GOD & TEXAS: Black Beans

The letter began with the words, “Dear Mother, I write to you under the most awful feelings that a son ever addressed a mother, for in half an hour my doom will be finished on earth….” The subsequent events constituted a significant tragedy.

On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. But even after the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, Mexico refused to accept defeat. The new Republic of Texas lived in constant fear that Mexico would again invade with intent to conqueror.

In light of the continuing conflicts between Texan and Mexican troops, President Sam Houston ordered Alexander Somervell to invade Mexico if he determined that the Texan forces could succeed. On November 25, 1842, the Somervell Expedition left San Antonio with 700 men.

Once they had captured the towns of Laredo and Guerrero. Somervell decided that an invasion of Mexico would fail. He ended the expedition and ordered the soldiers to return to Gonzales. But about 300 of the troops refused to stop the invasion and resumed the campaign under new leadership.

On December 25, the Texans attacked the city of Mier that was held by Mexican troops and suffered a major defeat. At least 30 men died and the rest surrendered believing that they would be sent back to San Antonio. Instead, they were marched toward a Mexican prison. While in route, the Texan troops staged an unsuccessful escape, with 176 men being recaptured and sentenced to death.

However, General Santa Anna changed the orders to having every tenth man shot instead. To determine who would die, white beans were placed in a basket along with 17 black beans. Whoever picked a black bean was to be shot at dusk. One of the 17 men was Robert Holmes Dunham. He was given opportunity to write a quick letter to his mother and have his friend Abraham Hadenburg take it to her when he was released.

Once free, Hadenburg could not locate Dunham’s mother or any family members. He took the letter to the Waco post office, which misplaced it. Years later, when the post office was being demolished, a worker found the letter and eventually it was placed in the permanent exhibits at the Alamo.

The poignant letter concludes with these words: “…..for I am doomed to die by the hands of the Mexicans for our late attempt to escape. The orders of Gen. Santa Anna were that every tenth man should be shot. We drew lots; I was one of the unfortunates. I cannot say anything more. I die, I hope, with firmness. Farewell, may God bless you and may he, in this my last hour, forgive and pardon all my sins. Farewell. Your affectionate son, R. H. Dunham."

Dunham did not end his life with cursing and resentment. Instead, he expressed love for his mother and respect for his God. His example to us certainly fulfilled the intent of James 1:12 ESV, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.”

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