Today marks the 47th Anniversary of the premiere of "Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope". It was May 25, 1977, that day we were introduced to the days of the past in a galaxy far, far away...
Today in Texas History
Alamo Defender & Alamo Survivor Elope
On May 24th, 1829, Almaron Dickinson eloped with Susanna Wilkerson. Dickinson, a native of Pennsylvania, was born around 1800 and later m... View MoreToday in Texas History
Alamo Defender & Alamo Survivor Elope
On May 24th, 1829, Almaron Dickinson eloped with Susanna Wilkerson. Dickinson, a native of Pennsylvania, was born around 1800 and later moved to the area of Bolivar, Tennessee, where he met Wilkerson, who was born in that state in 1814. The couple moved to Gonzales, Texas, in 1831 and had a daughter, Angelina Dickinson, in 1834.
As a colonist in Green DeWitt's colony, Dickinson received a league of land on the San Marcos River. He participated in the battle of Gonzales in 1835 and distinguished himself as a lieutenant of artillery at the siege of Bexar; at the battle of the Alamo he was the captain in charge of artillery. Although he died at the Alamo, his wife and child survived; legend says Susanna displayed her husband's Masonic apron to a Mexican general in a plea for help. General Santa Anna sent Susanna and her daughter to Sam Houston with a letter of warning dated March 7th.
Susanna married four more times before her death in 1883.
Today in Texas History
Cynthia Ann Parker
On this day in 1836, a large force of Comanche warriors, accompanied by Kiowa and Kichai allies, attacked Fort Parker, located on the headwaters of the Nava... View MoreToday in Texas History
Cynthia Ann Parker
On this day in 1836, a large force of Comanche warriors, accompanied by Kiowa and Kichai allies, attacked Fort Parker, located on the headwaters of the Navasota River in what is now Limestone County. During the raid the Comanches seized five captives, including Cynthia Ann Parker. The other four were eventually released, but Cynthia remained with the Indians for almost twenty-five years, forgot white ways, and became thoroughly Comanche. She was perhaps the most famous Indian captive in Texas history. Her son Quanah became a celebrated Comanche chief.
Pictures: Fort Parker, Cynthia Ann Parker, Quanah Parker.
Today in Texas History
Basically, the end of the trail...
Treaties of Velasco Signed... View MoreToday in Texas History
Basically, the end of the trail...
Treaties of Velasco Signed
May 14, 1836 - In the aftermath of the decisive Texan victory at San Jacinto, ad interim president David G. Burnet and Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna signed two treaties at the town of Velasco. The public treaty was to be published immediately, and the secret agreement was to be carried into execution when the public treaty had been fulfilled. The public treaty, with ten articles, provided that hostilities would cease, that Santa Anna would not again take up arms against Texas, that the Mexican forces would withdraw beyond the Rio Grande, that property confiscated by Mexicans would be restored, that prisoners would be exchanged on an equal basis, that Santa Anna would be sent to Mexico as soon as possible, and that the Texas army would not approach closer than five leagues to the retreating Mexicans. In the secret agreement, in six articles, the Texas government promised the immediate liberation of Santa Anna on condition that he use his influence to secure from Mexico acknowledgment of Texas independence; Santa Anna promised not to take up arms against Texas, to give orders for withdrawal from Texas of Mexican troops, to have the Mexican cabinet receive a Texas mission favorably, and to work for a treaty of commerce and limits specifying that the Texas boundary not lie south of the Rio Grande. Both the governments of Texas and Mexico then proceeded to violate the terms of the treaties, and their conflict continued.
Additional information: Two Treaties of Velasco, one public, the other secret, officially concluded the revolt. The first was published as soon as possible, and its contents held conditions very favorable to Texas. By its terms, Texas independence was recognized, hostilities were ended, the Mexican army retired beyond the Rio Grande, confiscated property would be restored, and prisoners would be exchanged. The secret treaty agreed to Santa Anna's release in exchange for his promise that he would do all he could to secure within the Mexican government the provisions of the public treaty, as well as their enforcement. Santa Anna agreed, however, the remaining Mexican government refused to accept these terms.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
May 07, 1836 – While I find no concrete evidence for this, it was rumored that General Antonio López de Santa Anna was paraded through Galv... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
May 07, 1836 – While I find no concrete evidence for this, it was rumored that General Antonio López de Santa Anna was paraded through Galveston after having been brought in front of President David Burnet.
