Remember the Alamo?
The Texas Independence Negotiations of
1837
Table of Contents
Letter to the Delegates ---3
Letter from the negotiation chairs --- 5
Geography of Texas --- 6
Historical Context --- 7
Pre-colonial history --- 7
Colonial history ---9
Current Situation ---12
Domestic Status of Texas---15
The citizens of Texas ---15
Land grants before the revolution --- 16
Military engagements before the Alamo ---18
Current domestic status ---19
Economics of Texas ---20
A brief history of missions/presidios--- 20
Early settlement and the “empresario system” --- 21
Agriculture ---22
Cotton plantation system and cattle --- 22
Current economic environment ---24
Character Biographies ---24
Stephen F Austin ---25
Carlos de la Garza ---25
Father Francisco Majado--- 26
Amos Clark ---27
Martin Perfecto de Cos ---27
Mirabeau B. Lamar ---28
Ana del Rio ---29
Chief John Bowles (Duwali) ---30
Juan Nepomuceno Seguin--- 31
James Bowie ---31
Alcee Louis la Branche ---32
Audrey Jennings ---32
Francisco Pizarro Martinez ---33
Letter to the Delegates
Howdy! My name’s Wyatt Zwik, and I will be the chair for the committee. I am a sophomore in James Madison College with majors in International Relations and German. This is my second year as a member of MSUMUN. Last year I would have served as an assistant crisis director for Japan 2231: Pokemon Rights Crisis. Additionally, I have been participating in MUN conferences since my sophomore year of high school, and attended conferences such as CIMUN, NUMUN, and MUNUM. Aside from Model UN, I was born and raised in Niles, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In my free time, I enjoy consuming various forms of media, attempting to cook, and a good spirited game of Mario Super Sluggers for WII.
Hey Y’all! I'm Mason Vore, the Crisis Director for the “Remember the Alamo?” committee. I’m also a sophomore in James Madison College majoring in Social Relations and Policy. This will be my second year as a staffer for MSUMUN, and last year I was a part of the “Queen Liliuokalani’s Cabinet” committee. I’m from Austin, Texas and love writing about, listening to, and playing music as well as making various soups and occasionally running with a lime green headband around East Lansing.
Before going on on, we’d like to introduce our incredible junior staffers: Kate Loope is a sophomore in James Madison College and studies Comparative Cultures and Politics along with a minor in French. This is her first year as a part of the MSUMUN Staff, but she did Model UN throughout high school. Kate is ecstatic to be back in the world of Model UN and hopes to give the delegates in her committee the same amazing experiences she received when she was in high school. Kate enjoys baking and cooking, figure skating, hockey games, coffee, watching movies, and traveling with friends (or her mom)
frequently. Kate cannot wait to see what the delegates will do for Texas and the creative ideas that will come from the committee!
Emily is the Assistant Chair of the Remember the Alamo committee. She’s originally from Traverse City, Michigan. Emily is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Human
Behavior and Social Services as well as Spanish. Emily participated in Model UN in high school, attending CASC and MAMUN since she was a sophomore. She’s super excited to be a part of this committee and is really hoping she can wear a cowboy hat for it (please Secretariat!). In her free time Emily enjoys reading, hiking, taking care of her many exotic animals, and going to Target.
Sam Brown is from Ann Arbor, Michigan and Natick, Massachusetts and has come back to the Midwest to study social relations policy with a minor in science, technology, and
environmental public policy. Sam enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends. Sam was unable to do cartwheels until this summer.
We’re so excited to be running this committee this year and hope that every delegate will come out of MSUMUN more intrigued but also more informed about the legacy of the Alamo. We hope that you learn to question your pre-existing notions of the reasons behind Texan Independence and rethink your assignment of heroes and villains along the way. Primarily, we hope you enjoy engaging in our semi-fictional depiction of the struggle for an equitable solution in Texas.
Best,
Wyatt Zwik and Mason Vore
Chair and Crisis Director, Remember the Alamo? The Texas Independence Negotiations of 1837
Letter from the Negotiation Chairs
Esteemed delegates to the Texas Independence Negotiations (TIN),
Welcome all to Washington-on-the-Brazos for this gathering to decide the future of Texas. Despite our many differences, we, Generals Santa Anna and Sam Houston, have decided to come to a ceasefire. The constant bloodshed must end, as neither side can continue a long, drawn out conflict.
We have invited all of you here today for two primary reasons. First and foremost, we must establish a new Texan state. The current system has only led to conflict and must be either changed or thrown out completely. Second, as an executive body in charge of Texas, you must deal with the ongoing crises the territory faces. Rampant militia groups, land disputes, and economic collapse all plague Texas following the one year of bloody conflict.
This is why we must temporarily set aside our differences and craft a brighter and better future for both current and future Texans. We look forward to working with you.
Signed,
General Santa Anna of the Mexican Military General Sam Houston of the Texian Rebellion
Geography of Texas
The territory in which the Alamo took place was roughly where San Antonio is located today. The air is generally arid in this region of southern Texas, as it does not get much
precipitation or wind because it is inland from the Gulf of Mexico. This environmental territory is called the post oak savannah because there are patches of oak woodland interspersed with large fields of grassland. The landform itself is known for its rolling hills over approximately 8,500,000 acres of land. The land has been historically shaped by wildfires and herds of buffalos. Annual average temperatures range from 65°F to 70°F, Average
annual rainfall averages 28 to 40 inches per year. May or June usually brings a peak in monthly rainfall. Long stretches of Heat and dry land can yield large wildfires.
