Butterfield Road

By Patrick E Dwyer

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON is revealed in this continuing Saga of two Irish emigrant families, the Magoffins and the Dwyers. Through their eyes and experiences of the Texas fight for independence from Mexico, and the Mexican American War, the necessary steps required for American expansion West to the Pacific Ocean and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patrick Dwyer Publishing
• Release date: Apr 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961225015

Patrick E Dwyer

Plano, Texas resident Patrick E. Dwyer, MD. was born in Austin and raised in El Paso. He was a biology research scientist and educator before a medical career that included Pediatrics, Family, and ER medicine. Afterward he was a medical educator for several years. Now with a writing endeavor underway, he is the father of four adult children and has eleven grandchildren. Patrick is an avid sports fan and a classical music lover. Web site under construction: www.authorPatrickEarlDwyer.com 1st novel: Ascendancy (copyright 2021) 2nd novel in progress, subtitled: How the West was really won

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Copyright © 2023 by Patrick Earl Dwyer

All rights reserved

No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means–electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or other–except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior permission of the author.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-961225-00-8

eBook ISBN: 978-1-961225-01-5

PROLOGUE

The Saga of the Irish families, the Magoffins and Dwyers, continues in Butterfield Road. The Dwyer family, led by brothers Joseph and Edward, are preparing to depart New Orleans for new opportunity in the Mexican state of Texas. Sister Ciara (Nee Dwyer) Johansen, husband Hans, and son Patrick will remain behind in New Orleans content in their musical and theatrical surroundings and l ivelihood.

Edward Dwyer, the younger brother who replaced older brother Joseph as Superintendent at the Roehampton Plantation in Jamaica, St. James District, has recently joined the family in moving to Texas. He has left his pregnant fiancé, Elizabeth, a slave, in Jamaica as the Baptist War begins, a war begun by the slaves there to free themselves from bondage. In the turmoil Elizabeth and her mother Belle Marie have decided to stay Jamaica along with Joseph’s children, Jessie and Jean, and pursue emancipation. Edward has been asked to Belle Marie’s young son and Elizabeth’s brother, Henry, to America and Texas, and to freedom and safety. Edward, after several months with no word from Elizabeth, is compelled to return to Jamaica as the war and violence have subsided to look for her.

Meantime, James Wiley Magoffin continues his entrepreneurial interests and activities in Mexico and as Consul General to the United States in Saltillo, Mexico. He has been very successful financially. He is a dandy of his time and a ladies’ man with the tribute name of Don Santiago having been bestowed by his associates, the Mexican politicians and businessmen. He is preparing to invite his brother Samuel back in the old Kentucky home at Harrodsburg to join him in Mexico as a business partner.

The conflict and changing, turbulent times brought on by American Expansionism awaits the two families in Texas where Anglo Texian colonists are beginning to desire more freedoms and pursue, first, an independent Mexican state, and later as tensions and conflict mount, to be a free country in hopes of annexation by the United States.

Mexico has gained independence from Spain. With Texas colonization well underway, Stephen F. Austin leads the way as empresario and liaison representative. Austin works relentlessly with the ever-changing powers of the Mexican government. The back and forth between liberalism and conservatism at their extremes within Mexico has a negative impact on Texas and Texians, both Tejanos and Anglos. The negative effects are felt commercially, and regarding individual and community liberties.

These Texas colonists are derived from all parts of expanding America. They are tough and very independent. They are predisposed to the American theme of freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness as the individual sees fit, not to mention the right to religious freedom which is specified as Roman Catholic in Mexico and Texas. These Texians want to set up their Mexican state of Texas apart from the central government and the state of Coahuila, of which it is attached and subservient.

Mexico and its Northern most province, Texas, are increasingly at odds. As the two immovable forces collide the future of Mexican sovereignty over its territory and the future of American expansionism from sea to sea are at stake. Butterfield Road describes succinctly how it all unfolded from the eyes and experiences of two pioneer Texas families. A true story at its core, Butterfield Road gives the grand view, the panorama, of when, how, and why the West was won. The Eyes of Texas began here and the vision for America came to pass.

