The McArdle Notebooks > Dawn at the Alamo
Stephen F. Austin, from the "Log Cabin" painting by McArdle, and explanation
Handbook of Texas article on Stephen F. Austin
Settlement of Austin's Colony
Interior of Austin's Cabin at San
Felipe de Austin, early morning, A.D., 1824
Action: Horatio Chriesman, the surveyor, marking
on the puncheon floor the lines of a piece of land for
which Austin is about to issue title.
Baron de Bastrop, the Land Commissioner, with letter in hand;”
Ran Foster, the hunter, with pipe in hand, and behind
him Samuel M. Williams, the Colonial Secretary, all aroused
to interest in the report, of an Indian raid, being made by a
Scout who is entering the door. The latter is a newcomer, in-
dicated by his "store clothes". He had a struggle with some of
the advance savages, is wounded in the head and takes with
him a battle ax and bow. The latter tells Austin that the Caranchuas [Karankawas]
are doing the devilish work, indications of which are seen in the
burning cabins in the background. Next is Simon the Cook, who left
his fire to hear the prospect of losing his woolly scalp.
Austin is seen reading from a book marked "Laws of Mexico." He
wears a sword illustrative of his authority as judge and commander
of all colonial troops. As the announcement is made he instinctively
reaches for his rifle, all suggestive of the Impressario's [sic] many duties an[d]
fearful trials of Colonization.
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Stephen F. Austin, from the "Log Cabin" painting by McArdle, and explanation, The McArdle Notebooks, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.