Texas is primarily inhabited by mostly prairie animals such as coyotes,prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, foxes, owls, and jackrabbits. More humid regions between present-day Austin and Houston are plagued by Mosquitoes and swamp-like climates that are
oftentimes dangerous. The post oak savannah is known for its claypan soil. Claypan soil refers to a specific type of soil that does not take in water easily and has limited vegetation. There are spots of sandy loam soil that are more suitable for plants such as cotton. However, the abundance of
Texas plant life is extremely unique, with plants like the Yucca and Cacti populating it’s more deserted regions and flowers like the iconic bluebonnet and “Indian Paintbrush” in the hill country. While obviously varying by region, Texas displays a diversity of plants and animals that make for a unique culture.
Historical Context
Pre-Colonial History
The “first peoples” of Texas appeared 16,000 years ago, and little is known about them 1. Many tribes tell of how their ancestors came across the area by water or land, but how, or when indigenous groups settled in Texas is a mystery. Paleo-Indians occupied Texas from 9200-6000 BC and lived a nomadic lifestyle2. The first farms of Texas began to emerge in 3000 BC, although not all tribes participated in this momentous change, and continued to adhere to hunter-gatherer lifestyles (ibid,1). In 500 BC, the ancestors of the modern tribes of Texas began to settle in East Texas. Beginning in the 8th century, the bow and arrow appeared in Texas, and the indigenous people became increasingly dependent on the hunting of buffalo for survival. Around this time, the Caddo people began to populate the region of Texas and grow in population. The Caddo are said to have given Texas its name, “Tejas” is the Spanish spelling of the Caddo word that means “those who are friends”(Ibid,1). Among other things, the Caddo were well-known for their constructed earthen mounds, upon which they built temples, plazas,
1 “Texas History Timeline.” Bullock Texas State History Museum. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/texas-history-timeline.
2 “Indian Nations of Texas.” Native American Relations in Texas | TSLAC. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/indian/intro/page2.html.
and homes. Life for these indigenous groups remained relatively unchanged until the arrival of the Lipan Apache sometime between 1000 and 1400. The arrival of the Apache began to alter the territorial and trade claims of the established tribes in the region who had settled long before them. The Apaches were among the first Native Americans to learn to ride horses and follow the buffalo as they migrated (Texas State Library and Archives Commission). Until the 1600s, most of the tribes inhabiting Texas coexisted and continued to establish strong trade connections with each other spanning the entire continent.
Before the roots of colonization began to take hold, Texas was a diverse land occupied by even more diverse people. Native Americans had been living in Texas for over 10,000 years prior to the arrival of Spanish Colonizers (Kiddle Encyclopedia n.d.). There was no dominant tribe in the region, instead, many different indigenous groups populated the area. The tribes that called Texas home prior to colonization were the Alabama, Apache, Atakapan, Bidai, Caddo, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coushatta, Hasinai, Jumano, Karankawa, Kickapoo, Kiowa, Tonkawa, and Wichita (Kiddle Encyclopedia n.d.). Due to tribal oral
traditions, the history of these tribes is considered “imprecise” in the Western sense due to there being no written records attributed to their history. However, indigenous people have lived in Texas for centuries, and modern archaeology tells us much about their way of life.
The “first peoples” of Texas appeared 16,000 years ago, and little is known about them (Bullock Museum). Many tribes tell of how their ancestors came across the area by water or land, but how, or when indigenous groups settled in Texas is a mystery. Paleo-Indians occupied Texas from 9200-6000 BC and lived a nomadic lifestyle (Texas State Library and Archives Commission). The first farms of Texas began to emerge in 3000 BC, although not all tribes
participated in this momentous change, and continued to adhere to hunter-gatherer lifestyles (Bullock Museum). In 500 BC, the ancestors of the modern tribes of Texas began to settle in East Texas (Texas State Library and Archives Commission). Beginning in the 8th century, the bow and arrow appeared in Texas, and the indigenous people became increasingly dependent on the hunting of buffalo for survival (Texas State Library and Archives Commission). Around this time, the Caddo people began to populate the region of Texas and grow in population. The Caddo are said to have given Texas its name, “Tejas” is the Spanish spelling of the Caddo word that means “those who are friends”. Among other things, the Caddo were well-known for their constructed earthen mounds, upon which they built temples, plazas, and homes. Life for these indigenous groups remained relatively unchanged until the arrival of the Lipan Apache sometime between 1000 and 1400. The arrival of the Apache began to alter the territorial and trade claims of the established tribes in the region who had settled long before them. The Apaches were among the first Native Americans to learn to ride horses and follow the buffalo as they migrated. Until the 1600s, most of the tribes inhabiting Texas coexisted and continued to establish strong trade connections with each other spanning the entire continent.
Colonial History
Beginning in the 1600s, the Spanish Empire grew even larger with the colonization of Texas. The general timeline of the Spanish Colonial Era is between the years of 1689 and 18213. Within these 132 years, the Spanish conquest of North and Central America attempted to
3 Whitehurst, Katie. “Spanish Colonial.” Texas Our Texas, November 26, 2013.
https://texasourtexas.texaspbs.org/the-eras-of-texas/spanish-colonial/.
stretch into north-eastern modern-day Texas through the components of missions and the actions of the missions
Missions and Presidios; San Antonio de Valero
Rather than beginning colonization through farming or economic means, the Spanish used religion; specifically, missions and “presidios”. There were over 40 missions in between the years of 1682 to 17934. Presidios were constructed with missions and housed Spanish soldiers. Each presidio had a specific role during Spanish colonialism, but most were used as a defense mechanism to protect the missionaries in the name of St. Francis5. The first one, built in the
1680s, is now located near present day El Paso. Missions were built under the same colonial terms as empires across the globe (God, Gold, and Glory). Missions initially were tools of faith and used to essentially enforce Catholicism upon the native populations like the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes (these names are generalized & reduced identifications of native tribes in the area before white settlers arrived)6. Missions acted as middle entities of slave-trade during the colonial era rather than direct plantation enslavement, and white settlers fought to
4 Harriett, Joseph D, and Donald E Chipman. “Spanish Texas.” TSHA. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/spanish-texas.
