Two documents on the second attempt for Texas independence:

A. “Declaration of the Independence of Texas”, Niles Weekly Register for September 11, 1819. An armed attempt in 1813 to establish the independence of Texas by American adventurers ended in failure. Dr. James Long, a surgeon and veteran of the War of 1812, and his supporters in Mississippi saw a new opportunity when the Adams-Onis Treaty leaving Texas as a Mexican province was delayed. In 1819, Long and his supporters declared Texas independence and occupied Nacogdoches. The “Long Republic” lasted about four months. He made an effort to enlist the pirate Jean Lafitte to serve as Governor of Galveston, an island vacated by the Mexicans. His march on Galveston was rebuffed by the Mexicans. Another attempt in 1821 led to Long’s capture and execution. This article on the plan for Texas independence ends with the editor’s (Niles) prescient comment: “There are various reports about men marching to join forces of the ‘Supreme Council’ … and an alliance is to be formed with General Lafitte, of Galvezton! We believe the whole is a bubble and will eventuate in the destruction of all persons engaged in it…” 16 pages.

B. “Republic of Texas!”, Niles Weekly Register for February 5, 1820. Includes a Louisiana newspaper article with the editor’s (Niles) introduction that “It appears … that a few individuals still adhere to gen. Long, and claim the rights of a sovereign power.” The article includes a letter from J. Lafitte to the U.S. naval commandant of a cruiser offshore. The letter is significant as evidence that Lafitte was willing to acknowledge to a U.S. official his role as Governor of Galveston in the independent Texas. Some historical accounts indicate that Long had not been successful in enlisting Lafitte’s support. 16 pages.

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Condition: B

Disbound text is lightly toned with scattered foxing.