The government of Texas is still conducting business in Galveston having moved from the Cayuga to local hotels.
Today in Texas History
A bit of a departure. For the next few days, other notable events will be highlighted. Not much is happening with the revolution other than more Houston/Burnet/Santa Anna negot... View MoreToday in Texas History
A bit of a departure. For the next few days, other notable events will be highlighted. Not much is happening with the revolution other than more Houston/Burnet/Santa Anna negotiations, the Texas government still conducting business on the Cayuga in Galveston, and the Mexican army moving south and southwest towards Mexico.
May 1, 1718 - On this day in 1718, San Antonio de Valero Mission was founded by Franciscan father Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares at the site of present-day San Antonio. Four days later the nearby San Antonio de Béxar Presidio and the civil settlement, Villa de Béxar, were established. The mission, originally located west of San Pedro Springs, survived three moves and numerous setbacks during its early years. After a hurricane destroyed most of the existing buildings in 1724, the mission reached its latest site on the east bank of the San Antonio River. After the mission was secularized in 1793 it became the Alamo. Due to its rudimentary fortifications, the abandoned mission became an objective of military importance in the conflicts of the nineteenth century, and it changed hands at least six times.
Today in Texas History
Not much is happening. Mexican troops are moving south, the business of Texas is being handled by the interim government in Galveston, Sam Houston is healing from his ankle wou... View MoreToday in Texas History
Not much is happening. Mexican troops are moving south, the business of Texas is being handled by the interim government in Galveston, Sam Houston is healing from his ankle wound, and Santa Anna is still a prisoner.
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.
Here are some of the sources I used. I am sure there were more, but my memory is –well – it is what it is. LOL…
In no particular order:
Texas A&M
Earlytexashistory(.)com
Wikipedia
Historical Commission of Harris County
Texas State Historical Association
The Goliad County Genealogical Society
Texas Bob
Bullock Museum
Andrews(.)edu
Sons of DeWitt Colony Texas
Sanjacinto-museum(.)org
Britannica(.)com
Tejano Volunteer Company page on Facebook
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 29, 1836 - General José de Urrea still urged General Vicente Filisola, now the senior representative of the Mexican army, to continue t... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 29, 1836 - General José de Urrea still urged General Vicente Filisola, now the senior representative of the Mexican army, to continue the campaign. He (Urrea) was confident that he could successfully challenge the Texian troops. According to Hardin, "Santa Anna had presented Mexico with one military disaster; Filisola did not wish to risk another.” Spring rains ruined the ammunition and rendered the roads almost impassable, with troops sinking to their knees in mud. Mexican troops were soon out of food, and began to fall ill from dysentery and other diseases. Their supply lines had completely broken down, leaving no hope of further reinforcements. Filisola later wrote that "Had the enemy met us under these cruel circumstances, on the only road that was left, no alternative remained but to die or surrender at discretion".
General Sam Houston and General Antonio López de Santa Anna begin negotiations for the declaration of the surrender of the Mexican army and withdrawal of Mexican troops from the Republic of Texas. Santa Anna had written to General Vicente Filisola ordering his troops to retreat to Béxar and await further instructions.
Pictures: General José de Urrea, General Vicente Filisola, General Sam Houston, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the first official flag of the Republic of Texas, designed by General Lorenzo de Zavala, General Lorenzo de Zavala.
