SONS OF DEWITT COLONY TEXAS
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Col. Peter Ellis Bean | Memoirs Peter Ellis Bean

Archival Records Related to the Career of Col. Peter Ellis Bean

Clarke to Austin 3 Feb 1824
Anthony R. Clarke of New York, a settler on the Attoyac River in East Texas on 3 Feb 1824 from Nacogdoches to San Felipe "an order has been received here from Salcauder at St. Antonio for Elections to be held for Alcadez….Bean was elected for the Naches Juan Seguin and myself for Nacogdoches and John J. Williams for the Iiesh Bayou." A later letter referring to James Gaines’ criticism of Austin and the settlers in the Austin Colony says "…I since lern he [Gaines] gave Col Bean the same account but spoke more fully as he speaks Spanish well…We are here ignorant of the late regulations of Government respecting this District the papers that have come on have been translated by Col Bean but so badly that we can make but little sence of it……"

Bean to Unidentified 22 Dec 1825 (Recipient speculated to be one of the Edward brothers or other involved in the Fredonian Rebellion, events of which are mostly in 1826)
Neches December the 22c. 1825  Dier Sir with much surprise I have heard of this Disturbans that is Rening [?] in your setelment and Nacogdoches, is it Posibel that good men and men of understanding will be led astray By men that has nothing to loose, no I cant Belive that you will expose your Selvs and Property    I hope that you will take my advise and try to Put a stop to all this fuss as quick as Posibel if you all are quit you all will git your land    also the Slavery is admited to Continu and what more do you Wish    thare is now a Comisenor Coming on to fix all the land Besness and it will be of a grate Benifit to you to hold your land and emprovements, But my Dear Sir if you all Prosist in foley you may consider your Selvs Runed for all will fall threw    I hope that you will Strive to Put all of this Bisness Down if you can for the Maxican Goverment is friendly to wards you all, you all Stand high and is it Posibel that you will Brake threw the Bounds of Reason and Do your Selves so much engery    it is onley four years now till the Constitution can be changed and then I will inshur you that thare will be liberty of Consians that will suit you all. Sir I hope to hear from you as son as Posibel and hear allso that you have Put astop to all this Confusion. Brake it up if it is in your Power     this is from your friend and Welwisher to you all. You will Keep this asecret to your self.  Yors -- Peter Ellis Bean [rubric]  P.D. I have heard that Capt. Hins [?] has had nothing to Do with this fus    you can Join him and Put a stop to all  Bean [rubric] 

Bean to Austin 5 Jul 1826 Recommendations on slavery regulations

Deposition Concerning Peter Ellis Bean 3 Aug 1826
This day August 3 1826 in the Town of San Felipe de Austin Personally appeared before me Stephen F. Austin Judge interim of this Jurisdiction and commissioned by order of his Excellency the Govr of the State of Quahuila and Texas to enquire as to the marriage and character of E B

Martin Allen a respectable and honorable inhabitant of this Jurisdiction who being duly Sworn to depose the truth as to what he knows relative to Said Bean makes the following declaration-to wit-that this deponent lived a number of years in the Same Section of Country in the Arkansas Territory with Said Bean and was intimately acquainted with him and his family for Six years and was frequently at his house both in Arkansas and on the river Neches in the district of Nacogdoches where he now lives-The Said Bean had a wife when this deponent first saw him in Arkansas, does not know where he was married but believes in the State of Tennessee The common and universal belief of every one was that the said Bean was legally married to his wife according to the laws of the country where he lived-his Father in law was by the name of Metcalf and was well known to this deponent. He had the character of respectable and honorable man and was a Justice of the Peace in Arkansas territory, and does not believe from the character and standing of said Metcalf that he would have permitted the Said Bean to live with his daughter unless they were legally married. This deponent thinks Bean to be an honest man he is very fond of boasting and telling large stories about his exploits in the Mexican revolution and said he was a Colonel of the regular army of Mexico. This deponent cannot positively state how many children Said B. has at this time but believes he has three.

Austin to Saucedo 29 Aug 1826
En cumplimienlo con el oficio orn de V. S. fha 27 de Julio popo en que me ordena averiguar ciertos particulares relativos al. casamiento y caracter de Elis Bean he tomado la declaracion de dos Yndividuos sobre la materia incluido con este, uno de dhos Yndividuos Martin Allen es habitante de esta Colonia y hombre respetable y honorable y el otro Sterling C. Robertson es un Anglo-Americano del Estado de Tenesi hombre muy respetable y bien conocido. Como la familia de Bean vive sobre el Rio de los Neches cincuenta leguas de aqui no he podido hallar aqui muchos hombres que tiene conocimiento de 61 motivo por que no he tomado mas declaraciones sobre la materia. Dios y Libertad San Felipe de Austin 29 de Agosto de 1826 Estevan F. Austin [Rubric] Sor Gefe del Departamto, C Jose Antonio Saucedo

Bean to Austin 28 Dec 1826
Netches Demb the 28 1826 DIER SIR thare is one Express goan to your Colony to make it Rais in arms and in this Date thare, will starte an other I hope you will keep a good lookout for those Villions counts on you and your men But I now you have more kowledge of things then to be led astray to save men from their crimes they find them selvs lost and will swim against stream as long as they can I have devided them so that I have now 70. me coming from the Irish Bayu to atack 30 that is in nacodoclies and my leters from field yet I have bad no answer But I am wating howerly for the answer if I Suckseed in Braking him of then put wit the fier instantly and thare is litel Doubt with me in my mind But that I shall suckseed You will look out for they are trying to sedus your Coloney your most sincere frind. PEDRO ELLIS BEAN [Rubric] [Addressed:] Mr. Stephen f Austin on Debrasos 

