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Learn about the pivotal events that marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution, including the arrival of the Mexican Army, the Battle of Gonzales, the Grass Fight, and the Assault on San Antonio.
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Road To Independence Revolution Begins p. 204 - 208
A Mexican Army Arrives in Texas • Mexico sent General Cos to help control any Texas rebellions. • Settlers were concerned about the troops and formed a Committees of Correspondence, local groups sharing political and military information, sprang up to keep the colonists informed.
Gonzales – The Lexington of Texas • The first conflict between Mexican troops and Texan colonists began when Colonel Ugartechea, the Mexican commander at San Antonio, ordered the people of Gonzales to surrender their small brass cannon. • The local official refused so Ugartechea ordered about 100 soldiers to take the cannon by force. • The people of Gonzales buried the cannon until reinforcements arrived.
Gonzales – The Lexington of Texas • They dug up the cannon, and decorated it with a white flag saying, “Come and Take It.” • The Battle of Gonzales was brief and only 1 casualty. • The news of the clash spread quickly throughout Texas. • General Cos regarded the actions at Gonzales as the outbreak of war.
The Grass Fight • In November 1835, Austin left to plead for aid from the United States. • Edward Burleson was chosen to command the volunteer army in his absence. • Under Burleson’s command, Texans attacked Mexicans and captured mules thought to be carrying silver. • After the battle, Texans discovered the mules were not carrying silver, but grass for Cos’ cavalry horses. • This skirmish became known as the “Grass Fight.”
The Assault on San Antonio • Ben Milam, an empresario, gathered about 300 volunteer soldiers to attack San Antonio. • Milam is known for his famous plea, “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” • Milam split his men into 2 columns and began the assault in December. • On the third day of the battle (also called the Siege of Bexar), Milam was killed, and Frank W. Johnson took command.
The Assault on San Antonio • During the fighting, the Mexican forces were driven toward the center of town and took refuge in the abandoned mission known as the Alamo. • Cos asked for surrender terms and promised to never fight against the colonists or the Constitution of 1824. • He and his soldiers were allowed to return to Mexico a few days later. • The Texas army now held both Goliad and the Alamo.
