In 1823, in order to encourage immigration, the government of Mexico gave Stephen Austin a large grant of land, and Austin brought 300 families to settle north of the Rio Grande River. By 1835 the Austin colony had 20,000 settlers; an additional 15,000 Americans had also settled in other parts of Texas. Most of the settlers were from the South, and although slavery was contrary to Mexican law, the Americans brought their bondsmen with them. When the Mexican government under General Santa Ana tried to impose tighter control on the American colonies, they rebelled, and in 1836 proclaimed their independence.
The Jackson administration recognized the Republic of Texas on March 3, 1837, but the