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PresidentStorm

Second Lieutenant
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Apr 22, 2016
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The Yellow Rose
The story of the Republic of Texas


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Where the Rio Grande is flowing
and the Stars are shining bright.

Welcome to my First* AAR! While I have attempted to make an AAR in the past, I had issues and was unable to continue it. However, I do not intend on getting thrown off this time! So with coming with my first AAR, I have read and been inspired by numerous works of AAR, especially by "The Republic - A Central American AAR" which was the one that really got me into AARs. Criticism is welcome.

I will be using the HFM mod in this AAR, using version 1.27. I intend on doing a role-playing narrative following the Republic of Texas in its first 100 years of existence, and hopefully survive to see the centennial anniversary of the nation. I do intend on going a bit historical, but there will be new characters showing up and will try to be realistic.

Also, I'm not an expert in Victoria 2. So I may very well make a few mistakes. But I do intend on learning, and I still have learned much from it.

Hope you enjoy!
 
Episode 0 - Prologue
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The History of Texas

Tejas had not been a priority for Spanish colonization. Not only was it under the great shadow of New Spain's rich gold mines and vast cities, the uncompromising native tribes that existed there made settlement past the Rio Grande nearly unthinkable. However, as French colonists began to settle into Tejas, Spain began to prioritize the colonization of this contested territory. Slowly but surely, settlement came. Spanish missions spread across Tejas, including a notable one named the Alamo in San Antonio de Bexar.

When Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808, the colonies grew divided on the appointment of the new Bonapartist monarchy. In 1810, what would be a small uprising by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla would transform into an open rebellion. Through a grueling 11 year war, the Mexican government fought for their independence from Spain, even after the defeat of Napoleon. Tejas was not spared from the war. In 1812, the Gutiérrez–Magee Expedition would take place, as Tejanos and American filibusters rose in support of an independent Mexico. They were soon defeated on August 18, 1813 at the Battle of Medina, which consisted of the wholesale slaughter of the Revolutionaries at the hands of Spanish Royalists. One of the reasons for the intense bloodshed was the orders by the Spanish officers to take no prisoners, which was notably followed by a lieutenant by the name of Antonio López de Santa Anna.

However, with the implementation of the liberal Constitution of Cadiz, the tide began to turn against Spain. The constitution resulted in Spanish Royalist Agustín de Iturbide to ally with revolutionary leader Vicente Guerrero to create a plan for the establishment of an independent Mexican monarchy. Many Mexicans and Spanish Royalists began to join this new army, including Santa Anna. On 24 August 1821, the Treaty of Córdoba was signed and the First Mexican Empire was formed, which included the region of Tejas.

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Shortly after the signing of the treaty and without proper European candidates to take the throne of Mexico, Regent Agustín declared himself Emperor of Mexico. The Republicans conspired against him, and soon Agustín's empire would collapse. Multiple military generals and politicians including that of Valentín Gómez Farías and Santa Anna marched on Mexico City, and the Republic of Mexico was established.

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Tejas joined the Republic as a territorial region, and was not admitted as a state due to its low population. Hoping to increase the population of the region, Mexico liberalized immigration and allowed for more immigration to arrive there. Empresarios were established, and offered to numerous settlers. The first of which went to Moses Austin, and later to his son Stephen F. Austin, who became an important political representative for Tejas and a inspiring figurehead for its people.

However, the cultural differences between the American settlers and the Tejanos began to show. White Protestant Slave-Owners began to trifle with Mestizo Catholic Anti-Slavers. Attempts for assimilation of the immigrants became impossible due to the lack of bureaucratic control of the region as well as the fact that the Anglos quickly became the majority within Tejas. Despite this, Austin attempted to bring the two groups together and to have conciliation.

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The Mexican Government was soon taken under a coup, and Santa Anna became the dictator of the Centralist Republic of Mexico. Santa Anna restricted the rights of the federal states, including that of Tejas. A revolt in Zacatecas attempted to overthrow him, but was defeated.

On October 5th, 1835, tensions reached a boiling point as a regiment of Mexican cavalry attempted to take a cannon from the settlement of Gonzales. Needing the cannon to protect against Comanche attacks, the village armed themselves and flew the 'Come and Take It' flag. Two Mexican cavalrymen were killed as they attempted to flee, but this small spark led to the Texan Revolution.