Deposition of Candes Metcalf 28 Dec 1826
State of Cowehey and Texus Destrict of the Natches December 28th 1826 This day appeared Candes Metcalf and after Being duly Sworn deposeth and answereth to the within named questions as follows---question the first Did you ever Swear before Demtris Hays Alcalda for the District of Natches in the above named State that you was lawfully married to Peter Ellis Bean to question the first She answereth no that She never Did. question the 2d Did not the above named Demetries Hays, State to you that if you had not answered his questions that Samuel Norris the Chief Commadent at Nochogdoches Would send Malitia and have you taken a prisoner and confined in the Stone house at Nachoches to the second question She answereth he did State as named in the Within questions question the third Did you State on examination Before the above named Hays that you was lawfully married to Peter Ellis Bean She answereth to the third question that She Did State before the Sd. Hays on examination that She was lawfully married to Peter Ellis Bean. question the fourth Why did you answer in the way you Did to the third question She answereth to the fourth question the cause Why She answered the third question as She Did was to save the property of Peter Ellis Bean in her hands as She Supposed he never would return question the fifth Was you ever Lawfully married to Peter Ellis Bean to this question She answered She never Was Sworn to Before me this day and Date above written her (Signed) CANDES (herXmark) METCALF

J.B. Austin to S. F. Austin 23 Sep 1826 "E Bean is here he has the commission of col. And permission to settle the reserve on the Sabine and Edwards Coly as far as the Nachez."

Court Document 29 Dec 1829 Nacogdoches.  In Spanish.  Peter Ellis Bean signs as witness with Jose Ignacio Galinda, Jose Ignacio Ybarvo and Jose Pineda.  Text mentions Joaquin Mumus and Fernando Valdez.  Note is English "Certificate of June Marriage."

Bean to Austin 31 Dec 1826
Trinity December the 31st 1826 DIER SIR I send you a copy of a letter that I Recivd from Mr Roberts that is as follows---I Recived your frendly letter under the Date of the 22d. of the Present month you tell me you are surprisid to hear of the Disturbans in the Neighbourhood and Naeodoches it apears at Preasant imposibel to say which side to take to save our familes and Property it appears at Prasant the onley corse to pursue is to lie still and take no Pert on no side, the People of this Intendid to try to Put Down the Rebellion untill they was eformid that the Ingins had Joynid them they then came home and is Pasing thier familey and Property over the Sabean as fast as posibel as they are not abel to contend with the Combind Ingins But the Peopel is very much Devidid thare is not more then 30 amaricans of the Rebel Perty But the Ingins is of a grait number Shawneys Dillaways Socks and quicapus and Cheris all those have Movid in this quarter so it is almost emposibel to do any thing ELISHA ROBERDS

I also wrote to Richard fields and Dr. Hunter fields Did not Rite me But sent me word that I was to late if he had of saw me one month sooner Perhap we might of come upon tirms that is all the satisfaction he gave me. But if Mr Sauceda will come as quick as posibel on Perhaps we can make a compremise with the Ingins for they axe all that is to be feard they ame at marching to San Antonio if some thing is not quickly done, also from your coloney they have Recived letters that states you cant Raise 30 men they will all Join them as I have found out those letters is from esqr. Commins and a man By the Name of Buckner

Richard fields Speech in the Comity at Nacodoches---In my old Days I travilid 2000 Miles to the City of Mexico to Beg some lands to setel a Poor orfan tribe of Red Peopel that looked up to me for Protasion I was Promisid lands for them after staying one year in Mexico and spending all I had I then came to my Peopel and waited two years and then sent Mr hunter again after selling my stock to Provide him money for his expenses when he got thare he staited his mision to government they said that they New nothing of this Richard fields and treated him with contampt-1 am a Red man and aman of onor and cant be emposid on this way we will lift up our tomahauks and fight for land with all those, friendly tribes that wishis land also if I am Beaton I then will Resign to fait and if not I will hold lands By the forse of my Red Warriors

So my Dier sir the onley way to stop this is to come forward Sor Saticeda and give them lands or the Countrey will entirely lost if we can Brake of the Ingins the thing is setled you will hurry Sausada and let him now what I Right you With this I send you a proven certificate Declerid Before esqr. Grisham it is in english you will Do me the favour to translate this and send it on this is a favour that I Ever shall esteem this woman was maried to Pamer But when she hear of my coming on shee left him and has given him a bill of sail of all my stock of catel and hogs Mr. hais that was the magistrit that staited she swor shee was maried to and took the Bill of Sail for my Property Run of when he heard of my Coming and Past Sabine, I am sir with Dew Respect your Sencer frind PETER ELLIS BEAN [Rubric] P. D. I Dont Right more for want of Paper

[Translating and forwarding this letter to Saucedo, Austin added from other sources:]   A list of the members of the Conference Meeting of Nacogdoches brought here by a Traveller. Hadden Edwards, Benjamin W. Edwards, H. B. Mayo, Joseph Antonio Huber, John Sprowl, William B. Ligon, Burril J. Thompson, Martin Parmer, President, Richard Fields and John Negro Legs. A friend writes to me from the Sabine River, on the 14th of December, 1826, as follows:  "You may have already heard of the revolution at Nacogdoches from what I can understand, respecting their means and resources, I doubt not, but that they will accomplish their object. This party will probably make provisions for the people of your Colony, as an inducement to join them. You will never approve such proceedings, but prudence requires that you should take a discreet course to avoid the ruin of your Colony. It is certain that they will be successful in their enterprize. I cannot detail in a letter all the resources they have already at command; but I am convi nced that they are sufficient to destroy the whole country between the Sabine River and Saltillo."