Wishing Willie Nelson a Very Happy 91st Birthday. A true Texas treasure.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 28, 1836 - Retreating Mexican army crosses the Colorado River at the AtasCósito Crossing near present-date Columbus, Texas. Because of ... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 28, 1836 - Retreating Mexican army crosses the Colorado River at the AtasCósito Crossing near present-date Columbus, Texas. Because of heavy rains and dwindling food and supplies, the Mexicans continue to withdraw south at a slow pace.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 27, 1836 - General Vicente Filisola and his remaining troops continue their journey back to Mexico. From the battleground, they would h... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 27, 1836 - General Vicente Filisola and his remaining troops continue their journey back to Mexico. From the battleground, they would head southwest towards Victoria. General Santa Anna would be the only member of the Mexican army out of approximately 740 to remain a prisoner. Rumor has it that Santa Anna would later be paraded around Texas – shown off as it were. I have not found any supporting documentation on this however.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 26, 1836 – General Antonio López de Santa Anna and the Mexican army are being held prisoner near Lynchburg. General Sam Houston sends t... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 26, 1836 – General Antonio López de Santa Anna and the Mexican army are being held prisoner near Lynchburg. General Sam Houston sends the official report of the Battle of San Jacinto to David G. Burnet, President Ad Interim of the Republic of Texas. The Interim Texas government is still conducting business in Galveston aboard the Cayuga.
On Houston’s command, Santa Anna ordered his second-in-command, General Vicente Filisola, to withdraw his troops from Texas and never return. It was thought that if the Mexican army had remained in Texas, it is probable that the war would have continued. Travelling eastward from Old Fort (present day northern Ft. Bend county), the Mexican troops were headed toward Columbus. From there would turn southward toward Victoria. Plagued by rains, the going would be slow. Many Texans wanted Santa Anna’s life, but Houston, aware of the Mexican general’s value alive, spared him.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 25, 1836 - All Mexican troops in Texas (2,573 men) assemble at Elizabeth Powell's Tavern near Old Fort, including General José de Urrea... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 25, 1836 - All Mexican troops in Texas (2,573 men) assemble at Elizabeth Powell's Tavern near Old Fort, including General José de Urrea's troops, where in a council of war headed by General Vincente Filisola, agreed to withdraw south of the Colorado River.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 24, 1836 – Today was a day of rest for that portion of the Mexican Army that was defeated at San Jacinto. Generals José de Urrea and Vi... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 24, 1836 – Today was a day of rest for that portion of the Mexican Army that was defeated at San Jacinto. Generals José de Urrea and Vicente Filisola are still making their way toward the battle, not having received news of the defeat until later in the evening. The Texans are busy guarding their prisoners and General Sam Houston, recovering from his ankle injury, has provided General Antonio López de Santa Anna with quarters befitting his position.
Today in Texas History
(Thankfully short.)
On the trail to Texas independence.
... View MoreToday in Texas History
(Thankfully short.)
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 23, 1836 - Secretary of War, Thomas J. Rusk, directs Benjamin Cromwell Franklin to head to Galveston and tell David G. Burnet, President of Texas, of the defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto.
The volunteer cavalry company under John A. Quitman arrive at San Jacinto. They will be put into use to guard the Mexican army as they head westerly.
Dispatches reach General Urrea to join Filisola at Fort Bend immediately. Urrea was fixing to attack Galveston where the Texas cabinet were located.
The New Orleans Bee writes on US General Gaines possibly crossing the Texas border to get involved in the war. "If Gaines enters Texas with his forces, he exceeds his authority, no matter on what pretext."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Yet another long one.)
Apr 22, 1836 - Don Miguel Aguirre, the captain of the Tampico Regiment that was acting as General Santa Anna’s gua... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Yet another long one.)
Apr 22, 1836 - Don Miguel Aguirre, the captain of the Tampico Regiment that was acting as General Santa Anna’s guards arrived in General Vincente Filisola’s camp on the Brazos River at Old Fort with the news of the total destruction of the Mexican army at San Jacinto. Aguirre was wounded in his escape. A few soldiers and domestics also arrived and confirmed the news. Filisola was unsure about marching to Santa Anna’s aid (if Santa Anna was still alive) and risk the death of all Mexican prisoners by the Texian’s hands. The alternative was to pull back to the Colorado River and request instructions from Mexico City. The Mexican Army was spread out over twelve leagues along the Brazos River from Old Fort to Brazoria where Urrea had arrived that morning. First, Filisola had to concentrate the army and then decide which course of action to take.