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Many Anglo-Texans and Tejanos began to take towns across Texas, including the capture of Béxar. However, as Santa Anna crossed the Rio Grande, Texian forces began to be pushed back. Remembering the Battle of Medina, Santa Anna ordered his men and generals to execute any and all prisoners. Santa Anna's forces eventually arrived at the Alamo mission, which had been turned into a fortress by the Texian defenders. Although the Texian forces were slaughtered, they were able to inflict 400-600 casualties on the Mexicans and delayed the Mexicans precious time. During the battle, Texian delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and drafted the Texan Declaration of Independence. Sam Houston was designated to lead the Texian armies as commander-in-chief.

Later on, the Mexican forces continued to push, conducting the Goliad campaign and eventually captured the Texian militia there. Despite sympathetic and moral pleas by General José de Urrea, the Goliad Massacre took place, resulting in the murder of 500 Texian POWs. Upon hearing of the defeat at Goliad, Houston realized his army was the last hope for Texan independence. He avoided engagement, and knew that he and his army could not stand against the combined might of the Mexican forces.

With the practical collapse of Texian resistance, Santa Anna grew focused on solidifying his control once he returned home. Urrea had led Mexican forces to victory in numerous battles, including that in Goliad, and had won much of the attention by the Mexican people. Intent on gaining glory and to overshadow a potential rival, Santa Anna decided to stay and to finish off the Texian forces and the interim Government, which had fled to Galveston island.

With the rebel forces outnumbered and the rebel government fleeing, it seemed like the writing was on the wall. The end of the rebellion is at hand.

This is where our story begins.
 
subbed
 
Welcome to AAR writing. An evocative start
 
Episode 1 - Revolution
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April 18th, 1836
Harrisburg, Texas
The growing green around him showed proof of spring. Blossoming roses dotted the area, and the river was flowing boldly. Despite these, it was the feeling of uncertain doubt that overtook the encampment. By the tracks on the road, they knew the Mexican forces had just left shortly before. The burned chars lay still in the graves of what were once homes. Outside of this graveyard, a collection of tents sat, with men and horses wondering about. Inside a tent in the center, a middle-aged man sat on his hastily set chair, reading his papers and orders.

Another man, around his age, entered the tent. He approached and nodded. "Commander Houston."

"Colonel Lamar. Is the report in? How many?" Houston responded, rubbing his head with anxiety.

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Mirabeau B. Lamar (Left) and Sam Houston (right)

"Including the latest batch of volunteers..." Lamar squinted at his paper, and continued "200 have been reportedly too ill to march." He showed Houston the report, and continued "Which would therefore mean we could have slightly over 900 in a fight."

"I see..." said the first man, grudging and disillusioned. "Reports on Mexican forces range their total forces in the thousands. We are outnumbered by, perhaps, three times. Maybe even four."

Lamar approached, and sat in the stool next to Houston. "Ah, but we still do have time. If we could, we can attempt to distract one of their armies. Pluck off a smaller contingent..." He was stopped in his tracks by the words of his superior. "Where we would then be weakened, and be but a small slap in the face to Santa Anna? Our army is the last of Texas. If we fall, Texas will fall, and we may only be able to win perhaps one fight. Any more, and I fear that these men shall never return to their homes. Lamar, if we are to strike, we must do so with certainty."

Lamar, sighing, turned back to his papers, looking over the list of soldiers and logistics. "Should we wait longer, then we shall start losing men to disease, desertions... we need to-"

Before he could continue his words, a sudden burst took them both aback. At the front of the tent, 5 men entered, two of which were dragging along a man in a Mexican uniform.

"Commander Houston, Colonel Lamar... Henry Karnes and I have discovered a Mexican courier while scouting. You need to read this..." Only then did they notice the batch of papers that Deaf Smith was carrying. Perhaps the distraction of the Mexican soldier had turned their attention away from what he was holding. Nevertheless, Houston nodded to them "Well, thank you... what did you find?"

Taking the papers, Lamar opened and started to carefully read through them. His disgruntled look slowly began to fade as he was reading more of the paper. "Commander." his near out of breath tone oozed out, "These contain a list of current locations and future plans for the Mexican forces!" Quickly, he showed off a few of the papers to Houston, who took them from his hands as he began to read from it. "This is... yes, this is outstanding."

