Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 30, 1835 – The siege of Béxar continues with minor skirmishes occurring almost daily. Messengers went out to The Consultation in San Fe... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 30, 1835 – The siege of Béxar continues with minor skirmishes occurring almost daily. Messengers went out to The Consultation in San Felipe de Austin requesting additional troops and supplies.
Remembering George Harrison 22 years on... 😢
25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 28, 1835 - Santa Anna leaves Mexico City with a 6,000-strong Mexican Army hastily thrown together from conscripts and prisoners, marchi... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 28, 1835 - Santa Anna leaves Mexico City with a 6,000-strong Mexican Army hastily thrown together from conscripts and prisoners, marching northward to take Texas back from the rebels.
Portraits: Antonio López de Santa Anna, Mexican troops leaving Mexico City.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Note: There would appear to be an error in yesterday's post. Don Gray and I seem to have made a mistake. "The Grass Fight", it turns out, ... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Note: There would appear to be an error in yesterday's post. Don Gray and I seem to have made a mistake. "The Grass Fight", it turns out, was actually fought in this day, the 26th of November, 1835. I apologize for this error.)
Nov 26, 1835 - Bowie leads Texians in the Grass Fight. Texian scout Deaf Smith brought news of a Mexican pack train, accompanied by 50–100 soldiers, that was on its way to Béxar. The Texian camp was convinced that the pack train carried silver to pay the Mexican garrison and purchase supplies. Edward Burleson ordered Colonel James Bowie to take 45–50 cavalry, commanded by Burleson’s father, Captain James Burleson, and intercept the train.
The battle was fought between the Mexican Army and the Texian Army, and took place just south of San Antonio de Béxar in the Mexican region of Texas. The Texas Revolution had officially begun on October 2, 1835, and by the end of the month the Texian had initiated a siege of Béxar, home of the largest Mexican garrison in the province. Bored with the inactivity, many of the Texian soldiers returned home; a smaller number of adventurers from the United States arrived to replace them.
Four Texians were wounded in the fighting, and one soldier deserted during the battle. In his reports, Burleson claimed that 15 Mexican soldiers had been killed and 7 wounded, while Bowie claimed that 60 Mexican soldiers had been killed. Burleson praised all of his officers for their conduct, although Bowie received the most mention.
An interesting side note: The Texians captured 40 horses and mules. To their surprise, the saddlebags did not contain bullion. Instead, the mules had been carrying freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican horses trapped in Béxar; this prize gave the battle its name.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 26, 1835
TEXIAN ARMY ATTACKS MEXICAN ARMY PACK TRAIN OUTSIDE OF BEXAR
This morning Texian Army scout Erastus "Deaf" Smith rode into camp outside of Bexar to report that a pack train of mules and horses, accompanied by 50–100 Mexican soldiers, was within 5 miles of Bexar. For several days, the Texians have heard rumors that the Mexican Army was expecting a shipment of silver and gold to pay the Mexican troops and purchase additional supplies. The Texians have been fighting without pay, and most wanted to loot the expected riches.
In response to Smith’s report, Commander-in-Chief Edward Burleson (recently replacing Stephen F. Austin) ordered Bowie to investigate and warned him not to attack unless necessary. After Bowie recruited the Army's 12 best marksmen for the expedition, there was little doubt that he intended to find a reason to attack. Burleson managed to stop the entire Texian Army from following by sending Colonel William Jack with 100 infantry to support Bowie's men.
About 1 mile from Bexar this afternoon, Bowie and his men spotted the Mexican soldiers crossing a dry ravine. Following a short battle, the Mexican soldiers withdrew towards Bexar, leaving their pack animals behind. To the surprise of the Texians, the saddlebags contained not bullion, but freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican horses trapped in Bexar.
Four Texians were wounded in the fighting, and one soldier deserted during the “grass fight”. Estimates of the number of Mexican casualties ranged from 3–60 killed and 7–14 wounded. The Texian victory allowed the Texians to believe that, although outnumbered, they can prevail over the Mexican garrison in a future attack. The Texians believe that Cos must have been desperate to send troops outside of the safety of Bexar.
-Don Gray
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
The Lone Star Republic... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 25, 1835
TEXIANS CAPTURE GRASS, NOT SILVER. THE "GRASS FIGHT"
A few days ago, spies reported to the Texians around San Antonio that a shipment of silver was coming from Mexico. According the report, the silver was being transported on a train of pack mules on its way to pay the soldiers of Mexican General Cos, who currently occupies the town. The Texas scouts kept a close watch for the convoy so that the payload might be intercepted.
This morning, Erastus (Deaf) Smith, while on scout patrol, discovered some mules with packs approaching. Supposing this to be the expected train, he reported his discovery to the Texian camp outside of San Antonio. A group under Jim Bowie was first to intercept the mule train and a skirmish began. As reinforcements under General Edward Burleson arrived to assist his father’s (Captain James Burleson) troops, the fight was well underway. The Texans pursued as the enemy dispersed.
