This Day In Texas History - April 19

[joe817]

1836 - Sam Houston appeals for help to fight the war.

1836 - Houston told his troops that it looked as if they would soon get action and admonished them to remember the massacres at San Antonio and at Goliad. On the evening of April 19 his forces crossed Buffalo Bayou to the west side 2½ miles below Harrisburg(near the home of Isaac Batterson). Some 248 men, mostly sick and ineffective, were left with the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg. The march was continued until midnight.

1836 - David G.Burnet, interim president of the Republic of Texas, rejoined his cabinet aboard the Cayuga, the small river steamer. The business of the republic was conducted through April 26 on the Cayuga, the temporary capitol. During this time the republic bought the steamer for $5,000 from Harris.

1837 - The city of Houston became the capital of Texas. It stayed the capital until January of 1839 when Austin was approved as the new state capital.

1861 – U.S. blockade of Texas ports went into effect during the Civil War.

1875 - Kiowa chief White Horse (Tsen-tainte) and a group of followers surrendered at Fort Sill, Indian Territory. White Horse had gained considerable notoriety during the early 1870s for his raids on Texas settlements, and was considered the "most dangerous man" among the Kiowas. He participated in the Warren wagon train raid in May 1871 and in the second battle of Adobe Walls in June 1874. He was also present in September 1874 at the battle of Palo Duro Canyon, which apparently convinced him that further resistance was futile. White Horse was among those singled out by Kicking Bird for incarceration at St. Augustine, Florida. He died of a stomach ailment in 1892 and was buried on the reservation near Fort Sill.

1910 - The Texas Industrial Congress was organized at San Antonio. This nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and nonsectional organization sought the development of Texas resources in agriculture, commerce, and industry. With the slogan "Equal Rights to All; Special Privileges to None," it proposed to work for legislation to develop Texas resources, to correct misimpressions about the state, and to encourage homeseekers and investors to move here. The influence of the Industrial Congress dwindled with the development of regional chambers of commerce.

1968 - New York Mets rookie pitcher, Nolan Ryan, became the 6th pitcher in National League history to strike out the sides in just 9 pitches, the mathematical minimum.

1924 - The West Texas Historical Association was organized at the Taylor County Courthouse in Abilene.

1993 - Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison becomes the first woman to serve as a US Senator from Texas.

1993 - The Branch-Davidian's compound in Waco, TX, burned to the ground. It was the end of a 51-day standoff between the cult and U.S. federal agents. 86 people were killed including 17 children. Nine of the Branch Davidians escaped the fire.

[joe817]

Letters From The Past: Gen.Sam Samuel Houston to [unknown recipient], April 19, 1836. States that his army is preparing to meet that of Santa Anna. "No previous occasion would justify it." Details. [The Texas State Library site states that "this document is one of several copies that Houston made and sent to various friends for safekeeping in case he did not survive the battle."]:

"Camp at Harrisburgh
19th April 1836

This morning we are in preparation to meet Sant Ana [Santa Anna]. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for re-inforcements in vain. The Convention adjourning to Harrisburgh struck panic throughout
the country. Texas could have started at least 4000 men; we will only have about 700 to march with beside the Camp Guard. We go to conquer. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet and fight the enemy
now. Every consideration enforces it. No previous occasion would justify it. The troops are in fine spirits, and now is the time for action.

My Adjt Genl Wharton, Inspr Genl Hock-
ley Aid [sic] de Camp Horton
“ “ “ W.H. Patton
“ “ “ Collingsworth
Volunteer Aid [sic] Cerry
“ “ Perry
Maj. Cook Asst Inspr Genl will be with me.

We will use our best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantage, as will insure victory, tho’ the odds is greatly against us.
I leave the result in the hands of a wise God and rely upon his Providence.

My country will do justice to those who serve her. The rights for which we fight will be secured, and Texas Free.

Saml Houston
Comr in Chief

Col. Rusk is in the field.

Houston"

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