Consultation (Texas)
The Consultation in Texas refers primarily to the Convention of 1835, a gathering of Texan settlers held at Washington-on-the-Brazos, beginning November 3, 1835. It was convened in response to the escalating tensions between Anglo-Texan colonists and the centralist government of Mexico under President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
The primary purpose of the Consultation was to determine the appropriate course of action for Texas in light of Santa Anna's increasingly autocratic policies, which were viewed as violating the 1824 Constitution of Mexico and threatening the rights and liberties of the Texan colonists. Delegates debated various options, ranging from declaring independence to remaining loyal to a reformed, constitutional Mexican government.
The Consultation ultimately resulted in the creation of a provisional government for Texas. This government, though temporary, was designed to administer the affairs of the territory while the larger political situation was being resolved. Key actions taken by the Consultation included:
- Declaration of Causes: A statement outlining the grievances of the Texan colonists against the Mexican government.
- Establishment of a Provisional Government: This included a governor, lieutenant governor, and a General Council. Henry Smith was elected Governor and James W. Robinson was elected Lieutenant Governor.
- Appointment of Sam Houston as Commander-in-Chief of the Texan army.
- Authorization of the formation of a regular army and militia.
- Opening Texas ports to foreign commerce.
The Consultation of 1835 was a critical turning point in the Texas Revolution. While it initially stopped short of declaring outright independence, its actions laid the foundation for a separate Texan government and military, paving the way for the Declaration of Independence in March 1836 and the subsequent war for Texas independence. The issues debated and the decisions made during the Consultation shaped the future of Texas and its relationship with Mexico.