A Nervous Night in Austin

August, 1866. The President of the United States and the US Congress were “at enmity.” Whatever President Andrew Johnson favored, Congress opposed. Sound familiar?

A similar confrontation led to a night-time standoff at the Texas Capitol in Austin, a dangerous encounter at the end of the Reconstruction Era.

As with most States in the old Confederacy, Texas fell into political disarray at the end of the Civil War. Reconstructing the Texas state government was essential but difficult to accomplish. A reconstruction convention finally abolished the Articles of Confederation and elected J. W. Throckmorton Governor.

But Throckmorton didn’t last long. Over President Johnson’s objections, Congress soon returned the Old South to military rule. General Sheridan took charge of Texas and promptly removed Governor Throckmorton, who was too lax. All civil elections were forbidden. E. M. Pease was appointed to the office of governor.

The US Congress then replaced General Sheridan with General Hancock. Governor Pease abruptly resigned, stating he couldn’t serve under the control of military officers.

When, at last, a revised Texas constitution was adopted, Governor Edmund J. Davis was elected under military orders. He proved to be Texas’s least popular governor (so far).

A resurgent Democratic Party nominated Richard Coke for governor. Governor Davis declared the election illegal. His term wasn't over. He forbid the convening of the new legislature. But the new legislators paid no attention to the governor and hastened to Austin, taking possession of the upper stories of the Capitol.

The night of January 13, 1874, found Governor Davis in charge of the ground floor of the Capitol, protected by a troop of Buffalo Soldiers. In the upper floor the legislators worked through the night, certifying the election of Governor Coke. The stage was set for a bloody confrontation. The outcome was in doubt

To the relief of Austin’s residents, morning found Governor Davis prepared to yield the election. Reconstruction in Texas came to an end on that day.

I’m basing this account on my grandmother’s textbook, A History of Texas by Anna J. H. Pennybacker. The book’s back cover states “Retail price, 65 cents; exchange price 33 cents. Any deviation therefrom should be reported to the State Superintendent in Austin, Texas.”

So be it.

Dac Crossley
October 24, 2011

“I will believe that a corporation is a person when Texas executes one.” – Doonesbury.

Comments

[Augie]

Dac, so wonderful to have such a vivid remembrance of your grandmother...thanks for sharing. Augie

[Marja McGraw]

I think you post some of the most interesting blogs! And I wish your grandmother really had written the book. :)

[Eileen Obser]

Thanks for the history lesson. I always loved reading and studying history in school and this is a great reminder to get back to some of that reading.

[Celia Yeary]

Dac--history does repeat itself, doesn't it.
This was an account I'd never read about. Wow...aren't you glad you have that little book, a real treasure from your grandmother. You must take after her.
I hope your medical situation is under control.--I'm not sure what you mean by cluster headaches, but I think I have heard of the condition.Good post...

[irene black]

Good post, Dac. Buffalo soliders? I've heard the term, but not sure where they fit in with the military. Would make an interesting post.
Irene

[Dac Crossley]

Caroline - i just happened to run across this, poking through the old Texas History textbook. I think the post-construction era is really interesting in South Texas.

[Dac Crossley]

Actually, my grandmother didn't write it. But thanks anyway

[Paige]

What is thrilling is that this book, plus two revisions are available on Amazon, as well as a biography of his grandmother!

[Caroline Clemmons]

Dac, thanks for the reminder of this standoff, which I had forgotten. I love Texas history, but the stories I write are post-reconstruction and I tend to forget many events prior to 1870.

[Patricia Gligor]

Dac,
Good post. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War Era. I think it's interesting that your grandmother wrote a textbook on the history of Texas. I guess it's true: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."