5 Faulk, Odie B. “Presidios.” TSHA. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/presidios.
6 Klos, George. “Indians.” TSHA. Accessed November 19, 2020.
continue enslavement and slave labor up into the 1800s7. San Antonio holds the Alamo, which was an acting mission during the Spanish-colonial era in Texas8. Besides enforcing Franciscan Catholicism on marginalized groups, missions also were symbols of the Spanish Colonial Era. The economic side of Spanish-Colonial Texas also lays within the missions located across the Lone-Star state. Acting as a religious structure as well as a market for slave-trade, missions were able to also produce their own crops. Crops, and the land used for crops, furthered the Spaniard goal of conquest into Texas and North America. With the furthering of Spaniard conquest along came disease and violence amongst the Spanish soldiers of the presidios and missions. The Alamo, known as San Antonio de Valero, was founded in between 1716 and 1718 in an economically and geographically satisfactory location. San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) acted the same as the rest of the Spanish Colonial Missions, but later was the place of violence and revolution9. As time went on, many missions became secular with the exception of three. Native Americans, Soldiers, & Other figures
Indigenous groups, stationed soldiers, citizens, and enslaved peoples occupied the Spanish-Colonial area in Texas. Stephen F. Austin, who although not of Spanish descent, acted as a leading colonizing figure of immigration of Americans. Austin was a slaveholder in Texas and was an important figure in the Texas Revolution after aiding US Colonization to the
7 “The African American Story: Texas State History Museum.” The African American Story | Texas State History
Museum. Accessed November 19, 2020. https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/campfire-stories/african-americans.
8 “Alamo.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Alamo
9 ISD, Alvin. Spanish Colonial Texas, n.d.
disputed territory. Austin also helped to eliminate efforts of banning slavery in Texas during the early 1800s. One event that Stephen F. Austin is famous for is an attempt to establish statehood without the consent of the Mexican government10. Another important figure on the
Spanish/Mexican side of the Texas Revolution is Carlos de la Garza, who was a devout military man, and Mexican loyalist. De la Garza opposed Texas and the Texan agenda, and rather left his Tejano identity behind to ally with Mexico11.
The Current Situation
The Battle of the Alamo, as it truly happened, ended in nearly all 200 of its defenders being killed by the Mexican military12. However, for the purposes of this committee, we make a departure from the actual events. In our alternate version of Texas history, the Battle of the Alamo ended in a stalemate, with the foremost General of the Mexican Army, Santa Anna, and many leaders of the country returning to Mexico City to re-evaluate their plan. Half of the 8,000 Mexican Troops were ordered to stay in Texas to attempt to whittle down straggling Texan Forces.
While away, the depleted force of Texan fighters continued their cat and mouse approach to guerilla warfare and never risked more than half of their 900 strong force. Texan president and military leader Sam Houston decided to attempt to regain some lost territories in
10 “Stephen Austin.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., October 30, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stephen-Austin.
11 Tejano Heroes of the Texas Revolution.” American Battlefield Trust, April 21, 2020.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/head-tilting-history/tejano-heroes-texas-revolution.
12 “Battle of the Alamo.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Alamo-San-Antonio-Texas-United-States-1836.
an effort to attract new recruits and raise morale. This initiative resulted in a series of
skirmishes with no clear winner and minimal Texan losses. It yielded an uptick in recruits and the Texian Army reached the size of 1200 strong. However, these skirmishes haven’t helped the pitiful Texan economy and the dwindling citizens remaining from the Runaway Scrape, where Texan Settlers left in large numbers out of initial fear from the Mexican Army’s invasion, are growing restless and dissatisfied.
Similarly, as Santa Anna retreats to Mexico City, interim president José Justo Corro tells him to end the conflict swiftly as possible so as to return focus back to the economic, social, and bureaucratic issues present in their own newly independent Nation. Citizens of Mexico are discouraged by their government’s neglect to address issues and echo Justo Corro’s concerns.
This national clamoring for peace and a focus on their own issues has led Santa Anna to avoid an invasion on the scale of their previous size that could end in disaster and result in further unnecessary lives lost. The often war-bent leader, who had left his position as President to lead the war effort, finally warmed up to the prospect of a peaceful resolution of Texan lands and was interested in negotiation that could result in it sooner rather than later.
As the arid Texas summer heat meshed with the trademark humidity of the eastern Texan region that housed most of the Texian army, the exhausted Texian army only grew more frustrated and tired. Sam Houston, realizing that his forces are at wit’s end and well aware of Mexico’s own unrest, sent a document to Mexican addressed to Justo Corro and Santa Anna that called for peace accords to be negotiated at “Washington-on-the-Brazos” on March 6th, 1837, the one year anniversary of the battle of the Alamo.
Delegates from the Colony of Texas, Republic of Mexico, and other parties with interests in Texas are now convening at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 6th,1837, the one year anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. They have gathered for a three day conference on how to divide the state of Texas and its inhabitants. These peace talks will feature a variety of political figures, military leaders, religious figures, business people, and foreign dignitaries from both the Texan and Mexican sides. While neither side is thrilled about the prospects of a truce, it’s been decided it’s the most reasonable solution due to internal pressures and the cost of fighting.
