fellow citizens; and I know, gentle- men, that I only express your own feelings when I say that it is the wish of every member of this assembly that the evening of his days may be as tranquil and happy as the meridian of his life has been useful and honorable." — Extracts from Lamar's inaugural address.
He had poetical and literary taste, and if he wished to say a thing he could do it admirably well.
Just before this time, November 15, 1856, his predecessor in office, Lorenzo de Zavala, passed away at his home on Bufi'alo Bayou, near Lynchburg. I regret that I had not the opportunity of knowing this great and good man. Subsequently I became well acquainted with and frequently visited his elegant family at their old homestead. His death occurred in less than one month after Vice President Lamar's compli- mentary remarks.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 45
and J. K. Allen, whose acquaintance I had made before at Co- lumbia. These thorough-going business men had tried to pur- chase the site of old Harrisburg for the purpose of founding a town, but failing in this they bought the Parott league, a few miles above, on Buffalo Bayou. On this league, at the head of navigation, they had laid out the new town of Houston, named in honor of the President of the Republic. By their enterprise and influence they had succeeded in getting the seat of government removed to that place, to remain until 1840.
These brothers (A. C. and J. K.) had been in Texas three or four years, and three other brothers arrived in Houston soon after its location — all of them good and prominent citizens.
J. K. Allen was a very bright, quick man, with much magic about him, and well calculated to enthuse the young. A. C. was more taciturn and settled; he was a married man, with his fam^ ily then in Nacogdoches. The former died very soon after locat^ ing the place; the latter lived many years thereafter.
The Aliens encouraged me to go with them, taking the goods still on hand to open a house in the town of Houston. We took a small steamer called the Laura, owned by McKinney & Wil- liams. It was commanded by Captain West, a boy chum of mine, and son of Dr. West, of Beaufort, S. C. Among her passengers were J. K. Allen, one of the proprietors of the new town, Gen. Mcsely Baker, and Judge Benjamin C. Franklin, both distin- guished lawyers of this section, the former the captain of a com- pany at San Jacinto. We made a safe run into Galveston Bay, where we lay aground several days, and thence up the bay and Buffalo Bayou, arriving at Harrisburg without difficulty. The navigation after entering the bayou was good, with plenty of water and breadth, until we reached this place.
Here we were cordially welcomed by the people of the village, among them the Birdsalls, Wilsons, Richardsons, and Harrises. The town was called Harrisburg, as was also the county, after the last named family. Subsequently the name of the county was changed to Harris by law. My friend, Mrs. Andrew Briscoe, now living in Houston, is a daughter of Mr. John R. Harris of this place. She is now the widow of Capt. Andrew Briscoe, who com- manded a company of regulars at the battle of San Jacinto. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Sub-
46 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
sequently I had the pleasure of having him for a friend and neighbor for many years. jNTo boat had ever been above this place, and we were three days making the distance to Houston, only six miles by the dirt road, but twelve by the bayou. The slow time was in consequence of the obstructions we were com- pelled to remove as we progressed. We had to rig what were called Spanish windlasses on the shore to heave the logs and snags out of our way, the passengers all working faithfully. All hands on board would get out on the shore, and cutting down a tree would make of it a windlass by boring holes in it and placing it upon a support and throwing a bight of rope around it, secure one end to a tree in the rear and the other to the snags or fallen trees in the water. Then by means of the capstan bars we would turn the improvised capstan on land, and draw from the track of our steamer the obstructions. Capitalist, dignified judge, mili- tary heroes, young merchant in fine clothes from the dressiest city in the United States, all lent a helping hand. It being necessary to lie by at night, in the evenings we had a good time dancing and frolicking with the settlers on the shore, who were delighted to see "newcomers from the States."
Just before reaching our destination a party of us, becoming weary of the steamer, took a yawl and concluded we would hunt for the city. So little evidence could we see of a landing that we passed by the site and run into White Oak Bayou, only realiz- ing that we must have passed the city when we struck in the brush. We then backed down the bayou, and by close observation discovered a road or street laid oft' from the water's edge. Upon landing we found stakes and footprints, indicating that we were in the town tract.
This was about the first of January, 1837, when I discovered Houston. For though I did not accompany Columbus when he discovered America, as is asserted, I certainly was in at the dis- covery of Houston, the Laura being the first steamer that ever reached her landing. Wharves were not in Texas.
A few tents were located not far away; one large one was used as a saloon. Several small houses were in the course of erec- tion. Logs were being hauled in from the forest for a hotel to be erected (where the Hutchins House now stands) by Col. Ben- jamin Fort Smith, who was the inspector-general at the battle
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS, 47
of Sau Jacinto. A small number of workmen were preparing to build cabins, business houses, and this hotel. We boarded on the steamer for several days, and in the meantime hastened busi- ness upon the shore.
Immediately I made a contract with the agent of the Aliens, J. S. Holman, to have put up for me a small clapboard house on a lot that I had purchased from the town company, paying $250 for the lot and $350 for the house. This was built of three-foot pine* boards and covered with three-foot boards, and contained all told one room about twelve feet square and a smaller shed room. There was one door leading into the main room and one door from that room into the shed room, both of three-foot boards, with all hinges and fastenings made of wood. There was no window in the house. When air and light were wanted, a board was knocked off. A few rough boards were laid down for the floor, not extending under the bed. This, I believe, is the house Judge D. T. Tyler built for me. All lumber used at that time in building was sawed by hand and cost $150 per 1000 feet. The bedstead put up in the corner was made by driving forked sticks into the ground and laying poles across with clap- boards for slats to support the moss mattress.
Henry Allen, one of the proprietors of the town, had a small log house, and I contracted with him to take care of my goods till I should go back to the Brazos for my wife and my mer- chandise.
I went by steamboat for my wife and goods on the Brazos. We returned the same way and reached our clapboard shanty without accident in good time. I also contracted for and had built a large wooden structure as a storehouse, costing nearly $6000. My friend, Bobert P. Boyce, was the builder. He proved to be a substantial, worthy, enterprising citizen, and was well known to all the old veterans, as he was one of them.
In our two-roomed mansion we lived, sleeping for many months on our thin moss mattress, until we could get our fur- niture from New Orleans. Brother Tom also came to live with us. We were young and happy, and although accustomed to every comfort and some luxuries, we took cheerfully every in- convenience and hardship, looking with hope to the great future of Texas. And I can say that neither of us ever regretted the
48 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
move in our youthful days from the great Southern mart, New Orleans.
About this time I sold the first tlour sold by the barrel, and the first entire sack of coffee sold in Houston, the flour at $30 per barrel and the coffee at 25 cents per pound, gold.
Harrisburg County, created by the General Council at San Felipe, had just been fully organized. Captain Andrew Briscoe, elected chief justice by the first Congress, proceeded under the law to hold elections for precinct and county officers, with these results: Sheriff, John W. Moore; coroner, Wm. Little; clerk district court, Jas. S. Holman; clerk county court, Dewitt Clin- ton Harris.
So there was nothing lacking now in the way of good civil government.
Captain Briscoe rather distrusted his own abilities, as appears from one of his letters dated Harrisburg, January 9, 1837, to General Eusk, then Secretary of State. I give the following extract from this letter in the office of the Secretary of State: "You must be aware that none but lawyers can pretend to do law business correctly. It is extremely awkward to undertake a kind of business of which one is entirely ignorant of the rules and form of proceedings. I believe I am a good soldier; but I shall make a very indifferent probate judge or notary public." The people, however, differed with the captain in this matter, and the veteran of San Jacinto was recognized as a most intelli- gent and efficient civil officer.
The different governmental bodies of Texas, as the Consulta- tion, the Provisional Government, and the Government ad in- terim, had met at various points in small frame buildings or shanties, and when the first Congress of the Constitutional Gov- ernment assembled at Columbia, each house had to occupy a small frame building. I will right here name all the capitals that American Texas ever had up to this time: San Felipe de Austin, Washington, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, Colum- bia, and lastly Houston.
The archives had already been brought over from Columbia, and many of the prominent officials, including President Hous- ton, had arrived at the new seat of government.
The Aliens had undertaken to provide a capitol building at
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
49
Houston, but fearing they might not have it ready for the meet- ing of Congress on the 1st of May, erected on Main Street a one-story building covering the front of an entire block. At one corner of the block a large room was constructed for the Senate, and on the other corner a larger one for the House of Eepre- sentatives, and the space between partitioned oif into rooms for the department offices. Col. Thos. W. Ward was the capitol con- tractor under the Aliens. The work was not begun till the 16th
CAPITOL OF THE REPUBLIC, 1837-39.
of April, but it was pushed with such energy that the capitol, though not finished, was far enough advanced to accommodate Congress and the heads of departments. Accordingly, on May l.?t, the adjourned session of the First Congress met in the re- spective chambers, "fitted up and furnished for business."
Next after organization of the two houses came the imposing ceremonies attendant upon the delivery of the President's mes- sage.
