William Preston Stapp

Private William Preston Stapp and about 300 other citizens of the Republic of Texas took part in the famous Mier Expedition in late 1842. They were captured near Mier, a few miles across the Mexican border. On a forced march to Mexico City, most Texans escaped, but were recaptured later and the Black Bean Episode came about in which 17 of the 176 returned escapees were forced to draw beans from a pot. The escapees drawing a black bean were immediately executed by the Mexican Army, while the remaining escapees, including Private Stapp were again placed into captivity.

Private Stapp was released from captivity as a result of the efforts of his Uncle Milton Stapp. He was released on May 16, 1844, a few months earlier than most of the other prisoners. General Milton Stapp, of Madison, Indiana, made a great effort to have his nephew released. General Milton negotiated through Judge Eve, the American Charge to Texas and General Thompson, the American minister to Mexico of going in person to General Almonte, the Mexican minister to the United States. This he did in April, 1844, and after several interviews with General Almonte, was successful in gaining Private William Stapp's release.