The Fredonian Rebellion of 1826 occurred when Haden Edwards' empresario contract to settle 800 families near Nacogdoches was cancelled by the Mexican government. In response, Haden's brother Benjamin Edwards declared part of East Texas to be an independent republic called the Fredonian Republic. Stephen F. Austin led a militia that forced the Fredonians to flee in 1827. The rebellion worried Mexico and prompted General Manuel de Mier y Teran to investigate American influence in Texas, especially in East Texas. He warned Mexico about the growing conditions and recommended increasing trade, soldiers, and European/Mexican settlement in Texas.