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at once to the hospital. But alas for Bean's hopes! Instead of being freed from his chains, he was forced to wear them in bed and also to have his feet fastened in stocks; his food was scant, and meat being considered unhealthy for feverish patients, he was allowed each day only the head or neck of a chicken. One day, when even more hungry than usual, he angrily asked the priest who brought him his dinner: Why is it that I never get any part of the fowl but the head and neck?" "You are hard to please, prisoner; either eat this or go without,” replied the priest. Bean threw the plate at the priest, severely wounding him in the head. The hospital officers now put Bean's head in the stocks, and as this was kept up for fifteen days the suffering made him ill indeed. On being taken back to prison, he made his escape, hid in a water-cask on an outgoing vessel, but was, at the last moment, betrayed by the ship's cook, and led back to his cell. The Republicians, soon after this time, rebelled against the Royalist government, and the prisoners in the various Mexican prisons were released, provided they were willing to fight for the king. Bean made many promises, was liberated, and given arms. For two weeks he fought well, but as soon as an opportunity came, he, with all the men he could influence, deserted and went over to the Republicans. Here, under General Morelos, Bean distinguished himself for skill and courage. In 1814, he was sent to the United States to secure aid for the Republicans; on his way he visited Lafitte, who accompanied him to New Orleans, were both men fought bravely in the battle of New Orleans. When Mexico became a republic Bean was made an officer in the army. He married a rich Mexican senorita. He died in 1846.

ERA III

ERA OF COLONIZATION

(1819-1830)

AUSTIN'S COLONY

While the stirring events of the last epoch were happening, rumors of the wonderful soil and climate of Texas spread far and wide. Many a fugitive from the ill-fated expeditions bore the story of his adventures to distant States.

Moses Austin.-1 There lived at this time in Missouri Moses Austin, a man of strong character and untiring energy. He resolved to visit Texas and secure a tract of land for colonization. The time seemed favorable for his plans, as the United States had given up all claims to Texas, as he had been for a time a Spanish subject (see note, p. 305), and as the more liberal section of the Royalist party was in power. In 1820, Austin arrived in San Antonio, where he laid his petition for a grant of land before Martinez (mar-tee'neth), the governor of the province. Instead of the kindness and encouragement he had hoped to receive, Governor Martinez showed him only suspicion. His petition was thrown aside, and he was ordered to leave the province at once. A Friend in Need.- With a heavy heart Austin left. the Governor's building, not knowing what fate might befall him. Just then he happened to meet on the Plaza

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Baron de Bastrop,2 an officer of importance, whose acquaintance he had made in the United States. To him Austin confided everything. Bastrop proved himself a true friend; through his influence the Governor allowed Austin to remain some time in San Antonio, examined his petition, approved it, and used his influence to secure the approval of higher officers.

Returns Home to Die.- Not having time to wait for the officials' decision, but feeling certain of success, in January, 1821, Austin set out for home. A portion of the country over which he passed was scarcely more than a wilderness; the weather was cold, and food was scarce; he suffered untold hardships. His health was ruined. Some weeks after he reached home he died (June 10, 1821). A few days before his death he received news that his petition had been granted, and that he was authorized to settle three hundred families in Texas. His dying request was that his son Stephen should take up the work and carry out the plans that they together had made.

Stephen F. Austin needed no urging to undertake the task his father had left him. He was in New Orleans making arrangements for the colony when he learned that his father had secured a grant of land. He hastened to Natchitoches to meet the Mexican Commissioners, Seguin and Veramendi, who had been sent to meet the elder Austin; near here Austin heard the sad news of his father's death. Being informed of the state of affairs, the commissioners were quite willing to acknowledge Stephen Austin's claims. Seguin and Austin arrived in San Antonio August 12, 1821, and were cordially received by the Governor, who granted Austin permission to explore the country adjacent to the Colorado River and choose what lands he wished. Austin selected for