Did Juan Seguin later betray
the Republic to whose
independence he heroically
contributed and served?
September 1999
Did Juan Seguin later betray
the Republic to whose
independence he heroically
contributed and served?
September 1999
Yes, I think that Juan Nepomuceno Seguín
did betray the Republic but, I think it was something he reluctantly did
as he participated in the Woll invasion. The native Tejanos were often
torn between loyalties and certainly had to consider the safety and well
being of their families, loss of their property, and an uncertain future.
I would think that Seguín's conscience was very much in turmoil.
On the flipside, many Tejanos were betrayed by the Republic for years afterwards
in loss of their property, landgrants, civil rights, and at times their
lives. My great-grandmother told tales of Anglos coming onto the ranch,
shooting up the place and stealing the cattle. Many Tejanos lost their
lands from squatters who would then claim title. I know this for a fact
as my ancestors took their case to court and in this instance, actually
won. This was when John W. Smith tried to claim some of the original Leal
landgrant. I have copies of the courtcase if anyone is interested in the
details.
Robert Tarín
San Antonio, Texas
From: Tom Kailbourn
Date: 09/07/99
In 1845 Anson Jones, then president of the Republic of Texas, wrote,
"Col. Seguin fought as well at San Jacinto as any man there; but has been forced by bad usage to quit the country, and, as is said, has turned traitor; but I am unwilling to believe it."There is no need to defend or rationalize Seguin's participation in the Woll Invasion of Texas in 1842 or his other actions against the Republic of Texas. They were wrong, and he surely lived to regret them. But just who DID betray the Republic? One might justly look to the land vultures and speculators who robbed many Tejano families of their property, and the lawyers, politicians and "law men" who helped them. Many of these families, long-established in Texas, had sons and fathers who fought and died to make Texas independent; they deserved better.
Thomas R. Kailbourn
Wellsville, New York