Austin to Williams and Thompson 14 Dec 1826

Edmund Been to Peter Ellis Bean 28 Jan 1827
Nashville 28th January 1827 Col Ellis Been  Sir myself and family are well at present hoping these lines may be Received by you and family enjoying good health I have had five children four of which are living. I expect to move to the province of Texas I feel much disposed to settle there and want you so soon as you may recd this to write to me giving me a particular statement of the present prospects; wheither there will be a war between the American setlers and the Republic of mexico or not; we have our papers crowed with such reports also everything which in your opinion may be expected Relative to the advantages of emigrants to the province. Times are hard here money is scarce. Uncle Russel Been died in August last please do not fail in writing to me on receipt of this and oblige Edmund Been Col. E Been Rio Aysh N B write me relative to Aunt Midcalf

Bean to Austin 3 Jun 1827
Nacogdoches June the 3-1827 DEAR SIR I am happy to inform you that yesterday I have maid Pease with the Waco Nesion and tawacanys also the chiefs of Both nasions is now in this Plase you can treat them as friends and can let your uper setelment now it tomorrow I shall.start with them to meet the Comanches and gow with them to Sn. Antonio to settel. all in this thare is nothing worth your notis to Right you all is quiot PETER E. BEAN [Rubric] [Addressed:] Sor Dn. Esteban F Austin-en Sn filipe-Brasos

Bean to Austin 5 Mar 1828
Nacogdoches March the 5th 1828  Dier Sir This is a copey of a leter that I have just Racivd from a friend of mine that Dont wish his name statid and by this you can see what is on foot By his letter---Coln Bean Sir after my Respects to you as a friend I feel it my Duty as a Cityson of this Goverment to let you now as you are the nearest ofiser to this Plase the Prosedings of a band of men that has Past this Plase a few Days agow they call them selves advans, guard of a large army of Republicans, But if I should name them I should call them a Band of Robers thare is onley fifteen strong at Present and they git no Recruts hear in this Cuntrey but they say they have two or three hundrid troops hourly Expected my informasion is from the noted Doctor Daton who seems to head the Party he told me that he intendid ... to take Dilions fort . . . and was varry sertin that Dewits Coloney and Austins would join him he also states that the Peopel on Ish bayo and those near Nacogdoches are to keep up a constant alarm in order to Draw the troops to that Plase, . . . as to other Particulars you can inquire of Mr. Williams who will give you this letter---this is Sir a trew Copey of the original that is in my Posasion I also have informasion that thare is a man by the name of Capt Hall in your Colloney that is to join with his companey this you will find out for I Dont now this Mr. Hall ... I hope ...will inform your self and then Do what you may think Best and let me now Peter E. Bean P. D. this came from Pocan pint

Mier y Terán to J.M. Viesca 24 Jun 1828  Terán calls attention of Viesca in Nacogdoches to plight of families illegally introduced into Texas without title to land, suggests that land should be granted to Peter Ellis Bean for their colonization.

Bean to Austin 18 Mar 1829
Nacogdoches March the 18th 1829 Sor Corl Dn Esteban F, Austin  My Dr Sir I have Recivd a letter from you with out Dait Stating that Corl Pedras had Sent you and ofiseal Stating that there was an Expodision fiting out in the Habana for this Cuntrey thare was a rumor en Neworleans that en the Habana they was a Presing Vesels to Carry men to Some Port. But in a few Days after all Was Contradicted and aserted that it was fals and By what I Can larn if the spanish troops leaves Havana thare will with out be a Revilusion in that Plase ... But the Reason that Col. Pedras Rote this ofisial Was that a Mexican Rote By me and Before he ast me aney thing about it he Startid and Extreordenero, Express as he Done onse Before When he Said that the Royalists was in tranity Bay But you will See that all is Nothing I am hapy to hear that your Peopel is all united in Defens of the Cuntrey Whare thir Intrust lies I gave you thanks for the Copey of the Law that Delebrate the Settlers of this Cuntrey from Paying Debts Before Contracted untill 12 years after the Date it will give Rooms for men to make Property and not be Broke up ... it has bin the wish of Some to Buy in the united Staits at and under value those Debts for spacilasion But I am hapy that thare is astop to all, as for News Papers I have at the moment None But I will Send you Some as you Direct me as Soon as Posibel-I Should of answered your letter last Mail But it Never Came to hand untill the Mail was Goan I hop you will Pass the time well and Command Your friend P. Ellis Bean

McKinney to Austin 9 Sep 1829
Nacogdoches 9th Sept. 1829  Col S. F. Austin Dr Sir having been absent when the last mail arrived I did not receive yours of the 26th of last month until two days since which accounts for my not replying immediately. I am some what astonished at the idia of being in circulation a report that there was brewing in this section of Country any project against this Govt for I do assure you that so far as has come under my observation or inteligence there is not such a thing thought of. As to Col. Piedras there is the strongest oposition among the people both Americans and Mexicans are imbittered against him and he is suspected strongly amongst us for being friendly to the Spanish invasion.... he is aware of his standing and ready to say as frequently he has done that it is an unfriendly feeling towards the Govt when in reality it is nothing more than a just contempt for the baseness of his conduct it has been frequently threatened to mob or cane him if caught from under the immediate protection of the guard....

The Ayish Byou settlers are perfectly disposed to sustain the present institutions it is true that they have been much deceived as respects their land titles by pompus stories which Bean has told them relative to his controling powers as empresario and Comisioner of the reserve Lands having been thus disappointed repeatedly they have perhaps been unmindful some of them that these were impositions of an individual and not of the Govt and expressed themselves in that way. It is a breach of confidence in me as I received my information of a confident of Bean and expressedly requested to Keep it a secret but in order to give you an idia of his excessive stupidity and vanity I must inform you that he has obtained permission to visit Mexico and the object of his visit is to have texas stricken of into a teritorial Govt and get to himself the appointment of Governor he also says that his plan is supported by GI Terran this I cannot believe however I know the Genl esteemed him as a good but ignorant man such a appointment I think would subject the Govt justly to censure and Keep the people in disorder and confusion I here with inclose you the copy of one of his letters to the Alcalde of Ayish Byou that you may have a distant idia of his presumption and the imposition which he practices upon those people which in my opinion has a great tendency to keep up confusion among them for he never says when any enquires are made of him that he does not know he in some way or other always gives positive relations of all things.... I am clearly of opinion that confusion will prevail more or less though without opposition to the Govt until we have established at this place a Mexican ... who is an inteligent and virtuous man who will guard over the civil and military authorities of this quarter and keep them in their proper channel and to whom the Alcaldes could apply for instructions without danger of receiving unholsome counsel but as we are now situated we all Know every thing and in reality none know any thing no presedents no general rules established amongst us.