Contents

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1 The Yellow Roses

La Cantina

The Governor’s Dinner Party

Ranger Rescue

The Wedding-April 1831

Chapter 2

The Hermitage

NEW ORLEANS DEPARTURE FOR TEXAS

Don Santiago’s Work and Play

The Heat Turns Up

Chapter 3 Pain and Participation

Turnaround—Goodbyes

Texas Bound

The Road to San Felipe de Austin

The Roads to Bexar and Brazoria

Chapter 4 Beginnings and Endings

The Romance Blossoms

New Orleans Trial

The second Ayuntamiento

Saltillo Rendezvous

Chapter 5 Life’s Ups and Downs

Optimistic

Painful Loss

The Fuses are Lit

Chapter 6 Drums Beating

Birthday Celebration

Texas Fight Begins

Problem Solving and Spies

The Inevitable Begins

Come and Take It

Chapter 7 Texas Fight for Freedom

Beginning Success

The Calls are Answered

Turns for the Worse

Carry On

Chapter 8 Spoils to the Victor

The Gunrunners

Afternoon Surprises

West to Chihuahua

The Breakup

Chapter 9 Risks and Rewards

The Santa Rita Mine

San Antonio Splash

Honeymoons

Beginnings and Endings

Chapter 10 Pushing Forward

The BBQ

Ranger Legacy

Goodbye Chihuahua, Hello Independence

Rough Riding Rangers

Chapter 11 Rising Stars Falling Stars

Boy’s Night Out

Such Sweet Sorrow

Kentucky Reunion

Back and Forth

Many Moving Parts

Annexation and Rendezvous

Chapter 12 Prelude to War

Hopes and Dreams

Trail Preparation

Meeting With the President

Call to Arms

The Mexican American War Begins

Chapter 13 American Expansion West

Bloodless Conquest

Texas Two Step

Chihuahua Expedition

Never Quit

The Rest of the Story

Chapter 14

Love Finds a Way

Magoffinsville, Texas

The Last Hurrah

Chapter 15

Shakespearean Travels

The Butterfield Stage

The Rest of the Way

Fleeting Times and Beginnings

Epilogue

Short Story—Thank You, Pancho Villa

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

The Yellow Roses

La Cantina

Big Jim Bowie sat comfortably at a table on the patio of the La Cantina sipping on what was described to him as a fine Kentucky bourbon. A Spanish guitarist played a soft but fast paced tune inside the cantina that was audible out on the patio. Bowie had wondered when he first came by the cantina how the fine bourbon had arrived in San Antonio de Bexar (Beh-har), or simply, Bexar, and was told by the manager, It came from a merchant out of Saltillo. He also offered many other items in the liquor category to the owner, Senor Veramendi, as well as a variety of mercantile products.

Amazing, Jim had remarked, for someone to have come here from there with this sort of special offering. Who is this merchant from Saltillo? And how far is Saltillo down the Camino Real? he inquired.

The La Cantina manager, Senor Garcia, replied in Spanish, The man goes by Don Santiago, and Saltillo is a mere 540 kilometers, or 340 miles, Senor Bowie.

Big country, this place Coahuila y Texas. That is a 10-to-12-day journey, quipped Bowie in Spanish. He was good at it, the Spanish that is.

While he waited, Bowie now sipped on the fine bourbon rather than over-indulging as in times past. He savored rather than used it. Bowie was pleased with his choices lately that included coming back to Bexar in a more sober state and speculating in land.

Here in 1828 to be baptized into the Catholic faith as a requirement for Mexican citizenship, Bowie had returned from other nefarious and fruitless adventures in Louisiana and taken an oath of allegiance to Mexico, thereby becoming eligible to buy land and speculate. Stephen F. Austin himself, the great Empresario and colonizer, had witnessed his oath after receiving a letter of introduction from Thomas McKinney, one of the original 300 settlers.

