Many events of an extraordinary character transpired in Texas during the year 1839. The two which overshadowed all others, from a military point of view, were the campaigns driving the Cherokee Indians from Eastern Texas and the establishment on Texas soil of "The Republic of the Rio Grande." The troubles which led up to the expulsion of the Cherokee Indians from Texas are matters generally known, but little is known to the causal reader of Texas history concerning the events surrounding the revolution against the Centralist of Mexico which led to the establishment of the "Republic of the Rio Grande." This event has historical value to Texas because the revolution had its birth in Texas and, too, because the "Republic of the Rio Grande" unfurled its banner on Texas soil.
The impetuous Texans who joined the Mexican Republicans in this revolution, were venturesome spirits who were not contented with the dull monotony of peaceful scenes. They thought they saw in it opportunities for service and gain. They felt that by taking advantage of these opportunities they could gain both. They were young men of splendid abilities-ambitious and brave but they did not stop to count the cost of failure or consider the reproach they were bringing upon their country."
