02660cam a2200325 4500 607496850 TxAuBib 20131212120000.0 121112s2005||||||||||||||||||||||||eng|u 2005000439 9781585444441 $35.00 1585444448 $35.00 (OCoLC)57434267 TxAuBib Jackson, Jack, 1941-2006. Indian agent : Peter Ellis Bean in Mexican Texas / Jack Jackson. 1st ed. College Station : Texas A & M University Press, 2005. xiii, 426 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 25 cm. Canseco-Keck history series ; ; 6 Includes bibliographical references (p. [403]-413) and index. How can the life of one relatively unknown man change our understanding of Texas history and the American West? Peter Ellis Bean, a fairly minor, but altogether fascinating character, casts unexpected light on conflicts, famous historical figures, and events, from the time of Mexican rule through the years of the Texas Republic. Bean's role in Mexico's revolution against Spain and his service as an agent of the Mexican government, especially, as an Indian agent in eastern Texas, provide an unusually vivid picture of Mexican Texas, as well as new information about the Indians in this region. More explosively, Jackson's research on Bean's career as Indian agent casts doubt on the traditional characterization of Sam Houston as a friend to the Texas Indians. Bean's career shows Houston as a rival for the loyalty of the Indians during Texas' rebellion against Mexico, a rival who made false promises for military and political gain. After Texas gained its independence, Bean acquired vast lands in Texas, at one point holding more than 100,000 acres. He was a good citizen and a good businessman, involved with real estate, sawmills, salt works, agriculture, and stock raising. He was also a bigamist. Meticulously researched, dramatically written, and embodying a unique understanding of Mexican Texas, Jack Jackson's chronicle of Peter Ellis Bean not only rescues him from relative obscurity, but also corrects key aspects of the history in which he was involved and brings to life an era more often consigned to myth. 20131212. Bean, Peter Ellis 1783-1846. Indian agents Texas Biography. Indians of North America Texas Government relations. Texas History To 1846. Canseco-Keck history series ; ; 6. TXMIT