This mild April afternoon in 1830 Jim Bowie was meeting with a group of militia volunteers after having been elected commander of the unit with the title of colonel. Senor Veramendi, the alcalde of Bexar and cantina owner, who baptized Bowie back in ‘28, now made the arrangement for Bowie to lead the Ranger militia. The Rangers protected the population from outlaws and Native American assaults on an on-call basis.

Is that you, Mr. Bowie? asked an approaching Roberto Rojas, a hardworking Tejano vaquero from a nearby ranch. He was in the Mestizo class, that is, not pure Spanish, like the well to do Veramendi family and the other Canary Islanders, the original Spanish settlers. Bowie had become cognizant of the class distinctions in this Mexican settlement. Originally a Spanish settlement, of course, but Mexico had gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Yes, hello, replied Bowie, shaking hands.

I have seen you at mass at the mission on Sundays. Your reputation precedes you, Senor Bowie, stated Senor Rojas in a rough but intelligible English. Rojas glanced at the big knife strapped to Bowie’s side, ordered tequila, and placed a .36 caliber bullet on the table for the barkeep as payment. It’s what we call a shot of tequila, explained Rojas, smiling underneath a bushy mustache and beard. He wore a sombrero and still had his spurs attached to his boots.

Bowie was amused. Others like Rojas showed up shortly, introduced themselves to Bowie, sat, and enjoyed a few shots of tequila, chasing with lemon and salt. Fresh spring water from the nearby San Pedro Creek was brought by the hostess to quench thirsts. Her fanny was pinched as she turned to walk away by one of the vaqueros and they all laughed a hearty laugh together. All she could do was grin and shake her head. It came with the turf, but James was told she would expect a peso or two in return The peso flavor of the month was made of copper.

Where does the specie come from, my friends? James

asked.

From Mexico, James. Lately the mint out of Chihuahua has been using copper. Somehow it filters this way, and the bosses, Los Rancheros, like to be paid for their cattle and sheep in specie, whatever the flavor happens to be. Sometimes it is silver, sometimes gold, or some combination of the three, replied Rojas.

Rojas continued with, and we get paid in specie, as a result. You see, James, Mexican money is worth much more than American. We would rather pay with bullets here than specie because our pesos go much farther. I can buy as many as forty bullets for a peso.

The meeting continued with ten members present and accounted for as Bowie asked for a roll call and roster. As many as thirty more potential volunteers, including several of the Rancheros or ranch owners, were out in the surrounding community for the purpose of community protection. The vaqueros attending today’s meeting would pass on the information to their respective Rancheros.

The meeting began. Routine scouting and communication arrangements were implemented. Emergencies were emphasized and thoroughly discussed. Jim Bowie learned a lot about the dangers and risks that day, but like the rough and tough Tejanos present, Bowie was more than willing to fight. It was expected from Anglo-Texians arriving from the American frontier. It was ingrained. In Bowie’s case, Kentucky born, and Louisiana raised, he had a legacy of prevailing in mortal combat feuds.

On the other hand, it was divulged that the Mexican military garrison, which varied in number from as many as a company of over one hundred to just a small platoon, was not dependable regarding Indian attacks and where kidnappings were involved. They did not pursue captives. Colonist insurgency, however, was an entirely different matter.

The other interesting point Bowie realized was that the Comanche and Apache treated the Anglo-Texians differently than the Hispanic population. They avoided the Gringos for the most part but continued a steady and vicious assault on the Hispanic residents of the region.

Just as the meeting was ending and the sun was setting, Alcalde and cantina owner, Senor Veramendi, burst around the corner riding hard on horseback.

Senor Bowie! he shouted as he dismounted hurriedly and walked toward the group. We have an emergency! My niece, Gertrude, from Saltillo, has been kidnapped by Comanches on the Camino Real! Traveling toward Bexar in a barouche accompanied by a few vaqueros from her family ranch, the entourage was ambushed. A couple of the vaqueros fought but were killed. Another escaped after being wounded. I need your help, Senores, shouted a rattled Juan Martin de Veramendi.