such a man being established here nothing would be wanting to complete the happiness of the settlers on this earth except the arrival of the commissioner to give them titles to lands. . . .The indians too have been much disapointed by Bean who to gratify his own vanity tells them many things which they find him uncapable of fulfilling and the Genl song among them is that Bean lie heap.... the Shawnees have talked of going for some time to see a big man at St Antonio who they say is a good man no lie and a good friend to the indians.... I have thus given you in my profuse manner my idias of things as they stand at present. If we had means and men to establish and support a respectable Govt independant of that of Mexico I am of opinion it would be satisfactory to many of the inhabitants to be Govourned by Americans but an idia of an attempt of that kind would be perfect madness while we stand in any thing like our presant situation and I am sure no man would move such a measure except one who had a thirst for being a great man in little things. I wish not to have made known Beans pretencions to the Gubernatorial Seat of the anticipated Territory of Texas as it is rather a breach of confidence in me devulging it however I should like to know if you think there could be any possibility of the Govt being duped by him in such a manner and if Genl Terran would possibly promote such schemes.

Bean has also written an address to the people of Ayish Byou and informed them of his visit to Mexico tendering his services thanking former attentions ... and has also made verbal requests of them to draw up a petition to him to represent them in Mexico though his scheme does not seem to take he is anxious in my opinion to get in his possession some document which will induce the Govt that he has Standing among us which no Doubt fail. I did not receive the prospectus which you mention. I am happy to see the establishing of printing offices mongst us and seriously hope ... the good intentions of this Govt become universally realised by her citizens which under the present circumstances of imbecility and corruption must necessisarily be imposed upon. receive the best wishes of Mrs. McKinney and my self and believe me to be sincerly Your Friend Thomas F. McKinney 

Pedro E. Bean Testigo.  29 Dec 1829
Fer los ciudadanos Joaquin y Fernando Valdes su constancia lo firme en Nacogdoches hoy 29. de Dice de 1829.  Jose Ignacio Galindo  El ciudadons Jose Ign. Harris alcalde constitucional de este Pueblo y su jusridicion.  Certifico en cuanto puedo y devo y el Ins. me permite que la firma que ante sede es la misma que usa y acostumbra en todos sus escritos el Señor Cura Paruses de este Pueblo a qui en doy te conoces;  y para que haga la fe que haga lugar en Dno; en qual qui era parte donde este Docum sea presentado doy la presente en Nacogdoches a los 29 dias de Diciembre de 1829. Firmando con migo los de mi admia. conquienes actus segn. la Ley.    Jose Igno. Ybarro de anita.    de anita.    Jose Pineda     Pedro E. Bean testigo

Terán to Piedras 26 May 1830 Matamoros. . Orders to send Col. Peter Ellis Bean into territory between Neches and Sabine Rivers near Pecan Point to "protect rights of the Mexican Republic at that point."

Bean to Sam Houston 4 Feb 1833
February 4, 1833 From the Commander at Nacogdoches: As it appears that it is the wish of the citizens of this country that you should be a member of the committee [the independence convention of 1833] to form this eastern part into a state---formerly governed by Coahuila---I feel myself willing to support you so far as my military orders will permit me to do. Your obedient servant, E.P. Bean. General Houston

Bean to Thorn’s General Store Dec 1833
Purchases month of Dec. 1833: one bottle of whiskey $.75; 31 lb salt $3; 1 plug tobacco $1; 1 plow mold $2.25; meat $.20; 1 quire paper $.25; 1 bottle whiskey $.37 1/2; coffee and tobacco $3.50; 1 bottle whiskey $.37 1/2; shirting $6.20; by sundries $5.00; tobacco $.50

Bean to Berry 16 May 1835
Mr. Radford Berry Esqr Nacogdoches May the 16th 1835 Sir there is three soldiers of the Cavalrey their names is as follows---Rafail de la Crus Anto. Villa---Casemiro Carsia that I will answere for those men But they are under your athority to Do the Duty of Solgers when cald on by this Auntemente Remaning Respectfully yours P.E. Bean [Addressed] Radford Berry Eqr. Nacogdoches.

Bean to Ugartechea  Pedro Ellis Bean, Nacogdoches, to Domingo de Ugartechea, Bexar, 10 Feb 1835, asking if a soldier sent to Bexar with guns two months before has arrived.

Ugartechea to Bean  Ugartechea at Bexar, to Bean in Nacogdoches, 26 Mar 1835 asking him to encourage the Shawnees, Cherokees, and other Indians, as well as the settlers around Nacogdoches, to make war on the Comanches, promising them ammunition and possession of all the booty captured.

Bean to Ugartechea  Pedro Ellis Bean, Nacogdoches, to Domingo de Ugartechea, Bexar, 7 Apr 1835, acknowledging receipt of his appointment as principal commandant of the Department of Nacogdoches.

Bean to Ugartechea  Pedro Ellis Bean, Nacogdoches, to Domingo de Ugartechea, Bexar, 21 Apr 1835, suggesting that steps be taken to compel the American traders located in the old pueblo of the Tahuallases to retire since they are stirring the Indians to greater depredations.

Bean to Ugartechea   Bean, Nacogdoches, to Domingo de Ugartechea, Bexar, 18 May 1835, expressing the opinion that the Indians will not be willing to undertake a war against the Comanches in return for stock.

Bean to Ugartechea  Bean, Nacogdoches, to Domingo de Ugartechea, Bexar, 15 Jun 1835, reporting that a few land speculators are there but that most of the people will support the government.

Bean to Ugartechea  Bean, Nacogdoches, Bexar, 15 Jun 1835, reporting that he has just learned that at least 500 Indians are ready for a campaign against the Comanches.

