Title:
Records of the Convention of 1836
Description:
The Convention of 1836 met at Washington-on-the-Brazos from March 1 to March 17, 1836, on the call of the General Council. These records include proceedings, a convention roll, rules of the convention, records of votes, committee reports, auditor's reports, correspondence, memorials, and acts of the Convention of 1836, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dates covered are primarily March 1-17, 1836, with some correspondence dating back to November 1835. Correspondents include S. Rhoads Fisher, George M. Collinsworth, Governor Robinson, the General Council, members of the convention tendering resignations, and individuals offering services to the Republic. Subjects include the organization and supplying of the militia and other military forces, land concerns, and declaration of Texas' independence from Mexico.
Description:
The Convention of 1836 met at Washington-on-the-Brazos from March 1 to March 17, 1836, on the call of the General Council over the veto of Governor Henry Smith. Composed of 59 delegates, it elected Richard Ellis Chairman and Herbert Simms Kimble Secretary. In the two weeks of its existence, the Convention wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Republic, organized an Interim Government and elected its officers, and confirmed Sam Houston as Commander of the Republic military forces. Upon its hasty adjournment at the news of the advancing Mexican Army, the powers of government were immediately assumed by the Ad Interim Government, which was to serve until the Constitution could be ratified by the people and a general election held for executive officers.
Description:
William A. Faris was secretary pro tem of the Convention on March 1, until the election of William S. Kimble as permanent secretary. On the following day the convention passed a resolution that he be allowed to take a seat at the Secretary's table, to note and report the proceedings of the Convention. This was not rescinded, and presumably he continued to perform this duty until the close of the convention. Only those documents marked as his notes are included here.
Collection:
Texas Department of State records of legislative and executive bodies prior to the Republic
Creator:
Texas (Republic). Department of State
Date range of creation:
1835 to 1836
Date range of creation:
undated
Citation information:
(Identify the item), Records of the Convention of 1836, Texas Department of State records of legislative and executive bodies prior to the Republic. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Arrangement:
These records are arranged by type of document, and therein chronologically.
Copyright information:
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
Access restrictions:
The Provisional Government letterbook is restricted due to its fragile physical condition, so researchers must use the microfilmed copy of the volume.
Size or duration:
0.5 cubic ft.
TARO URL:
https://txarchives.org/tslac/finding_aids/30184/tsl-30184.html