They continued to read over it, until Lamar stopped them both, pointing to one part of his paper. "Here!" he exclaims. It goes over Santa Anna's army. This is where Harrisburg is mentioned... He is on his way to New Washington..."
Houston grew grim, "New Washington, where the interim government is... he should arrive there on the twentieth."

"But there," Lamar mentions, "it shows here of Santa Anna's planned location for a campsite. I've seen that place. It's a flat, next to a marsh, river, and woodland. Perfect for an assault." He motioned towards the part that stated this, Houston stood there, reading it over and over again.

"Then, this may be the time. If we strike there, we could catch them off guard... but if we fail, there is no chance of survival." He nodded down, remembering what happened to the brave men at Goliad and at the Alamo. After a minute, he turned to his scouts. "Gather the men in the center of the camp. I'll give out a speech, inspire them to avenge the men at Goliad and the Alamo. Once I'm done, we shall prepare to head out."

They nodded, and exited the tent, dragging along the begrudged Mexican courier.

April 21st, 1836
San Jacinto, Texas
The afternoon sun beamed on the encampment, the tents generously protecting those under their arms. Inside one, a man sat by the table, chewing down on Chicle. A woman was sitting opposite from him, sipping her water. The man spits out his Chicle, and turns to her. "Now, that we are alone..."

She sighs and puts down the cup. "No, señor." He grumbles, and pleads with her once more "But, even still, you are like a rose... even if you are a yellow..."

No response. "Fine, then." He sighs, getting up to pull his journal from the nearby shelf. But before he could open and begin to write, he heard something. He couldn't comprehend the sound, but he definitely heard something. Poking his head up, he turned. "Did you... say anything?" She shook her head.

Then, another sound, it was louder. Was it some kind of gong? "Uck." he mumbled, "The men must be waking from their rest... what is going on?" Before he could get up, the woman quickly sputtered out "... Perhaps they are celebrating? Celebrating our victory against those... treacherous pirates?" He paused, and looked down at her. "Hm... I would presume so..." showing his wish to join them, but he needed finish his journal. The woman, on the other hand, held a distinctive look. She realized what was about to happen.
The constant beating of the earth began to take sound, and the man looked back from his writings. "What are they doing?" She quickly puckered up "It must be the cavalry... your cavalry. Your men must be riding on them." "Yes... but that is quite loud for them."

Bang... bang bang. No, not just banging... Gunshots. "What the...?" he pipes up, only for the woman to respond "It must be.. the soldiers practicing their aim..."

"No. I sense there is something wrong..." He puts his journal aside, and gets up. As he approaches the exit to the tent, however, he is startled as a Mexican soldier tears his way into the entrance.

"Presidente Santa Anna!" The exhausted, barely awoken soldier sputtered out.

"Calm down, soldado. You seem tired, why are you..." Santa Anna attempted to continue, but the soldier overtook his voice "It's... it's the rebels! Their atta-" Just then, the blur of a horse flew past the soldier. He yelled out in anguish, and fell to the ground, revealing a bleeding sword wound.

Immediately, Santa Anna was taken aback, and the woman fell out of her chair. After a second to process the information, the General immediately turned to her. "Help him if you can, even if he cannot be healed. Then, hide in here until I return!" He threw himself out the hidden back exit from his tent, and got onto his horse.

Houston's men threw themselves against the camp with the fury of the hot summer sun. The dust and smoke choking the air did not deter the rage-filled revenge being brought upon them. "Remember Goliad!" they shouted, "Remember the Alamo!" His men, while having broken rank, tore through the unprepared and tired Mexican encampment.

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On the charge, Houston rode through with his group. Shouting cries of encouragement, he continued to remind them of the lives that were lost, and the need to avenge them. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain pierce his ankle, and nearly fell off his horse. He continued to inspire his men, while slowly pulling himself back and away from the fight.

The push into the camp became a slaughter, as the Mexican soldiers were cut down by the initiative. Some attempt to plead for mercy, crying "Me no Alamo!" before being cut down.

The Mexican forces quickly shattered, and attempts by Santa Anna to restore order could not quell their fears. After only eighteen minutes, hundreds of Mexican soldiers lay dead, while the rest scattered and running away.

April 22nd, 1836

After having quenched the bloodlust, a few Texian soldiers guarded the prisoners, keeping them clumped in a line. A man stood with Lamar, and began to thank him.

