LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Signature Texana Auction #661  / 

56465

Tom Jones (1920-2000)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:490.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Tom Jones (1920-2000)
<B>Tom Jones (1920-2000): </B></I><B><I>Texan Volunteers during the Mier Expedition, 1842</B></I></B></I><BR> Watercolor and ink on heavy art paper, 14.75" x 19.5", signed by the artist<BR>During the Second Texas-Mexican War, some 300 Texan militia volunteers ignored orders to pull back from the Rio Grande to Gonzales and instead moved toward Ciudad Mier on December 20, 1842. 261 of the men participated in the raid on the town, the balance remaining behind to guard the camp and baggage. However, the raiders were unaware that nearly 3,000 Mexican troops were nearby. In the ensuing action, the Texans inflicted heavy casualties on the Mexicans before being forced to surrender on December 26. 243 Texan prisoners were marched toward Mexico City. On 11 February, 1843, 181 of the Texans under the command of Captain Ewen Cameron escaped, although 176 were later recaptured or surrendered themselves rather than risk perishing in the mountainous Mexican wilderness due to lack of water and food. When the prisoners were escorted into Saltillo, Coahuila, it was learned that President Santa Anna ordered the execution of all escapees but the commander. However, General Mejia refused to carry out this order and was replaced by Colonel Huerta. By this time, diplomatic efforts by the United States and Great Britain on behalf of Texas led to a compromise: only one in ten would die. To determine the lot of the unfortunate few, Huerta placed 159 white beans and 17 black beans in a pot. The Texans were blindfolded and each drew a bean in his turn. Those who drew black beans were executed by firing squad. The remainder were incarcerated at Perote Prison until their release in September of 1844. This fine watercolor done the late Tom Jones, noted Texas historical artist, in 1995 recreates the appearance of the Texan troops during the Mier Expedition. It is largely based on a series of sketches made by eyewitness Charles McLaughlin. The Texan militia involved in this campaign were not uniformed, but instead wore the rough outerwear common on the frontier, including hunting shirts, frock coats, and "roundabout" jackets, as well as the ubiquitous slouch hat or sombrero. Arms including some of the new percussion, repeating revolvers and carbines of Samuel Colt, in addition to older flintlock muskets and rifles. The figure on the left is Captain Cameron (who was executed even though he drew a white bean, having led the escape) sporting a pair of epaulettes on his frock coat to denote his rank. The figure on the right, armed with a Kentucky rifle, Bowie knife and Colt Paterson pistol, is William "Big Foot" Wallace, famed Texas frontiersman. <BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>
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