Sergeant J.A. Sylvester and his men, Joel W. Robinson, Joseph D. Vermillion, Alfred H. Miles, and David Cole, found a Mexican private hiding in tall grass near Vince’s Bayou. As Sylvester and his men took their captive back to the Texan camp, they realized he was more than just a common soldier. The captured Mexicans, held in a makeshift stockade, recognized the new prisoner. Many stood at attention while others cried “El Presidente!”
Along with the Mexican cannon, dubbed "The Golden Standard," the Twin Sisters were stationed at the prisoner-of-war camp in a threatening manner.
From the dispatches of Colonel Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"The troops combed the area for Mexican soldiers who had escaped the carnage and capture yesterday evening. Stragglers came in all day long. Many were lone soldiers who had been captured, then given a paper and told to report to the prisoner-of-war camp. Some were escorted in. As one group arrived the Mexican prisoners became excited and began yelling "General, General." James Sylvester of Colonel Sherman’s company from Kentucky had spied a Mexican walking east of Vince’s bridge and with the help of Messrs. Alfred H. Miles, Joseph Vermillion and Charles P. Thompson apprehended him. There was later some confusion as to who else was present. Joel W. Robison and Sion R. Bostick were possibly nearby. David Cole and Anderson Barclay would later also claimed to have been there. But Sylvester delivered the prisoner to the camp guard and left before the identity was revealed. Houston sent for Sylvester and acknowledged that it was he who captured Santa Anna.
"Santa Anna was quickly taken to Sam Houston where he formally surrendered to the injured Houston. Translators were brought in and a somewhat cordial conversation ensued. The troops were urging Houston to let them string Santa Anna up for the atrocities he had committed but Houston obviously felt that Santa Anna was more important, and useful, as a prisoner than a corpse. A tent was set up nearby for Santa Anna with sufficient guards to prevent his escape, or harm coming to him.
"The captured Mexican troops feared that they would be murdered but soon realized that was not to be. The wounded were treated. Blankets and a fire were provided. However, Santa Anna would not allow them to bury their dead brethren.
"The day was also spent in collecting 'the spoils of war.' Colonel John Forbes was to make an accounting and then Houston would determine a disposition. It is rumored that most of it would be auctioned off and the money distributed to the men. A portion was to be given to the Texas Navy since they were effective in preventing supplies from reaching the Mexican Army."
The fighting for freedom was over and the building of a new nation was just beginning. Although a prisoner-of-war and officially with no authority, Mexican General Santa Anna instructed second in command General Filisola to withdraw the 2,500 troops stationed on the Brazos River. Filisola did not have to honor the orders, but because of Santa Anna’s forceful reputation, he acquiesced. As was noted at the time, God smiled on Texas and caused such a rain that the retreating Mexican Army got stuck in the mud along the San Bernard River. By the time they dug their way out and crossed the Colorado River, they had lost the will to continue to fight.
For those that would like to read more about the events, see Stephen Moore’s "18 Minutes" and then Gregg Dimmick’s "Sea of Mud".
The consequences of that freedom changed world history. Because of the small 18 minute battle, eventually approximately one million square miles of land changed hands from Mexico to the United States. The results elevated that event, located in Harris County, just a few miles from San Jacinto, and enshrined the Battle of San Jacinto as one of the most important battles in world history. The United States completed its westward expansion and became a bi-coastal nation. From that position it was able to build itself into a world power. That’s a Texas fact, not a Texas myth.
As the next few days progressed, officials from Mexico and the new Republic of Texas negotiated the Treaty of Velasco. Texas soldiers took Santa Anna to Velasco so he could sign the treaty, which recognized the independence of Texas. The Treaties of Velasco were two documents signed at Velasco, Texas (now Surfside Beach, Texas) on May 14, 1836, between Antonio López de Santa Anna of Mexico and the Republic of Texas. Texas officials then sent Santa Anna back to Mexico via the United States. He fought the French in 1838, losing a leg in battle, and led the Mexican army to defeat in the U.S.-Mexican War (Apr 25, 1846 – Feb 2, 1848). He remained in and out of the Mexican limelight - sometimes in exile in Cuba - until retiring in 1874 to write his memoirs in Mexico City.