Currently, the objective of this committee is to find a peaceful solution to this conflict through a resolution, all while dealing with the crises of a people at war. A strong resolution would include how to divide Texan lands, whether they be along geographical or political lines, and who is in charge of them. Additionally, a good resolution will include a wide variety of agreements between not just political and military leaders, but will help entice business people and other figures present in the committee.
While most people seem to support the peace accords, there are groups that wish to see these talks fail. The most vocal about this is the various militia groups formed by both Texan-Amercian and Texan-Mexican colonists that are not aligned with the militaries. Both sides seem to be advocating for either complete independence or full Mexican authority, and have been a big part of the violence leading up to the peace talks. Additionally, it seems as if indigenous peoples have benefitted from the fighting, as they’ve been seen less encroachment from colonists on their lands.
However, many business heads wish for a quick and peaceful transfer of power
regardless of who is in control, as the economy begins to falter in Texas and other states. The long, protracted nature of this conflict has not been beneficial to the various business interests, as the constant fighting has been a drain on both physical labor and arable land.
The Domestic Status of Texas
The main purpose of this assembly is to establish who will control what parts of Texas, and to what degree that they control it. Within this section are the different actors in the conflict
detailed, the history of Texan land grants, recommendations on how to reconcile the land disputes, as well as determining the fate of the Texas military.
The Citizens of Texas
Before coming to an agreement of how Texas will be split, it’s important to note the different groups that make up Texas and the negotiations. The groups are drawn on primarily ethnic lines rather than political or religious groups. The first of the two largest groups in Texas itself are the Texians13, who are Anglo-American residents of Texas. Texians are the main figures of the Texas Revolution, such as Sam Houston and Stephen Austin. While most wish to see Texas become an independent state, there are also those who are hopeful that the United States will annex Texas and go to war with Mexico. The other of these two largest groups are
13Herbert Fletcher, “Texian,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 17, 2020,
the Tejanos14, who are ethnically Mexican residents of Texas. Tejanos are an influential group in Texas, as they are primarily split on whether or not they wish Texas to be its own independent state or part of Mexico. There are those that have a deeper connection to their Mexican heritage or have strong ties to its government that wish to see Texas remain under Mexican control, but there are also those who have grown a distaste for what they see as Santa Anna’s authoritarian rule over his citizens.
While not having a large presence in Texas themselves, Mexican officials will have a big role in shaping the future of the territory. Most, as it can be assumed, wish to retain as much control over Texas as possible. Indigenous peoples will also have a presence in the negotiations, as they control much of northern Texas’ lands. While Sam Houston did sign a treaty15 with the Cherokee and other eastern Texas tribes, due to the drawn out fighting they have petitioned to have a presence at the negotiations. Indigenous peoples are largely neutral in the conflict, as they will choose whichever side can guarantee the greatest amount of land and safety for their people.
Land Grants before the Revolution
The earliest land grants16 in Texas were granted by the Spanish Empire in the early 18th century to establish a mission and presidio (fort) in Eastern Texas. Eventually, the grants were extended to larger livestock enterprises along the San Antonio River Valley, with a regularized
14Adán Benavides, Jr., “Tejano,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 18, 2020,
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/tejano.
15 “Indians and the Texas Revolution.” Indians and the Texas Revolution | TSLAC,
www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/indian/early/page1.html.
16 Aldon S. Lang and Christopher Long, “Land Grants,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 17, 2020,
system being set in the mid 18th century by the Spanish crown, and continued to give large land grants through the late 18th and early 19th century. Despite the large grants being given out, the population of the region remained small.
In order to increase the population of the region the Spanish government passed a measure in 1820 offering American settlers land, along with religious freedom and other special privileges. One settler who made a deal with the Spanish was Moses Austin, father of Stephen Austin, who promised to bring 300 Catholic families with him from Louisiana. Following Spain’s loss of the
Mexican War of Independence17 in 1821, control of Texas was assumed by the Mexican government. They continued a similar program under the State Colonization Law of 1825, which once again opened up Texas to American settlers, so long as they obeyed both state and federal constitutions, practice Christianity, and can prove good moral character. The settlers were selected through the Empresario system (which will be explained in more detail later), where an immigration agent would allocate what land was given in a grant and enforce Mexican law. However, the Mexican government eventually started to crack down on immigration from American settlers, and passed the Law of April 6, 183018 which served to severely limit or halt the amount of American settlers coming into Texas, void not yet completed empresario contracts, and increase immigration to Texas from Mexican residents. This made the relations between American settlers and the Mexican government worse, and eventually broke out into violent conflict, such as the Anahuac Disturbances of 1832 and the Battle of Velasco.
Military Engagements before the Alamo
Military advancements leading up to the siege on the Alamo were aggressive and
balanced. Stephen F. Austin coordinated two major attacks outside of San Antonio trying to put the Mexican Army on their heels. The first important attack was the Battle of Concepción19 on
October 28th. Stephen F. Austin’s army had gained 400 people leading into this battle, taking them down to San Antonio. Meanwhile, General Martín Perfecto de Cos with a Mexican army
17Jesús F. de la Teja, “Mexican War of Independence,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 18, 2020,
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/mexican-war-of-independence.
18Curtis Bishop, “Law of April 6, 1830,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 19, 2020,
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/law-of-april-6-1830.
19Alwyn Barr, “Concepcion, Battle Of,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 20, 2020,
that peaked in size at 750 men in late October fortified the plazas in San Antonio and the Alamo mission (San Antonio de Valero) across the river. Both generals sent out small parties to spy on the opposing fronts, however the Texas Army had made themselves vulnerable. Battle broke out, and the superior fighting strength of the Texas Army prevailed. Ultimately, the Mexican Army had to retreat to San Antonio; Mexican casualties 14+ and only one Texan casualty.
