David G. Burnet, American politician, 2nd Vice-President of Texas (d. 1870)

David G. Burnet: A Pivotal Figure in Early Texas History

David Gouverneur Burnet, born on April 14, 1788, in Newark, New Jersey, and passing on December 5, 1870, was a significant, albeit sometimes controversial, political figure during the formative years of the Republic of Texas and its transition into a U.S. state. His career spanned crucial moments, including serving as interim President of Texas twice (in 1836 and again in 1841), holding the Vice Presidency of the Republic of Texas from 1839 to 1841, and later becoming the inaugural Secretary of State for the newly annexed U.S. state of Texas in 1846. Burnet’s life was marked by adventure, political challenges, and an unwavering commitment to the young republic.

Early Life and Adventurous Spirit

Burnet's early life was far from conventional. After attending law school in Cincinnati, Ohio, he embarked on a series of experiences that showcased a restless spirit and an inclination for adventure. As a young man, he spent a remarkable year living among a Comanche tribe, an experience that undoubtedly offered him unique insights into the indigenous cultures of North America. This period of immersion, before his return to Ohio, suggests an independent and adaptable character.

South American Endeavors and Early Filibustering

In 1806, Burnet's idealism led him to volunteer for the ambitious, though ultimately unsuccessful, filibustering expeditions spearheaded by General Francisco de Miranda. These private military ventures aimed to liberate Venezuela from Spanish colonial rule, a cause that captivated many American adventurers eager to support burgeoning independence movements. Burnet actively participated, fighting in Chile in 1807 and later in Venezuela in 1808. His involvement placed him squarely in the midst of the dramatic South American wars of independence, a period when figures like Miranda and Simón Bolívar were shaping the destiny of an entire continent. When a rift developed between Miranda and Bolívar, Burnet returned to the United States in 1812, his youthful experiences having exposed him to the complexities and perils of revolutionary warfare.

Journey to Mexican Texas and Empresario Challenges

By 1826, David Burnet had cast his gaze towards the burgeoning frontier of Mexican Texas, joining Stephen F. Austin's flourishing colony. He ventured into the empresario system, a Mexican government initiative designed to encourage settlement by granting large tracts of land to individuals who would, in turn, recruit and oversee new colonists. Burnet received such a land grant, but the challenges of frontier colonization proved formidable. He ultimately failed to attract a sufficient number of settlers to his designated colony and was compelled to sell his land. His entrepreneurial spirit faced further hurdles when he attempted to operate a sawmill, a vital enterprise for the growing settlements. Mexican law, however, stipulated that all settlers and citizens must convert to Roman Catholicism. Burnet, unwilling to abandon his Protestant faith, refused to convert, leading to the revocation of his right to operate the sawmill. These early struggles illustrate the complex legal, cultural, and religious landscape that American settlers navigated in Mexican Texas.

The Birth of a Nation: Interim Presidency Amidst Crisis

The political climate in Texas grew increasingly volatile, culminating in the Texan Revolution. Upon hearing the urgent plea for aid from William B. Travis at the Alamo, Burnet instinctively traveled to Washington-on-the-Brazos. There, the Convention of 1836 was deliberating the future of Texas. Remaining at the convention, Burnet was unexpectedly elected interim president on March 17, 1836, a pivotal moment marking the formal establishment of the Republic of Texas. His selection signaled a preference for civilian leadership during a time of immense military crisis.

The Perilous "Runaway Scrape"

Immediately upon assuming the interim presidency, Burnet was confronted with the harsh realities of war. With Mexican forces advancing rapidly after their victory at the Alamo and Goliad, Burnet ordered the nascent government to evacuate Washington-on-the-Brazos, moving the capital to Harrisburg. This decision initiated what became known as the "Runaway Scrape," a panicked flight of Texan settlers eastward, away from Santa Anna’s approaching army. Families abandoned their homes and belongings, enduring immense hardship in their desperate dash for safety. Burnet and his government narrowly avoided capture by Mexican troops the following month, highlighting the precarious existence of the new republic and its leaders during this terrifying period.