At 12 m. (May 5, 1837) his excellency the President entered the hall of the representatives accompanied by the heads of the several departments and other officers of the Government, and also by Joseph Tucker Crawford, Esq., his Britannic Majestjr's
50 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
consul at Tampico, now commissioned to this Republic, all preceded by a joint committee of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives.
"The President was received by the members of the two houses standing, with heads uncovered, and conducted to a seat be- tween the president pro tem. of the Senate and the speaker of the House.
The heads of the departments, the British commissioner, and the other attendants of his excellency were accommodated with seats on the right and on the left of the speaker's chair.
"The members having resumed their seats, after a short pause his excellency rose and read his message." (See House Journal, p. 9.)
Among the matters noted by the President was the recent recognition of Texan independence by the United States and the improved prospects of the Republic thereby; the unsatisfactory state of the finances; his dissatisfaction at the land law; the in- formation that a delegation consisting of twenty northern In- dians on the borders of the United States had visited Matamoros and stipulated with the Mexican authorities to furnish that gov- ernment 3000 warriors, well armed, as soon as it would invade Texas; the favorable state of the army, which reflects credit upon its general [Albert Sidney Johnston];, the effort being made to procure a navy; the iniquity of the African slave trade; and finally, as if to impress the British commissioners favorably, he gave a striking resume of the resources of Texas and her increas- ing ability to maintain her independence against all the power of Mexico.
About this time Messrs. Borden and Moore brought over their newspaper, the famous Telegraph, to Houston. The first issue gives this racy account of their troubles in moving and setting up again:
"We left Columbia on the Ifith ultimo (April, 1837), on the •steamer Yellowstone, expecting that we should be enabled to issue this number of the Telegraph in the course of the same week, but disappointment and delay have met us at every turn. At Velasco we were detained a week on account of the surf on the bar; the tide left us fast aground one day at Clopper's bar, and prevented us from reaching Ijynchburg until the evening of
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 51
the 26th, and a great part of the ensuing day was spent in groping (if a steamboat can grope) at the rapid rate of one or two miles an hour to the very crown of the 'head of navigation' on Bufl'alo Bayou at the city of Houston.
"On landing we determined to take time by the forelock, and immediately proceeded in search of the 'nearly finished building intended for our press.' Our search was fruitless; like others who have confided in speculative things, we have been deceived. No building had ever been nearly finished at Houston intended for the press. Fortunately, however, we have succeeded in rent- ing a shanty which, although like the capitol in this placSj
'Without a roof and without a floor, Without windows and without a door.'
is the only convenient building obtainable. We have therefore been compelled to engage it during this session of Congress.
"N. B. — Our troubles have not yet ended. The shanty is fall- ing about our ears, two massive beams have dropped down upon the stands, made a most disgusting in, and have driven the work- men to seek safety outside. The devil alone looks smiling at the mischief."
Among the early entertainments of the new town was a visit of wild Indians to have with President Houston a "big talk." We give it as told by a correspondent of the Philadelphia Morning Chronicle of that date:
"Early in May.. 1837, a day or two after the opening of the Congress at the city of Houston, several tribes of Indians being encamped in the splendid forest which covers the undulating ground on the opposite side of Buffalo Bayou where the city is situated, a 'big talk' was arranged with the President Gen. Sam Houston, and the cabinet of Texas, at which Mr. Crawford was invited to be present.
"The "^talk' was held in the White House of Texas, General Houston's residence, then a log cabin consisting of a passage or hall open at both ends, and a room of very moderate dimensions on each side.
"On the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto (21st of April) a lofty flagstaff had been erected on Main Street, and on
52 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
this occasion a splendid silk flag of the new Republic was for the first time displayed from it. Around this flag several hundreds ol Indians and squaws danced a grand war dance. . . . They began nioving around the center like so many radii, as is done in the flower dance when represented on the stage, accompanying the movement in a dull and monotonous sort of music of their own voices, which became quicker and quicker till they got into a very rapid motion with occasional shouts and yells, and then all at once stopped and suddenly dispersed.
"After this, the chiefs adjourned to the 'talk.' These con- sisted of some six elderly and very sedate, grave gentlemen, who were seated around a table and communicated through an in- terpreter. The latter appeared a very intelligent, middle-aged man, and seemed to possess the implicit confidence of the chiefs."
"General Houston acquitted himself with his usual tact on such occasions, and aroused a real enthusiasm by his 'talk' to the redmen. But nothing can be done towards treating with In- dians without presents, so next comes that most impoi Lant part of the whole ceremony.
"In the afternoon the presents were delivered and instant dis- tribution began, each carrying away his respective share. To- bacco seemed of all the articles they received to be the most es- teemed. Drunkenness then began, and at last General Houston had to send around to the liquor stores to request that no more whisky should be sold, which had the effect of inducing them quietly to retire to their camp, but the woods rang nearly all night with their yells."
These Indians, when out of sight, forgot all their fine talk with General Houston, and on their way back to their country killed and scalped several whites.
Among the notables at Houston on the opening of Congress were Alcee La Branche, the United States charge d'affaires, and R. J. Walker of Mississippi, the first mover of Texas independ- ence in the United States Senate.
The ornithologist, J. J. Audubon, gives the following interest- ing account of his visit to President Houston in his diary. May 4, 1837:
"We walked towards the President's house accompanied by the
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 53
Secretary of the Navy, and as soon as we rose above the bank we saw before us a level of far-extending prairie destitute of timber, and rather poor soil. Houses half finished and most of them without roofs, tents and Liberty pole, with the capitol, were all exhibited to our view at once. We approached the President's mansion, however, wading in water above our ankles. This abode of President Houston is a small log house consisting of two rooms and a passage through, after the Southern fashion. The moment we stepped over the threshold on the right hand of the passage we found ourselves ushered into what in other countries would be called the antechamber. The ground floor, however, was muddy and filthy; a large fire was burning, and a small table covered with paper and writing material was in the center; campbeds, trunks, and different materials were strewed around the room. Here we were presented to Mr. Crawford, an agent of the British minister to Mexico, who has come on a secret mission. The president was engaged in an opposite room on some national business and we could not see him for some time. Meanwhile, we amused ourselves by walking in the capitol, which was yet without a roof, and the floors, benches, and tables of both houses of Congress were as well saturated with water as our clothes had been in the morning. Being invited by one of the great men of the place to enter a booth to take a drink of grog with him, we did so; but I was rather surprised that he offered his name in- stead of the cash to the barkeeper.
"We first caught sight of President Houston as he walked from one of the grogshops, where he had been to stop the sale of ardent spirits. He was on his way to his house, and wore a large gray coarse hat; and the bulk of his figure reminded me of the appearance of General Hopkins of Virginia; for, like him, he is upward of six feet high and strong in proportion. But I observed a scowl in the expression of his eyes that was forbidding and disagreeable. We reached his abode before him, but he soon came in and we were presented to his excellency. He was dressed in a fancy velvet coat and trousers trimmed with broad gold lace, and around his neck was tied a cravat somewhat in the style of '76. He received us kindly, was desirous of retaining us for awhile, and offered us every facility in his power. He at once
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removed us from the anteroom to his private chamber, which by the way was not much cleaner than the former. We were sev- erally introduced by him to the different members of his cabinet and staff, and at once asked to drink with them, which we did, wishing success to the new Eepublic. Our talk was short, but the impression which was made on our mind at the time by himself, his officers, and the place of his abode, can never be for- gotten."
Houston having been made the seat of government, at once be- came the attractive point of all Texas. Water communication wa= good down Buffalo Bayou to Galveston, and vessels at once engaged in making regular trips to that city from New Orleans and other points, and many delivered their cargoes at the Hous- ton wharf. A large trade soon sprang up with the country by means of ox teams and the capital city soon became the com- mercial mart of the Republic. Capital began to flow to it, and industrious, enterprising men engaged in all occupations, giving the city a lively business air.
Yet while it was eligibly located, having the advantage of good navigation and a very rich tributary country, it was a very muddy place, almost the entire town tract being black, stiff land, and with very poor drainage, so that, with the immense wagon trade, the roads and streets, although very wide and handsome, were almost impassable in wet weather.
Then building material at an early day was scarce and high, owing much to the want of labor. There was no stone, and for a long time no brick was manufactured, though material in abundance for them was there and it is now largely utilized. Ijumber, so abundant nearby and running so many mills at piesent, was furnished then only by the whip-saw. An occasional cargo came in from abroad and was sold as high as $100 to $150 per 1000 feet. Thus very few good houses were built the first few years. In fact the majority of the buildings for a long time were of logs, clapboards, and rough sawed boards, and the heat- ing done by stick and mud chimneys. Stoves at that time were very seldom if ever seen.
The army was being furloughed in the winter of 1837 and 1838, and finally disbanded. This brought a large number of soldiers to the city, consequently there was much dissipation.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 55
gambling, and fighting. The city, however, was well officered and policed, and very little outlawry was permitted. Courts were organized and punishment was meted out promptly.
