The provisional government of 1835 provided for a navy to serve the new Republic of Texas. It was not a very formidable navy. It consisted at first of two vessels—the schooners the Invincible and the Liberty. Afterward were added the Independence, which became the flag-ship of Commodore Hawkins, commandant of the fleet, the Brutus, and several small sloops, including the Champion and the Julius C?sar.  
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These ships cruised about the Gulf of Mexico, watching the coast and doing what they could with their small guns to annoy the Mexican war-vessels. Early in April, 1836, the Invincible, commanded by Captain Jerry Brown, met the Mexican brig, the Montezuma, near Tampico and fired upon her. A spirited engagement followed which lasted several hours, and in which the Montezuma was badly disabled. She drew off, and in attempting to enter the harbor ran aground.
 
The Invincible sailed away unhurt, and the next day met and captured the American brig, the Pocket, which was on her way to a Mexican port with a cargo of supplies for Santa Anna’s army. Captain Brown brought the Pocket into Galveston, whence the supplies were forwarded to the army.
 
The Invincible, lying at that time in the bay, received from Captain Calder the first news of the victory at San Jacinto, and Captain Brown at once “turned loose Old Tom” to express his own joy therefor.
 
The Yellowstone came down from the Texan camp and landed the Mexican prisoners on the island; she then proceeded to Velasco, having on board the President and his cabinet officers, and General Santa Anna and his staff.
 
The Invincible was ordered to follow, and after signing the treaty, Santa Anna was conducted on board, and Captain Brown received orders to sail to Vera Cruz with the defeated general. The Texan commissioners empowered to treat with the Mexican government were also on board. As already related, Santa Anna was taken ashore again and placed in prison. The Invincible with the Brutus was soon afterward sent to New York for repairs. The Liberty conveyed General Houston to New Orleans, and was there sold to pay her war-expenses.
 
The new Congress was without means ............