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"If it had not been for you, I do not know if me or my men could have survived." he pledged to Lamar. Lamar responded "It is not something you have to thank forever, Secretary Rusk. You and your men held out fine."

"And for the others, I heard that Houston was hit?" Rusk posted.

Lamar quickly responded, "Only in the ankle... He's faced far worse. He told me back when he served under Jackson in the Creek War, he wasn't expected to live from his wounds he got at Horseshoe Bend. I do not think this will be much of a impact on him." The two men then turned to the rumbling earth of incoming cavalrymen. Upon witnessing, they seem to be escorting a single Mexican soldier.

"Found another one?" Lamar asked the officer of the cavalry, who then responded. "Yes, we found him out in the marshland. He looks like a Dragoon private and has been uncooperative. He tried to cross through the river, but found the bridge to be..." The officer slowed in his speech, looking off. As Lamar and Rusk noticed, they looked at where the officer was looking.

The Mexican prisoners were saluting.

Upon his realization, Lamar turned and ordered the officer: "Take him to Houston! We have the Dictator!"

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Good ol’ Texas! Great state, perhaps even a greater country!! :cool:

Great start and layout. Looking forward to how you develop this. And may this AAR be memorable and successful.

Cheers!
 
It always helps when you capture the enemy's leader
 
Episode 2 - Independence
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April 25th, 1836
Outside Fort Bend, Texas
The exhausted Mexican soldier sprinted down the rugged road, heading towards the encampment. Climbing the bridge, he could oversee the many tents sprouted up, consistent of an army the size of 2,500. Hurrying forward, he rushed towards the entrance, where the guard stopped him.

"Slow down, amigo. What happened?" The guard asked, as the man grasped for air. He pulled up a piece of paper, looked up at the guard, and stated: "This... this is orders from el Presidente himself..." Quickly, the guard took and read through the paper.

"... I... I see. I will help you to the War Room." he turned, and ordered another guard to stand in his place. Hoisting his horse to carry the tired courier, the guard guided him to the center of the camp.

Standing inside were a group of several officers standing around a circular table, detailing a map of Tejas. Despite the entry, none of them turned to see who entered, and continued to look at the map and discuss with each other.

"I have... orders from Presidente Santa Anna..." Immediately, the men turned their heads. One of the officers quickly stepped up and took the message, reading it out loud.

As he read, the table began an uproar. The letter proclaims that Santa Anna has ordered the immediate evacuation of all Mexican forces in Texas, and that the Texians would spare Santa Anna should this term be followed.

"Poco práctico!" says one of the officers. "They dare wrangle such a backhanded demand!" Many of the officers demand for the continuation of the advance, and for the end of the rebellion. They all turned their heads to the one man not outspoken. Quiet and held to himself, Second-in-Command Vicente Filisola lowered his head, and begun to think rapidly.

"You... you aren't seriously considering it, are you?" The officer next to him called out.

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General Vicente Filisola (left) and General José de Urrea (right)

Filisola took a moment, and spoke up. "Urrea... I think that we must consider this." Immediately, he was thrown with backlash. "What are you talking about? We can't just stop here!"

"We are so close to finishing them off!" "All of this would be for nothing?!" "We have sacrificed too much to stop!"

Urrea yelled out, demanding the silence of the rest of the officers, and turned to Filisola. "We are just close enough. Santa Anna was foolish enough to pull his forces past the rest of us. We can hurry, rescue him, and then put down this rebellion for good! Do you want to be made out like a fool when we return to Mexico?"

Finally, Filisola broke his silence, turning to Urrea. "I will not look the fool. I was not the one that fell to their forces. But if we were to continue onwards, we shall certainly face it ourselves."

"We outnumber them, we can overpower and crush them." Urrea stated. "We have, at total, 4,000 soldiers in Texas. 2,500 at this very camp. They must not have more than 1,000. We can mop them over, and..."

"And? There would be no and. The soldiers are dying of attrition. We were heavily stalled at the Alamo, and we will be stalled here. Continue onward to marshy, muddy, unknown territory, and we will be ambushed just like Santa Anna! He had overwhelming numbers, and yet he is their prisoner! And what of him, are we to just let him die to the Texians?"

