Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-10-24
THE LATE BRANCH T. ARCHER.

The Galveston News, in a late number, contains
Biographical notice OF the late Dr. Branch Il. Archer
who has bsen often styled the father of the Texan
revolution from which we Cundense the following
notice Of him:
Hcwas native of Virginia. and studied medicine
in Philadelphia On his return to his native State he
was soon called into public life where h- served with
honor and distinction. Domestic Affections induced
him to leave the scenes of his earlier life and in 1881
he emigrated to Texas, which was already giving
signs of Il struggle between the American setlers and
the centralizing Government Of Mexico. Settling in
the Jurisdiction nf Brazos, DR.. Archer declared his
intention of making that country his future home,
and took vivid interest in public affairs. Ii was in
the latter part Of the year 1881 that the inhabitants Of
BRACES made the frs. movement to oppose The erecu-
ton Of the orders issued by the military command
ers at Anahuac and telascO closing all the ports OF
Texns except that of Galvestuu in order to facilitate
the collection Of revenue. The order had been issued
by Col. Bradburn, the commander at Annhuac and
public meeting was held in Brszora on the 10th De-
cember, 1881, which resolved 10 demand tho rCvOca-
lion Of the obnoxious order. Dr. Archer aud George
b. Mcknstry were appointed by the meeting to pro
coed t0 Auahuac and make the demand. The result
of this step is thus stated by the writer OF the notice
in the News
The commissioners proceeded to Anahuac accord
ngly. The conversation on the subject of the revo-
cation of the order between Archer and Brad
burn. They walked together from the site OF the
old fort to the shore Of the bay, few yards dntsn-
radburn attempted to gain time by Suggesting seve'
any definite answer To the demand of the co"nlsts -
Archer pressed the subject with much warmth.
ale told Bradburn that the net of which the colo
nsts complained was clear usurpatlon OF power on
mis- part That il WIS wholly unauthorized by the
Government and by his military superior Br"dohrh
replied that il did not become nun ~ iH'e'l ~ 'I
language and that he would make no rrply ID Tue
dsmsuI. of the couuists and take no further action
ON the subject while he could communicate with Ills
SUPERIOR Gen. Teran. Archer rejulned repeating
that the obnoxious order the personal net of Brad
burn and some concluded by saying, in substance,
III once appeal TO you, sir 10 resclnd this de.
cree If YOU refuse to do il, the flames of war will
be kndled in this country at once and as the mine-
diae author Of that war, the personal consequences
to yourself will bs such as man who values his own
safety would do well to avoid
''rhe eagle glance and tbs superior bearing oil the
bold deputy shook Bradburn's nerves. His counte-
nance FELL and he consented to sign the order, which
had already been prepared, resembling the uecree
which had produced So much excitement. The urn.
ness and SUCCESS of Archer in this business pointed
him out as man in whom trust could be safely re-
| posed"
The war was for rome time delayed, but the great
question came up again in 1872 when DR.. Archer AZ
tended all the public meetings Of the cooniss, ana
expressed himself with energy and eloquence IN Ia
| vur of separation from Mexico, aud Immediate pre-
| paration for all the hazards OF war. Nheh tne
famous consultation of all Texas met on the 81
| of November Of that year, at San Felipe, Doctor
Archer was elected to preside over Its deloerhtiois
which he did with wisdom and hrtnness On the Tor.
nation of provisional government by that body, lie
was appointed one of the three commissioners TO come
to this country to present the cause Of Texas TO inc
people Of the United States, and to solicit aid Many
of our readers will still remember the able manner III
which he performed this duty:
| In 1915 DR.. Archer took decided and active par
in favor Of annexation when it was feared that poll
ticans were playing false 10 the wishes OF the people
on that subject, and he was again called by Inc Gnu
zens of Brazoris TO preside at their puolc meeting
which he did, though laborIIg at the time under grea
private Affections. DR.. Archer died on the 20 o
September last in the land he loved so we'll hlmsel
beloved and revered by the citizens for whose welfare
| he had labUred 80 honestly and 30 well.