s vessels were attacked while the Invincible was anchored offshore waiting for high tide and Brutus entering the Channel. The Invincible ran aground in the poorly chartered channel into Galveston and Brutus beached inside the harbor while trying to aid her sister ship. The vessels were later broken up by heavy storms and thus ended the last two ships of the early Texas Navy (11.) Without any naval forces to defend the Republic, Texas was saved by two circumstances beyond her control. The internal trouble in Mexico grew and required a concentration of security forces near home and less efforts to retake the Republic. Also, the Pastry War between France and Mexico caused Mexico to lose most all her warships to the stronger naval power of France which made Texas and Mexico on the same terms in seapower (11.) Following the end of the early Texas Navy the Republic found itself a new president who looked to expand his seapower and armed forces to whatever sized was needed to protect the state. With the diplomatic recognition of European powers Texas created a new Navy. The new Navy started off with first class warships and professional officers. The Navy consisted of six well designed, built, and rigged vessels that were delivered from Baltimore in 1840. In addition, Texas purchased a large paddlewheel steamer named Charleston but was later rechristened Zavala after the first Texas Vice President. The vessel was extremely difficult to maintain with problems ranging from maintenance to an experienced engineer to operate her expertly. The vessel was a very important addition to the Navy squadron because of the capability it gave them to operate in rivers and calm weathered seas (11.) The Texas Navy was appointed a new commander, Captain Edwin Ward Moore, a veteran of fourteen years as an officer in the United States Navy. Moore was a dynamic leader and fighter that believed that Texas maintained their independence with their power in the sea. M...
