The Battle of Nacogdoches/ 'Ceinture Flechee'

Subject: The Battle of Nacogdoches/ 'Ceinture Flechee' Sat 21 Jul 2007, 8:17 pm

Being weak on military history, I would appreciate any details that someone might be able to provide about the Battle of Nacogdoches -- beyond what is given in the Handbook of Texas Online. In particular, do any structures associated with this engagement, other than the old State House/ Stone Fort (and perhaps, the Adolphus Sterne House) remain standing? What is the current status of Lanana Creek?

Also, the beautiful 'ceinture flechee,' or wovern sash, which is said to have been woven by neighboring American Indians (from threads drawn from old Spanish uniforms) -- and worn by Encarnacion Chireno, Alcade of Nacogdoches -- was new to me:

http://tides.sfasu.edu:2006/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/StoneFort&CISOPTR=0&REC=2

Can someone provide more perspective concerning this artwork? I regret to say that I am unfamiliar with the American Indian settlements and movements of trade in the vicinity of Nacogdoches during the early 1830s.

This is one battle, the outcome of which I think that I understand. My great-great-great-grandfather took part in it, though, and it would be good to have a clearer view of what this engagement meant to those who participated in it as well as to their families who lived nearby.

Many thanks,

Holly

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/NN/qen1.html

http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5347009252
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Trailblazer Joined : 29 May 2007 Posts : 88

There are only two buildings from the 1820s-1830s that survive in Nacogdoches on their original sites. One is the Sterne-Hoya House and the other is the Taylor-Acosta House (I think that's what they are calling it now - I ought to know, drive by it every Sunday on the way to church...). The "old Stone Fort" was torn down long ago (c.1906, I think) and reconstructed on the SFA Campus from such bits as survived for the Centennial.

Which "Battle of Nacogdoxhes" are you referencing, just to be sure I know what to respond too? MAYBE know a bit more than is in Handbook of Texas, but wouldn't care to be dogmatic. Certainly know some local history folks who should be able to provide more information if contacted.

Clyde ... all we really have is this summary which was provided by family-researcher, Charles Crabb, of Huntsville:

"The Hillary M. Crabb family arrived in Texas February 16, 1830. Family legend has it that it took two years of travel by ox wagon [from Georgia] to reach the new country. Upon reaching Texas, the family settled in the Sabine County area to await the processing of their land grant. Two more children were born there during this time. While living in this area, Hillary served in a Major Smith's Company and fought in the Battle of Nacogdoches, August 2, 1832. Later he received a pension of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars a year for this and for his services in Captain Risenhoover's Company in the Archer War."

Another, unsigned article, tells of 'certificates of good standing,' the obtaining of which evidently was a part of the land-grant application process:

"He applied for, and was granted a certificate of good standing. This document, attached to his application for a land grant, stated that Hillary Crabb was known to be and honest and sober citizen. It was signed by several men, including Captain Loyd [sic?] Cooper and Col. H. H. Lowe, presumably of the State Militia. Hillary applied for his land grant through the Empresario Joseph Vehlein."

This land grant lay in present-day Walker County, just east of Huntsville.

In order to receive his pension from the State of Texas, for service at the Battle of Nacogdoches, two witnesses had to take an oath to their personal knowledge of my 3x-great-grandfather's actions there. This two gentlemen did before a notary public in Madison County (where he then was living), in 1874. The final record seems to be this:

http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/11/26/71/51/capt_s10.jpg

So, we are really left with knowing only that H. M. Crabb served under a Major Smith and that his family was living in the Sabine District in 1832 and continued to increase in numbers.

A humorous little side-note: my grandmother of blessed and beloved memory was very proud of our Hillary and his service to Texas and to Walker and Madison Counties specifically. From time to time she would express her frustration that more credit was not given to HIM in the annals of our history rather than to that neighbor-man, Sam Houston. Smile

Holly
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Trailblazer Joined : 29 May 2007 Posts : 88

OK - I'll see if I can turn anything up for you, Holly. The East Texas Room/Collection at SFA has an excellent local history collection, and contacting the folks there might be of aid. I believe you can reach the curator there though the SFASU web-site.