Pictures: the painting "The Surrender of Santa Anna" by William Henry Huddle. Other important historical figures shown in the painting include General Sam Houston, the famous Texas scout Erastus "Deaf" Smith (bottom right with rifle), Secretary of War Thomas Jefferson Rusk (leaning against tree), and Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar (behind Rusk), who later became the second president of the Republic of Texas.
The original painting hangs at the Texas Capitol.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Another really long one)
... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
(Another really long one)
April 21, 1836 - The Battle of San Jacinto
General Vincente Filisola and the main Mexican Army camped at Thompson’s Ferry with 1,408 men. General José de Urrea with 1,165 men left Mrs. Powell’s home at 4 a.m. and arrived at Columbia at 4 p.m., which was deserted. He then marched to its port (La Puerta) two miles distance. General Martín Perfecto de Cós arrives with 500 reinforcements to aid Santa Anna.
Not long after the Mexican reinforcements arrived, Houston ordered Erastus “Deaf” Smith to destroy Vince's Bridge, 5 mi (8 km) away, to slow down any further Mexican reinforcements At 4 p.m. the Texians began creeping quietly through the tall grass, including members of Company C commanded by Captain Jesse Billingsley, pulling the cannon behind them. The Texian cannon fired at 4:30, beginning the battle of San Jacinto. The Twin Sisters were towed by rawhide ropes by the cannon crew to the rise that separated the two armies. On the command, the Twins opened fire. They were used "with terrible affect" on the Mexican Army. After a single volley, Texians broke ranks and swarmed over the Mexican breastworks to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Mexican soldiers were taken by surprise. Santa Anna, Castrillón, and Almonte yelled often conflicting orders, attempting to organize their men into some form of defense. Within 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers abandoned their campsite and fled for their lives. The killing lasted for hours.
Houston and Rusk, attempted to stop the slaughter, but they were unable to gain control of the men. Texians continued to chant "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" while frightened Mexican infantry yelled "Me no Alamo!" and begged for mercy to no avail. In what historian Davis called "one of the most one-sided victories in history", 650 Mexican soldiers were killed and 300 captured. Eleven Texians died, with 30 others, including Houston, wounded.
Although Santa Anna's troops had been thoroughly vanquished, they did not represent the bulk of the Mexican army in Texas. An additional 4,000 troops remained under the commands of General José de Urrea and General Vicente Filisola. Texians had won the battle due to mistakes made by Santa Anna, and Houston was well aware that his troops would have little hope of repeating their victory against Urrea or Filisola. As darkness fell, a large group of prisoners were led into camp. Houston initially mistook the group for Mexican reinforcements and shouted out that all was lost.
Sam Houston was wounded, shattering an ankle during the battle. Historians disagree on which one, however. Some accounts say it was his right ankle such as Marshall DeBruhl's 1993 biography "Sword of San Jacinto," inspired by the 200th anniversary of Sam Houston's March 2, 1793 birth date, stated:
"As he went down, he felt an unbearable pain in his right ankle. It had been shattered by a musket ball. Ignoring the wound he mounted yet another horse and rode on, his boot filling with blood." Others insist it was his left ankle. Sam Houston State University, where Trace Guthrie's smaller 1979 statue of Sam Houston resides, that is also in the university's official seal, has his cane in the left hand. In addition, there are several painting of Houston resting against an oak tree with his left ankle bandaged.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Our Commander slept unusually late this morning, well after the 6 a.m. sunrise. At about 10 a.m. Mexican General Cós arrived with 400 men. He had left 100 men at the difficult Sims Bayou crossing moving the baggage and ammunition across. The camp was all excited that the Mexicans now had fresh troops which might affect the outcome of the inevitable battle. Houston attempted to down play the event, saying that it was a rouse. Houston claimed that Santa Anna had sent a company out under cover and then marched them into camp with great fanfare to discourage the Texians.
