The month of November is widely regarded as a month of gratitude. It includes the celebration of World Freedom Day (November 9) and Veterans Day (November 11), where people all around the world remember the sacrifices of those who fought against autocracy and reaffirm their commitment to freedom and democracy.
Freedom is more than an outcome. It is a process that begins with questioning authority, defining values, and debating governance. The delegates to the November Consultation at San Felipe de Austin understood this as they considered what kind of freedom would be worth fighting for. So, as we remember the sacrifices of those who resisted tyranny, it is equally important to remember the events that first defined the freedom of the Texas Republic.
One of the most consequential political moments of the Texas Revolution, the Consultation was a gathering of delegates from municipalities across what became the Republic of Texas. Initially scheduled for October 15, 1835, the Consultation was called in response to hostile engagements with Mexican forces at Gonzales and Goliad earlier that month. However, many of the delegates were already on their way to San Antonio de Béxar, an old Spanish presidio and the heart of Mexican Texas. Because so few delegates arrived at San Felipe on time, an executive committee was formed in the interim as a self-styled “Permanent Council.”
Prior to the council’s formation, a Committee of Safety had been organized at San Felipe to encourage the districts of Texas to organize their militias in light of General Martín Perfecto de Cós’ advance into Texas. Lacking legitimacy, structure, and clearly defined goals, the council took immediate steps to establish an interim government. Over the next three weeks, it reinforced and supplied volunteers in the field, authorized Thomas F. McKinney to travel to the United States and borrow $100,000, and issued official calls for men, money, and supplies.
Once enough delegates had arrived at San Felipe in early November, the Consultation turned to forming a provisional government. Hoping not to alienate Mexican liberals and potential Tejano allies, the assembly organized the new government as a state within the Mexican federation. However, it also proclaimed its ability to declare independence so long as Mexico was not governed by the Constitution of 1824.
This sentiment was expressed in the “Declaration of the People of Texas,” circulated on November 7, 1835, which stated:
“Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms, overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and the other members of the Mexican confederacy; now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights,
SOLEMNLY DECLARE,
First. That they have taken up arms in defence of their rights and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defence of the republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico, of eighteen and twenty-four.
Second. That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism….
Fifth. That they hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such measures as they may deem best calculated to protect their rights and liberties, but that they will continue faithful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed by the constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the political association….
These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and call God to witness their truth and sincerity, and invoke defeat and disgrace upon our heads, should we prove guilty of duplicity.”
Having officially established the provisional government, the delegates turned their attention to other priorities. They elected the staunch separatist Henry Smith as governor, created a regular army, organized branches of government, and unanimously named Gen. Sam Houston commander-in-chief of the regular army. Many delegates left the Consultation and immediately joined local militia companies, and several later fought in the Battle of San Jacinto.
November reminds us of the principled debate and courageous action that let freedom ring throughout Texas. The ideas discussed at San Felipe ultimately found their resolution at San Jacinto, leaving an enduring legacy on the state and nation.