Tensions grew between Mexican troops and Texas settlers in the 1830s. In 1831, Colonel Juan Bradburn arrested several settlers in Anahuac, including William Travis, angering Texans. Settlers demanded the prisoners' release, but Bradburn refused. John Austin organized settlers and marched on Anahuac with a cannon, though they withdrew when Bradburn agreed to release prisoners. This led to the Turtle Bayou Resolutions where settlers declared they were not in rebellion against Mexico but defending their rights. Conflict continued until Colonel Piedras removed Bradburn from his post and released the prisoners.

1. Texas History Chapter 10.2: Tensions Grow

2. Conflicts at Anahuac New troops in Texas to enforce Law of April 6, 1830 Conflict ensues between settlers and soldiers

3. Conflicts at Anahuac Fall 1830: Troops establish a fort at the mouth of the Trinity River on Galveston Bay Anahuac: important immigration point and trade route

4. Conflicts at Anahuac Col. Juan David Bradburn commanded troops at fort Francisco Madero, a surveyor, was approving land titles for settlers in the area Feb 1831: Arrested by Bradburn

5. Conflicts at Anahuac Settlers angry Bradburn disbands town government of Liberty and “borrows” slaves

6. Conflicts at Anahuac Bellwork discussion: Imagine the school has passed a new rule saying all homework had to be turned in directly to Principal Moore. What do you think of this rule? How would you react to this rule?

7. Conflicts at Anahuac George Fisher: U.S. settler and Mexican customs official Issues rule that all ships landing in Texas pay their customs duties at Anahuac

8. Conflicts at Anahuac Some ship captain ignored Fisher’s rule Sent out soldiers, one soldier wounded Austin: said the act was not one of disloyalty, but a problem with Fisher

9. Conflicts at Anahuac Texans were unpleased with George Fisher’s performance as a customs collector. Bradburn arrests several citizens, including William B. Travis & Patrick Jack, enraging Texans

10. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions William Jack, brother of Patrick Jack, rallies townspeople Townspeople demand release of prisoners John Austin organizes a force of 150 and marches towards Anahuac

11. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Gunfire exchanged Bradburn agrees to release prisoners if settlers withdraw Bradburn does not keep promise

12. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Settlers withdraw to Turtle Bayou John Austin goes to Brazoria to get a cannon Drew up several resolutions Resolution —statements of a group’s opinion

13. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Declared the event was not a rebellion against Mexico Defending rights under the Constitution of 1824 Supported General Antonio L ópez de Santa Anna who was trying to overthrow President Anastacio Bustamante

14. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Bustamante taken complete control of the government Most Texans supported Santa Anna in his struggle with Bustamante

15. The Battle of Velasco Mexican forces under the command of Col. Jos é de las Piedras arrive from Nacogdoches Piedras blames Bradburn for the outbreak Bradburn removed from his post and prisoners released

16. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions John Austin returns with the cannon Unaware of what has happened June 6, 1832: Mexican troops refuse to let Austin and company pass Fighting breaks out

17. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Texans defeat the Mexican forces. Arrived in Anahuac triumphantly only to find the conflict settled The Battle of Velasco could be called a mistake .

18. The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Mexican authority continued to grow stronger Texans hoped that Santa Anna would be successful in ousting Bustamante