An occurrence at an early day shows how Houston failed to get a carriage factory and lost at least one good immigrant. Charles Hedenberg, of the firm of Hedenberg & Vedder, com- mission merchants, had induced an uncle of his to come out from New Jersey with the view of establishing a carriage manu- factory. Arriving very early in the morning, his trunks were taken to the business house of Hedenberg & Vedder. About 10 o'clock of that day Hedenberg suggested to his uncle that the Congress of the Eepublic was then in session, and that if he would go up to the capitol he might be entertained, and after a while they would go to the house. The Jersey man proceeded to the capitol after a short time, and while seated in the Senate chamber rapid firing took place in the hall of the building, which caused everyone to leave the chamber. Repairing to the hall to see what was going on, he (Hedenberg) witnessed the bearing off of Algernon Thompson, badly shot by one Brashear, both clerks in the senate. He probably had never shot a pistol or seen the effects of a shot before, and immediately left the build- ing, going down Main Street on the west side. After traveling very fast and walking several blocks, in passing the Round Tent Saloon a soldier who was shot by one Seevey nearly fell upon him. He at once with a double quick rushed across to the east side of the street, and just as he got over and directly in front of John Carlos' Saloon a party rushed out of the door, almost running against him, with his bowels protruding from an im- mense bowie knife wound inflicted by a discharged soldier. His steps were again quickened and he hastened to the store of his nephew nearby, out of breath, and gasped "Charley, have you sent my trunks to the house?" "No, uncle; not yet." "Well, do not send them. Get me a dray so I can at once take them to the boat that leaves for Galveston this afternoon." "Why, uncle, what do you mean? Why, you have seen nothing; have not had time to look at the town." "Charley, I have seen enough. I wish to return home immediately. I do not wish to see any more of Texas." Charley had been busy in the store and knew nothino; of the scenes that had been witnessed bv his
56 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
New Jersey uncle and so was quite surprised at the causes lead- ing to the hasty return of his kinsman, who immediately took his h£.ggage to the boat, got in his stateroom, left Texas, and never returned.
I arrived at the capitol before Thompson, who was severely but not fatally shot, was borne away; but I saw and heard noth- ing of the New Jersey man, to whom I had been introduced in the morning, until I returned to the store of Hedenberg & Ved- der. Charley was a great friend of mine and brother to Maggie Hedenberg, who was then at our house, where she remained un- til she married C. K. Hall, both lifelong friends of ours. So on their account I was more than usually interested in the new im- migrant, and though I have often laughed over it since that time, I sympathized deeply with him when Charley gave me a regret- ful and graphic description of his uncle's quick departure.
Yet the courts of justice performed their duty sternly and with good results. To give an illustration of speedy punishment, one "Quick" killed a man with whom he was gambling, one "Jones'" killed "Mandrid Wood," a member of the celebrated New Orleans Grays, all of them soldiers. The grand jury was in session. They were indicted, tried, and convicted of murder in the first degree. I was foreman of the jury in one of the cases. The defendants were represented by able counsel, one of the counsel being Charles Watrous, a very able lawyer, quite dis- tinguished later on, and who died a federal judge. Motions were made and argued for new trials, and every effort made to delay the sentence of death. Judge J. W. Eobinson" overruled every motion made, although the defendants' attorneys asserted that if the men were hung they would be judicially murdered. They were brought into court for sentence. It had been rep- resented to the court that the jail was very insecure, the weather was cold, and the prisoners quite uncomfortable, particularly as they had to be kept ironed for security. So the judge pro- nounced sentence that the two men, "the prisoners, in conse- quence of the insecurity of tlie jail, the extreme cold weather, and their uncomfortable situation," be hung on the Friday fol-
^ Lieutenant-Governor under the Provisional Government in 1835-36, and acting Governor on the deposition of Henry Smith.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 57
lowing their conviction, which was done; and the spot where they were executed is called to this day "hangmen's grove."
It must be borne in mind that at the time of these occur- rences the country was just emerging from a war that had been going on for a long while. Every man with but few exceptions had been in the army and bore arms, and the few civilians out- side of the military were in the habit of going armed; so that people were ready to resent insult and wrong without waiting for the slow process of the law, hence many personal difficulties occurred.
It can be said, however, that in those times very few brutal murders or assassinations took place; generally when killings occurred they were caused from sudden difficulties and in hot blood.
For the fact is, from the very first settlement of Houston we had good people, intelligent men, and elegant women — men and women of good breeding and fine culture. We had them from the different States and from foreign countries and with all the wildness and recklessness of a new country in her environs so- ciety was on a firm, fixed, and honest basis. We soon had a good legal bar, with proper courts, learned physicians, good preachers, and intelligent school teachers.
Just one year from the battle of San Jacinto we had a grand San Jacinto ball, and it would have reflected credit on any one of the large cities of the United States on account of the great number attending, drawn for miles from the settled portions of the State, the many beautiful women present with their fine costumes and the many elegant looking young men handsomely dressed. And why not? for the most of them had not been in Texas long enough to wear out the finery they had brought with them "from the States," and if anything new was purchased it generally came from N^ew Orleans, the Paris of America.
The following account is from the Ladies' Messenger. The ball came off in a large two-story building about finished on the spot now occupied by Mr. T. W. House's bank:
"Chandeliers were suspended from the beams overhead, but they reseml)led the glittering ornament of to-day in naught save the use for which they were intended. Made of wood, with sock- ets to hold the sperm candles, and distributed at regular dis-
58 LUBBOCK' 8 MEMOIRS.
tances, each pendant comprised five or six lights, which shed a dim radiance, but alas, a liberal spattering of sperm upon the dancers beneath. The floor being twent}^ feet wide, by fifty feet in length, could easily accommodate several cotillions, and, al- though the citizens of Houston were very few, all the space was required for the large number who came from Brazoria, Colum- bia, San Felipe, Harrisburg, and all the adjacent country. La- dies and gentlemen came in parties on horseback distances of fifty and sixty miles, accompanied by men servants and ladies' maids, who had in charge the elegant ball costumes for the im- portant occasion. From Harrisburg they came in large row boats, that mode of conveyance being preferable to a horseback ride through the thick undergrowth, for at that time there was nothing more than a bridle path to guide the traveler between the two places.
"Gen. Moseley Baker, one of Houston's first citizens, was liv- ing with his wife and child (now Mrs. Fannie Darden) in a small house built of clapboards; the house comprised one large room designed to serve as parlor, bedroom, and dining-room, and a small shedroom at the back. The floor, or rather the lack of floor in the large apartment, was concealed by a carpet, which gave an air of comfort contrasting strongly with the surround- ings.
"As the time for going to the ball drew near, which was as soon as convenient after dark, several persons assembled at Gen- eral Baker's for the purpose of going together. These were General Houston, Frank R. Lubbock (since Governor and now State Treasurer) and his wife, John Birdsall (soon after At- torney-General), and Mary Jane Harris (the surviving widow of Andrew Briscoe). General Houston was Mrs. Baker's escort. General Baker having gone to see that some lady friends were provided for. When this party approached the ball room, where dancing had already begun, the music, which was rendered by violin, bass viol and fife, immediately struck up "Hail to the Chief;" the dancers withdrew to each side of the hall, and the whole party, General Houston and Mrs. Baker leading, and maids bringing up the rear, marched to the upper end of the room. Having here laid aside wraps, and exchanged black slip- perr. for white ones, for there was no dressing room, they were
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 59
ready to join in the dance, which was soon resumed. A new cctillion was formed by the party who had just entered, with the addition of another couple, whose names are not preserved, and l\lr. Jacoh Cruger took the place of Mr. Birdsall, who did not dance. General Houston and Mrs. Baker were partners, Mrs. Lubbock and Mr. George Cruger, and Mr. Lubbock and Miss Harris. Then were the solemn figures of the stately cotillion executed with care and precision, the grave balancing steps, the dos a dos, and others to test the nimbleness and grace of dan- cers.
"General Houston had just returned from New Orleans, where he had been since the battle of San Jacinto for the purpose of having his wound treated. Being the President elect, he was of course the hero of the day, and his dress on this occasion was unique and somewhat striking. His ruffled shirt, scarlet eassi- mere waistcoat and suit of black silk velvet, corded with gold, was admirably adapted to set off his fine, tall figure; his boots, with short red tops, were laced and folded down in such a way as to reach but little above the ankles, and were finished at the heels with silver spurs. The spurs were, of course, quite a use- less adornment, but they were in those days so commonly worn as to seem almost a part of the boots. The weakness of General Houston's ankle, resulting from the wound, was his reason for substituting boots for the slippers then universally worn by gentlemen for dancing.
