Emily West Morgan

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Emily West Morgan (also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" and Emily of Morgan's Point) (1815?–18??) was an indentured servant remembered for stories of her heroism during Texas's war of independence from Mexico.

The legend of Emily has been touted as a myth and not a part of history, but some historians argue otherwise. Emily D. West was a twenty year old mulatto, "of eastern import with extraordinary intelligence and sophistication" possibly from Bermuda, although some sources list her birthplace as New Haven, Connecticut.

James Morgan was a wealthy entrepreneur from Philadelphia who emigrated to Texas in 1830. He was eager to pursue a business venture in the Mexican colony of Texas, capitalizing on the cheap land and opportunities available. Morgan wanted to bring slaves with him to the growing colony, but at that time Mexico did not permit slavery. To skirt the law, Morgan made his slaves into 99-year indentured servants. According to records, Emily West volunteered to be indentured, most likely to escape the prejudice against her mixed race. As was customary for indentured workers of the time, she changed her last name to that of her "owner".

In 1836, the Texas army, led by Sam Houston, was fully engaged in a war for independence from Mexico. At that time, James Morgan had established a successful settlement, New Washington, near the mouth of the San Jacinto River. A portion of the land extended into San Jacinto Bay and was named "Morgan's Point." From this strategic location, boats were loaded with supplies for Houston's army. As a sympathizer, Morgan helped the Texian cause by giving food and provisions to Houston's men. Established as a "friend of Texas," he was appointed to a rank of Colonel and, in March 1836, he was assigned to guard the Port of Galveston so that Houston's supply line would continue. Morgan left Emily West Morgan in charge of loading the boats destined to feed the army.

On April 18, 1836, General Santa Anna's Mexican army marched into the mostly deserted settlement of New Washington as the inhabitants fled before them. Emily, however, stayed behind and Santa Anna was said to be immediately struck by her beauty. After his men helped themselves to the "spoils of war", Santa Anna set his sights on one more, Emily. He captured the beautiful girl and a young boy named Turner. Santa Anna convinced Turner to lead his scouts to Houston's encampment, but Emily persuaded the young boy to escape from Santa Anna's men and run to Houston's camp to inform him of the Mexican general's arrival.

Although married to a woman in Mexico and then remarried to one of his teenaged captives from Texas, Santa Anna still fancied himself to be quite the ladies' man. He set his eyes on Emily and ordered his men to immediately set up camp on the plains of the San Jacinto. His colonels protested, insisting that the location of the encampment was violating the principles of wartime strategy and leaving the army vulnerable. Houston, upon hearing from the young Turner where Santa Anna's location was, moved his troops to within a mile of the general's headquarters.

On the morning of April 21, Houston espied the Mexican camp and saw Emily preparing breakfast for the general. Houston reportedly remarked, "I hope that slave girl makes him (Santa Anna) neglect his business and keeps him in bed all day." That afternoon, the final battle for Texas independence was engaged. The Mexican army was caught completely off guard, and Santa Anna was literally caught "with his pants down." (Reports at the time said he was caught running away from the battle with his studded silk shirt opened and concealed under a dead soldier's blue smock, hurriedly put on during his attempted escape.)

Emily West Morgan survived the battle and made her way back to New Washington. Shortly after, James Morgan returned from Galveston and Emily told him of her ordeal and the outcome of the last great battle. Morgan was so amazed with Emily's heroism, he rescinded her indenture and sent her back home to New York–the final chapter of which there is no record. There is a record, however, in Morgan's journals of Emily's heroism. Morgan made certain everyone knew of Emily's tale and told everyone he encountered or anyone who would listen. Morgan "kept a running commentary on Texas affairs with Samuel Swartwout, one of Houston's friends in New York City." He also told his story to an English friend and ethnologist, William Bollaert, who recorded the story in every detail.

Some historians have suggested that Emily was attracted to the opulence and good looks of the Mexican general. But the accounts from those who were there indicate she was a loyal "Texian" who did what she could for Texas independence.

The term "The Yellow Rose of Texas" was supposedly attributed to Emily West Morgan. The term "Yellow" in the 1800's many times referred to people of mixed race or mulattos. Today, the heroic acts of the young woman from New York are still reverently commemorated by the members of the Knights of the Yellow Rose of Texas each April 21 at San Jacinto.