"Filisola. Santa Anna was brutal. As much as I feared to say it before, but not as of now. I do believe in Mexico's proper rule of Texas, but I did not approve of his actions. I did not approve of his demand to slaughter the Texians at Goliad, but yet he did it behind my back. To the truth, a man that found himself prisoner by those rebels is not worthy. We can continue onward without him." He turned, looking over at the other officers. Perhaps they agree with him, or they are stunned by his words. Nonetheless, none has dared speak forward.

Filisola grunted, and pondered for a moment before turning and quietly whispering into Urrea's ear. "Then, let us do this: We shall flee from Texas, let Santa Anna take the blame. When he returns, we coup him, and you get in control. Once that happens, Santa Anna will be exiled, and we can regather our forces to strike at the Texians, and take any chance of fame that Santa Anna could have gained, while also instating ourselves over Mexico."

"And why not here and now?" Urrea responded, and Filisola replied "If we continued now, Mexico will have no ruler. The Federalistas will take control and reestablish a Federal Republic. While we would have taken Texas, the government would not welcome us. More force would be needed to retake the government, and perhaps a full-blown civil war would spiral out of it. We must cut our losses now, and return once we can."

Urrea took a step back, and sighed. "... Do not make me regret this..."

May 14th, 1836
Velasco, Texas

The small, confined space brought anxiety over the Presidente. Chewing his Chicle, he tried to calm himself down. Many of his captors demanded for his head, calling for vengeance for their comrades lost at the Alamo and Goliad. Had it not been for Houston, his head would have departed from his body. Still remembering the shouting demands of his execution, he fears Houston may change his mind.

The creaking door took his attention, sitting up. Entering the room was a grizzled old man, carrying with him papers. He turns and sits next to Santa Anna. "Here, these are our terms." The man placed the papers on the table. Reading over it, Santa Anna recognized many of his pleads and promises on the paper. Peace between Texas and Mexico, Santa Anna's forces fleeing south of the Rio Grande... and under the paper was the secret treaty. In which dictates that Santa Anna will push for the Mexican government to recognize Texas as an independent nation.

"I... Si, Señor Burnet... Yes. so long as I can get back to Mexico."

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David G. Burnet, President of the Interim Government

"Yes, it is there in Article 10 of the terms. You will make back to Veracruz at when it is deemed proper."

Santa Anna sighed, taking the pen and slowly signing his name onto the paper. After which, Burnet signed his name, and set it down. "Right. Then, it is done. We will look towards getting you your way home." He got up, and reached his hand out. Taking a minute, Santa Anna slowly put his hand up, and shook hands.

Burnet turned, and left the room. Outside, he met with Houston and Lamar. They turned to him. "Well?" Houston asked. Burnet nodded, and stated "He has agreed."

"That's great!" Lamar exclaimed. They continued talking until Burnet finally left the room, when Lamar turned over to Houston.

"Well. Now that it is over... the first real election for the Republic will be held... I was thinking..."

"You want to run?" Houston replied.

"No... actually. I think you should run." Houston was taken aback a bit. He wasn't quite sure about it. He saw himself as more of a military man than a politician. "Well... I'm not convinced... I haven't made my mind on it..."

"You will have some time. The election is in a few months. Everyone in Texas knows your name by now, and you would win in a landslide if you put your name on the ballot. But if you decide to run, I'll be here as your running mate." Lamar told him, before turning and exiting the room, leaving Houston alone.

September 5th, 1836
Columbia, Texas
"All right... the votes have been counted!" The orator spoke out, the small group of men gathered around and sat in their chairs. Quietly listening with intent.

"We have... 10.3% in favor of the Texan Commissioner to the United States, Stephen F. Austin." The speaker nodded towards the man sitting in the front right of the room. Austin was quiet, but nodded down, as if he recognized that he was not likely to have won. His supporters still patted him on the back, motioning that the next election will always be available.

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Stephen F. Austin, the first empresario and Commissioner to the United States

"Next... in second place... with 13% is the Governor of the Provisional Government, Henry Smith." The man sitting in the front center of the room held his hand quickly, motioning his acceptance of his loss. Still not without supporters, however, who congratulate him.

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Henry Smith, Governor of the Provisional Government

"And finally... with 76.7% of the vote... the Commander-in-Chief Sam Houston." The rest of the men in the room began an applause, turning to Houston, whom sat at the front left. Despite only entering the race a mere eleven days before the election, he still won out in a landslide.

