Col James W Fannin

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Dec 23, 1835 - The officers of the three Georgian companies addressed a communication to J. W. Fannin, a native Georgian in Texas since 1834. The letter was, in effect, an invitation to Fannin to command their battalion. Among other things the letter said: "Be assured, Sir, that a welcome from any other source, however kind or respectable, could not have given rise to prouder feelings. As Americans we hail you as the Champion of liberty, as Georgians, we hail you as a brother --- Actuated by that inborn love of liberty and detestation of tyranny peculiar to the American character, and recently so eminently developed in you, we paused not to calculate the cost, but with arms in hand at once resolved to unite with our brethren in Texas, and share their destiny." Fannin, in his reply, assured the battalion that, though he lived in Texas, he could never forget that he was a Georgian, and concluded by giving the men some sound advice, which many of them straightway forgot: "Engage not in the political affairs of Texas. Leave that to those who have learned. Mistrust any one who attempts to engage you in political discussion. A residence of one year and acceptance of your headright makes you a citizen with the privilege of one. I trust that no member of the Georgia Battalion will assume those rights sooner." Portrait: James Fannin.