"Mrs. Baker's dress of white satin, with black lace overdress, corresponded in elegance with that of her escort, and the dresses of most of the other ladies were likewise rich and tasteful. Some wore white mull, with satin trimmings; others were dressed in white and colored satins, but naturally in so large an assembly, gathered from many different places, there was great variety in the quality of costumes. All, however, wore their dresses short, cut low in the neck, sleeves generally short, and all wore orna- ments of flowers or feathers in their hair, some flowers of Mexi- can manufacture being particularly noticeable on account of their beauty and rarity.
"At about midnight the signal for supper was given, and the dancers marched over to the hotel of Mr. Ben Fort Smith, which
60 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
stood near the middle of the block now occupied by the Hutch- ins House. This building consisted of two very large rooms, built of pine poles, laid up like a log house, with a long shed extending the full length of the rooms. Under this shed, quite innocent of floor or carpet, the supper was spread; the tempting turkeys, venison, cakes, etc., displayed in rich profusion; the excellent coffee, and sparkling wines invited all to partake freely, and soon the witty toast and hearty laugh went around.
"The menu card, with its enticing suggestions to pampered appetites was not needed, nor was the costly souvenir of latter day entertainments; most truly did 'good digestion wait upon appetite,' and memory stored away in her cupboard more ludicrous incidents and witty sayings than could be gathered to- gether from a score of elegant modern soirees.
"Returning to the ball room, dancing was resumed with re- newed zest, and continued until the energy of the musicians be- gan to flag, and the prompter failed to call out the figures with his accustomed gusto; then the cotillion gave place to the time- honored Virginia reel, and by the time each couple had enjoyed the privilege of 'going down the middle,' daylight began to dawn, parting salutations were exchanged, and the throng of dancers separated, many of them never to meet again.
"Ere long the memory of San Jacinto's first ball was laid away among the mementoes of the dead, which, being with- drawn from their obscurit}' only on each recurring anniversary, continue to retain their freshness even after fifty years have flown.
"Of all the merry company who participated in that festival, only a few are known to be living at the present day. They are ex-Governor Lubbock, Capt. R. P. Boyce, Mrs. Wynns, Mrs. Mary J. Briscoe, and Mrs. Fannie Darden.
"Texan."
A celebration was held at Liberty of the battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1837. The managers were: Messrs. Luke Bryan, John Booth, Hon. E. T. Branch, Dr. Wm. G. Lewis, K. Bryan, and F. Harden.
The proceedings were as follows: At dawn of the 21st the citizens and soldiers of the place assembled and fired salutes which were heard for many miles around. At an early hour the
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 61
town was full of life and gayety, and the presence of many ladies greatly added to the scene. The place of celebration was soon crowded, and an appropriate address was delivered by the orator, J. B. Woods, Esq. Immediately after the oration the ladies were conducted to a sumptuous dinner, and then retired to the house to prepare to "trip the light fantastic toe." Many of the victors of San Jacinto and other citizens, to the number of 200, took possession of a second repast, and after the cloth was removed William Harden, Esq., was conducted to the chair as president of the day, and Judge Coit as vice-president, and the following were the regular toasts drank:
1. " The President of the Republic of Texas" (three cheers); tune, "March."
2. " The Vice President of the Republic of Texas" (three cheers); tune, '• Welcome La Fayette."
3. "The Day We Celebrate" (six cheers); tune, "Hail Columbia."
4. "Texas — May her foes turn pale at her name, and may she flour- ish until time is no more;" tune, "It ofttimes has been told."
5. "The Heroes of San Jacinto — Champions in the struggle for Lib- erty, they justly merit the gratitude of their country;" tune, "When wild war's deadly blast was blown."
6. "To the memory of Travis" (drank in silence).
7. "Army of Mexico — What a dust we flees kick up;" tune, "Spider and the fly. ' '
8. "Texas Navy — May she unfurl the banners of victory and ride tri- umphant on the ocean;" tune, "Lashed to the helm."
9. "Star of Texas — A beacon light to the path of liberty;" tune, "Yankee Doodle."
10. "Soldiers of Texas — May their breastworks be Honor, and Fear always a day's march behind them;" tune, "Soldier's Bride."
11. "Mexican prisoners — May they on their return home recollect the first lesson of Cyrus, 'To tell the truth;'" tune, "Dear native homes."
12. "Our host and hostess. "
13. "The fair— The highest incentives to honor."
In 1837, while I was a merchant, I left Houston to visit Bra- zoria on important business. After transacting it I started back. For the horse I was riding, a very fine animal, I paid $250 in gold. While traveling along the Brazos on the edge of the prairie I was joined by a party of men. After journeying to- gether a few miles we reached a beautiful point of woods — ma-
62 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
jestic trees, lovely shade, and fine peach soil. I had but recently arrived in Texas, and everything looked charming to me. I ex- pressed myself as carried away with this piece of wild land, whereupon the party told me it was his; that he owned the point — a labor, 177 acres — known as Parker's Point; that he would sell it very cheap, and named as his price $1000. He then told me his name, Davis Moore; that he was on his way to his father's place on Chocolate Bayou, Dr. Moore; that his papers were there; that I had better go with him, spend the night, and ride to Houston next day. I accompanied him home, and found the family owning quite a comfortable place. He exhibited his papers showing that he had purchased the land, and assuring me it was all right. I agreed to take the land, he to come to Houston in a few days for the money. The next morning, after receiving from him proper direction, as there was no plain road, I started for Houston. I had to find the way with heads of creeks and motts of wood for guides. After trav- eling a few miles a fine bunch of mustangs or wild horses came in sight. I concluded to give them chase, just for amusement. My horse was quite fleet, and soon ran in among the colts and mares. Had I been accustomed then to the use of the rope I could very easily have caught one or more. However, I was merely running them for pastime, led away by excitement. After playing with them for some time, traversing considerable ground, and preparing to resume my journey, I found my saddle- bags, with valuable papers, my Mexican blanket and saddle blanket, all gone. It then became necessary to cast about and endeavor to recover the things. Much valuable time had been lost in the racing, and after much more had been spent in the search, night came on and none of the articles were recovered. There Avas nothing to do but drop down on the prairie, with not even a tree in several miles, and camp out. Tying the horse to my saddle and laying my head upon it for a pillow, I passed the night. When morning came the search was renewed. While on the hunt I discovered a rider in the distance. I approached him, and when we met my story was told. He was very friendly, saw at once I was unaccustomed to prairie traveling, questioned me as to my running the mustangs, and finally said, "I know now where you started them; I know just how they would run;
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 63
the slough is Mustang Slough." This slough in after years I learned to know very well, for it was directly in my cow range. He remarked, "I will soon find your lost articles," and he at once proceeded to hunt the trail of the animals. Having found it he followed it nip, and in a short time we picked up all that I had dropped. He then gave me directions, so that after swim- ming one bad bayou (Bray's) I reached Houston, a tired and bet- ter informed man than when I left. But I was soon to be still better informed. My land friend appeared in a few days and received pay for the land. I rested in security, though I had only purchased a lovely elephant, having no use whatever for ii. When, however, I did think of using it, I found to my chagrin and loss that the party had no title whatever. It is true he had a paper, and may have supposed he had a title, but it was worthless. He proved also to be a worthless fellow, and I never did get a cent of my money back. I was brought up in old South Carolina, where I had never heard of a man selling any- thing that he did not own.
Now for the sequel to the mustang chase. Many years after that occurrence — about twelve years — I had started and was settled on my ranch. In the spring of the year my stockkeeper was on a hunt, particularly for my milch coavs, of which I then owned quite a large number: He discovered that many of my most valuable milkers were held by a man living in the range some fifteen miles from my ranch. He drove the cows to the pen where the calves were, and requested that they be milked and the calves turned with them so they could be driven oif. "Who are you?" was asked by the indignant fellow holding the cattle. "My name is Darwin," was the reply. "I am Mr. Lub- bock's stockkeeper. You have some of his best cattle in your pen, and he wishes them driven home that his family may have the benefit of the milk and butter." The man replied, "I know I have some of his best cows up. Do you suppose I would bother with any but the best?" "Well," said Darwin, "I am not here for fun; I am here to get Mr. Lubbock's cattle. He needs them, and it is my duty to gather and drive his stock to the ranch." "Well, Mr. Darwin, my family needs the milk and butter, too, and I can not spare the cows now. I will tell you what you do. You go liack to your ranch and tell Mr. Lubbock that I am the
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man that found him many years ago, when he was just "green from the States," on Mustang Slough, where he had been chas- ing mustangs; had lost all of his papers, his saddlebags, and blankets, and did not know how to find his way to Houston. The fact is, if it had not been for me the coyotes (wolves) would have eaten him up, and he would never have lived to have a ranch. You go home and tell him what I have said." On Dar- win's return he delivered the message, and I said: "That man is a truthful fellow; let him alone. If in driving you can get the cattle, all right; but never take one of my cows out of his pen. He is at liberty to milk my cows as long as I have any." I regret that I can not recall his name, for that man was a good Samaritan to me, and I had no wish to find fault when he thought my time had come to do the Samaritan act.
