The Long expedition, named for its leader, James Long, was an early attempt by Anglo-Americans to wrest Texas from Spain. The expedition, was mounted by a militia from Natchez, Mississippi, who were opposed to the boundary of the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition attracted recruits with a promise of a league of Texas land to every soldier. An advance force of 120 men, led by Eli Harris, crossed the Sabine River on June 8, 1819, and went on to Nacogdoches, Texas where Long, arrived on June 21. Citizens of Nacogdoches met to organize a provisional government with Long as its chief. On June 23, this "government" declared the independence of Texas. By the middle of July, Long had more than 300 men under his command. Lack of supplies caused Long to scatter his men in an attempt to live off the