The Mexicans abandoned their mules as they fled. However, the Texians soon found that the packs were filled with grass, rather than the expected silver. As the Texans later learned from their captives, the Mexicans had gone out the night before to gather grass to feed their horses.
We lost one man and two wounded during the fight. The Mexican loss was much larger.
-Don Gray
Portraits: Mexican Gen Martín Perfecto de Cós, Captain Erastus (Deaf) Smith, Colonel Jim Bowie, Colonel Edward Burleson.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 24, 1835 - The Texas Army volunteers elect Colonel Edward Burleson as commander in chief to replace the departing Stephen F. Austin. Au... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 24, 1835 - The Texas Army volunteers elect Colonel Edward Burleson as commander in chief to replace the departing Stephen F. Austin. Austin, who had been the commander of all the Texas forces at the beginning of the Revolution, was sent to the United States by the General Council of the Provisional Government of Texas to enlist more troops and secure funding.
Meanwhile in Mexico - At this time, there were only 2,500 soldiers in the Mexican interior. This was not enough to crush a rebellion and provide security—from attacks by both Indians and federalists—throughout the rest of the country. According to author Will Fowler, General Santa Anna financed the Texas expedition with three loans; one from the city of San Luis Potosí, and the other two loans from individuals Cayetano Rubio and Juan N. Errazo. Santa Anna had guaranteed at least a portion of the repayments with his own financial holdings. He began to assemble a new army, which he dubbed the Army of Operations in Texas. A majority of the troops had been conscripted or were convicts who chose service in the military over jail. The Mexican officers knew that the Brown Bess muskets they carried lacked the range of the Texian weapons, but Santa Anna was convinced that his superior planning would nonetheless result in an easy victory. Corruption was rampant, and supplies were not plentiful. Almost from the beginning, rations were short, and there were no medical supplies or doctors. Few troops were issued heavy coats or blankets for the winter.
Portraits: Colonel Edward Burleson, General Santa Anna, Brown Bess musket.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
From The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 21, 1835
TEXIAN ASSUALT ORDERED ON BEXAR!
... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
From The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 21, 1835
TEXIAN ASSUALT ORDERED ON BEXAR!
Encouraged by the recent arrival of the New Orleans Greys on November 18, today Commander-in-Chief Stephen F. Austin ordered an assault on the Mexican Army at Bexar. The assault is to take place in the darkness of tomorrow morning.
This will be the day the brave volunteer Texians have been waiting so long for. The goal is to take Bexar and the Alamo, and to drive the Mexican Army from precious Texas. May God be at their side.
-Don Gray
Portrait: Stephen F. Austin
Today in Texas History
While this is a minor thing, and since not much was happening on the Texas Revolution front, here's today's offering courtesy of Michael Berry.
November 19th, 1854
On this da... View MoreToday in Texas History
While this is a minor thing, and since not much was happening on the Texas Revolution front, here's today's offering courtesy of Michael Berry.
November 19th, 1854
On this day, Texas hero Sam Houston joined Independence Baptist Church and was baptized in nearby Little Rocky Creek by Rufus C. Burleson. Houston joined at the urging of his wife, Margaret Moffette Lea Houston, and her mother, Nancy Moffette Lea. A deeply religious woman, Margaret Houston worked hard to restrain Houston's drinking and to lead him to a more settled and devout life. The church, located in Independence, Washington County, was organized in 1839 by Rev. Thomas Spraggins and a small group of fellow Baptists. The devout Mrs. Lea, who had moved to Independence in 1852, sold her silverware and gave the money to the church for a bell. Though the current building dates only to 1872, the pew in which Sam Houston sat has been preserved and is marked so that visitors can see it.
Painting of Sam Houston.
2 old surf dogs. Yesterday and 30+ years ago.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 18, 1835... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 18, 1835
“NEW ORLEANS GREYS” ARRIVE TO ASSIST WITH SEIGE OF BEXAR
Today a group of 123 volunteers from the United States, known as the New Orleans Greys, joined the Texian Army in Bexar. Unlike the majority of the Texian volunteers, the Greys look like soldiers, with uniforms, flags, well-maintained rifles, adequate ammunition, and some semblance of discipline. The Greys, as well several companies of Texians who have arrived recently, seem eager to face the Mexican Army directly. The arrival of the Greys seems to have had immediate and positive impact on the low morale of the Texian army volunteers.
The New Orleans Greys are actually two companies of American and European emigrant volunteers organized out of a public meeting held at Banks Arcade in New Orleans on October 13, 1835. The two companies are the Captain Robert Morris' Greys and Captain Thomas Breece's Greys.
