Col James Bowie

Today in Texas HistoryOn the trail to Texas independence. (Again, not much happening.)Jan 11, 1836 - James Bowie and William Blowout arrive at Goliad to support a Matamoros expedition.Santa Anna continues marching northward.The Lone Star Republic-Don Gray, reporting from San Felipe, Texas, January 11, 1836GENERAL COUNCIL IMPEACHES GOVERNOR SMITH! In responses to Gov. Smith’s blistering letter released yesterday in which he ordered the disbanding of the Council until March 1, today the General Council impeached the Governor and declared his office “vacant”. The Council appointed Lt. Gov. James Robinson as the acting governor until the General Convention meets on March 1. The violent split between Gov. Smith and the Council seem directly related to opposing views on the matter of invading Matamoros. One observer noted that the situation is now a battle of wills and that Texas will be the big loser. Legal experts say that current law does not clearly specify the differences of authority between the executive and legislative branches of our interim government. In other words, it is not clear just “who” can fire “who”. One part of our government is answering only to Gov. Smith; the other part is answering only to the Council and Acting Governor Robinson. As a result of this dispute, the people of Texas have two enemies – Santa Anna and the inability to govern its own military efforts. -Don GrayPortrait: James Bowie