In 1821, the US began to colonize Texas. The newly independent Mexican government, pleased with the prospering US colony, offered grants to other American promoters. By 1830, Americans greatly outnumbered the Mexican settlers. To stop the influx of Americans, Mexican troops began to police the border and close seaports. Alarmed Texans petitioned Mexico for separate statehood, to no avail. On October 2, 1835, the revolution broke out when the Mexicans asked the Texans to return what item? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst68082_Revolution-in-Texas--1835-.aspx)