Bean to Ugartechea   28 Jul 1835
The Military Commander of Nacogdoches - To the Military Commander at Bexar. I have for some time passed, answered no official communication from Your Lordship, for the reason that I have received information that my correspondence has been intercepted on the Brazos, the fact of having received no answer to my letters confirms that information. I have, therefore, thought it to be more advisable to remain silent, under the actual delicate circumstances. However, I avail myself of this occasion to assure you that a majority of the inhabitants of this frontier have refused to take part in the revolution and have agreed to remain quiet, not withstanding the inducements tendered them by some citizens of Bexar, and those of San Felipe, who have committed atrocities at Anahuac. In the vicinity of the Colorado, they have killed an express rider; but the authorities are determined the guilty, that those who are not compromised against the Supreme Government be not brought to account. Which I communicate to Your Lordship for your information, at the same time that I offer you the assurance of my consideration and respect. God and Liberty. Nacogdoches July 28th, 1835 Pedro Ellis Bean

Bean to Ugartechea   Bean, Nacogdoches, to Bexar, 30 Jul 1835, declaring that steps will be taken to quell any move on the part of the revolutionists.

Bean to Ugartechea 31 Jul 1835
Comanda. Militr. de Nacogdoches.= Don fha. 31. de Julio ppdo. me dice el Sr. Gefe Politico de este Departamto, y en contestacion a mi ofo. qe. le pase de fha 30. del mismo, to que a letra copio.= "En contestacion a su ofo. fha de ayer veo con el mayor sentimto. el atrevimto. cometido pr. el Sr. Santiago Bowi, quien a la cabeza de unos cuantos individuos se apodero pr. fuersa de unos fuciles de la Nacion de los que existen en el Almacen bajo la custodia de V.S.= Tengo et sentimto. de exponer a VS. qe. la actual cituacion critica de las cosas. el alboroto qe. existe en Ins Espiritus, me hace considerar Como riesgoso a la tranquilidad publica los pasos qe. se pudieran tomar pr. esta Gefatura en esta circunstancia; y no teniendo ninguna fuerza a mi disposicion pr. no estar todavia orgadisada la Milicia civica, me parece que estamos en el caso de obrar con mucha prudencia, pa. evitar y dar lugar a cualquiera pretesto de un levantamto.= Lo que comunico a VS. pa. su conosimto. pfreciendole mi consideracion y aprecio.= Y to trascribo a VS. pa. su conosimto. dandole parte de que apesar del procedimto. que tubo et mencionado Santiago Bowi, y de los espiritus imquictos que se hallaban en esta frontera pa. trastornar el orn. publico no ban podido llevar adelante las inteciones con que trataban de comprometer la tranquilidad de este pais, en cuya virtud. se han quedado en silencio, ya todos los movimientos que se notaban en los genios inquietos, y no dudo que tienen perdidas sus esperanxas de poder sacar fruto de los trabajos que ban tenido pa. ver realisadas sus miras a la vez q. no henen ningun apoyo de los habitantes de esta frontera que viben con sosiego y que se constituyen unicamte. a la obediencia del Supremo Gobno. y al de este Departamto,= Todo to que comunico a VS. pa. su Supr. conosimto. y fines consiguientes.= Dios y Libd. Nacogdoches Agosto 11. De 1835.= Pedro Elias Bean.= Sr. d. Domingo de Ugartechea Comte. Pral de Beajr.= Escopia Bejar 8. de Sete de 1835.= Ugartechea

Bean to Ugartechea   Bean, Nacogdoches, to Bexar, 11 Aug 1835, warning against action of the United States in attempting to secure influence over the Indians.

Bean to Ugartechea  18 Aug 1835
The Commanding Officer at Nacogdoches - To the Military Commander at Bexar. I have informed Your Lordship, by last mail, of the state of affairs in the locality, up to the time; I must now state to you what has occured since. Three days ago, some men who endeavor to spread rebellion, agreed to hold a popular meeting in this town; however the generality of the inhabitants refused to attend it. Nor further steps were taken since, besides announcing the meeting for another day, not yet stated. From what I could understand, it seems that they try to form an alliance with the Indians of this frontier; but I do not believe that they can succede, because the Indians are not disposed to be hostile to the Mexicans. I have also understood that they hope to receive money from New Orleans for the support of the revolution, although I cannot affirm the fact, all their movements being of course kept secret. So soon as they can succede in holding a meeting, they intend to pass a resolution to the effect that all those who shall refuse their assistance to the revolutionary plan, shall forfeit their property, for the benefit of the faction. I am convinced that a great many persons are opposed to that measure which would be a difficult execution. However, those men alter their view and plans ever day, according to the rumors continually kept afloat. Such is the state of affairs in this section of country; it may prove fatal to the generality of the inhabitants, and more particularly to the native Mexicans. It would, therefore, be advisable for the Supreme Government, not to delay in sending troops to the frontier; but they should come in large numbers, to impose respect; otherwise, the stationment here of a small party of soldiers would induced the disaffected to persevere in their mischievous designs, and to call to their assistance the reckless men of the neighboring country, and these are not few. I would beg Your Lordship to give me a leave of absence for one month, to go to Bexar, where I could have an opportunity to converse with you about other business of importance, that cannot be trusted in writing, in as much as I am convinced that my correspondence is opened at San Felipe. Hoping that Your Lordship will be pleased to accede to my request, I await your answer through the bearer of this communication. I offer to Your Lordship the expression of my consideration and respect. God and Liberty - Nacogdoches, August, 18th, 1835 Pedro Ellis Bean

Bean to Andrew Jackson 11 Sep 1835
Nacogdoches, Texas, Sept. 11, 1835. SIR: In addressing your excellency, I would feel myself under ordinary circumstances trespassing on the rules of established etiquette; but I trust that the subject on which I have the honor to approach you, will, at least, excuse a deviation from the routine of office communications. As early as the 24th of February, 1833, I addressed a letter to Lewis Cass, secretary of war, of the United States, on the subject of the incursions of Indians from the United States into this country, and referred him to the treaty concluded at the city of Mexico, on the 6th day of April, 1831, the 33d article of which provides and declares that, "Both parties bind themselves expressly, to restrain by force, all hostilities and incursions on the part of the Indians living within their respective boundaries," &c. &c. At the date of the letter, small hands of Choctaws were daily making incursions from the United States, and locating themselves in the middle of the settlement of Texas, and I hope you will allow me to call your excellency's attention to one Circumstance of a striking character. The Indians were compelled., in pursuing their route to this country to pass by a fortress of the United States. (Fort Jessup). The annoyance to the community as well as the danger which has resulted from the fact of their incursion, was clearly anticipated at the time of my letter to the secretary of war. If any measures have been adopted by your excellency, agreeable to the treaty, either to restrain others by force from similar incursions, I have not had the honor to he apprised of the fact.