In those days there was a great deal of free and easy dealings with other people's cattle that was not severely criticised.
But 1837 was not long enough to cure me of all the freshness brought from the States.
All this time I was doing fairly well in my business as a merchant, and Houston continued to grow rapidly. Next we became ambitious and wanted a city. So Congress incorporated Houston as a city early in June, 1837. But organization hav- ing been delayed several weeks, we became impatient and held a meeting to expedite the matter.
Dr. Eobert Marsh presided over the meeting, and Thomas William Ward acted as secretary. On motion, a committee of three citizens were appointed to wait on the Chief Justice and his associates for the purpose of forwarding the views of the citizens.
Judge Batterson, Thomas William Ward, and myself consti- tuted the committee, and we were empowered to call the citizens together again in five days if action was not taken by the Chief Justice. This ended the matter, however, and the city was soon properly organized.
In the latter part of the summer I disposed of my merchan- dise. Then I determined to close up my mercantile business because I had but little capital. Goods cost high, and having bcught largely on credit in New Orleans, I was desirous of pay- ing up, which I could do by selling my store. Everybody did
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 65
not come to Texas to keep from paying their debts, as it is sometimes asserted. So I was determined to settle up and get ai something else. I was an active, go-ahead fellow, striving to make a support for my young wife, and had confidence in my own exertions being capital enough for us. Very soon an oppor- tunity presented itself for obtaining a salary.
The called session of the Second Congress convened in Hous- ton in September, and through the acquaintance and friendship formed with a number of the congressmen, I was chosen assist- ant clerk of the House of Representatives. This employment suited me, and the pay ($i: per day), though not large, supported us well, as people were supported in those days. This called session extended nearly to the regular session of the Second Congress, which met on the 5th of November.
I had made rapid proficiency in my duties as clerk, and I was, on the organization of the House, easily elected chief clerk. I was much gratified to know that I had so satisfactorily per- formed my duties that my friends in the House deemed me worthy of promotion. I am glad also to add that my worthy predecessor, Judge Fairfax Gray, much older than myself, a good lawyer and reliable citizen, soon become secretary of the Senate.
During the time of my clerkship I worked night and day. I did my very best on my duties as clerk, and at the same time I was taking in Masonry as fast as I could. Both of my grand- fathers as well as my father were Masons — my grandfather Lub- bock a distinguished Mason. So my predilections in that direc- tion began with memory and fondness for them and led me very naturally to seek admittance at an early day into the ancient and honorable order.
I have always volunteered a little advice to married men seek- ing admission into our lodges. Tell your wife and get her con- sent. Most women until they understand the object and aims of Masonry are opposed to the order, mainly because they know that married men are kept from home and their families and frequently quite late at night. They also see, unfortunately, as is too much the case, dissipation in some who are recognized as good Masons. ]\Iy wife had been reared with great prejudice against the order, although her father had been a member. He 5
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
however, was a Catholic, and late in life, becoming quite re- ligious, gave up his Masonry as required by the rules of this church. Knowing these facts, I dreaded to make my wife un- happy, and kept all knowledge of my doings on that line from her. We were in our little home alone, except for the oc- casional presence of my brother. My duties as clerk of the house kept me out quite late at night preparing for the morning's work. At the same time the lodge was busy making new mem- bers, and as secretary I was compelled to give my labors in the early part of the night to the lodge, which required me at times to spend nearly all night working up the clerk's business.
This was unkind treatment to my devoted wife, for she thought my time was occupied in my public duties. When she finally learned the facts of the case, it was a terrible blow to her. I have never since doubted that had I confided in her she would have given her consent and all would have gone well. As it was, her prejudice became greater, and to this cause more than any other must I attribute my non-advancement at this period in the order. For I was fond of the work, loved my lodge and my brother Masons, and it is often a source of much regret on my part that I should have failed in Masonic promotion and dis- tinction. So after my experience I always say, "Confide in your wife; she is your best friend; she is true when all others fail you." My wife never softened towards Masonry until in 1865.
While I was chief clerk of the House of Representatives Presi- dent Houston was occupying a small rough log cabin about twelve by sixteen feet, with probably a small shed attached. There was no fireplace — nothing but a small clay furnace in the room for him to get over and warm his fingers, Indian fashion.
The question of securing a residence at once for the president was proposed in Congress, the friends of the measure urging the immediate necessity in consequence of his great discomfort. The government was about to issue a new currency. To the commit- tee appointed to purchase a residence I proposed to sell for $6000 my store, a large old-time one-story house and a half story above, with dormer windows, if they would pay me for it out of the first money issued, so that I could remit at once to New Or- leans. I made the sale. I then remitted and paid my debts with
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 67
the money at par. In a short time the issue went down to eighty- cents on the dollar.
This house of mine thus sold to the government for an execu- tive mansion of the Republic was on the corner of Main and Preston Streets, and built by Capt. E. P. Boyce for my store- house.
During the next spring, Congress voted $3000 more for re- pairs; and when Lamar became President there was an additional appropriation of $5000 to complete, repair, and furnish the ex- ecutive mansion. As the capital was removed to Austin in the fall of 1839, President Lamar did not occupy this building long.
There was in the fall of this year (1837) much sickness among the members of Congress, caused as I believed from the use of the bayou water, which I thought impure. Having been ac- customed all my life to the use of rain water, I proposed to the Congressmen that if the\ would furnish me with $500 I could procure for them in a very few days, from New Orleans, cypress cisterns with the capacity of 10,000 gallons, and that would af- ford them an abundance of good drinking water, healthy and palatable. My offer was accepted, and the cisterns were re- ceived and put up promptly. In a few days they were filled with excellent water, which had a fine effect upon the health of the members and proved a great benefit.
A meeting of patriotic citizens was held on November 13, 1837, in the capitol, to express their views on the subject of the currency of the Republic. The officers were Maj. I. N. More- land, chairman, and Jas. W. Scott, secretary.
The committee on resolutions, composed of Anson Jones, T. J. Rusk, Thos. W. Ward, Geo. Sutherland, Wm. Lawrence, F. R. Lubbock, and A. C. Allen, reported:
"1. That in the opinion of this meeting the treasury drafts of this Republic so long as the government shall confine their issue within the range of actual resources of the country, will constitute a safe, valid, secure, and convenient circulating medium greatly superior to the average of the bank notes of foreign banks with which this country is flooded, and which heretofore have constituted our only circulating medium.
"2. That in the opinion of this meeting said bank notes are
68 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
unsafe, most of the banks whose notes are circulating here hav- ing suspended specie payment, it also 'being uncertain when they will resume them, and probable at least that many of them never will.
"3. That in the opinion of this meeting, said banks having violated their promises of payment are in fact public frauds, and the circulation of their notes ought not to be encouraged in this country, as it will expose our citizens to great and dis- astrous losses whenever the final situation of many of those banks shall become known.
"4. That being convinced of the truth and justice of these facts, the members of this meeting will use every just means in their power to encourage the circulation of the paper of our own government to the exclusion of any other currency except gold and silver.
"5. That we recommend the same course to our friends throughout the whole country, and call on their patriotism to sustain it.
"6. That the proceedings of this meeting be published in all the newspapers throughout the Eepublic."
Which report, after able and conclusive speeches from the Hon. T. J. Eusk and others, was unanimously adopted.
On motion of Gen. T. J. Rusk, it was "Resolved, that we have full confidence in the resources of the country to do strict jus- tice to the soldiers and sailors, and therefore recommend respect- fully to the Congress to pay them in the best paper issued by the government."
Before the end of this session of Congress E. M. Pease, since well known in our history, resigned his office as Comptroller to form a partnership with John A. Wharton and continue in the practice of law in Brazoria. John W. Harris was added to the firm next year, and it then was considered one of the ablest in the Republic. Mr. Pease came to Texas in 1835 and first served as a soldier, and was afterwards appointed secretary of the Pro- visional Government at San Felipe. In 1836, he was a clerk in the Navy, then in the Treasury Department. He was quite distinguished for one of his age when he retired from the office of Comptroller.
To my surprise President Houston offered me the appoint-
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
ment of Comptroller to succeed Pease. There were several ap- plicants for the office, some of them men of experience in the service, and why it was tendered to me, just entering upon my majority, I never knew. No letters of introduction or testi- monial of character were presented by me to General Houston upon my first arrival in the country, when our acquaintance began. Afterwards, while I was clerk of the House of Repre- sentatives, we were often thrown together. I became attached to him, and he appeared to like me. Houston was always kind to young men; most certainly he was in a great degree to me. Yet I had no reason to expect any great favor, especially as I was not an applicant for the office.
