The Free State of Texas was a nation the existed between 1860-1862. It declared its independence after the Austin-Washington Letters were revealed to the public. The Pro-Slavery forces in Texas were outraged at the fact that abolitionists had been plotting with another nation to end slavery. They decided on only one choice: they had to secede from the Republic of Texas, and form their own nation that would protect slavery. However, the Republic of Texas was quick to decide that this "revolt" needed to be put down ,and that slavery was now an act of treason. War was declared on the F.S.T a month after the nation was made, and the young nation was at war.