This Day…

1847-General Scott leaves Vera Cruz and is stopped at Cerro Gordo by Santa Anna’s men on 9 April.  During the battle of 17 April.  US Engineer officers Captains Robert E. Lee and George B. McClellan provide distinguished reconnaissance.  By 15 May, Scott and his victorious army within 80 miles of Mexico City.

1882-Bob Ford killed Jesse James with a gunshot to the back of the head.  Right afterwards he scampered down to the telegraph office to claim the reward offered by Governor Crittenden.

2004-My brother was taken from me.  I will do everything in my power to bring the cowards to justice.

1901-Harvey Logan constantly on the lam for his numerous misdeeds got into a heated argument with Oliver Thornton in Paint Rock, Texas.  Thornton was quickly dispatched with fatal gunshots.

1862-In Colorado Territory an encounter between Southern cavalrymen and Union forces near Denver City results in the capture of 50 Confederates.

1825-Mexican law opens the state of Texas-Coahuila to American colonization.

1859-The House of Representatives appoints a committee to study charges of voter fraud in the Kansas elections.  The Committee confirms the fraud and violence of the elections, citing the discrepancy between 2905 registered voters and 6000 votes cast.

Morgan Earp was shotgunned from an ambush and killed while playing pool in Campbell and Hatch’s saloon in Tombstone. Morgan liked to shoot pool about as much as he liked to shoot anyone.

1821-Congress passes the Relief Act, which allows price adjustments on unpaid-for land purchases in the West.

1836-Declaration of Texan Independence is made in Washington-on-the Bravos, where David G. Burnet is chose as provisional president and Sam Houston as Army Commander.