The Texian LoanThe Famed TEXIAN LOAN Even before Texas Independence was declared on March 2nd, 1836, Texans were busy raising much needed capital. Stephen F. Austin, famed for his unfailing efforts to bring Americans and Europeans to settle in Texas, was commissioned along with William Wharton and Branch Archer. The three traveled east to New Orleans and thence up the Mississippi & Ohio Rivers and eventually to Washington, making impassioned speeches along the way