The appointment was accepted, however, and I immediately •began work as Comptroller. The duties of the Comptroller dur- ing the Eepublic were quite similar to those now performed by the State Comptroller. Then there were two auditors, the first who examined all military accounts; the second, all civil list ac- counts. When so examined and passed upon as correct they were handed to the Comptroller for his examination and approval, and if found correct, his warrant was drawn upon the Treasury for the amount due. There being now no auditor, the Comp- troller examines and passes upon all claims of every character, and when adopted the accounts are approved and he draws his warrant against the proper appropriation upon the Treasurer, who pays the same when in funds.
Congress passed a law authorizing the holders of the floating debt to fund their claims in what was termed a stock fund to draw 10 per cent interest, and created the office of Stock Com- missioner, who issued and signed the stock certificate; and the extra duty was placed upon the Comptroller to countersign the certificates. After quite a number of certificates had been thus countersigned, the question was raised as to the authority of the Ccmptroller to affix his signature to these certificates. A law was then passed validating the acts of the Comptroller in the matter. My particular friend, the gallant W. G. Cooke of the New Orleans Grays, was the first stock commissioner appointed under the law.
When appointed Comptroller I was about 22 years of age, and of course I had no great experience. I had to be very, very cau-
70 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
tious in my decisions; for while wishing to be just, I was sworn to protect the interest of the Republic, which means the peo- ple's interest. Many accounts had to be revised and readjusted. However, I recollect but one prominent case that caused any feeling. Colonel M — , an officer in command at Galveston, had his account approved by the first auditor. Upon its presenta- tion to me, I found quite an amount for hospital stores, includ- ing the list of articles only allowed for hospital use, such as whisky, butter, eggs, and other delicacies. The law was positive that an account of that character must have the certificate of the hospital steward that the articles were received by him and used in the hospital. This account lacked such certificate; therefore I was compelled to reject it. The officer contended that his certificate should be recognized as sufficient. I refused positively to pass the claim, and it remained in that shape till I left the office. He may have afterwards cured the defect and collected the money.
This office made me the associate of men whose minds and at- tainments I respected and admired, and I certainly strove with all my might to be equal to the honor. It was a time of bright- ness in my life that was not surpassed by any other period. The drudgery work was hard, but that fell mainly on my two clerks. The salary — $2000 per annum — enabled us to mingle in society.
I had a comfortably fitted up little home, a lovely wife, and for servants two Mexican prisoners. I could entertain my friends in a quiet way, among them the President, Mosely Baker, Dr. Ashbel Smith (Surgeon-General of the army), the Aliens and others, men of distinction and culture, as well as many a jolly good fellow that laughed at the difficulties of life. In truth, society in Houston at that early day, mixed though it was with some rough characters^, and without the sheen of later day finery, was just glorious; and I was young. I wonder if I am yet old.
As indicating the culture of the Republic I would instance the Philosophical Society of Texas, organized about this time with Mirabeau B. Lamar as president; Ashbel Smith, Anson Jones, Joseph Rowe, and David S. Kaufman, as vice-presidents; Wm. Fairfax Gray as recording secretary, and David G. Burnet as cor- responding secretary. This society dissolved, I believe, on the next removal of the capital.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 71
CHAPTER FOUE.
War Meeting in Houston— General Albert Sidney Johnston— General Houston as the Author then Viewed Him — Difficulty with Colonel Ward — Visit to Mrs. Powell's — Presidential Candidates — Anecdote of Rusk — Preachers and Churches — " The Glorious Fourth" at Gal- veston in 1838— The Bonnell Expedition — Houston's Administration; Its Work — Lamar President — My Experience as a Granger.
The report of a Mexican advance on Bexar, from Captain Karnes, caused the war meeting at the capitol, December 26, 1837. General Albert Sidney Johnston had just arrived from Kentucky.
Col. A. S. Thurston was chairman, and Francis R. Lubbock, secretary.
Gen. A. Sidney Johnston, Colonel Morehouse, Dr. Ashbel Smith, Major Moreland, Francis Moore, Jr., Hon. B. C. Frank- lin, and Colonel Thurston were appointed the committee on resolutions, and reported the following :
"Whereas, the recent intelligence from Bexar has fully im- pressed upon our minds the necessity of adopting the most prompt and energetic measures for conveying aid to our fellow citizens of Bexar and for repelling the treacherous enemy; and further, for projecting upon his country the calamities he in- tended for us; therefore, be it
"Resolved, that a committee of vigilance be instantly ap- pointed to aid and assist all who may wish to hasten immediately to the field of action, and to solicit the necessary means for pro- curing supplies of provisions, arms, horses, etc., for this import- ant object.
"Resolved, that a committee of correspondence be also ap- pointed to communicate with the citizens of the various cities and towns of the Republic, in order that by a concert of action the whole effective force of the Republic may be brought infn the field as soon as possible and enabled successfully to repel the invaders from our country.
"Resolved, that since Mexico, regardless of the example of moderation and forbearance which has been set by our govern-
72 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
ment, which, by disbanding the army, evinced our sincere de- sire to turn our swords into plowshares and prepare for peace, has wantonly invaded our country and commenced the slaughter of our citizens, knowing that the injuries thus infiieted could not be in the least beneficial to her; therefore, we consider every Texan and friend of liberty bound by duty to prosecute an offensive war against Mexico until the last vestige of tyranny shall have been swept from her limits.
"Resolved, that we hold all our means and our personal ser- vices at the disposal of our government, to enable it to prosecute vigorously, and to an immediate and eternal termination, the war with Mexico."
On motion of Andrew Neill it was
"Resolved, that all who desire to proceed immediately to the aid of Karnes and Wells will assemble in front of the capitol to-morrow morning at nine o'clock."
In accordance with the above resolutions, the following com- mittees were appointed :
Committee of Vigilance. — A. M. Tompkins, William Law- rence, W. G. Cooke, A. C. Allen, James S. Holman, B. Fort Smith, I. N. Moreland, D. C. Stanley.
Committee on Correspondence. — Dr. Ashbel Smith, Francis Moore, Jr., Hon. B. C. Franklin, Arch Wynns, General Mosely Baker.
On motion the thanks of the meeting were returned to Messrs. Davis, Borden, Ephraim, and Phillips for their several dona- tions.
On motion of Mr. Stickney, the proceedings were ordered to be published.
Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston having been appointed to com- mand on the frontier, immediately issued the order below to rendezvous on the Colorado, and after a few days of preparation and consultation with the Secretary of War, set out for the seat of war:
"Headquaeters, City of Houston, December 38, 1837. "General Order No. 1 :
"The commanding general having been instructed by the Secretary of War to take charge of the military operations on the
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 73
western frontier, orders that such portion of the militia as has been called into service and the volunteer companies that have been accepted for service by the War Department, shall rendez- vous as promptly as practicable at Mercer's ferry, on the river Colorado.
"Colonel Hockley, of the ordnance, will provide the artillery and ordnance stores requisite for the command, and repair to headquarters without delay. By order of
"Bkig. GrEN. Johnston,
"Comm. Texan Army.
"B. H. Johnston, Aid-de-Camp."
The Mexican scouting party retired on the advance of John- ston and the campaign virtually ended.
No person ever met Sam Houston in the early days of the Ee- public without being impressed with his greatness. He was then about forty-two years of age, just the prime of life. Stand- ing largely over six feet in height, with a massive, well formed hand, a most remarkable foot, measuring more around the instep than in length, a large head, a piercing gray eye, a mouth and nose indicating character, of fine proportions, and as straight as a majestic Indian, he was a most perfect specimen of physical manhood. With such a presence we can well understand that upon state occasions his manner was graceful and courtly. But more to be admired than this, among his friends he was social and agreeable, with the ladies most suave and deferential, and towards the young always kind, interesting, and assuring. Often while in conversation with ladies and children he would carve a perfectly shaped ring, heart, chain, cross, or other emblem, and tender it to some of the party. He was quite fond of whittling, keeping in his pocket soft pine or cedar and a good sharp knife for that purpose; and the making of these little presents was a pastime for himself, and by those who received them they were treasured mementoes.
Outside of his social circle on public occasions he drew the multitude to him by the power of his oratory. No man ever lis- tened to him that was not desirous of hearing him again. The charm of his imposing presence and impressive manner drew
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the people to him, and he knew full well how to hold and enter- tain them.
He was not a finished scholar — not a student of books; he was, however, a thinker — a student of men and things. In Texas he proved himself first a soldier of great ability and then a statesman. No one at all conversant with his character will
SAM HOUSTON.
controvert this proposition. If you will but scan the history of Texas and follow his career from 1835 to 1846, you can but be impressed with its truth. It is clearly demonstrated in San Jacinto and the treaty with Santa Anna following that victory, especially in his insisting that the President of Mexico should be allowed to depart from the country against the protest of many officers and soldiers of the army, the result following the release of Santa Anna proving the wisdom of his decision.
Then again the furloughing of the army of the Republic of Texas in 1837 was one of the most marked evidences of state- craft I have ever known.
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 75
He was confronted with the fact that he had in their camps some twenty-five hundred men, mostly without families and homes, volunteers from aibroad; in other words, adventurers, soldiers of fortune led to Texas with the view of warring with Mexico, all unoccupied and poorly provided with clothing and provisions, restless and clamoring for action.
