Juan N. Seguín to Governor Runnels, January 8, 1859

Juan Seguín was one of the most well-known figures of the Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas. He led the only Tejano unit at the Battle of San Jacinto and accepted the Mexican surrender of San Antonio in 1836. As the city's military commander, he supervised the burial of the Alamo dead. Despite his lack of English, Seguín became the only Mexican Texan to serve in the senate of the Republic of Texas and also served as mayor of San Antonio. Unfortunately, Seguín became embroiled in land schemes and also in the rising hostilities between Anglo and Mexican Texans. He was forced to flee back to Mexico in 1842.

In Mexico, Seguín led a frontier defense unit along the Rio Grande and saw action against the United States in the Mexican War. At the end of the war, he decided to return to Texas, where he settled in present-day Wilson County and participated in local politics. He retired to Nuevo Laredo in the late 1860s, and died there in 1890.

"Early Statehood "

English Translation Special Commission by the State of New Leon and Coahuila To His Excellency H R Runnels Governor of the State of Texas The undersigned has the honor of addressing His Excellency H. R. Runnels to inform him that he is authorized by His Excellency the Governor of the State of New Leon and Coahuila Don Santiago Vidaurri, to make with the State of Texas a treaty for the extradition of fugitive slaves, peons, robbers, murderers and incendiaries, upon the terms set forth in the Credentials of the undersigned, which he will present to His Excellency H. R. Runnels, if in answer to this communication he is pleased to inform the undersigned, that he is willing to make a treaty, of so much importance to both States, as the one above mentioned. The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to offer Gov. Runnels the assurances of his great regard. City of San Antonio, Texas. Jan 8th 1859 Juan N. Seguín

"Early Statehood "

Juan N. Seguín to Governor Runnels, January 8, 1859, Records of Hardin Richard Runnels, Texas Office of the Governor, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.