Living Through History

"History never looks like history when you are living through it". - John W. Gardner

"Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called 'walking'". - George W. Bush

"If a man's from Texas, he'll tell you. If he is not, why embarrass him by asking?" - John Gunther

My retirement from the state component of the Texas Military Department has adjusted out a little, and a thought which now visits me from time to time is how, in a way, my departure is part of a proud line of service to Texas. You see, I have a connection to a member of the Texian Army, Lt. Col. William Travis himself.

In a copyrighted article in Texas Co~op Power magazine (https://texascooppower.com/william-travis-ring/), Martha Deeringer wrote in "William Travis' Ring": "In Texas, Travis established a new life for himself. He was among the settlers of Stephen F. Austin’s colony at San Felipe de Austin and opened a law practice in Anahuac, a port of entry along Galveston Bay where there were few attorneys and business was brisk. While on a business trip, Travis stopped at an inn on Mill Creek owned by John Cummings and met Rebecca Cummings, John’s sister. Repeated visits sparked a romance, but Travis, who had listed his marital status as single on Stephan F. Austin’s records, had to tell Rebecca that he was still married to a woman in Alabama. It’s unlikely that this was welcome news, but the two continued to keep company."

Rebecca's brother, John Cummings, is my great-great-great-great grandfather; my family came to Texas in 1821, part of "The Old 300". The love interest Rebecca had in, and with, the man who went on to command forces besieged in the Alamo compound, William Barret Travis, was complicated by his marriage, then ended, by the fall of The Alamo.

Surely he was wearing the ring as he wrote "The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken - I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -?I shall never surrender or retreat." And perhaps also when he spoke to the defenders using a line in the sand as a decision point fore each one of them to make. With honor.

Well, this Sergeant Major prepares to end his service to the state. I will ensure my uniform and grooming meet the standards and my bearing is as professional as it always has been. But as I leave Camp Mabry for the final time, pardon me if you see the trace of a swagger.

But one might admit: It was earned.

An image of the ring given by Rebecca to William may be viewed here: https://officialalamo.medium.com/artifact-of-the-month-the-travis-ring-fbc1ae618c7a

Texas Military Department Texas State Guard