Beyond the Sundown (Kermit Hunter) Woodville, Texas 1975-83
an excerpt from http://franklewin.nethttp://franklewin.net
Beyond the Sundown (Kermit Hunter)
Woodville, Texas 1975-83
Recording: Demeter Music, "Music for America's Past" Volume 5, Demeter 115
This historical drama by Kermit Hunter was presented on the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation in Texas. It tells the story of how young braves resist the counsel of their elders, and join Sam Houston to fight for Texas' independence. The sound and pulse of drums permeates the score, in symphonic passages as well as ceremonial scenes. Several melodies traditional to the Alabama, and tunes inspired by their music, are included in the score.
an excerpt from
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/bma19.htmlhttp://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/bma19.html
Gen. Sam Houston also planned to utilize the fighting ability of the Alabamas and Coushattas in the Texas Revolution. Early in 1836 Houston's army was retreating eastward across Texas, pursued by the Mexican army under Santa Anna. Many Texas settlers fled toward the Sabine River in this "Runaway Scrapeqv." As the revolutionary army marched toward San Jacinto, Houston sent a delegation to ask the Alabamas and Coushattas for assistance. The tribes could provide about 250 warriors, and this group was the only noncommitted fighting force with any chance to arrive at San Jacinto in time to participate in the impending battle. The delegation dispatched by General Houston to negotiate for the services of the Alabamas and Coushattas arrived at Long King's Village several days before the battle of San Jacinto. The delegation brought a message from Houston and tried to persuade the Indians to join the army. While the discussions were proceeding, the battle of San Jacinto was fought, and the services of the Indians were no longer needed by the Texas army. Although the Alabamas and Coushattas did not participate militarily in the war, they were generous in their efforts to feed and care for settlers who passed through their villages in the Runaway Scrape. The Coushattas, however, did not entirely escape the turbulence of the 1836–39 period. In 1839 a Comanche raiding party approached the Long King Village from the north. Coushattas met the Comanches in the valley of Long King Creek and, in a fiercely fought battle, defeated the invaders who were forced to retreat.