The second major battle leading up to the Alamo was the Grass Fight20 on November
26th. Shortly before the battle, Stephen F. Austin had left his army to go represent Texas back in the continental U.S. At this time the Mexican Army was advancing groups of pack animals carrying resources for their war effort. Hoping to prey on a group and perhaps steal silver or ammunition, the Texan Army attacked. David Bowie sent approximately 40 men to go
intercept the caravan and were met by 50 from the Mexican Army. Ultimately, the Texan Army won and seized the animals, but the animals were not carrying anything of use.
The Current Domestic Status
Currently, the main crisis the committee must deal with relating to the domestic status is handling the breakout of militia groups that have sprung up as a result of the truce. Many Texians are angered at the prospect of negotiations with the Mexican government, and believe the war should continue until Texas is truly independent. The largest militia group is called the Sons of Texas, and are currently based out of the Goliad. These groups have thus far respected the ceasefire, but are growing restless at the lack of immediate results. It’s likely that the
20Alwyn Barr, “Grass Fight,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 20, 2020,
conflict could be escalated if the committee does not take swift action to appease these groups. Additionally, the committee must also take into consideration the various land conflicts and structure of a future Texas. In order to help appease the various militia groups, the
committee must come to some sort of agreement on whether Texas will gain true
independence. Additionally, there is also the question of whether previous empresario grants will be upheld, or if some of the land will be given back to the Mexican government.
Economics of the Texas
“Tell dear Stephen that it is his dying father's last request to prosecute the enterprise
he had Commenced . . .”—Moses Austin
A Brief History of Missions/Presidios
Although Missions were not constructed during the Mexican era of Texas, many
represented a historical and economic past of Spanish Colonization. During the Spanish colonial era, over forty missions were constructed alongside Presidios which began the long term enforcement and education of the Roman
Catholic faith to Indigenous Tribes that were forced and tricked into their walls.21 Besides being religious, Missions also were useful to the early economics of Texas. Slave-trade was a common economic occurrence at the forty missions, even at San Antonio de Valero, also
known as the Alamo. Missions also were able to grow all their own crops, including maize, beans, squash, melons, cotton, and sugar cane2223.
Early Settlement and the “Empresario” System
Following independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government looked to stabilize their control over the northern region of Texas in hopes that it could bring population and profit. Unfortunately, many of Mexico’s citizens weren’t willing to resettle in this isolated and geographically disadvantaged, and potentially dangerous area. In order to attract settlement, the Mexican government began granting land to foreign settlers, called “Empresarios”, in exchange for commitments that these settlers would learn Spanish, adhere to the Roman Catholic faith, and bring over approximately 200 people within 6 years24.
Many Americans eager to escape their position in the US and engage in westward expansion jumped at the opportunity. In 1821, the first contract was given to Moses Austin, a Missouri businessman that made his money off of mining. However, directly before what’s referred to as the “Old Three Hundred” (first 300 White families of Texas) embarked on their journey from Missouri, Moses Austin died. His son, Stephen took over, and took over the endeavour, earning the nickname “the father of Texas” and making way for similarly-minded entrepreneurs to make the same venture. Stephen F. Austin, who owned slaves in Texas,
22"Which Crops and Animals Were Raised at the Missions." ClassBrain.Com. https://spanishmissionsincalifornia.com/mission-crops-animals/. 23"Farming - San Antonio Missions." National Park Service.
https://www.nps.gov/saan/learn/historyculture/history3farming.htm#:~:text=Crops%20included%20maize%20(corn)%2C,to%20the%20fields%2 0and%20orchar
24"Empresario System." Encyclopedia. Last modified December 10, 2020. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/empresario-system.
reacted to the Mexican-Texan slavery ban of 1829 by an attempt to create a indepedent state to uphold slavery in the following year of 183325.
Agriculture
The primary cash crops of Texas during the mid 1800s were mostly native crops to North America; corn, beans, tomatoes for example. Crops also consist of wheat, oats, barely, onions, and domesticated livestock. Livestock was introduced during the Spanish Colonial period in Texas but is still in use, as well as the importation of the European crops and
agricultural systems. These food crops ultimately struggle due to the harsh and dry landscape of Texas, while material crops are more likely to thrive. As for the overall growth of Agriculture, Texas only had one singular farming boom in 1727, and agriculture has only grown slightly in past years. Now, Texans, Mexicans, and Tejanos (specifically American-Texans) are seeking to keep their “sitos” (plots of land), although food crops are not the most successful in Texas.
The geography and soil makeup of Texas make it difficult to have large-scale farms outside of Southeast Texas. There, however, Cotton and Rice are beginning to make waves as possibly profitable. As mentioned previously, the few settlers who had the resources to begin large operations on Cotton specifically are looking to employ the Plantation model that’s currently popular in the United States26.
Cotton Plantation System & Cattle
Cotton, and the Plantation System is the main crop in Texas and has been since the introduction of cotton pre-colonization. The plantation system was next introduced after
25"Stephen Austin | American Pioneer." Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stephen-Austin. 26Dethloff, Henry C., and Garry L. Nall. "Agriculture." Texas State Historical Association.
cotton by American settlers around the year of 1821 and simultaneously brought slavery into Texas⁸. Soon enough, cotton became popular
amongst Texans rather than food crops due to the land only tending best to cotton. The environment of Texas is mainly dry and harsh and food crops are known to struggle, so many farmers have now turned to cotton to continue to keep their farms afloat during this economic crisis post-revolution. Cotton crops are the most common in the lower-Colorado river
region and the Trinity Rivers region, around Houston. Currently in the post-revolution state, many farmers are curious about the usage of the plantation system, specifically
Texan-Americans.