The Governor’s Dinner Party

As the beautiful Gertrude Veramendi was being kidnapped near Bexar, a dinner party at the residence of Governor Juan Viescas at Saltillo, Coahuila/Tejas was underway. Invited guests included the Consul General to the United States at Saltillo, James Wiley Magoffin, and the Commandant of Mexican Army forces in Northern Mexico, General Manuel Mier y Teran, among several prominent political and local wealthy elites.

As the guests arrived, they socialized in the main room and library, enjoying some fine local wine produced in the nearby Parras, Coahuila area. Governor Viescas, born in Parras and owning a winery there, included his own vintage in the wine selection this evening.

Ah, James, there you are. I missed your arrival, quipped the Governor in a seamless Spanish, now standing with Consul Magoffin in the library where he was eyeing the books and art objects there.

Hello Governor Viescas. Nice to see you again, replied Magoffin. Nice place you have here, very beautiful. I have been admiring the art and the tile everywhere. It’s gorgeous, as James did his best with the Espanol.

Thank you, James. We have missed you around here. What have you been doing with yourself? asked the Governor.

Not speaking much Spanish as you may have already noticed. Pardon me for that, James remarked, a little embarrassed.

No problem, James. Would you rather we speak English? I need to practice, after all, the word is out that the Texians are asking for English to be recognized in Tejas, smiled and remarked the

Governor. They both laughed together as they shook hands for the first time in over a year.

In English James replied, Yes, let’s work on your English and I promise to practice my Spanish with my staff and housekeepers. They paused, toasting their wine glasses quietly and for no particular reason other than life was good for both men. Then James spoke.

Well, as you may have heard if you asked, and I am sure you did because Jose Jimenez, my valet, told me ten times if he told me once when I returned, ‘that the Governor has been asking for your whereabouts.’ I just returned from another business trip with my partner John Stryker, James explained.

I heard about your boat trips in the Gulf and as far as New York, James. Any success? inquired the Governor.

Much, answered James, and smiling said, But we will need to talk about exporting this very delicious red wine of yours, sir, remarked James.

You are something else, James, and one of the reasons I invited you here was to suggest we participate, shall we call it, in a gentleman’s agreement, in an opportunity to supply provisions to a few of the army garrisons in Tejas, divulged the Governor twisting his mustache.

Sounds great, responded James, "now even more reason to ask and bring my brother,

Samuel, from Kentucky to assist me with all the commerce, described Consul Magoffin. In

fact, I have already written to him, sending the letter from New Orleans before heading back to Matamoras and home."

James, you are one step ahead of the world going around you. I have always admired your intelligence and business acumen, the Governor said admiringly.

Nothing wrong with your English, sir. I am not so sure I agree with everything you say though. I am independently wealthy, but as a friend I must confide in you that I am not particularly content as it may seem, confessed James.

Love, my good man, is the answer, and children! It is obvious you hunger for the love of a good woman! responded the Governor. He placed his hand on James’ shoulder and squeezed it, then patted him gently on the back.

Making eye contact with James the Governor spoke, James, there are many red roses everywhere you look and a few exceptionally special lovely yellow roses, too. Find yourself that special yellow rose, James. Take the time to think on it and then get started. Take a break from your business adventures. Will you do that for me? requested and asked the Governor.

James nodded in acknowledgement, knowing the Governor had made an accurate diagnosis. James thought in that moment as the two paused to sip on fresh glasses of wine that all the women and money in the world were not enough, not the way he had experienced them thus far.

Ironically, it would take just one, just one loving woman to fix James Magoffin. Or would it? He wondered. He wavered. Time would tell and he would take the time now to look for answers, to look for the one solution, that perfect yellow rose.

After a pause, the conversation continued. The Governor had given his friend and partner a few moments to ponder in quiet. Then he said, Changing the subject back to the business and politics at hand, I want to mention a few things to you James, before we go in to meet the other guests and have dinner.

I am all ears, as they say in New Orleans, said James smiling with approval.