President Houston and the more conservative men of Texas were satisfied with the victory at San Jacinto, and they were willing to hold the country they had, and to let Mexico alone if she would keep her armies off our soil. The great question with the President therefore was how to get rid of these soldiers. This he did by a judicious system of furloughing.
Though I came to the country at an early period and mixed with soldiers and every class of people and engaged in various kinds of business — merchandising, ranging, politics, and ranch- ing— I had managed to escape any serious personal difficulty up to the time of the trouble with Col. Thos. W. Ward. Ward did not come up to my idea of right in a business transaction between us, I abused him publicly. He then challenged me. Major Izzard bearing the message. I referred him to my best friends, Wm. M. Shepherd, Secretary of the Navy, and Col. Wm. G. Cooke, then Stock Commissioner of the Eepublic, to get them to make all necessary arrangements for the affair. Colonel Cooke said at once, "Ward can not fight Lubbock until he fights me. He is under obligations to fight me, and I do not propose to re- lieve him. The same reasons exist for his not fighting Lubbock as for his not accepting my challenge, namely, that he is in debt and under a large bond for building the capitol and he therefore can not honorably risk his life until the obligations are settled." So it was decided that I should ignore the challenge. Ward then said publicly that he would chastise me and make me apolo- gize for my abuse. I immediately prepared myself for him. I had to pass his house every day, and I carried a derringer in my pocket and another pistol in my belt, a not unusual thing at that time.
The difficulty occurred April 14, 1838, immediately on the adjournment of a joint session of Congress to hear read the President's message, and "in view of the Senate." I was in at-
76 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
tendance with Mrs. Lubbock on this occasion. The ceremonies concluded, without even procuring my hat, I passed out with Mrs. Lubboclv to the carriage, and was returning to my office, when Colonel Ward, taking advantage of the public day, made the assault, striking me with a stick. I drew my derringer and fired. The pistol was struck up by Col. Cooke, causing me fortunately to miss my man and do no hurt to anyone in the immense concourse. We were immediately arrested by the city authorities. Dr. Francis Moore, being present, placed me under bond. We were also separately taken before the Senate under a charge of contempt and allowed to defend ourselves. On my explanation, I was exonerated and allowed to go; but Ward was reprimanded by the speaker.® Thus the trouble ended. We
6 The Senate Journal, pp. 9, 10, Monday, April 10, 1838:
"On motion of Mr, Russell the following resolution was submitted:
"That the sergeant-at-arms be required to arrest the persons of Thos. W. Ward and Francis R. Lubbock and bring them forthwith be- fore the bar of this house for trial for an act of contempt committed on Saturday last. . . .
"Mr. Francis R. Lubbock was brought to the bar of the Senate by the sergeant-at-arms, under the warrant of the president, upon a charge of contempt of the Senate for firing a pistol at Thomas W. Ward in the gallery of the capitol, in view of the Senate.
"The president stated to the accused the charge on which he was arrested, and asked what he had to say in his defense.
"Mr. Lubbock addressed the Senate in explanation of the circum- stance.
"On motion of Mr. Russell, it was ordered" that F. R. Lubbock be honorably discharged from his arrest.
" The sergeant-at-arms reported that Thomas W. Ward had locked himself up in his house and refused to be arrested or seen. . . .
" Thomas W. Ward was brought to the bar of the Senate by the ser- geant-at-arms upon a charge of contempt, for making an assault on Francis R. Lubbock in the gallery of the capitol.
"The president informed the accused of the charge and asked him what he had to say in his defense.
" Mr. Ward addressed the Senate in explanation of the circumstances attending the occurrence. . . .
"On motion of Mr. Russell, amended by Mr. Everett, it was resolved that Thomas W. Ward be reprimanded by the president for the con- tempt manifested by him to this house in making a personal assault
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 77
subsequently agreed to be friends. While Colonel Ward was a passionate man, he was a patriotic citizen and a good soldier, having lost a leg in the storming of Bexar. Afterwards lie filled the office of Land Commissioner for several years with credit to himself and benefit to the country.
Of course, a challenge from a proper party in those days could not be safely declined. As it turned out, however, I never was a principal or second in a duel. The Fourth Congress effectually broke up the "inhuman and detestable practice" in 1840, by an act to suppress dueling. The penalty on conviction was a fine of $1000, twelve months' imprisonment, and perpetual dis- qualification for any office of honor, trust, or profit in the Repub- lic. This punishment applied to principals and seconds alike. Incapacity to hold office had such terrors that dueling became a thing of the past in Texas.
In the spring of 1838, Mrs. Lubbock, with the accomplished wife of John G. Welchmeyer, the second Auditor of the Repub- lic, and myself left Houston early one morning on a visit to Mrs. Powell, who lived about fifty miles distant across the Brazos. The ladies were seated in a fine old-fashioned, two-wheel vehicle then called a gig. It had a good leather top and was in every way suitable and comfortable for the occasion. The horse draw- ing the gig was a large, gentle, and quite valuable animal. I was mounted on a good Texas pony. After traveling eighteen or twenty miles, we stopped to "noon" at one of the Hodges', near Hodge's Bend, on the Brazos. A part of the refreshments was some rich, cool, and delicious buttermilk, in drinking which we all joined heartily. But I got more than my share, having drank seven large tumblers full. The afternoon ride on my hard-trotting pony, determined to keep up with the fast-going gig, was almost unbearable, as it seemed to me that I was trans- formed into a churn full of buttermilk, and that I was re- churning the milk by my hard jolting. After realizing my situation, the ladies were induced to "slow up" in their driving,
upon a citizen, in the gallery of the capitol and in view of the Senate. " The president accordingly reprimanded the accused, and he was discharged."
78 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
and I thus managed to pull through to Mrs. Gen. James Long's plantation, near Richmond. That distinguished lady treated our party with her us-ual hospitality.
After a tine country breakfast we continued our journey, arriving safely at Mrs. Powell's about noon. We received such a welcome as the old Texans always gave to their friends. Very soon we all felt perfectly at home, and it is easy to understand that for awhile the family were entertained with jokes at my ex- pense about the buttermilk. Mrs. Powell had living with her then two sons, a widowed daughter, Mrs. Kelsey, a great favorite of ours, and a single daughter. Their time was most delightfully spent at this beautiful home, for everything there was bright and cheery.
The next day all the ladies took a ride out over the prairies, I attending them as usual on my pony. Encountering a pretty little creature (that turned out to be a skunk) playing on the prairie, I got the whip from the gig and tried to have some fun with the animal at long range. It is needless to say, perhaps, that the skunk proved to be better at long range than I, even with a whip ; and I quickly drew off in bad plight, to the amuse- ment of the ladies. When I got back I was met at the gate by Mrs. Lubbock with other clothes and orders to retire to an out- house close by and make the necessary change before showing myself in the household.
Afterwards I consoled myself with the thought that, though somewhat verdant myself, I was not as much so as Algernon P. Thompson, a distinguished lawyer of Houston. This gentle- man, when fresh from England and before learning the ropes, met one of these pretty creatures for the first time, and not knowing its nature, took it up in his bosom without ruffling its temper and presented it in hand to a lady who knew the differ- ence in cats.
The intelligent student of Texas history will not fail to note that this was the Mrs. Powell in whose house Filisola held a council of war after concentrating his army a few days subse- quent to the battle of San Jacinto. It was the unanimous ver- dict of the council of war to fall back and get out of Texas as fast as possible. So the famous retreat of the Mexican army began,
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 79
never to halt on the east side of the Rio Grande. Mrs. Powell was a true Texan and retained a vivid recollection of Generals Filisola, Urrea, and Gaona, who staid over night at her house. She also saw Santa Anna and Almonte on their inarch to Harris- burg.
After a delightful visit of several days we set out on our re- turn home from Mrs. Powell's. We held up for dinner in the Brazos bottom, so as to give our horses a chance at the wild cane there. The ladies kept their seats in the gig, to which the horse remained hitched. In dropping the bits from his mouth, I carelessly let the bridle fall from his head and he darted out at full speed, dragging me with him, till the gig ran over a stump and was upset, spilling out the ladies without any serious damage to them. The gig was so badly wrecked as to be a com- plete loss. We repaired to a neighboring house, and thence pro- cured conveyance to Houston.
Although Comptroller of the Eepublic, I was, it would seem, only an inexperienced youth. I profited, however, by my ex- perience, and probably some of my young friends can see it, too. (Mem.): Never take more than two glasses of buttermilk at one time. Never take the bit out of your horse's mouth when he is hitched to a vehicle containing the wife whose life is as precious as your own; and most emphatically never fight a skunk, much less take him to your bosom like my friend A. P. Thompson, and present him to your girl.
Returning to politics, the preliminary steps for bringing out candidates for the ensuing presidency began early in the winter of 1837-38.