Slowly pulling himself up, he crept up the small set of stairs and onto the platform, overlooking the group of men watching him with awe. "Yes... I... thank each and every one of you... I applaud the efforts taken by my opposition. I hope that we shall work together, and in doing so... I will offer Henry Smith in the position of Secretary of the Treasury, and to Stephen F. Austin I offer him the position of Secretary of the State."

Looking over to the men, he could see they held a peak in their interest upon the hearing of this. Slowly, they both coughed, and announced that they graciously accept the offers.

Then, turning to his left, Houston continued. "And... to my running candidate. I have chosen to invite Mirabeau Lamar, a hero at San Jacinto, to join me as Vice President, as I so promised in my campaign." Lamar stood from his seat, which sat next to Houston's empty chair. "I graciously accept my role as Vice President of the Republic." He nodded, and slowly sat back down.

Finalizing his plans, Houston then announces "And... for the rest of my day's requests... I offer the role of Secretary of War to Thomas Jefferson Rusk... the Secretary of the Navy to Samuel Rhoads Fisher... and Attorney General to James Collinsworth..."

Each of these men, standing more to the left of the room, stood and nodded. Each accepting the offers by Houston.

"... Now, I shall accept the role as President of the Republic of Texas... and will further this with my Inauguration in December. But I shall not have delay, and will organize with former President David Burnet to begin the transition of power. Thank you all."

Houston slowly nodded, and applause followed.

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Very interesting, I'll follow this as well.

Good ol’ Texas! Great state, perhaps even a greater country!! :cool:

Great start and layout. Looking forward to how you develop this. And may this AAR be memorable and successful.

Cheers!

Thank you for joining along! Thank you for your words of support aswell. I hope to be able to follow up with your expectations!

It always helps when you capture the enemy's leader

Indeed, it does!
 
A suitable peace, though whether or not becoming President is a reward I suppose only Houston will be the judge.
 
Episode 3 - Politics
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September 1st, 1837
Houston, Texas
The small town was beginning to thrive and bustle. The people went through their day, a multitude of languages being spoken. Usually, you hear English or Spanish, but recently many immigrants arriving on sails began to land at the harbor, you can hear the occasional German, Italian, and French. But this didn't matter for the man which the town was named after. He hurried over to the Congressional building, not wishing to be late.

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The Congressional Building of the Republic of Texas. Small, but a start.

Arriving at the Congress, he was glad to have arrived just in time. The debate was about to begin again, after having stalled for a year. The debate over the Solemn Declaration.

During the Texan Revolution, Houston met up with the Cherokee and many other tribes within Texas, and on February 23rd he was able to create a treaty with them called the Solemn Declaration. It stipulated that the Smith and Cherokee counties, as well as parts of other counties nearby, could not be sold or leased to any is not a member of the tribe, which includes Texan citizens. One of Houston's first acts as President was to propose this treaty and get it ratified, but it has been stalled for a year by this point. Members of the Democratic Party and some moderates within the Whig Party have shown support, but members of the Whig Party and the Texan Nationalist Party have opposed it.

Today is the final day, and the Congress has declared that a vote will be held. He anxiously sat, awaiting for the Speaker to announce the results...

"In total, with combination of the House and of the Senate... the vote is completed. In the bill for the ratification of the Solemn Declaration... we have 9 votes for Yes and 36 votes for No. As a result, the bill shall not be ratified and is declared null and void." Houston felt a shock, there were more support for him before. What had happened to such support? He turned, not required to be there any longer, and left the room.

Apparently, his exit was not unnoticed. Behind him, Lamar followed him out. "Houston?" Houston stopped, and slowly turned around. "Yes... Lamar?"

"I can tell you are not taking this lightly..." Lamar noted. Houston responded, "I cannot feel good about being betrayed by my friends..." A minute passed, before Lamar continued "Well... I hope and promise for your conciliation. It would be for the better..."

He was interrupted. "You didn't want the bill to be pushed... didn't you?"

Lamar was silent for a moment, then opened up. "Yes... yes I did. Same with Burnet, who held a claim of land in the area which was going to be given to the Indians had the bill been ratified. I know of your relationship with the Indians, and I did not want to confront you about it..." Houston grunted and turned. He began to walk, but not before uttering: "... I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone."

Houston continued down the hall, heading for his office. The door behind Lamar opened, and Rusk came into the hall. "What happened? Is he alright?"