While you have been away, James, the powers that be in Mexico City have turned increasingly hard-line. That is how you English describe it. In Mexico, the Constitution implemented in 1824 was a federalist one in which the states had all the power locally. Our state of Coahuila and Tejas was free to manage our own affairs, including trade and immigration policies. The obvious and open disregard by Anglos North of the Rio Grande, or more accurately the Nueces River, for Mexican laws, has now come under great scrutiny. Tensions will be mounting rapidly, explained Governor Viescas.

In other words, the Constitution of 1824 is going out and tyranny with centralized power is the main course on the menu-Yes? Consul Magoffin surmised and probed. But why?

Correct, and the reason is first, the military rules with the likes of the hero of Tampico, General Santa Anna, who defeated the Spanish attempt to reconquer. Second, the clergy hierarchy and the Hacendados, the big hacienda owners, and the Spanish elites elsewhere, do not tolerate a constitution that adheres to the common man and states’ rights, described Viescas.

Let us face it, Mexico is and will always be a class system society with a political arrangement that will lean toward central power. In this moment, our country is in a state of virtual anarchy with no clear authority, but the military has the control. We call it caudillaje, James, with military garrisons everywhere imposing military rule, as the Governor explained the situation at length.

Does that mean they intend to bring the military here, fill and occupy garrisons all over Texas, and enforce all the rules the NorthAmericans have been ignoring? asked James, knowing the obvious answer.

Yes, James. The distrust of the Anglo-Celt colonists runs deep in Mexico City. They do not trust the Anglo-Texians. They are concerned about the expansionists policies argued in the United States Congress and the idea that Texas can be bought, not to mention California, explained Governor Viescas.

What else do the new President and his side-kick General Santa Anna have in mind besides caudillaje, inquired Magoffin, who had many business interests at stake in all this. He had many irons in the fire, as they say, as did many Texian colonists. James was cognizant of his role as Consul in this regard. He was the ears" for many folks in Texas tonight.

It is a matter of protecting Mexico’s legal sovereignty over the territory, James. Nothing personal, you do understand-right? Let us join the others. General Manuel Mier y Teran, the commandant, is here tonight and he will give an update to all present, responded the Governor.

Smiling and making eye contact with Magoffin as they entered the spacious room to mingle,

Governor Viescas said, Unfortunately for you, the General does not speak a word of English, at least he refuses to speak it. James could only shrug his shoulders and grin.

A couple of Spanish guitars entertained the guests in the palatial room, and as the two men entered the obvious was apparent. There were three main groups standing in circles. In one corner stood General Mier y Teran looking distinguished in formal military attire speaking to several male dignitaries, political and financial well to dos. In another circle of attendees were the wives of those dignitaries. And in a third circle were several military officers and well-dressed young Hispanic gentlemen who surrounded a beautiful young lady dressed elegantly in yellow silk and lace. She was stunning visually, even to the experienced James Wiley Magoffin, who immediately whispered and asked the Governor, Speaking of yellow roses, who is that lovely creature, sir?

That is the eighteen-year-old daughter of Juan Martin de Veramendi of San Antonio, Ursula de Veramendi, he replied.

I know Senor Veramendi, stated James. I have done business with him in Bexar. He owns a cantina there.

I do not see her cousin, Gertrude, who is equally as beautiful, and who is the daughter of one of the dignitaries attending, also a Veramendi. They are of Canary Islander heritage, James, pura Espanol, and very well to do with large ranch and business holdings in the territory, described Governor Viescas.

Are they married? asked James.

Gertrude is married to a Ranchero named Farias. Farias was invited but I do not see them. Ursula is now coming of age as you can see, whispered the Governor as they approached General Mier y Teran’s circle to join the discussion.

Consul General to the United States, James Magoffin, was introduced to the Commandant of the Mexican Army Forces of Northern Mexico, General Manuel Mier y Teran. The two shook hands and made eye contact only briefly as the General returned to his discussion with the group, giving all present a firsthand update on the politics and orders of the day.