After San Jacinto: Treaty Negotiations and Political Turmoil

The tide of war dramatically turned with Sam Houston's decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Following the capture of Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna, it was David G. Burnet who took custody of the vanquished general. Burnet then engaged in the highly sensitive negotiations that led to the Treaties of Velasco. These treaties, signed on May 14, 1836, formally ended hostilities, with Santa Anna agreeing to withdraw Mexican forces south of the Rio Grande and to lobby for Mexican recognition of Texan independence. However, the terms of Santa Anna's release, which allowed him to escape execution, ignited a firestorm of controversy among many Texans. Haunted by the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad, many were infuriated that Santa Anna had been spared. Some even accused Burnet of treason for allowing the architect of these atrocities to live. The intense political pressure and public outrage led Burnet to decline running for the presidency in the upcoming elections, and he formally resigned as interim president on October 22, 1836, just months after the triumph at San Jacinto.

Continued Service and Enduring Legacy

Despite the controversies of his interim presidency, Burnet remained deeply involved in Texan politics. He later served as Vice President under Mirabeau B. Lamar, whose presidency (1838-1841) was characterized by an expansionist vision, a confrontational policy towards Native American tribes, and efforts to develop a robust Texas infrastructure. During this time, Burnet participated in the Battle of Neches in 1839, a significant engagement between Texan forces and the Cherokee. His political rivalry with Sam Houston continued, and he was ultimately defeated by Houston in the subsequent presidential election. When the Republic of Texas was finally annexed by the United States in 1845, Burnet continued his public service, becoming the state’s first Secretary of State in 1846, playing a role in integrating Texas into the American Union.

Reconstruction Era and the Ironclad Oath

Later in life, following the tumultuous American Civil War, the first Reconstruction state legislature of Texas appointed Burnet to the United States Senate. However, his Senate aspirations were thwarted by the "Ironclad Oath." This oath, mandated by Congress during Reconstruction, required individuals to swear they had never voluntarily borne arms against the United States or aided its enemies. Burnet, having participated in a state that seceded from the Union, was unable to take this oath, and thus could not assume his seat in the Senate. Despite this setback and the many challenges he faced throughout his career, David G. Burnet's foundational contributions to the Republic of Texas are permanently recognized, with Burnet County, Texas, proudly bearing his name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was David G. Burnet?
David Gouverneur Burnet was an early and influential American politician who played a crucial role in the formation and early governance of the Republic of Texas, serving as its interim President, Vice President, and later as the first Secretary of State for the U.S. State of Texas.
What was Burnet's most significant role in the Republic of Texas?
His most prominent role was serving as the interim President of Texas in 1836. He led the government during the critical period immediately following the declaration of independence and during the Texan Revolution, including the chaotic "Runaway Scrape" and the negotiations of the Treaties of Velasco.
Why was he called an "interim" president?
Burnet was elected interim (temporary) president by the Convention of 1836. This temporary leadership was established to govern the newly declared Republic of Texas until formal elections could be held and a permanent government could be constituted after the Texan Revolution concluded.
What were the Treaties of Velasco, and why were they controversial?
The Treaties of Velasco were agreements signed by interim President Burnet and captured Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna in May 1836, officially ending the Texan Revolution. They were controversial because Santa Anna was granted safe passage back to Mexico instead of being executed, which infuriated many Texans who sought retribution for the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad.
Did David G. Burnet ever become a U.S. Senator?
No, although he was appointed to the United States Senate by the first Reconstruction state legislature of Texas, he was unable to take his seat. This was due to his inability to truthfully take the "Ironclad Oath," which required a declaration of unwavering loyalty to the Union during the Civil War era.
What was the "Runaway Scrape"?
The "Runaway Scrape" refers to the chaotic and widespread evacuation of Texan settlers and the nascent government eastward in the spring of 1836, fleeing the advancing Mexican army after the fall of the Alamo. It was a period of great fear and hardship for the Texas population.
How is David G. Burnet remembered today?
Burnet is remembered as a foundational figure in Texas history. Despite facing many political challenges and controversies, his commitment to Texas independence and statehood is recognized. Burnet County, Texas, is named in his honor, serving as a lasting testament to his contributions.