The Texan schooner Independence was a notable vessel of the First Texas Navy, originally acquired in 1836 by Texas authorities. She was formerly the United States revenue cutter Ingham before being renamed Independence under the command of Charles Hawkins. The schooner was involved in key missions during the Texas Revolution, including transporting President David G. Burnet and his cabinet to sign the Treaty of Velasco with Santa Anna, as well as carrying commissioners to Washington, D.C., to seek recognition of Texas independence. Constructed as a schooner, Independence was equipped with a total of eight guns, including a 9-pounder, three 6-pounders, and a pivot gun. Her dimensions and precise construction details are not provided, but her armament suggests a vessel suited for patrol, escort, and combat duties typical of schooners of her era. She played a critical role in asserting Texas independence, patrolling the Gulf of Mexico, and enforcing blockades against Mexican resupply efforts. During her service, Independence was the sole operational ship of the Texas Navy in summer 1836, as others were undergoing repairs or had been sold to fund refurbishment. She notably engaged Mexican brig-of-war vessels on April 17, 1837, in an intense battle at the mouth of the Brazos River. Outgunned and outmanned, the schooner attempted to escape but was eventually forced to fight in front of Velasco, where she sustained damage and her captain, George W. Wheelwright, was wounded. After a fierce engagement, Independence was surrendered to the Mexican forces, with Lieutenant John W. Taylor taking command during the battle. Post-battle, the vessel was taken into the Mexican Navy and renamed La Independencia, serving against her former masters. Her combat engagement and subsequent capture mark her as a significant maritime asset during the Texas Revolution, illustrating the turbulent naval struggles of the period.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.