Continuing in Spanish, the General stood at the center of the circle and addressed the group, turning as needed to make eye contact and answer questions. He began again with, As I was describing, Governor Viescas and Consul Magoffin, I was here for over a year in Texas investigating the situation in Texas on behalf of President Bustamante and the Minister of Foreign Relations, Don Lucas Alaman.

Did you make a report, what did it say, and are there going to be repercussions here in Coahuila-Tejas? asked Senor Veramendi, after introducing himself as the uncle of the vivacious Ursula.

The report was not kind. I reported that Mexican presence disappeared beyond San Antonio de Bexar. The ratio of NorthAmericans to Mexicans was ten to one and the Mexicans were sinking to the lower class. The immigrants, I reported, had schools, the Mexicans none. The older immigrant children were sent to the United States to be further educated, described the Commandant.

In short, the immigrants have aligned in such a way as to create resentments and divide the country, stated General Mier y Teran bluntly and with a grimace.

What were your recommendations, General? asked a man who introduced himself as Jose Armijo, a local businessman.

I made several and they included, first, that the government should send ethnic Mexican colonists to Texas as well as promote other Europeans such as Swiss and Germans to come. In other words, diversity could help create a more national patriotism, remarked the General.

As General Mier y Teran now turned in the circle to answer further it was Consul Magoffin who asked next. General, with respect to trade and commerce, were there any specific recommendations on your part?

Yes, Consul, my suggestion was for the central government to find ways to encourage trade between Texas and the Gulf Coast of Mexico, stated the General.

Magoffin responded with, With regard to slavery, General, Texas has been exempted from the general rule in Mexico that slavery is not allowed. Will that remain true for the future?

We will have to see, Consul Magoffin, was the reply. This made James Magoffin uncomfortable, and he glanced at Governor Viescas who raised his eyebrows and eyes to the ceiling while shrugging his shoulders for James. James Magoffin had no view one way or the other about the issue but discouraging slavery and disallowing it in Texas would certainly curtail further immigration of the NorthAmericans.

The other thoughts and questions that James Magoffin was having as the dinner bell rang was in what form would trade with Mexico be encouraged. Would it come in the form of tariffs, trade laws, fines, and customs houses everywhere? What about law enforcement, in this case, military enforcement? With that thought, it struck James. That is it, he thought! That is why the governor is suggesting a partnership to provide provisions-because the military is about to have a much greater presence in Texas, and Governor Viescas is aware of the fact! That means, James concluded for the moment, that the laws and regulations are already made and about to be implemented, which could only bring tension and dissent to these free loving, independent colonists in Texas.

Dinner was served in the large dining room to the guests numbering thirty who were seated at a large table with a view of the garden area patio. Now the violins playing soft classical music tunes took over to fill the ambiance as the servants served the elites in attendance at the Governor’s dinner party.

Consul Magoffin sat next to Senor Jose Veramendi on his left, brother of Juan, the Bexar Alcalde. On James’ right was seated the wife of Jose Armijo, a large hacienda owner, who, in turn, was seated next to her husband. The beautiful Ursula de Veramendi sat next to the governor at the head of the table on his right and on her father Jose’s left. Across the table and opposite was the Governor’s wife next to him and on her left, General Mier y Teran followed by his wife. The General ignored and refused to make eye contact with Consul James Magoffin initially. Not a good sign, thought James.

The meal was superb with a fresh lettuce and tomato salad served with a divine vinaigrette dressing and shrimp cocktail with spicey sauce to begin. The wine was switched to white and was served cool. It reminded James of a German Riseling vintage he had tried on a recent trip to New York, sweet but not too sweet.

Guests were offered a side of beef brisket with the main dish, which was Chicken in Mole Sauce served in a single white plate dish. The Brisket was served in a similar sized dish with a complement of a pork tamale and enchilada which were smothered in a delicious, melted cheese or queso containing mild red peppers. The guests were satisfied to the fullest and pleased. James had for the first time in his several year tenure in Mexico gone the distance and tasted the mole, which he had avoided before now. He silently wished he had not waited and was astounded by the flavor.