With the introduction of cattle to Texas during the Spanish Colonial period, cattle ranches became a focus of the Texan economy. Talks of an “Open Range” for Cattle to roam are uttered throughout the region and citizens are curious what could be done. Many men and families are seeking land for this “Open Range”, and are wondering who will be the first to begin selling land for the sole purpose of cattle. The opportunities presented with “Open Range” Cattle Ranching range widely, and many of the interested families and men see ranching as a new economic boost following the devastation from the Texas Revolution27.
Current Economic Environment
Since declaring their independence on March 2nd and severing ties with the Mexican government, the Texas economy has been in shambles. The strain of paying for a war on top of an already unstable young economy has been great and Texas is $2 million dollars in debt.28 The largest cities and settlements in Texas in 1837 are near present day Houston, in east Texas. However, this is where most of the fighting occurs as well and even subsistence farmers are finding it difficult to keep themselves fed and earn money.
According to the Empresario contracts, the land was given in order to spawn cattle grazing and subsistence farming29. However, as families poured in from the present-day American South, some sought to bring it’s cotton-plantation lifestyle with them. It looks as if the plantation-farming model will become a big focus if stability is brought to the region. However, most families are non-slaveholding subsistence farmers and livestock attendants attempting to survive off of their crops and sell small surpluses of corn and spare livestock without too much supervision.
CHARACTERS
*** Disclaimer: This committee deals with several extremely sensitive topics. Chief among these is the ownership of slaves by some incoming white Texas settlers. We included mention of slave labor as it’s integral to the reality of the committee and Texas in the 19th century. With this said, we want to make explicitly clear that NO delegates should include Slavery in their goals and or use it in any way, shape, or form. Doing so is grounds for immediate removal from the committee by Secretariat. We’ve written the characters to reflect this so any use of slavery or adverse treatment of Slaves is completely unacceptable and will, again, and is sufficient for removal from the committee by Secretariat, no questions asked. ***
28“Debt of the Republic of Texas.” TSHA. Accessed November 17, 2020. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/debt-of-the-republic-of-texas.
Stephen F. Austin a.k.a. “Father of Texas”- Texan Revolutionary and Land Owner30 Born Nov. 3 1793, is an American Pioneer who relocates American families and pioneers into Mexican Texas. Stephen F. Austin’s father, Moses, first brought their family into
Texas to begin a colonization scheme out of the United States. The groups who follow Austin into Texas only speak English, and are Texan loyalists, including Stephen himself. Stephen F. Austin once tried to establish an
independent Texas state, but the Mexican government wouldn’t allow him, so he had a second attempt and was thrown in jail until 1835. During the first
breakout of the Texas revolution, Austin went to the United States to ask for aid for the Texans against Mexico. Stephen F. Austin acted as a Texan dignitary in the United States during the revolution to help the Texans gain traction and help from US Military forces. Stephen F. Austin, fresh from his presidential defeat by Sam Houston, is now looking to redeem himself and Texas at the conference. Overall, Stephen F. Austin holds power in both Texas and the United States and will stand by his Texan people to achieve what will benefit him and those who followed him into Texas.
Carlos de la Garza- Mexican Loyalist and Cattle Rancher31
Born in 1807 in a Spanish presidio and son of Antonio de la Garza; soldier and rancher. Carlos de la Garza grew up familiar with military life and is a Mexican loyalist. De la Garza is also Tejano, a Mexican-American resident of southern Texas. Cattle and livestock ranching is de la
30"Stephen Austin | American Pioneer." Britannica. Last modified October 30, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stephen-Austin.
31Huson, Hobart. "Garza, Carlos de la (1807-1882)." Texas State Historical Association.
Garza’s primary lifestyle and income. Before tensions for Revolution rose, De la Garza was given a colonial power of position over the land he owned, and became a head for Empresarios (plots of land for colonization). Grateful for land, de la Garza did not hold any anger against Texas, until tensions of revolution rose. Carlos de la Garza did struggle with aligning to Texas during the first breakout of revolution and in turn, became loyal to Mexico. Carlos de la Garza followed in the footsteps of his military father and fought for Mexico during the revolution. Post-revolution, Garza hopes for his cattle ranching to succeed again and regain his economic power. He also hopes to see a peaceful power-transition back to Mexican government rule in Texas.
Father Francisco Majado- Hispanic Religious Figure32
Priest Francisco Majado, a Mexican-Catholic priest resided in the area around San Antonio de Valero, which is also known as the Alamo. Initially a part of the Mission-Presidio system of Mexican Texas, Priest Francisco Majado worked in the name of Roman Catholicism and survived the extreme decline in religion during the early 1800s. Francisco Majado had
immigrated to Mexico from Spain in 1801 and survived the Mexican War, but unfortunately was left without any aid from the Spanish Church after the war. Before the battle of the Alamo and the stalemate of the Texas Revolution, Majado supported Mexico and Santa Anna to continue control over Texan land. Currently, Majado is wary of his support of the Mexican government and the violence created during the Texas Revolution, but is willing to support Mexico once again in the name of his home country.
