The Fredonia Revolt

Mexico's record of governing so far had been less than impressive.  Centuries of colonial rule by Spain had left her ill prepared to run her own affairs.  Chaos below the Rio Grande meant that Texas was often forgotten.  There were few troops to offer protection from the Indians.  No trial by jury.  Local government was antiquated and inefficient. 

The signs of trouble began with the "Fredonian Revolt" of 1826.  Haden Edwards, an empresario whose land grant included Nacogdoches and part of the northeast Texas squatter's zone, began causing trouble by favoring the new settlers over the old.  The Mexican officials annulled his contract and expelled him from the country.

Edwards' brother, Benjamin, led a small band of men into Nacogdoches and unfurled a red and white flag that read "Independence, Liberty, and Justice".  He took over the town and proclaimed the "Republic of Fredonia".

Stephen Austin who was the American leader in Texas had tried to mediate the quarrel with no success.  He finally called out his own colony's militia to help the Mexicans put down the revolt.  The revolt collapsed.  Austin's refusal to support Edwards should have calmed the Mexican officials, but they saw this as proof of America's desire to take Texas from them.

Next time...An offer on the table
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Today in Pioneer History: "On September 1, 1836, Narcissa Whitman arrives in Walla Walla, Washington, becoming one of the first Anglo women to settle west of the Rocky Mountains.