Letters and Documents

[neferetus]

Crockett's Marriage License to Polly Findley, dated August 1, 1806, scarcely two weeks before Davy's 20th birthday.

[Bromhead24]

Nice find

[Greg C.]

wasnt that on Antiques Roadshow?

[neferetus]

No Greg, the Antique Roadshow Crockett Marriage License was
for a wedding that never happened.


According to the article discovered by coleblooded,

Even though Davy Crockett's wedding ceremony never took place, the marriage license that had been filled out was saved, and it eventually found its way into the hands of Margaret from Tampa who brought it to the ANTIQUE ROADSHOW.

Margaret's uncle, a Davy Crockett fan, had grabbed it when the archives of the Dandridge, Tennessee courthouse were being cleaned out. They were throwing away all things that were considered "unimportant," and since the marriage never happened, they felt the marriage license had no value whatsoever. Appraiser Francis Wahlgren was delighted to see such a treasure at the ROADSHOW. He told Margaret that it was well documented that Davy Crockett was to be married and the license was issued, but his wife-to-be ran off and eloped with someone else. Francis explained that the document's significance is priceless; it gives insight into the early life of someone that we all know as a backwoods statesman and the hero of the Alamo.

The license shows that he was to marry Margaret Elder in October of 1805, when he was just 19 years old. Francis gave the document an auction estimate of $20,000 to $30,000, but since Margaret intends to keep it, he advised her to insure it for $40,000 to $50,000.

Since the article's first appearence, there has been some question as to the legality of its being out of the Dandridge Tennessee courthouse archives, in the first place. Let's stay tuned and then see what happens.

Meanwhile, as to the Crockett/Findley marriage, Polly remained married to Crockett until, her untimely from an illness in 1815. They had two sons: John Wesley Crockett and William Finley Crockett.

Polly Finley Crockett is buried in an old cemetery overlooking Crockett's Franklin County home, nearBean’s Creek.


P.S. Crockett must'nt have been too broken up when his first marriage failed to happen. I mean it only took him ten months to find, court and then marry Polly Findley. Or maybe he was just one of those 'rebound' guys. As Bill Chemerka says, 'Takes thinkin' on.'

[neferetus]

For those of you who have never seen it, here is a passage from the diary of Virginian William Fairfax Gray, a land investor, who was present at Groces' Plantation when members of the Texas cabinet interviewed Travis' slave, Joe.

Sunday, March 20, 1836

This morning Messrs. Zavalla, Ruis and Navarro arrived. The cabinet are now all here, except Hardiman.

The servant of the late lamented Travis, Joe, a black boy of about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age, is now here. He was in the Alamo when the fatal attack was made. He is the only male, of all who were in the fort, who escaped death, and he, according to his own account, escaped narrowly. I heard him interrogated in presence of the cabinet and others. He related the affair with much modesty, apparent candor, and remarkably distinctly for one of his class. The following is, as near as I can recollect, the substance of it:

The garrison was much exhausted by incessant watching and hard labor. They had all worked until a late hour on Saturday night, and when the attack was made, sentinels and all were asleep, except one man, Capt. -----, who gave the alarm. There were three picket guards without the fort, but they, too, it is supposed, were asleep, and were run upon and bayonetted, for they gave no alarm. Joe was sleeping in the room with his master when the alarm was given. Travis sprang up, seized his rifle and sword, and called to Joe to follow him. Joe took his gun and followed. Travis ran across the Alamo and mounted the wall, and called out to his men, "Come on, boys, the Mexicans are upon us, and we'll give them Hell." He discharged his gun; so did Joe. In an instant Travis was shot down. He fell within the wall, on the sloping ground, and sat up. The enemy twice applied their scaling ladders to the walls, and were twice beaten back. But this Joe did not well understand, for when his master fell he ran and ensconced himself in a house, from which he says he fired on them several times, after they got in. On the third attempt they succeeded in mounting the walls, and then poured over like sheep. The battle then became a melee. Every man fought for his own hand, as he best might, with butts of guns, pistols, knives, etc. As Travis sat wounded on the ground General Mora, who was passing him, made a blow at him with his sword, which Travis struck up, and ran his assailant through the body, and both died on the same spot. This was poor Travis' last effort. The handful of Americans retreated to such covers as they had, and continued the battle until only one man was left alive, a little, weakly man named Warner, who asked for quarter. He was spared by the soldiery, but on being conducted to Santa Anna, he ordered him to be shot, and it was done. Bowie is said to have fired through the door of his room, from his sick bed. He was found dead and mutilated where he lay. Crockett and a few of his friends were found together, with twenty-four of the enemy dead around them. The Negroes, for there were several Negroes and women in the fort, were spared. Only one woman was killed, and Joe supposes she was shot accidentally, while attempting to cross the Alamo. She was found lying between two guns. The officers came round, after the massacre, and called out to know if there were any Negroes there. Joe stepped out and said, "yes, here is one." Immediately two soldiers attempted to kill him, one by discharging his piece at him, the other with a thrust of the bayonet. Only one buckshot took effect in his side, not dangerously, and the point of the bayonet scratched him on the other. He was saved by Capt. Baragan. Besides the Negroes, there were in the fort several Mexican women, among them the wife of a Dr. and her sister, Miss Navarro, who were spared and restored to their father, D. Angel Navarro of Bejar. Mrs. Dickenson, wife of Lieut. Dickenson, and child, were also spared, and have been sent back into Texas. After the fight was over, the Mexicans were formed in hollow square, and Santa Anna addressed them in a very animated manner. They filled the air with loud shouts. Joe describes him as a slender man, rather tall, dressed very plainly -- somewhat "like a Methodist preacher," to use the Negro's own words. Joe was taken into Bejar, and detained several days; was shown a grand review of the army after the battle, which he was told, or supposes, was 8,000 strong. Those acquainted with the ground on which he says they formed think that not more than half that number could form there. Santa Anna questioned Joe about Texas, and the state of its army. Asked if there were many soldiers from the United States in the army, and if more were expected, and said he had men enough to march to the city of Washington. The American dead were collected in a pile and burnt.

[neferetus]

Jim Bowie's parley letter of February 23, 1836. While hot-headed young Travis decided to fire off a cannon-shot in defiance, Bowie remained both cool-headed and the tower of protocol.



Because a shot was fired from a cannon of this fort at the time that a red flag was raised over the tower, and a little afterward they had told me that a part of your army had sounded a parley, which, however was not heard before the firing of said shot. I wish, Sir, to ascertain if it be true that a parley was called, for which reason I send my second aid, Benito Jameson, under guarantee which I believe will be respected by you and your forces.

God and *Texas '(*Mexican Federation' stricken out)

Fortress of The Alamo, February 23rd

James Bowie Commander of the Bejar Volunteers

[neferetus]

Davy Crockett's Motto

[Bromhead24]

neferetus said:

Jim Bowie's parley letter of February 23, 1836. While hot-headed young Travis decided to fire off a cannon-shot in defiance, Bowie remained both cool-headed and the tower of protocol.



Because a shot was fired from a cannon of this fort at the time that a red flag was raised over the tower, and a little afterward they had told me that a part of your army had sounded a parley, which, however was not heard before the firing of said shot. I wish, Sir, to ascertain if it be true that a parley was called, for which reason I send my second aid, Benito Jameson, under guarantee which I believe will be respected by you and your forces.

God and *Texas '(*Mexican Federation' stricken out)

Fortress of The Alamo, February 23rd

James Bowie Commander of the Bejar Volunteers

I wonder if Bowie didn't dictate that letter,(due to his failing health) if you notice, his signature is quit shakey compared to the rest of the letter

[neferetus]

Commandancy of the Alamo
Bexar, Fby. 24th, 1836

To the People of Texas &
all Americans in the world
Fellow Citizens & Compatriots

I am besieged by a thousand
or more of the Mexicans under
Santa Anna. I have sustained a
continual bombardment &
cannonade for 24 hours & have
not lost a man. The enemy
has demanded a surrender at
discretion, otherwise the garrison
are to be put to the sword if
the fort is taken. I have answered
the demand with a cannon
shot, and our flag still waves
proudly from the walls. I
shall never surrender nor retreat.