Both companies left for Texas in late October. Breece's Greys traveled to Texas up the Mississippi River. From there, they traveled up the Red River to Natchitoches, and on the Camino Real through Nacogdoches, and onto San Antonio.
Morris' Greys traveled via the Gulf of Mexico to Velasco. From Velasco, they traveled on to Goliad and then San Antonio.
The New Orleans Greys will be of great help in driving the Mexican Army from Bexar and from the Alamo.
-Don Gray
The Lone Star Republic
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Been a little lax on these postings.
Nov 14, 1835 – In San Felipe de Austin, The Consultation (also known as the Texian Government, and se... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Been a little lax on these postings.
Nov 14, 1835 – In San Felipe de Austin, The Consultation (also known as the Texian Government, and served as the provisional government of Mexican Texas from October 1835 to March 1836 during the Texas Revolution), appoints Henry Smith as the first Governor of Texas, elects Stephen F. Austin, William H. Wharton and Branch T. Archer, to serve as commissioners to the United States, and appoints Sam Houston commander-in-chief of a regular Texas Army, with no authority over Huston's volunteers.
Nov 15, 1835 – José Antonio Mexía attacks Tampico. When expected help does not arrive from federalists in Matamoros, he retreats to Texas and promotes an attack on Matamoros. The "Battle of Tampico" was fought in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Gregorio Gómez and the Mexican Centralist garrison engaged Gen. José Antonio Mexía and 150 American volunteers. This was part of an uprising against General Santa Anna, and its outcome affected the future of the Texas War of Independence.
Late in October, Mexia reported to Texian leaders that he had commissioned the armed schooner Mary Jane, to transport his expedition with a 12-pound cannonade and two eight-pound cannon. He added that there was a crew of fifty men, armed and provisioned for three months, plus 150 men ready for service on land.
(Thirty-one of the men who had arrived on the Mary Jane were taken prisoner. Three died of wounds and the remaining twenty-eight were executed on December 14, 1835 by the Mexican army.)
Mexía's defeat convinced many Texians that Mexico's Federalists would be no help, thereby causing hard feelings to arise between these potential allies. Furthermore, the Mexican government declared that the expedition had been carried out by "pirates," executing the men Mexía left behind. This policy of "no quarter" was extended to the Texas situation in the pronouncement of the Tornel Decree.
Portraits: Henry Smith and Gen. José Antonio Mexía.
A VETERAN - Whether Active Duty, Retired, Discharged Or Reserve - Is Someone Who, At One Point In Their Lives, Wrote A Blank Check Made Payable To The United States Of America, For An Amount "Up To & ... View MoreA VETERAN - Whether Active Duty, Retired, Discharged Or Reserve - Is Someone Who, At One Point In Their Lives, Wrote A Blank Check Made Payable To The United States Of America, For An Amount "Up To & INCLUDING MY LIFE"...
THAT IS HONOR !!!
Today marks the 48th anniversary of the sinking of The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Today marks the 248th anniversary of the founding of the United states Marine Corps.
On the trail to Texas independence.
Most all of the information in these posts has been gleaned from the Internet and some from college courses. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there if one is will... View MoreOn the trail to Texas independence.
Most all of the information in these posts has been gleaned from the Internet and some from college courses. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there if one is willing to take advantage of it. However, I am sure that some of this information may not be 100% accurate and some may have been enhanced by additions or demeaned by deletions by the story tellers. Some information is taken from firsthand accounts, and some by word of mouth yarn spinning. Either way, it makes a good story.
This issue of slavery has been brought up numerous times. Yes, the Texians were in favor or slaver, and that was a major issue in considering independence. There were, to be sure, many other grievances they had with the Mexican government other than that.
On this day, nothing in particular happened - troop movements, processing prisoners of war, restocking supplies, etc. Both sides are gearing up for the skirmishes and battles ahead.
On the trail to Texas independence.
These bits of Texas history are interesting fun things about the history of Texas independence in 1835 and 1836; they are just that, “bits”, and intended to spark ... View MoreOn the trail to Texas independence.
These bits of Texas history are interesting fun things about the history of Texas independence in 1835 and 1836; they are just that, “bits”, and intended to spark the imagination and curiosity. I do not claim to be an expert, or even amateur historian, just someone who values a good tale and admires a people with a singular purpose - LIBERTY. Besides, I’m a sucker for the underdogs.
The odds are against any group of people attempting to break free from an oppressive government and take their place among the nations of the world. As for our country, the U.S. did it in the mid 1770’s, and Texas did in the mid 1830’s. The colonists and the Texians proved they were up to the task and I believe we owe them a great deal.
Most all of the information in these posts has been gleaned from the Internet and some from college courses. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there if one is willing to take advantage of it. However, I am sure that some of this information may not be 100% accurate and some may have been enhanced by additions or demeaned by deletions by the story tellers. Some information is taken from firsthand accounts, and some by word of mouth yarn spinning. Either way, it makes a good story.