Amos Clark- Texan Cattle Rancher33
Born around 1804 in the Indiana Territory, Amos Clark grew up with a rich landowning family who had moved from the Eastern Seaboard to new territory to create economic opportunities and a better life for their family. Amos Clark followed similar footsteps to Stephen F. Austin by moving to Mexican Texas due to the appeal of “Empresarios” and the colonization scheme of Americans who sought land outside of the United States. Clark first began working the land through simple non-slavery crops like wheat, but soon fell into economic dispair after the first breakout of the Texas Revolution.The idea of cattle ranching for Texan citizens became the center of his dreams, seeing as he already owned the land to do so. Similar to many Texan Ranchers, Amos Clark aligns himself with neither Texas or Mexico. Amos Clark only seeks economic prosperity and does not involve himself heavily into the politics of war between Texas and Mexico. He also wishes to use his family influence to help his quest of prosperity at this conference. Clark is simply waiting for the best opportunity for cattle ranching for himself and other Texan Ranchers.
Martin Perfecto de Cos- Mexican General and Politician
General Martin Perfecto de Cos, born the son of an attorney in Veracruz in 1800, is a general and important political presence for the Mexican government. Perfecto De Cos is second-in-command of Mexican forces, only under his brother-in-law, Santa Anna. A man with powerful connections and a strong allegiance to the Mexican government’s aims, Martin is able to get what he wants and is held in high regard back home in Mexico. He became commander of the
Mexican state Coahuila y Tejas, where present-day Texas is located, in 1833 and has a very good knowledge of the area and it’s terrain/geography.
Cos has actually engaged Stephen F. Austin in battles, where he was forced to retreat and abandon the city of San Antonio on December 9th, 183534. However, Cos is homesick and stricken with worry about his wife and young daughter at home in Mexico City and is looking to end this conflict with Texans as swiftly as possible, peacefully or not. He’s directly responsible for everything but the final decision in the military’s plans and maintains a network of intelligence contacts throughout the
region35. Well-liked by his soldiers, Martin Perfecto De Cos is a smart and calculated but very enthusiastic and encouraging leader that values his soldiers and friends highly.
Mirabeau B Lamar- General, Poet, and “Father of Texas Education”
Born in Milledgeville, Georgia in 1798, Mirabeau Lamar is an extremely outgoing personality. An avid horseback rider, fencer, painter, and writer, Mirabeau was an extremely active child. After being an editor for a Georgia newspaper, he then became the secretary of governor Troup in 1823. Soon after, he married Tabitha Jordan and had a daughter named Rebecca Ann36. Lamar was also known to have a bit of a temper and his basic mood is anxious and on-edge. Disaster
34 “Cos, Martín Perfecto De (1800–1854).” TSHA. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/cos-martin-perfecto-de.
35 “Santa Anna of Mexico.” Project MUSE. Accessed November 19, 2020. https://muse.jhu.edu/book/11806 36 “Lamar, Mirabeau Buonaparte (1798–1859).” TSHA. Accessed November 19, 2020.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/lamar-mirabeau-buonaparte.
struck in 1829 when his wife passed away from tuberculosis. He often channels his strong emotions into poems and writes moving verses. In order to get a new start, he moved to Texas in 1835 and became a general in the army and another important Texas political figure in vocal support of independence. After a brief trip back to Georgia to solidify his affairs, he returned to Texas to aid the fight for independence.
A huge supporter of education, Mirabeau looks for ways in which he
could mold a new generation of Texan leaders and envisioned building public universities if Texas retained independence or became annexed into the US. His creativity caused him to often have unrealistic dreams for Texas but that never stopped him from working towards, first and foremost, a truly independent Texas nation.
Ana Del Rio- Mexican Silver Mine Owner
The heiress to the Del Rio Silver Mine throne,37 Ana Del Rio is a business owner based out of Monterrey Mexico, in the Northern half of the country’s present-day borders. She’s an
intelligent and curious woman looking to inquire about rumored silver deposits in central and western Texas. According to her father’s dying wish, “something wicked will befall this family if anyone else but you is in charge of the family’s fortune”. Burdened by the echoes of her father, Ana is determined to prove her place along an industry that’s largely drying up. She decided to head to Texas in 1832 with an envoy of employees, ignoring reports of rising tensions between the Mexican government and immigrants from America. Ana is dead set on protecting her
37 Rankine, Margaret E. “The Mexican Mining Industry in the Nineteenth Century with Special Reference to
Guanajuato.” Bulletin of Latin American Research 11, no. 1 (1992): 29. https://doi.org/10.2307/3338598.
business interests and donates to the Mexican military to ensure that her contracts for Mining in Texas are honored.
While currently loyal to Mexico, she’s interested in whatever country can support her profits the most. Her massive monetary power and intellect make her a powerful figure looking to make waves in Texas politics and affairs. As conflict arose in the region, Ana was forced to flee camp to southwest of present-day San Antonio and stumbled upon a massive deposit of silver accidentally closer to the Rio Grande river. She sees this as an opportunity to expand her operations and begins to think that she could possibly become a powerful player in Texan domestic affairs as well, if only she could find the right contacts.
Chief John Bowles (Duwali)-
Chief John Bowles, otherwise known as Duwali, is a Cherokee leader. Becoming a chief of the Chickamauga tribe of Cherokees, His tribe would move to Texas in 1820 and although they have permits from the Spanish allowing them to live in Texas, they do not have a place to call their own. Chief Duwali desperately wants this for his people. In 1836, Chief Duwali would be one of eight Cherokee leaders who signed a treaty with Sam Houston agreeing to be neutral in the Texan-Mexican conflict in return for a Cherokee reservation. Since then, the treaty was never ratified, and many Cherokee are beginning to side with the Mexicans. The Mexicans have promised other Cherokee tribes and members that they will give them land in exchange for their help. Chief Duwali’s goal is to remain neutral in the conflict, and to make sure he and his people keep good relationships with the Texans as well as the Mexicans. More than anything, Duwali just wants a home in Texas for the Cherokee, but he intends to do so by keeping the peace and remaining neutral.
