Loyalist Warning

[Craig Tx]

From the Texas State Historical Association

Loyalist warns governor of anti-Mexican sentiment in Nacogdoches

On this day in 1835, less than two months before the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Mexican loyalist Antonio Menchaca wrote to Governor Leona Vicario informing him that Texans in Nacogdoches were determined to oppose Antonio López de Santa Anna and planned to "disarm all the Mexicans so that they cannot help defend the Government."

José Antonio Menchaca was born in Texas around 1795 and served as síndico procurador, or city attorney, of Nacogdoches. In 1838, while serving as a captain in the Texas militia, Menchaca was arrested and charged with treason for his alleged role in the Córdova Rebellion. He was sentenced to death, but pardoned by President Mirabeau B. Lamar on the condition that he leave the republic. Some years later, however, he returned to Nacogdoches, where he evidently remained until his death around 1870.


Craig