Then, I call on you in the
name of Liberty, of patriotism, &
of everything dear to the American
character, to come to our aid




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Travis' Appeal (page 2)

with all dispatch. The enemy is
receiving reinforcements daily &
will no doubt increase to three or
four thousand in four or five days.
If this call is neglected, I am deter-
mined to sustain myself as long as
possible & die like a soldier
who never forgets what is due to
his own honor & that of his
country.
Victory or Death
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

P. S. The Lord is on our side.
When the enemy appeared in sight
we had not three bushels of corn.
We have since found in deserted
houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into
the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis

[neferetus]

bromhead24 said:

I wonder if Bowie didn't dictate that letter,(due to his failing health) if you notice, his signature is quit shakey compared to the rest of the letter

I believe you are correct on this one, Bromhead. I seem to recall having read somewhere that Bowie had dictated the letter to Juan Seguin and then merely signed it. I don't have the source handy at the moment, though.

[neferetus]

TALLY SHEET RECORDING CROCKETT'S DEFEAT
IN HIS 1835 RACE FOR REELECTION TO CONGRESS

Contrary to what some docent at the Alamo might tell you, Davy Crockett lost his 1835 bid for reelection to his Congressional seat by a very slim margin---a mere 252 votes. (There are some areas where he even seems to have come out ahead.)

[Bromhead24]

"That other fella gave him four bits"...."Im sorry"

[neferetus]

Though Texas had gained it's independence at the battle of San Jacinto in April, 1836,
maintaining that independence was another thing. In the following letter, dated August,
1836, Sam Houston is requesting assistance from Major General Edmund P. Gaines U.S.A.
whose forces were encamped on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River.



Nacogdoches, Texas. Aug 29: 1836

General!
Sir!

I have the honor to report to you: by the express
the Critical Condition of this place, and the Frontier.

Bascos will report to you the facts which he has
learned at the ____ [?] Village.

That Cherokees were sent to Matamoras
there can be no doubt, and that they have returned, I have
as little. Our army being so far from a position
where it can sustain this point, is calculated to encourage
the Indians, and the Mexicans will be induced to stim-
ulate them to an attack, on this point, to make
a diversion [?] in favor of Matamoras, and keep our
army from advancing by trouble in its rear.

I need not say to you what force would be
necessary at this point. You are an “older and a
better Soldier” than myself, and I defer it to your
better judgment.

The Indians regard the present force
with evident contempt, and say that if they cut
off the present force, they are to hold all the lands

laying [sic] above the St. [San] Antonio road.

There are many reasons why a
larger force should be at this place.

If present were by any circumstance
cut off, it would blur an escutcheon, more glorious than
I can ever hope to see adorn my name, and one dear to
me from my juvenile recollections.

To day too, a unit placed
in the hands of the Sheriff which was taken from him
and torn in tatters.

The Civil Authorities must and
shall be sustained, or I will not survive their downfall[.]

The present affect is to take the Town,
and by destroying the present force to cut up others
in detail.

I will instantly order the organization of the
“Militia Civica” of the country. I will omit nothing
to have the country in a state of defence [sic].

But must we not anticipate a panick [sic] again?
And should it be the case, then who remains borne
down by numbers must parish! [sic]

the [sic] Cherokees represent great numbers of Mexicans on
the march to the place.

They must have entered by way
of Laredo, and passed the mountains, and will
reach the point in about eight days, if the
report is true or perhaps less.

It is a rumor here that Mrs
General Sant [Santa] Anna has raised a party in the Interior
which will have the power to enforce the Treaty
made between this Government, and the President.

It may be true, but to be candid I rely
more upon your facilities to give us Independence
than upon any other assurance.

You can save Texas!!!
The attack on Matamoras is abandoned by our army.

I have the honor to be
with Great regard
Your Ob’t Serv’t

(Signed) Sam Houston
Commander in Chief

To
Maj Gen’l Gaines
Com’g Dept West
Camp Sabine
U. States.[/quote]

[Bromhead24]

What was the reply?

[neferetus]

I have not discovered a response to General Houston's letter to General Woll, but it seems that his intervention was not required at that point, after all.