Lamar turned to Rusk. "I do not understand him... I don't get what he sees in those Indians. Hell, he was shot by one in the chest back when he was under Jackson... speaking of which, has the envoy to the United States returned yet?"

In Houston's office, he sat quietly, sorting through his papers, when the door knocked and was opened. Entering the room was his diplomatic envoy.

"Ah... yes... how was the diplomatic mission? Did they accept?" He quickly asked. Seeing a lowered face on the envoy, he sat back in his chair.

"Well," the envoy responded. "We have secured great relations with the United States... however, they have refused our request of Annexation. The Congress believed that it would be too harmful, as we are a large territory that has slavery. Despite their refusal, they have shown interest in conducting trade with us."

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Houston sighed, and looked down on his desk. Twice today, his efforts in the Government have been shot down.

"I will... be willing to accept negotiations for trade and support with the United States..."

He slowly nodded, and requested to be left alone for now.

September 20th, 1837
San Luis Potosí, Mexico
In his home, a man quietly read through his book. Itching his head, anxiously waiting. Soon, a knock was heard on the door. As he got up and opened it, he saw another man on the outside.

"Juan Álvarez, a pleasure to see you." The man noted, welcoming Juan in his home. "As to you, Mariano Arista..." Juan entered the home, and sat down in his chair.

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Prominent Federalistas Juan Álvarez (left) and Mariano Arista (right)

"Do you know when they will be here?" Arista asked, but Juan seemed to not know. They sat and discussed with one another for some time, until another knock on the door was heard. Arista answered the door, looking over at the two men. "Urrea, Filisola... you may enter..." Arista slowly opened, allowing both of the men to come inside. He led them to the living room, where Juan was sitting at.

"So." Urrea noted "We must discuss... compromise."

"Yes... so do tell us..." Juan perked up, "What is this plan of yours?"

Filisola stepped forward, "So. Although we may have differences when it comes to political structure... I do believe we hold some similar causes. The rebellion of Tejas, our hatred of Santa Anna, and the stability of Mexico to name a few... it is therefore a priority that we deal with these. Santa Anna is now posing a threat to us, as he is now seeking to regain his power."

He pulled open a map, showing off the territory of Mexico, and he pointed towards Veracruz. "This is where he will be. We will need to meet with him there, and arrest him."

Arista looked over the map, and stated: "I do not believe it will be easy enough. By the time we reach there, he would have moved on, or have started raising himself an army."

Urrea stepped in. "That is the case... in order to deal with this, we will have to do something drastic... I propose that we temporarily suspend the planned restoration of the 1824 Constitution."

They all turned, including Filisola, who apparently had not known about this. "Hear me out," he continued, "I do intend for Mexico to have a constitution, but what is required right now is the quick and decisive thinking. We need to have a central head, and that can be between us. We will be able to quickly and efficiently fight against Santa Anna, and once we are done with him, we can move in to retake Tejas."

Juan, slightly horrified by the idea, speaks up. "And how are we to know that you won't just take power in the end and centralize control under you?" Filosola turned to him, and responded "Well, in any case, I believe that your trust in not only me, but in us, will suffice."

"We trusted Santa Anna to fulfill the duties of the federal government..."

"...And now he is on the run, disgraced, and on the verge of capture."

Arista joined in. "And once we deal with Santa Anna, how are we to be sure that our attempt to retake Tejas will not just be a repeat of the previous conflict?" to which Filisola responded again, "We are four, Santa Anna was one. At least one of us can stay behind, and even at the very slightest possibility of all three commanders sent to Tejas being captured, then there will still be one at the head to lead the war effort from Mexico City."

The federalistas looked at each other, and slowly nodded. Juan then turned to Filisola and Urrea, and stated:

"Fine. We will do it your way. The Constitution will stay rescinded until we retake Tejas."

November 26th, 1838
Houston, Texas
The various representatives scurried into the Congress, congregating to a hearing. They had been called on by Vice President Lamar for something important. Standing next to the speaker, Lamar soon toke the stand, and moved to the podium.

"Gentlemen of the Congress... I have come with a proposition. When I was out hunting buffalo, I found a spot filled with magnificence. It had lush beauty and plains, coming along the riverside. it holds many resources and is bountiful in beauty... Which is why I proposed that the government of Texas scout out the area, and move offices, establishing a new Capital city. We have been struggling to find a proper capitol for the past years, like in Columbia and here in Houston, but now I propose that we build the capital from the ground up, and propose to name this new capital city 'Austin'."