Within the last winter and spring a project was set on foot by Benjamin Hawkins and another individual to introduce into Texas, no less than 24,000 Creeks from the United States for which they were to receive $100,000. The plan was for a while delayed, but from appearances on which I place the most undoubted reliance, he has recently left this section and departed to the United States with the avowed intention of introducing Apotheyahola, with 5,000 of his tribe, immediately into Texas, and the remainder are to remove as soon as practicable, and all the Indian tribes already here are to be united to those of the Creek nation, as soon as they shall arrive. Previous to the departure of Hawkins and his friend to meet the chief at New Orleans, he applied to me, as superintendent of the Indians in Texas, and informed me that a grand speculation could be made out of the Creeks in the old nation by permitting them to move to lands in this country; that a large sum of money could be obtained from them. I promptly assured him that no such thing could take place-nor be permitted by me, as it was contrary to the laws of the republic, and the existing treaties with the United States. Disregarding my instructions, he persisted in violating the solemn laws of both countries. Your excellency will at once perceive that the avarice and stupidity of individuals, is to make a barter of human life, without your excellency will most strictly enforce the stipulations of the treaty, and prevent the emigration and incursions of those Indians to any part of Texas.

Your excellency will perceive from the duties devolving on me, as superintendent of all the Indian tribes in this department, and military commander, that I could not acquit my duty to myself and my country, had I remained silent or deaf to the appeals of humanity. Your excellency will anticipate the propriety of my transmitting, forthwith, a report and copy of this communication to my government. God and liberty. I have the honor to be your excellency's ob't servant, Peter E. Bean Col. of cavalry, commanding the eastern department. To his excellency, Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S.

Nixon to Austin 10 Oct 1835
Nacogdoches oct 10, 1835 Dear Sir yesterday arived Col Austins Letter giving the account of the Battle at Gonsalles, and a Printed hand Bill this semes to unite all 3 Dayes a Go we had a meeting at my house and we Subscribed 2100 Dollars to send in to Purchas Guns, 8 of us Subcribed 2000 and Last Night the Comitty met at my house and has Sant on Capt English to attand to the Purchas of arms, he Left hear at 10 oclock at Night and he Bars the Express containing Austens Letters So as, to have the Letters at San Auguteen by twelve oclock to Day, as thear is to be a meeting thear, I have had a Part of the hand Bill translated and will have it Read to the Maxacans, yeasterday I had a taulk with with Col. Bean and he has promised me to try and Rase the Maxacans and go on with them, I have promised the Maxacans 500 Dollar in Cash and all my influance will be yoused to Git then-to unite and Joine the arme and at Present from what tauk I have had I am in Good hopes, to Day 35, or 40 San Auguteen trupe Leave hear for your assistance and about as maney more from this Place and I am informed that we may Count on a hundread more from San Auguteen and that Nabourhood thear is But one thing wanting hear to unite us all that is to Convince the Cheafe and I hope you will youse your influance with him and I wall No that all Depends on you and Gen Zavala for Zavala Can influance him and then all will Go in togather hart and hand So you and Zavala must Spar No Panes in this mater and the Cheafe Sayes he will Be with you in 4 Days from this time he also informed me to Day he will make a Short Stay in San Phillipia. I Give it as my advise that If you Can Git him to Joine you in opinion that you will Git him to wright and Sand his Letter By Express thear is a Bout 120 Good maxacans that will Joine the Cause when I Commenced these few lines I Entended to Be sent on to Dr Richerson and that he would Present It to you But supposing him Gon on to Gonzalles I wright you Jorge Ant Nixon

your Express in forming us of your Prospect of 2000 from N Orleans has just arrived and in a Bout 20 Minets Somthing like 100 man will just march on hors Back I have Just Been Speaking with Mr Berrey and he for the first time has declard he will Sand an Express Back from San Phillipia, he Seemes to Be in favour so I hope you will have But Littel trubil in hast Jorge Ant Nixon Sind. [Addressed:] Col. Stephen F. Austin San Felipe de Austin

Houston to Hoffmann 13 Apr 1836
Sam Houston to D.A. Hoffman, 13 Apr 1836, ordering the arrest of Colonel E.P. Bean.

Unknown to Mirabeau Lamar c. 18 Apr 1837
Information concerning Piedras, Bradburn and Bean, Neches River  Thus like his namesake of old, saw a far off promised Land, but his son Stephen led his followers to it---Noland or Nowlan

About 1797 or 8 this man obtained a pasport from Giosa, then Govr. Of Natches & afterwards Govr of N. Orleans to enter this forbidden Territory. He had penetrated as far as Giosa had permission to allow him to go, when he was ordered by the authority of the Country to halt and give an account of the object of his visit, he refused to respect the authority & in opposition to their orders still persisted in his march thro’ the country, beyound the limits of his pasport. He was persued by a military force; and fortifying himself he and his followers about 50 in nunber, gave battle to their pursuers. The intruders suffered defeat; Nolan unnecessarily exposing himself on the top of his breast works was soon killed. His men were taken to mexico & suffered long imprisonment. Bean was one of them, & was imprisoned for 10 years, until the Mexican Revolution broke out, when he was released & recd a commission in the Mexican Service. The object of Noland was not known; it was supposed that he had some views toward the mines of Chewawa. Bean in 1825 came to Texas---This infamous scoundrel Bean was an officer in the Mexican Servise. Whilst commanding at Teran or some other post, his wife from Kentucky or Tennessee hearing of his being in Texas, came to this country to see him. He had whilst in Mexico married a mexican wife and the appearance of his american one being likely to embarrass him in his matrimonial & domestic affairs as well to jeapardy his commission in the army, he boldly & impudently denied any knowledge of the lady who had travelled so far to unite again with her long lost Lord, and by threats of violence actually made her certify before an Alcalde that in representing herself as his wife that she had departed from the truth; that she was an imposter & that Bean was not her husband. This satisfied the Mexican wife & he still remained in the favor of his Govt. But the unhappy & unfortunate lady who was thus cast off and terrified into falsehood was doomed to suffer additional wrongs and injuries. The infernal brute her husband cut off her ears & otherwise maltreated her---Teran