NOTE: As with any revolution, there are fits and starts. So it was with this one. During the beginning of November to mid-month in 1835, there were a few battles, and there were minor skirmishes to be sure, but mostly there were troop movements and reinforcements for the Mexican army coming up from the south. There were volunteers for the Texian army coming in from various states from the north and east. Communications being handled the way they were by messengers took a lot of time to send and to receive responses. Many loosely organized militias in Texas were being brought into the Texian army. The Consultation, having made little progress in their quest to organize, had some members taking a break to consult with their constituents.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 4, 1835 - The Battle of Lipantitlán ends with the surrender of the Mexican troops. The commander of Fort Lipantitlán, Nicolás Rodríguez... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 4, 1835 - The Battle of Lipantitlán ends with the surrender of the Mexican troops. The commander of Fort Lipantitlán, Nicolás Rodríguez, expected the Texians to take a direct route. His men patrolled the northern approaches to the fort. Westover's men instead approached from the east, eluding the Mexican patrols. Five miles (8 km) from San Patricio, Westover received word that Rodríguez was searching for the Texians. As the rest of the Texians prepared for a dawn assault, two San Patricio residents wandered into their camp. Westover arrested one of them, James O'Riley, for "aiding and assisting the enemy". In exchange for his liberty, O'Riley offered to persuade the Mexican garrison to surrender. Historians have no records of what methods O'Riley used, but by 11 pm the Mexican soldiers had surrendered, without a shot fired. They were released immediately as long as they promised not to fight again during the Texas Revolution. The Texians captured the two 4-lb (1.8-kg) cannons, 18 muskets, and 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) of powder. They also released several Texians who had been held prisoner in the fort.
Nicolás Rodríguez had gone looking for the Texians, but one of his spies at the fort caught up with him and his men. After being told of the “attack”, he turned around and headed back to the fort. The Texians used a small canoe to transport men across the Nueces River, and when the Mexican soldiers were sighted only half of the Texian force had crossed to the east bank of the river. As the Mexican soldiers attacked, the Texians took cover in a grove of trees. The trees prevented the cavalry from approaching, so Rodriguez's men dismounted and attempted to attack from both sides. The Texian rifles had a much longer range than the Mexican Brown Bess muskets—200 yards (180 m) compared to 70 yards (64 m). After 30 minutes of fighting, the Mexicans withdrew.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 4, 1835
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN EXPRESSES CONCERN AT SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR
Commander-in-Chief Stephen F. Austin complained today about his army at Bexar to the provisional government of Texas that "This force, it is known to all, is but an undisciplined militia and in some respects of very discordant materials." He followed this note with a strong plea that "In the name of Almighty God, send no more ardent spirits to this camp!"
The soldiers currently fighting near Bexar are volunteers who joined the army to accomplish a specific task and staunchly maintained their right to elect their own leaders. Austin is clearly tiring of their disobedience to his commands.
-Don Gray
Portrait: Nicolás Rodríguez.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 3, 1835 - The Battle of Lipantitlán, also known as the Battle of Nueces Crossing, begins. Fort Lipantitlán was built on the grounds of ... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Nov 3, 1835 - The Battle of Lipantitlán, also known as the Battle of Nueces Crossing, begins. Fort Lipantitlán was built on the grounds of an old campsite along the west bank of the Nueces River on the Gulf coast of Texas. The site was first occupied by a nomadic Lipan Apache tribe during their periodic visits. After the Apaches abandoned the area, the campground was often used by missionaries, military units, and traders making their way between Mexico and the Texas settlements.
The consultation meets in San Felipe de Austin to decide the overall goals of the revolution that was currently underway. The group does not declare independence, and affirms their intention of restoring the Constitution of 1824.
Photo: Current view of old Fort Lipantitlán.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 2, 1835
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN CALLS A “COUNCIL OF WAR”... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, November 2, 1835
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN CALLS A “COUNCIL OF WAR” AT SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR
Today, military Commander-in-Chief Stephen F. Austin called a council of war, which voted to continue the current siege at Bexar and wait for reinforcements and more artillery before attacking the Mexican forces who hold Bexar. Members of the Texian army are anxious to begin the fighting sooner however.
-Don Gray
NOTE: As with any revolution, there are fits and starts. So it was with this one. During the beginning of November to mid-month in 1835, there were a few battles, and there were minor skirmishes to be sure, but mostly there were troop movements and reinforcements for the Mexican army coming up from the south. There were volunteers for the Texian army coming in from various states from the north and east. Communications being handled the way they were by messengers took a lot of time to send and to receive responses. Many loosely organized militias in Texas were being brought into the Texian army. The Consultation, having made little progress in their quest to organize, had some members taking a break to consult with their constituents.
Portrait: Stephen F. Austin.
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