Attention was brought, as with the name of the city. Austin. Named after Stephen F. Austin that had sadly and suddenly passed away. A rouse of support followed this announcement, especially by the Whig Party and the Texan Nationalist Party. However, members in the Democratic Party were not in approval. Including that of Sam Houston. As Lamar sat down, finishing his speech, Houston held up his hand in a request to speak. After which, he stood upon the podium.

"Friends... I do hold respect for Vice President Lamar's proposal... and I especially hold respect for the late Stephen F. Austin... however, I do not believe that the government should be obliged or in any case do move the capital... We have been moving capitals multiple times in the past few years, and while Houston is not the greatest city in the Americas it is certainly the best choice we have for our government... not only for that, but of the Texan Archives and of the protection of the government. We still have not eased relations with Mexico, and at any point of war between us, this new site would be closer and more vulnerable than that of Houston... so I implore of the Congress to refute this proposal..."

Some boiling tension began. The Congress became divided again, as the Democratic Party supported Houston and the Whig and Nationalist Parties supported Lamar's plan.

Soon enough, two podiums were set up, with the right having Lamar and the left having Houston. They began a debate over the issue of moving the capital. While at first it was civil, soon enough it became more and more degraded.

"While my companion has purported that the Republic would be more at threat from Mexico should the capital move to Austin. However, he of all people should recognize the potential of the Texan military, and its capabilities to protect the people of Texas. If he were to let his ego down for a moment, and allow for the man that founded Texas to take the name of the capital, then we would become greater because of this."

"I do not degrade the name of Austin or of the Texan military... but it is to be stressed that we must ensure that should any attempt on Texas be placed upon us by the encroachment of Mexico, it would be vastly better for our archives to be at threat. At many means... it would be better for us to stay and officially recognize Houston as the capital of the Republic..."

After hours of speeches and debates, the Congress had finally announced the vote. Sitting anxiously as the votes are counted, the Speaker slowly approached the podium, and spoke out. "The... votes have come in... within total count of the Congress... there are 15 votes for Houston, and 27 votes for Austin, and 1 abstained... the vote swings in favor of Austin."

Houston slowly held is head low, as Lamar's side of the Congress congratulated themselves. He turned and looked at Lamar. He began to notice a divide between them, ever since they became President and Vice President... perhaps they would be better friends should they not have won the election... perhaps, he may very well have not been fit to be President...

January 11th, 1840
Austin, Texas

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The new renovations were in place, as what was once a plain soon began to grow into a town. While far from done, it has made progress. Nonetheless, Houston found himself demoralized.

He felt like his Presidency was not great. He had begun to lose his friendship with Lamar, his bills for the protection of the Natives have died, and the capital was moved. It may very well have been Lamar who controlled the government. He did not want to continue his presidency.

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He called a small assembly of men, knowing that the Election Campaign is about to begin, he must make it known that he will not participate. Standing on a platform, he announced to the group: "Friends... as you may know, the Election of 1840 is approaching... and I would like to let it go announced that I, President Sam Houston... will not be seeking reelection... I have chosen to give my support to Robert Wilson, the Texan senator from Harrisburg of the Democratic Party... I bid well to the candidates and hope for the stable continuation of our Democracy..."

He knew that Lamar would take this oppertunity, and gain the support of the Whig Party to try and become President. Houston may need to provide more political leverage to support his candidate, but overall, he just wants to be done with politics.

As he stepped down from the podium, he saw Rusk run up to him.

"President! I have some urgent news that requires your attention! It's about Mexico... they are experiencing an uprising on our borders!"

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Really Sam Houston is not having any fun is he
 
I nominated your AAR in the Weekly AAR Showcase. I've been enjoying your updates ever since you began this AAR and I'm looking forward to more. Keep up the good work!
 
Mexico, Rio Grande and the Caribbean....
 
So another rebellion in Mexico, and an undecided election in Texas. Depending how it goes, there could be trouble for the young Republic.
Nice AAR so far !

(and, just for info, you have not "bookmarked" the last chapter ;) ).
 
Finally sat down gave this a good read-through. I've always been fond of the idea of Texas remaining independent into the modern day, though I've never been good enough at any of the Victoria games to pull it off myself. Following with interest :)