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Purchase. The Spaniards denied that France had any ownership in that area and,
therefore, claimed Napoleon could not sell it to the United States.
President Jefferson then told Spain he expected all Spaniards to evacuate Texas. There
was great popular support for this demand by the citizens of the United States,
particularly those who were then living in the Louisiana area and those who were
seeking new frontiers to explore. Now, there was extreme tension on the Texas-U.S.
Border. In response to this demand by Jefferson Spain moved great numbers of troops
into East Texas.

Another and more immediate problem arose. Where was the actual border between
Texas and Louisiana ? It seems that had never been surveyed or defined; it had been
a matter of a gentleman’s agreement between the Spanish and the French. It turned out,
as Spain soon found out, the new owners of Louisiana, the “Yankees”, were more
difficult to deal with than the French and demanded that an exact border be drawn.
Several battles were conducted during those times between Spain and the United

States. Some of the American generals suggested to the President that the United States
should just fight Spain over possession of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico, itself and
settle it all with one war. But, that did not happen.

In 1808 Napoleon invaded Spain and forced Spain’s King off the throne. This, of
course, upset and agreements or understandings which had been reached between Spain
and the United States regarding Texas. The Spanish government began to crumble.

THE MEXICANS REBEL AGAINST SPAIN

In 1810 Mexico rebelled against Spain and the battle spread to Texas. Many Mexican
revolutionaries began occupying various areas of Texas. Those were extremely
confused and bloody times in New Spain, as Mexico was then called. However, Spain

was able to control the Mexicans as the revolt was not very well organized. The
Spaniards arrested and executed the leaders of the revolution and the revolution failed.

Meanwhile, an American Colonial in the Army, Augustus McGee, who had been
involved in the conflicts between Spain and the U.S. over the Texas dispute saw an
opportunity. On his own he organized an army of drifters, borderers, idealist, and men
from good families, and even some Indians. Almost all of these men were Americans
who passionately believed Texas rightfully belonged to the United States and were
opposed to the ruthless oppressions of the King of Spain. McGee and his army crossed

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