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In 1825, Haden Edwards, a wealthy land speculator, and empresario, got a land grant from the government to settle 800 families in Nacogdoches in 1826. Haden refused to let the settlers settle unless they buy the land from him, or show him the land title. While Haden was gone, his brother, Benjamin, took control, he sent many raging letters to the government, resulting in the taking away of Haden's land grant. In 1826, there supporters rebelled, ending in January 1827. -
The government had become Concerned about the area in the rebellion, they thought that it was a American revolt, especially since the U.S. offered to buy Texas in 1827 and 1829. Therefore, they sent an inspection party led by General Manuel de Mier y Teran. After a few months, they came back. They were concerned about growing american influence in Texas. He recommended them to build more settlements in Texas, tighten their grip, etc. -
With the previous report stated, this law came to life. The government was sure too scared they were going to lose Texas. Within the law, it promoted Mexican and European immigration by offering generous land grants and financial assistance, yet, in Article II, it stopped American immigration to Texas. They suspended most empresario contracts not fulfilled. To stop any rebellious behavior, they set up forts to prevent smuggling, slaves, and land speculation. They placed duties on foreign items. -
Taxes were the next issue. At the port of Anahuac, a tax collector and a few soldiers were controlling commerce at a garrison near the Trinity River. It was controlled by Colonel John (Juan) Davis Bradburn. Soon , the colonists were accusing him of stealing, slaves, etc. There was a unit at the Brazos River, but there wasn't a tax collector. This angered ship captains since they were expected to go to Anahuac. Some went upriver without stopping at the Brazos River, so there were shots fired. -
General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, a federalist, led a revolt against, centralist, Anastacio Bustamante. Lots of Texans supported Santa Anna, as they wanted power as well. On June 13, 1832, the Texans adopted a resolution at Turtle Bayou stating there loyalty to Mexico, but not support of the government. They stated their full support for Santa Anna and the Mexican Federalists. -
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was a federalist whose forces were fighting against the Centralist party led by Bustamante. Most Texans supported Santa Anna because they believed he would support the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Santa Anna was then elected after, then turned into a major dictator. He had faked his favor to the Texans so that he could become elected. -
In April of 1833, Anglos called a 2nd convention in San Felipe, resulting in the draft of the constitution for Texas. Stephen F. Austin, Erasmo Seguin, and James B. Miller were supposed to travel to Mexico to deliver there proposal, but Miller stayed to treat illness, and Seguin declined. Austin wrote a letter Since Santa Anna was elected and was out, the VP read his letter and thought it was a rebellion, resulting in the immediate arrest of Austin. Austin was finally freed on July 11th, 1835. -
While Stephen F. Austin was locked up, Texians got upset over taxes. General Martin Perfecto de Cos (Santa Anna's brother in law and commander) got upset because William B. Travis tried to protect the arrest of a Texian. This resulted in the arrest of Travis and the other Texians. They were alarmed and held a meeting to consider what will be put in place in case of a Mexican Invasion. Stephen F. Austin returned in time to hear about the meeting, he said that they should organize defense.