James admitted and expressed, Well I must admit to all present that I have never tasted chicken in mole sauce before and I must admit, I made a big mistake to have waited. What are the magic ingredients? he asked his surrounding group.

A variety of sweet but not too hot chiles mixed with dark chocolate, to keep it simple, Don Santiago, explained Senora Veramendi smiling, which in addressing James as Don Santiago caught the attention of General Mier y Teran and his wife who looked at one another briefly with a surprised look. To address someone with the name James as Don Santiago was a tribute given out of respect.

Wonderful, responded James. I must be reminded that if I decide to stay and wed a Mexican maiden, she must have the recipe for chicken mole. The inner group laughed heartily, and the word spread down the table to the other guests who caught the jest and laughed along. It was amusing and it allowed some tensions to be relieved in the moment.

The guests were at ease as the dessert was served. An elegant dish of flan with a creamy butter and sugar sauce was presented. Espresso coffee was given to those requesting it. Others sipped an after-dinner liquor. It was a grand meal accompanied by the sweetest of violins in the background.

Consul Magoffin relaxed and got to know the nearby seated guests including the General and his wife while getting glimpses of the astonishingly beautiful Ursula de Veramendi, who was entertaining Governor Viescas. The conversation meandered and it was noted that Ursula’s cousin, Gertrude, and her husband, Ranchero Farias, were inexplicably not in attendance according to the Veramendis. No reason was known or given by them.

It was a mystery and they, the Veramendis, wanted to find out what happened. That was clear. Brother Juan Martin de Veramendi, father of Ursula and Uncle to Gertrude, could not be present with the many alcalde duties at San Antonio de Bexar impeding his attendance tonight.

Finally, The Governor was finished flirting with Ursula and rose to invite the esteemed guests to join him in the palatial room for a complete update on all things pertaining to the federal government decrees and orders with regard to the state of Coahuila-Tejas. Now the rest of the story, whispered Consul James Magoffin to himself and rising from his chair.

When the attendees were seated or standing to listen attentively, Governor Viescas spoke. I have received notice of several reforms. The first is that Congress has decreed that further colonization from adjacent countries is now forbidden, and anyone entering Mexico from the United States must carry a validated passport from a Mexican consulate office. A gasp from the attendees was audible.

Second, as the Governor continued, Further importation of slaves to Tejas is prohibited.

Additionally, among several other policies to be started here in the North which I will not discuss for the time being, the colonists of Tejas will be coerced to trade with Mexico rather than the United States with the implementation of local custom houses that will scrutinize trade practices and levy duties and fines in accordance with the rules and laws established by the Mexican Congress for these express purposes! concluded the Governor.

In that moment, Consular James Magoffin knew that if Mexico was sending the military to back up the new reforms that Hell was going to break loose. It was just a matter of time unless the government of Mexico, which it was known to do, switched back to the old Constitution of 1824 and eliminated or canceled the new reforms laid out by this administration.

Later that evening it was revealed to James that the military garrisons to be opened to him and Governor Viescas as provision providers were here in Saltillo, at Bexar, and Nacogdoches. James Magoffin immediately thought that Uncle Hugh Magoffin and his Natchitoches country store would be a good fit to help with Nacogdoches, and additionally, that brother Samuel Magoffin had to say yes and come participate. There was much to do, and help was needed, help that James could trust. Afterall, even his own successful business arrangements would be effected dramatically by the new rules, unless the Governor’s offer came with certain privileges.

Ranger Rescue

Juan Martin de Veramendi’s call for help to rescue his niece, Gertrude, went out to all the volunteers around San Antonio de Bexar. A highly respected community leader, the alcalde served as mayor, judge, and high sheriff at Bexar. A rapid response was forthcoming. Within twenty-four hours a posse was organized and preparing to hunt down the culprits and save the beautiful Gertrude Veramendi.

It would not happen overnight but would take up to a month to retrieve her, that is, if she were found in the first place and survived the kidnapping. All kinds of cruelties could be expected upon her.