This is a military post on the Naches about 45 miles from Nacogdoches; it was established in the fall of 1830 with a feiw of arresting emegration into Texas according to the law of April 1830. Bean was the commandant, and Martinez was second in command; the garrison was about 50 strong. When Pedraz marched from Nacogdoches to assist Bradburn at Anahuac, Bean with the force at this post joined him. They marched together as far as cherrys about 70 miles from Teran where they emcamped until they could hear something further concerning the locality of the american force, which lay between them & Anahuac. Padrez sent some runners to reconioter, who however had not proceeded more than 8 miles to the house of Mr Fields when they were chased by some of the american spies & their horses taken from them in pursuit. This circumstance caused Pedraz to remove down to Fiels. They had just pitched their camp in a small Prarie opposite the house, when some 3 or 4 dragoons came galloping up towards the house in a hostile and threatening manner. Among the number was one the party who had lost his horse in the previous day’s adventure---Fields having some reason to apprehend danger, seized his rifle and retired behind the smokehouse and thence into a neighboring wood. The Draggoons reconited the premises, but finding no one but the lady of the house they retired back to their emcampment, and Fields again approached his dwelling. The next day he was visited by the same party, who demanded of him why he had fled the day previous. He denied having done it---he told them that he was not at home, that he was absent at a neighbors after corn with which he had just returned at the same time pointing to a small bag of grain sitting in the piaza. The Story was believed. And who was it said the Mexicans if not yourself that fled? They were two spies replied Fields. We saw but one said the others. Fields insisted that there were two; that there were at the time many more in the swamp but only two came up to the House. This tale alarmed Pedraz; He concluded that the American force was close upon him. Bean was dispatched with a small party among which was an Indian to scour the swamp; whilst engaged in this there came up a tremendous shour lasting a few minutes only; which as soon as over, Bean discovered fresh horse tracks in a few steps of him. To be so near a foe of whom he was in search & yet not see him, being himself all the time observed & narrowly watched had rather a tendency in conjunction with the shower to cool the ardor of the valient Colonel The Indian proposed to follow the fresh tracts and overtake what they properly conceived to be american spies, but Bean feeling uneasy in this situation, immediately left the swamp & returned to camp. His report satisfied Pedraz that the american forces were between him & Bradburn & that he could not advance without encountering them or retreat without being pursued. In this dilemna dreading persuit, not caring to persue he sent some of his officers with a flag of truce to the americans inviting them to a conference, with a view to an amicable adjustment of the difficulties.

Afterwards when it was ascertained that two or three americans only were in the swamp at the time Bean left it, the Indian reproached Bean openly before his face of cowardice, and Padraz had him under arrest. This created hostilities between them, so that when Pedraz was afterwards beseiged at Nacogdoches, Bean refused to assist him. The soldiers from Teran however marched to Nacogdoches. Bean joined the Americans and went to St. Augustine to gather forces; he was taken sick and was not at the fight. [Endorsed] Information got from Fields and a portion of it from Belt---concerning Pedraz & Bradburn & Bean.

Bean vs. Piedras; Bean vs. Medina 15 May 1837  In Nacogdoches County court, Republic of Texas, Col. P.E. Bean filed a petition against Col. Jose de las Piedras "an absconded debtor" for lumber supplied by Bean's mill for construction of the cuartel at Nacogdoches.  Bean filed a writ of attachment for seizure of Piedras properties stating "Feeling fully satisfied that the said Jose de las Piedras, Col. as aforesaid, will never return to this Republick and having no other means of obtaining justice and the demand due."  On the same date he filed suit and obtained judgement against Francisco Medina for a debt he had paid for him to Frost Thorn.

Houston to Goyens 3 Jul 1837
Nacogdoches T. 3rd July 1837. Mr William Goyens Agent Sir, I send on the same sheet, a letter to my Brother Bowl, and would be glad if you cou'd take it to him, and have it explailied, and brought down with the other chiefs Let wor'd be sent to the other Tribes as directed. If you do not go, see that the letter goes directly to him. I will be happy to see you so soon as you return. I will only have a short time to stay in this place. If you see colonel Bean tell him that I am very anxious to see him here. Give my compliments to your family.  Your Friend Sam Houston [Addressed] Mr. William Goyens At Home Let the Delawares he sent for by the Bowl.  Sam Houston [rubric] By Mr. Brevard

Marriage License Midkiff to Hix 4 Nov 1837
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS COUNTY OF NACOGDOCHES To Any judge, justice of the Peace or Regularly Ordained Minister of the Gospel:  You are hereby authorized to solemnize the rites of Holy Matrimony between Mr. Isaac Hix and Miss Candis Medkiff. The necessary proof of the consent of all parties concerned having been made according to law.  Given under my hand & seal of office at Nacogdoches this 3rd day of November, 1837.  DANIEL LACEY, Clerk Co. Court

Houston to Peter Ellis Bean 15 Nov 1837.
Reply : A Certain Peter E. Bean having published a notice in the Nacogdoches Chronicle that I had forfeited a contract made with him on the 25th August last, now this is to notify all persons that the bargain is not void, as I notified said Bean in writing dated as early as the 15th July, 1836, that the cash would be ready on the day on which it should fall due The tenant whom I left in possession of the premises I shall hold responsible to me for their delivery in good order.  Sam Houston City of Houston, November 15, 1837.