Lamar was first called out as a presidential candidate in a card published in the Telegraph and signed by such prominent men as S. H. Everett, J. S. Lester, I. W. Burton, W. H. Wharton, Emory Raines, A. C. Horton, John Dunn, S. C. Robertson, D. Rowlett, G. W. Barnett, and Ed T. Branch. His reply was: "I do not feel at liberty to decline the duties of any station, how- ever high and honorable, to which the voice of my fellow-citizens may call me."
Lamar had not been slow to express his dissent from Houston's policy of dealing with the Mexicans and Indians, and this was
80 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
enough to rouse the partisans of Houston as they desired his policies unclianged, whether their favorite was president or not.
The Constitution of the Eepublic did not allow a president to hold two consecutive terms of his office. Therefore "Old Sam" was out of the race, and it only remained to find a presidential candidate in harmony with Houston's views.
The Houston party was opposed to the election of General Lamar because they believed he would inaugurate distinctive measures not likely to be so beneficial to the Eepublic.
Houston's policy was one of moderation, economy, and un- ostentatious work for the good of the government. His idea was that Texas had accomplished wonders, and that the people, satisfied to maintain her independence and hold the territory she claimed, should be willing to remain quiet, looking to the in- crease of population and advancement of her material interest, making themselves day by day stronger for an emergency. Con- sequently he was opposed to all measures looking to an invasion of Mexico.
His policy towards the Indians was friendship, believing that with our want of funds and men, more could be accomplished by treaties and fair dealing with them than by continual war- fare which must result from aggressive measures.'^
Democratic in his manners, ideas, and customs, he was opposed to any extravagant expenditures in governmental affairs.
Houston's friends believed that General Lamar, while a pa- triot, brave, honest, and devoted to Texas, was poetical and vis- ionary, without rearing or experience in statecraft, disposed to be extravagant in his ideas of conducting public matters, not ap- preciating the poverty of the country, in favor of an aggressive policy both against Mexico and the Indians, and that his prin- cipal advisers and closest friends were enemies of Houston and his policy, thus binding him to an opposite course.
Fearing this would retard the growth of the country and in-
■^ Dr. Wm. Preston Johnston, of Tulane University, in his "Life of General Albert Sidney Johnston," his father, calls Houston's policy to- wards Mexico a do-nothing policy, and not a defensive policy, as claimed for it. A short time before his death, ex-Governor O. M. Roberts in a conversation on the subject with the Editor, said that Johnston's char- acterization of Houston's foreign policy was eminently just; and further, that it was a wise policy. — Editor.
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volve it in difiiculty and debt, they proposed to select a candi- date for the presidency favoring their own views.
There was a large and enthusiastic meeting of the friends of General Eusk at Houston about the middle of May. I. N. Moreland presided, and I acted as secretary. I was also put on the committee on resolutions, the other members being Anson Jones, W. M. Bronaugh, Wm. G. Cooke, Henry Millard, and T. Ii\ L. Parrott. Vigorous resolutions were then adopted, recom- mending General Eusk as a suitable man for the presidency, and calling upon him to be a candidate. The chair then appointed three committees from the eastern, middle, and western dis- tricts respectively, to wait upon General Eusk and present him the said resolutions. He was then at the capital as a member of Congress. Eusk promptly answered the call in a courteous letter acknowledging the honor, but declining on account of his financial embarrassments and alleged ineligibility, not having attained the constitutional age of thirty-five; and for the fur- ther reason stated in his correspondence with General Lamar the year before, indorsing Lamar's candidacy.
In the meantime Lamar's friends were not idle. They held on May 19th a meeting, of which Dr. B. T. Archer was president and I. W. Burton secretary. Their committee on resolutions was composed of such strong men as Dr. S. H. Everett, Gen. K. H. Douglass, Maj. George Sutherland, Judge E. M. Williamson ("Three-Legged Willie"), and Maj. Jas. D. Cocke. The latter made a stirring speech; after which, on motion of Dr. Forest, seconded by Judge Sterne, the resolutions favoring Lamar's candidacy for the presidency were unanimously adopted. One notable resolution was of congratulation to the public, "that Generals Eusk and Lamar will not be rivals in the approaching canvass for the chief magistracy."
A few days later another Lamar meeting was held. In this Maj. William Kimbro, Col. B. L. Hanks, E. W. Cullen, Col. K. L. Anderson, Col. L. H. Mabbett, A. W. Canfield, and Col. Isaac Campbell made up the committee on resolutions, W. G. Anderson acting as president and W. W. Parker as secretary.
The distinguished names above mentioned will indicate the strength of Lamar's acceptability.
When Eusk declined the nomination for the presidency it be- 6
82 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
came necessary to select some one else as the candidate of the Houston party. Accordingly Peter W. Grayson, a good lawyer and po23ular man, was called out as a candidate for the presidency by a committee of thirty-one prominent citizens. He accepted the nomination tendered him and made a visit to Ken- tucky. He was expecting soon to return and enter upon his canvass. In a few weeks, however, the sad intelligence came that he had put an end to his own life, as alleged at the time from disappointment in a love aifair. Thus the Houston party was again frustrated.
Chief Justice James Collingsworth was the next Houston can- didate for the presidency, but during the canvass committed sui- cide by jumping overboard from a vessel in Galveston Bay.
Eobert Wilson, who made such a racket in the Senate, was the last candidate to announce himself as against Lamar for President. Lamar had a walkover, getting G695 votes, while Wilson got only 352.
It was said at the time that Eusk was influenced in his de- cision not to be a candidate by the probability that General La- mar would view it as an unfriendly act upon his part and that it would result in a personal difficulty, particularly as in 1836, though without any solicitation on his part, he was preferred by the army as their commander over Lamar. Rusk was a grand man. He not only had a great intellect, but he was amiable, kind, and considerate, and it is highly probable he disliked to interrupt the kindly relations existing. I am pleased to record the fact that I offered his name for the place of chief magistrate, for history must give the verdict that Texas could not bestow too much honor on Rusk, equally distinguished as a citizen, as a soldier, and as a statesman. As an illustration of his unremit- ting toil and energetic action for Texas in the day of her ex- tremity, this anecdote, authenticated by Gov. 0. M. Roberts, is told of Rusk :
"The night after the organization of the government ad in- terim under Burnet a council was held. Burnet, in a dignified manner, called on one after another for an expression of opinion, coming last to the Secretary of War, Rusk, who, with his elbows on his knees and his head resting in his hands as if meditating, was actually fast asleep, as he had been at work night and day
LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS. 83
for three days on the Constitution. Punched in the ribs by the gentleman next to him, he brought himself to the perpendicular and said: 'I think we are in a hell of a fix. We are worked down. Let's go over to the saloon and get a drink, then mount our horses, and go and fight like the devil and get out of it.' They went ; Rusk went all of it."
In the general rush for Texas were included many preachers, whose lives in some instances did not tally with their pro- fession. To guard against imposition on that line, a kind of preachers' vigilance committee was organized at Houston during the first session of Congress in the town. Dr. R. Marsh and Z. Morrill, Baptists from Alabama, appeared to be the leaders in the movement. The other members were W. W. Hall, a Ken- tucky Presbyterian, and three Methodists, to wit, W. P. Smith of Tennessee, L. I. Allen of New York, and H. Matthews of Louisiana. This body pledged themselves to recognize as such no preacher coming into Texas from the United States or else- where unless he had with him a testimonial of good character. Among the preachers coming in after this was Littleton Fowler, elected chaplain of the Senate in the fall or winter of 1837. He was a zealous Methodist, and a preacher of considerable ability. It was Mr. Fowler who obtained from the Aliens for the Metho- dists the title to the half block of ground on which Shearn Church now stands.
In the spring session of Congress of 1838, Wm. Y. Allen, a Presbyterian, acted as chaplain during Mr. Fowler's temporary absence. We shall hear of him again in the annexation move- ment.
Among other distinguished Methodist preachers of this period with whom I was intimately acquainted was Dr. Orceneth Fisher. His widow, Mrs. Rebecca J. Fisher, is now the honored president of the W. B. Travis Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic at Austin.
It may not be without interest to note here that the Presby- terian Church was organized on the last day of March, 1839, in the Senate chamber at Houston, by Wm. Y. Allen.
The basis of organization — that is, belief in the Holy Scrip- tures, the adoption of the Presbyterian Confession of Faith, and the form of church government and directory for worship —
84 LUBBOCK'S MEMOIRS.
being agreed to, the following names were appended: A. B. Shelby, J. Wilson Copes, James Burke, Isabella E. Parker, Ed Belden, Marian Shelby, James Bailey, Sarah Woodward, Jen- nett Smith, Harris G. Avery, and Sophia B. Hodge. James Burke was elected ruling elder. Mr. Allen continued as pastor of this church till 1843.
In these early days of the Eepublic a very friendly feeling existed between the inhabitants of the Magnolia City and those of our great island seaport,