Juan Nepomuceno Seguin-
Juan Nepomuceno Seguin is an important Texan political figure. He is a Tejano with close family ties to Stephen Austin, and sided with Austin due to the economic upheaval the Mexicans were causing. In 1833, Seguin became the mayor of San Antonio after being an alderman for several years. Seguin would go on to organize a group of Tejano soldiers that would be invaluable during the many battles fought for Texan independence before peace talks began. He firmly believes the revolution can’t succeed without the support of Tejanos, people of mixed Spanish and Texan descent, and believes they will play a critical role in determining who will win. Juan Seguin’s ultimate goal is independence for Texas and hopes to promote a booming economy in his city once the revolution is over. He is interested in keeping the peace between the two parties to ensure the best economic and political outcomes, but is willing to do what is needed to ensure Texas gains independence.
James “Jim” Bowie-
Bowie is a revered military leader in the Texas Revolution. Bowie’s greatest, and most recent, military victory is the Battle of Concepcion. Bowie joined Stephen F. Austin and James Fannin in October of 1835 in marching on San Antonio for Texan freedom. On October 28th, the Battle of Concepcion, the first major battle of the Texas Revolution, was fought just outside of San Antonio. Bowie and his fellow commanders were admired for their bravery and considered crucial to the success of the revolution. Bowie’s loyalty lies to the Texas revolution, although he has good relationships with many Mexican citizens due to being a Mexican citizen and being a landowner in Mexico for numerous years. In 1836, Bowie was placed in charge of the
volunteers defending the Alamo, and unfortunately took ill during the fighting, and was deeply disappointed at the outcome of the Alamo. Bowie hopes to liberate Texas, and to
bring freedom to the country he so loves no matter what the cost, despite the talks of making peace.
Alcee Louis la Branche, American Foreign Dignitary
Born on a plantation in 180638 to a Bavarian immigrant father, who fought as a commander in the American Revolution, and a French-American mother of
Spanish ancestry, Alcee Louis la Branche was the fourth of five children. Developing an interest in politics after his father was a delegate to the first constitutional convention of Louisiana in 1812, he later attended University of Sorreze in France. After studying in Europe, he became a sugar planter in his home state of Louisiana. From 1831 to 1833 he served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and was elected Speaker of the House in 1833. At the recommendation of former president Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren appointed him as the United State representative to the Texan negotiations. While the Mexican government
protested American involvement in these negotiations, he was later approved at the promise that American troops will not be involved in the conflict. As the American representative, la Branche wishes to advance American interests as much as possible, and would likely want to see Texas as some sort of independent state to combat Mexican influence.
Audrey Jennings, Southern Belle (fictional)
Born in 1813 to powerful shipping tycoon Windom Jennings, the fifth of five daughters, Audey Jennings was raised in the traditional southern belle style in Savannah, Georgia. Well trained in
38Priscilla Myers Benham, “La Branche, Alcée Louis,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed November 18, 2020,
proper etiquette and charm, her father took notice of her skills and taught her the tricks of the shipping trade. After successfully negotiating shipping contracts along the Eastern seaboard throughout the 1830’s, her father decided to send her in his place to the negotiations for a new Texan state at the behest of American business interests. The Jennings family places business before country allegiance and is willing to either help broker a deal between the two countries or throw support behind one group, depending on which will further the families’ business interests.
Francisco Pizarro Martinez, Mexican Foreign Dignitary
Martinez was born in Mexico City in 1787 to Spanish parents. At some point in his life, he joined the Mexican civil service, and served as the Mexican consul of New Orleans. It’s
unknown how long he remained in this position, but it could be assumed since at least 181439, as he married Marie Therese Visoso, who was from New Orleans, in that year. He served in this position until he was sent to the Texan negotiations at the behest of current Charge de Affairs to the United States Joaquín María del Castillo y Lanzas, due to his prior business dealings with Texian leader Stephen F. Austin.40 As a representative of the Mexican
government, he will aim to gain the best possible outcome for Mexican interests, which would likely be some form of continued Mexican influence in Texas or outright control over the territory.
39 Johnson, Raymond. “Franciso Pizaro Martinez.” Stewart - DeJaham Family Genealogy,
raymondjohnson.net/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I1937&tree=stewart.
40 Parrott, W. S. “Transcript of Invoice from W. S. Parrott to Stephen F. Austin, October 23, 1833.” Received by
Davy Crockett,
Davy Crockett truly lived a one of a kind life. Born on August 17, 1786 in Limestone, Green County, Tennessee ten years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Son of Irish ancestors, his family was settled on the then frontier of the United States. His interest was always in the outdoors and was never really interested in any kind of education or career. Instead, one fateful day he decided to skip school with a buddy of his and his Father was
outraged and was going to beat him. Davy Crocket in that moment ran from home and began a truly one of a kind life.
Davy Crocket the folk hero bear hunter was more of an enigma than it was reality. Davy Crockett was still dope though and was a frontiersman for a while until he was recruited into the military. He then fought against the Seminoles in Florida under Andrew Jackson for a period. It wasn’t until after that he became a national name when he ran for elected office. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee for two
non-consecutive terms. Then he got into a fight with Andrew Jackson.
The two former veterans became tight political rivals in Congress because of a bill Crockett was trying to establish. One bill stated that, should a member of congress found a new state in the union, then they would be allowed to be a representative of that state as well as the one he currently resides. Obviously, it appeared Crockett was gunning for more power by establishing a new state in the union. After losing his reelection campaign Crockett famously told his former constituents that, “they may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas”. That’s exactly what he did, unless President Andrew Jackson has something to do about it.
