Navarro, Jose AntonioA delegate from Bexar to the Convention of 1836, Navarro was one of three native-born signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. He also served on the select committee to draft the Constitution of 1836.
Neill, James ClintonNeill joined the Texas army in September 1835. He was appointed a lieutenant colonel by the General Council on December 7. He commmanded an artillery company at the siege of Bexar. On December 21, Sam Houston ordered Neill to take charge of San Antonio and the Bexar district. He remained there until granted a furlough on February 14, when he left the Alamo because of illness in his family. Neill participated in the skirmish at San Jacinto on April 20 and was wounded in that engagement.
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Old MillThe Old Mill was situated on the San Antonio River, about one-half mile north of San Antonio’s main plaza. It was headquarters for Stephen F. Austin’s army after the battle of Concepcion.
Organic LawThe Plan and Powers of the Provisional Government, a document hastily drawn up by the Consultation. Although the Organic Law set up a provisional government, there was no coherent separation of executive and legislative powers. The powers of the commander-in-chief extended over only the (as yet nonexistent) regular army. Volunteer soldiers already in the field refused to serve under the Organic Law’s provisions.
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Padilla, Juan AntonioPadilla joined the Texas Army on October 22, 1835. He later served on the General Council.
PelicanoMexican vessel captured by the Texas navy ship Liberty outside Sisal, Yucatan, on March 3, 1836.
Permanent CouncilThe Permanent Council served as the governing body of Texas from October 11, 1835, to early November, when the Consultation achieved a quorum. It was made up of the Committee of Safety of San Felipe and representatives from the other Texas communities.
PocketAn American brig bound from New Orleans to Matamoros, the Pocket was captured by the Invincible. Taken to Galveston, the ship’s cargo was appropriated by the Texas authorities. A Texas court later condemned the Pocket as a lawful prize on the grounds that it was sailing under false papers and was carrying supplies and messages for Santa Anna. To calm U. S. indignation over the brig’s capture, William Bryan, and Toby and Brothers Company paid $35,000 for the ship and $8,000 in damages.