Mexico did not give up on her attempts to reclaim her lost Texas territory, however. In 1842, San Antonio and the Alamo were once again in Mexican hands when General Adrian Woll's 1,200 man invasion force arrived.

For more information on the capture of San Antonio, check out the MEXICAN INVASIONS OF TEXAS thread in the DEFENDERS AND ATTACKERS section of this board.

[neferetus]

Between February 30, 1833 and June 26, 1834, William Barret Travis kept a law diary. Below is an excerpt dated February 13, 1834. See if you can spot the signifacence of the entry.

Thursday-- Got write &c signed--recd of J.W. Moore his ac/t vs estate of A. Edwards--$51.00 Pennington vs Miller--examined witnesses--Harbor use of Early vs Hall--Judgt for plff--wrote bond for J. W. Moore to sheriff indemnifying him to buy one Boy Joe belonging to Mansfield--White and Moore sindics--wish to retain me &c &c will consult Williams about power of attorney--Laurence vs Wiggins settled by Deft's giving note and security &c-- Took A. Laurence's note $10--made out trnscript &c for H.L. Wiggins--took A. Laurence's note for same $5--Took memorandum from W.C. White relative to gin &c. Paid 50 for candles---Took power of atty from Gray B. King to locate League of Land & wrote contract with him to clear it out for half &c. Recd of him, Williams receipt for $37. Paid in Land Office--&c Wm H. Jack gave me recept for Black suit and vest $3.50--Note to P.C. Jack must be settled--

[seguin]

Does that mean that Travis bought Joe, his slave, through Moore on that date, almost excactly 2 years before the Alamo siege?

[neferetus]

seguin said:

Does that mean that Travis bought Joe, his slave, through Moore on that date, almost excactly 2 years before the Alamo siege?

Yepper! You got it!

[neferetus]

Here's a little something, courtesy of Mr. Cole. Thanks, Ted!


Marriage of James Bowie and Ursula de Veramendi

Transcription and Translation by Robert L. Tarín, Jr.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
©1996-1997, Robert L. Tarin. All Rights Reserved





[Transcription] See: Facsmile

April 25, 1831

338

D[on] Santiago Buy con D[oñ]a Ursula de Beramendi

Abril

En la ciudad de San Fernando de Béjar a 25 de Abril de1831 Yo el Presbítero D. Refugio dela garsa cura propio de esta ciudad practicadas las diligencias de estilo y amonestados en tres días festivos inter missarum solemnia quelo fueron el 11=17, y 24 de dho mes, y no haviendo resultado canónico impedimento alguno, aun pasadas mas de 24 horas después de leída la ultima casé y velé in facie eclesie a D. Santiago Buy natural de la Luiciana de la américa del norte hijo lego de D. Ramón Buy y de Da Alvina Yons: con Da Ursula de Beramendi natural de esta Ciudad hija lega de D. Juan Martín de Beramendi y de Da Ma Josefa Navarro: fueron sus pads fueron sus padres; y testigos al verlos casar D. José ¡ngel Navarro y D. Juan Franco Bueno y pa qe conste lo firmé.

Refugio dela Garsa

[rubrica]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Translation]

[Entry No.] 338

Mr. James Bowie with Miss Ursula de Veramendi

April

In the city of San Fernando de Béxar on April 25, 1831, I, Don Refugio de la Garza, parish priest of this city, [having] performed the customary measures and published banns on three holy days in solemn mass which were the 11th, 17th and 24th of said month, and no canonical impediment having resulted, even though more than 24 hours have passed after having read the last one, married and veiled within the church don Santiago Buy [James Bowie], native of Louisiana in North America, legitimate son of don Ramón Buy [Rezin Bowie] and doña Alvina Yons [Alvina Jones]: with doña Ursula de Beramendi, native of this city, legitimate daughter of don Juan Martín de Beramendi and doña María Josefa Navarro: their sponsors were her parents and the eyewitnesses to the marriage [were] don José Ángel Navarro and don Juan Francisco Bueno, and in witness thereof I signed it.

Refugio de la Garza

[rubric]


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