'Telegraph and Texas Register, December 2, 1837. Copies of the Nacogdoches Chronicle carrying the statement have not been available. However, on May 2, 1838, and for several successive issues, the Telegraph carried this: There has been much said about iny contract with Gen. Sam Houston and myself. I think proper to publish the contract which is as follows:

Agreement made and entered into on the 24th day of August in the year of our Lord 1836, between Sam Houston of the municipality of Nacogdoches on the one part and Peter E. Bean, also of said municipality on the other part.  "Witnesseth the said Bean has sold unto said Houston a piece or parcel of land, (one league, more or less,) distant about two leagues casterly from Nacogdoches known by the narre of Bean's Plantation, and bounded as follows: [We omit description.] For the sum of $5,000, which the said Houston obliges himself, his heirs and assigns, to pay within one year from the date of this instrument, and for failing so to do hereby agrees to forfeit this contract, and also $2,000 to be paid to said Bean.  And the said Bean hereby promises, on receipt of the $5,000, before named, to make a title to said Houston of said land; and for refusal to make a title on notice of said Houston's readiness to pay the said sum, the said Bean agrees to forfeit and pay to the said Houston the sum of $2,000.  And for the fulfilment of this agreement each party binds himself, his heirs and assigns, in the penal sum beforementioned, and submit themselves, without liberty of appeal to the honorable judges and judiciary of the county, that they may compel them to comply with the terms of this agreement.  In witness whereof, the panties sign this day and year beforementionedand seal.  Sam Houston.  P. E. Bean.  John K. Allen, R. A. Irion Nathaniel Amory Nacogdoches, April 7, 1838.

Emancipation Letter-Cherokee Little Bean May 1839

Bean to Hart 12 Nov 1842

Last Will and Testament Apr 1843

 Zuber to Morris 30 Aug 1902
Iola, Grimes County, Texas August 30th 1902 Hon. A. W. Morris, Willis. My Dear Sir: In compliance with your request I have prepared for your use a sketch of your worthy grandfather, Col. Martin Parmer, which I purpose to mail to you, in the hand of a scroll, simultaneously with this letter. But your request specially embraces what I know of a certain event which I wish to be forgotten, which event I have not mentioned in the scroll because I think that you may wish to preserve that paper as a family record. However for your satisfaction I state the event in this separate letter. I mean the affair with Peter Ellis Bean…… But what of the Bean affair? It is best to begin at the beginning. I never saw Bean or his wife but was well acquainted with her brother, Isaac Midkiff, and her mother who lived with Isaac in Grimes county. (I believe that she had only one brother, and no sister.) Isaac Midkiff and Mrs. Bean both died in 1849, but their mother lived, if I remember correctly, till about 1875, when she died according to her own estimate at the age of about a hundred and twelve years..…..

Now for Bean; he was a bigamist; the Midkiff woman being the junior of two living wives; though it is understood that she was ignorant of the fact when she married him. He bore a commission from the Mexican Federal Government as Indian agent to the Cherokees and other tribes in Texas. This was a military commission and he ranked as a colonel in the Mexican army. This commission was the cause of his residence in Texas, but when in the interior of Mexico, where he spent much time, he claimed a place in that region as his home. At that home lived his senior wife, but I understood that he had no children by her.... He made frequent official visits to the city of Mexico, and spent much time with his senior wife. When Texians questioned him concerning his Mexican wife, he replied that he had a woman in Mexico, but not a wife, only a mistress; but men who had been with him in Mexico where his senior wife lived, said that when interrogated there concerning his Texas wife, he answered that he had a woman in Texas, not a wife, only a mistress. Thus he acknowledged both women each in her locality as his lawful and only wife, and doubtless each believed herself to be such.

Now as to the event under consideration. It was at best a modification of scandal. Col. Parmer's youngest daughter, Mary Black, said it was an unmitigated scandal, and the mention of it was extremely painful to her. I heard her speak of it only once. But at the date of the event she was a mere baby, and I think she was mistaken. Anthony Parmer and Mrs. Martha Driskill said that they were satisfied that their father and Mrs. Bean, believing Bean to be dead, married by bond, a priest not being convenient, feeling assured that they were not perpetrating any crime, and my opinion is that they were correct, as this was what the people generally believed. The chagrin of his children was aggravated by the facts that Mrs. Parmer had been dead only eight or ten weeks, and only about two weeks had elapsed since they had heard Bean was dead. This was the of 1826. Bean had gone on one of his periodical trips to Mexico. Though the duration of his absence on these trips was always uncertain, it had in this instance been protracted beyond precedent; and some man from Mexico had brought word that he was dead. This news seemed to be reliable, and was fully credited by both his family and the people in general.

Col. Parmer did not tell his children of his proposed marriage, nor even hint it to them; doubtless this reticence resulted from his fear of a domestic storm which surely would have arisen if he had told them of his purpose. My opinion is that he purposed to give up his place to his children, and live on Bean's place, which was then believed to be Mrs. Bean's property, and would have been such if Bean had been really dead..…..I now approach the heart of the event. Col Parmer went to Mrs. Bean's residence, married her and stayed there with her during that day and the night following, also during the second day and night. But on the third day a reliable man came from the west and called to inform him that Bean was not dead. That notable man was alive, in good health and on his way to his Texas home. He had halted at San Felipe where business had detained him during a few days, and the informant had seen him there and talked with him.

This intelligence abruptly ended a newly begun wedded life, about forty-eight hours after its commencement. Col. Parmer, probably unwilling for Bean to find him there, departed for his own residence and never returned. One or more days later Bean arrived at home; with what emotions he and his wife met, probably no one but themselves ever knew.   The recent unfortunate event did not separate them, but he continued to live with her as fomerly, acknowledging her as his wife, but not amicably as I shall show.  It seems surprising that Bean did not kill Parmer; probably he may have considered Parmer's unfortunate belief that he was dead.  Nevertheless, he was always thereafter Parmer's bitter enemy.  I do not know that he and Parmer ever met after that unfortunate affair.  It may be that both avoided meetings, as one would have been bitterly unpleasant to both....

I hope the foregoing statement of facts may be satisfactory to you., Respectfully and truly  W. P. Zuber

Col. Peter Ellis Bean
SONS OF DEWITT COLONY TEXAS
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