Mier Expedition Diary. A Texan Prisoner's Account

MCCUTCHAN, JOSEPH D. [EDITED BY JOSEPH MILTON NANCE]

Publication: University of Texas Press, 1978, Austin

First edition. 8vo. Tan cloth, titles stamped in brown on the spine, Mier Expedition maps on front and rear endpapers, xxiv, 246 pp., foreword, preface, biographical sketch of Joseph D. McCutchen, illustrated, appendices, bibliography, index.

In November 1842, a group of Texian militia defied orders of Sam Houston and crossed the Rio Grande to raid Cuidad Mier for goods, cattle, and horses. They were captured by a vastly superior force. On orders from Santa Anna, one out of every ten men was to be executed. To determine who would die 159 white beans and 17 black beans were placed in a jar. The Texans were blindfolded and ordered to draw beans. The 17 men who drew the black beans were killed. The survivors would eventually be imprisoned in Perote Prison in Vera Cruz. Some would die there, a few escaped, and the rest were eventually released. Several of Texian prisoners kept diaries among the best known were those of Thomas Green and William P. Stapp. This journal, kept by nineteen-year-old Joseph D. McCutchan, appears in print for the first time. He records his imprisonment of more than 18 months and adds new information about the raid and the harsh treatment they received. This volume is enhanced by the expert editing of Joseph Milton Nance, an expert in this period of Texas history. Nance provides a biographical sketch of McCutchan as well as enlightening and informative notes. An important addition to the history of this period.

As new, unread copy in dust jacket.