The Washington times., 1901-12-15
STOLEN CANNON In
TEXAS REVOLUTION.
Originally Used to Promote En-
thusiasm on Holidays.
TAKEN FOR MILITARY USE.
Carried From Tennessee Village
by n Former TownSmnn, and Used
Through the Entire struggle for
Independence.

cannon whose live thunder wrought
death in the ranks OF the Mexicans at San
Jaeinto. and which was kept hot through
out the victorious campaign Of Sam
Houston and his invincible Texans in
their struggle for independence. was Sc
cured for the services OF the army Of the
Republic Of Texas under notable eircum-
I stances.
] Formerly this cannon, mounted on a
gun carriage before the town hall In lit
tie village Of Tennessee. was employed on
occasions of public celebration to express
| and promote the general enthusiasm.
Incidental to its discharge. it was the
| cause of sundry casualties, such as the
| occasional loss OF an arm, eyesIght, or
other more or less serious accidents. But
1t had never been aimed In enmity against
any man.
PurIoined by a Giant.
Occupied for many years in manipu-
lating this piece on these occasions of
public demonstration was a man whose
name has not been saved to a later gen.
Grafton, but whom tradition describes as
a giant in stature and strength. This man
afterward left his native town and drifted
into Texas at the period of the distur-
hance which eventually led to the war for
independence with Mexico.
Just previous to the commencement of
hostilities, the Tennessee giant recalled
to mind the existence OF the old cannon
in his native town. which he realized
would make an acceptable REINFORCE
of the patriots. He determined to secure
1t and annex it to the defences Of the
army of the Republic.
This was a resolution Of no mean con-
ception. The obstacles were many and
serious. 1t meant journey of many hun
dred miles to the little village in Ten
nessee and return, over rough and al
most indistinguishable roads, blazed
through the woods, and with the pos
sibility OF ultimate disappointment in an
attempt to secure the gun-an act con-
trary to neutrality-and also, by reason
Of the methods he pursued, a violation
of property rights. But with men Of this
pioneer type to think was to act, and
with such to resolve was to succeed.
Aided by Patriots.
lie IuduG Ills Ndy UdCh u ltuue5otc ~
quickly as the transit facilities at his
command would permit. arrived there
he acquainted some Of his old friends with
his design.
All American sympathies in this issue
were with the Texans, and many Of his
fellow townsmen were enlisted in the rank
and file of the republican forces. He
had no difficulty in gaining assurance Of
the assistance he required.
A wagon with four horses was secured.
which he drove after dark and alone to the
town hall, where the cannon was still To-
Gated The weight of the piece was
matter of about 800 pounds. This the giant
is related to have lifted unaided from
the gun-carriage onto his back, mis- enor-
nous strength enabling him to carry it
to the wagon in waiting some little dis
tance off.
The cannon was thrown into the vehicle
and concealed beneath some straw. Mount
ing to the seat the Tennesseean drove ST
lently off in the night on his way back to
Texas, well provisioned for the trip
the care OF his friends and sym
pathizers.
Glad 1t Was stolen.
The disappearance Of the piece and
the empty gun-carriage were noted the
day. An investigation disclosed
The cannon was well at its jour-
ney's end before the circumstances Of its
were divulged. And then
the community forgot its first resentment
in the pleasure afforded by the prospect
Of the part the gun would play in the des-
tinies of the Republic.
The cannon arrived at fits destination in
lue season, andswas remounted on a field
carriage which was constructed for it.
When ready for action It followed the
fortunes OF the war. and was active in
every engagement OF Houston with the
enemy playing its part in the final bat
lie which resulted in independence.
The Tennessee giant directed its work
ng throughout. as of old, but with more
serious intent, and despite the great num-
Der of former accidents laid to its score,
{ was used with far more disastrous re-
suits TO the enemy.
It's ultimate disposition Is unknown.
Having served its mission. it has disap-
leared. 1t is now possibly again serving
It's original duty of celebrating days OF
public rejoicing in some obscure town of
reyas, roaring in harmless tones OF thun-
Ter Il salute on the anniversary OF days
whose observance it helped to make pos
;ible