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Constitution of 1824
Constitutional government in Texas began with the Mexican federal Constitution of 1824, which was similar to the United States Constitution but resembled more the Spanish Constitution of 1812. -
Fredonian Rebelion
The Fredonian Rebellion was a dispute between the Mexican government and the Edwards brothers, Haden and Benjamin. Haden Edwards received his empresarial grant on April 14,1825 that entitled him to settle as many as 800 families in and around Nacogdoches in eastern Texas. -
Mier y Teran Report
In 1827 President Guadalupe Victoria named General Manuel de Mier y Terán to lead a scientific and boundary expedition into Texas. -
Guerrero Decree
The Guerrero Decree abolished slavery throughout the Republic of Mexico was issued by President Vicente R. Guerrero on September 15, 1829.The news of the decree did alarm the Texans, who petitioned Guerrero to exempt Texas from the law. On December 2 the Mexican Government notified the governor of Texas that no change would be made respecting the slaves in Texas. -
Law of April 6, 1830
The Law of April 6, 1830 was designed to stop the flood of immigration from the United States to Texas, which came as a result of the warning Mier y Terán Report. Texas colonists were greatly disturbed by news of the law and Stephen F. Austin protested the law to Mexican officials and President Anastasio Bustamante. -
Conflict at Anahuac
Col. Juan Davis Bradburn came to the mouth of the Trinity River on Galveston Bay with orders to establish a garrison and a town on October 26, 1830. His job was to help the collector of customs and prevent the entrance of immigrants from the United States in accord with the recently passed Law of April 6, 1830. -
Turtle Bayou Resolutions
On June 12, 1832, settlers opposed to the rule of Mexican commander John Davis Bradburn fled from Anahuac north to the crossing on Turtle Bay. The Texas rebels had just learned that the Federalist army had won a significant victory under the leadership of Antonio López de Santa Anna. Taking advantage of this news, they sided with the Federalist cause by composing the Turtle Bayou Resolutions. -
Battle of Velasco
The Battle of Velasco, which took place on June 26, 1832, was probably the first case of bloodshed in the relations between Texas and Mexico. Henry Smith and John Austin, in charge of Texans who had gone to Brazoria to retrieve a cannon to use against the Mexican forces at Anahuac. The settlers fought the Mexican forces at Fort Velasco, who tried to prevent the passage of the boat carrying the cannon. -
Convention of 1832
The Convention of 1832 was held at San Felipe de Austin after the Anahuac Disturbances, the Battle of Velasco, and the Turtle Bayou Resolutions. Fifty‐five delegates elected Stephen F. Austin president and they met from October 1 through October 6, 1832. -
Convention of 1833
The Convention of 1833 met at San Felipe on April 1, the day that Antonio López de Santa Anna took control of Mexico. Approximately fifty‐six delegates attended, including a new delegate from Nacogdoches, Sam Houston. William H. Wharton presided over the convention which petitioned for repeal of the anti‐immigration section of the Law of April 6,1830. Delegates also proposed to split Coahuila and Texas. Assuming that the petition for statehood would be granted. -
SFA goes to Mexico City
The Convention of 1833 elected Austin to deliver the petitions to Mexico City and argue for their approval. He left San Felipe in April, arrived in Mexico City in July, and, after unavoidable delays, persuaded the government to repeal the Law of April 6, 1830, and to promise important reforms in Texas local government. He started home in December, convinced at least that he had left nothing undone even though President Santa Anna simply would not approve state government for Texas. -
The Consultation
The Consultation was held in San Felipe in late October into early November of 1835. This served as a debate between the opposing factions that wanted to continue a diplomatic relations with Mexico, led by Stephen F. Austin and the side that wanted to immediately declare independence, led by William Wharton and Henry Smith. Many delegates were unable to attend because of the continuing fighting with the Mexican forces in San Antonio and other areas in Texas.