Because 6.Benjamin F. Massey
was so
active in Missouri politics; and as Mexico was in a state of political
turmoil in 1834, when he took his long trip through Mexico, we felt it
desirable to explore the possibility that in some way he might have
been involved in the 1835 revolt of the American settlers in Texas
against the Mexican government.
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Our research gave us no
slightest hint that he was in any way involved in the 1835
revolt. The record shows that he was simply an American merchant
trader, taking a different route back to St.Louis from a successful
trading mission.
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However, just in case that
further research may turn up evidence to the contrary; here is a quick
run-down of the Mexican political climate during the 1830-1835 period.
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Mexico attained its independence
from Spain in 1821. By 1830, extensive emigration had resulted in
an estimated 30,000 American settlers in Mexico; mainly in the area
that later became Texas.
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In 1830, Mexico issued a Decree,
limiting [im]migration from the U.S. This Decree, plus the
Mexican government practice of granting large land tracts to Mexican
favorites, was the start of ill feeling between the American colony and
the Mexican government.
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Trouble was brewing vigorously
during the time that Massey was making his long trip from Santa Fe to
Vera Cruz. During the 1830-1835 period the Americans were
preparing to establish a government of their own.
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| In November 1835, an American
group met, and established a Provisional
Government, with Sam Houston as Major General of the Texas armies; they
also selected a commission to seek aid in the United States. |
Hostilities
had already
commenced. First, the Texans scored victories at Gonzalez,
Mission Concepcion and Bejar. Then, 6 Mar.1836, Santa Anna
captured the Alamo and slaughtered its garrison. Then, 21
Apr.1836, Sam Houston surprised Santa Anna near San Jacinto, captured
him,
crushed the Mexican army, and ended the War.
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But, to repeat, we have not
found a shred of evidence that B.F. Massey was in any way involved in
the Texans revolt against Mexico.
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Source: Encyclopedia Britannica:
11th. Edition, Vol,18, pp.692-693.
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