When Sam Houston Declared His Own Navy Pirates

In spring 1843, President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas declared his own navy's commander, Captain Edwin Moore, a pirate after Moore refused orders to return to Galveston. Moore, commanding the second Texan navy, had been operating off the Yucatan coast, supporting separatists and engaging Mexican shipping. Houston, who saw the navy as a financial burden and a provocation to Mexico, ordered its sale at auction. Moore disobeyed, continuing to wage war from New Orleans. He won two naval battles in April and May 1843 against superior Mexican forces. Houston enlisted foreign nations to apprehend Moore. Moore returned to Galveston on July 14, 1843, and published a 200-page defense, 'To the People of Texas,' absolving himself of piracy charges. The navy was permanently grounded; only the flagship Austin remained, later transferred to the US Navy after Texas's annexation.