"Unbeknownst to the camp, Deaf Smith approached Houston for permission to destroy Vince’s bridge in order to impede any additional re-enforcements. Houston agreed and told him to return quickly. At noon Houston called the first Council of War for the campaign. Houston, Rusk and 8 officers discussed the options. A senior ranking officers were against attacking the Mexicans that day, but rather wait for the Mexicans to attack the Texian’s defendable position. The younger officers want to attack immediately. Houston made no decision and dismissed the meeting at 2 p.m.
"Houston felt that a surprise attack in the afternoon might be victorious. It had been observed that Santa Anna had allowed Cós’ men to rest, had permitted the rest of the camp to take lunch and a siesta, had allowed the cavalry to unsaddle their horses to water and feed them and best of all, Santa Anna had failed to post sentries to watch the Texian camp. Houston could form up his army in a low impression in front of his camp without being seen by the Mexican Army. The army could march to within 200 yards of the Mexican breastworks without being spotted. The element of surprise was in his favor.
"At 3 p.m. Houston announced that all companies should be assembled for battle. At 3:30 a line, two men deep, spread out 900 yards in the gulley in front of the camp. Houston visited with each company. At 4 p.m. he issued the order to "Trail Arms! Forward!" Sidney Sherman was in charge of the second brigade on the left flank. Edward Burleson commanded the first brigade on Sherman’s right. In the center the Twin Sisters advanced with protection provided by Millard’s Regular troops. On the right flank newly promoted Lamar lead the cavalry.
"At 4:30 p.m. Sherman’s men invaded the camp of General Cós’ resting troops. Panic quickly developed among the Mexican soldiers and they rushed behind the breastworks for protection. That flood of soldiers disrupted the orderly assembly of the main body of the Mexican Army. About that moment the rest of the Texian Army crested the ridge and began firing randomly which shouting "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad." To the professional Mexican soldiers it appeared as if they were being attacked by savages. The Twin Sisters began pumping canister shot into the midst of the Mexican camp. The Mexican cannon got off three shots before its crew was killed. Santa Anna emerged from his tent to witness chaos and confusion. He quickly realized the battle was lost and mounted a nearby horse to escape. He knew Filisola had approximately 2,500 troops near Old Fort and Santa Anna took the road back to Filisola by way of Harrisburg. His cavalry followed. Without effective leaders the Mexican infantry broke and ran. The Texians crossed the Mexican breastworks in about 18 minutes as the leaderless infantry scattered.
"Although Houston called for his men to stop, the battle had been won, he was generally ignored as the Texian volunteers sought to extract revenge for their fallen comrades at the Alamo and at Goliad. By sunset about 6 p.m. some 600 Mexicans died. Those that surrendered were guarded by officers. Meanwhile Santa Anna’s escape was impeded by the destruction of Vince’s Bridge. Most of the Mexican cavalry had been shot en route to Vince’s and Santa Anna and three others went into hiding among bushes at dusk."
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou, April 21, 1836
MEXICAN ARMY REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE, HOUSTON SUBMITS HIS BATTLE PLAN FOR APPROVAL
About nine o'clock this morning Sam Houston learned that Mexican Army General Martín Perfecto de Cos had crossed Vince's Bridge earlier in the morning with about 540 troops and had swelled the enemy forces to about 1,500. Houston then ordered Erastus (Deaf) Smith to destroy the bridge and prevent further enemy reinforcements. The move would prevent the retreat of either the Texans or the Mexicans towards Harrisburg.
General Cos is a son-in-law to Santa Anna. The “Siege of Bexar” ended in December 1835 when Cos surrendered control of the Alamo to Texan forces and returned in shame to Mexico after promising to take not further steps against a return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Cos almost immediately returned to Texas and commanded a unit of troops at the Battle of the Alamo in March 1836. His role at the Battle of the Alamo was in contrast to his prior promise to not take steps to oppose a return to the Constitution of 1824.
Shortly before noon today, Houston held a council of war with Edward Burleson, Sidney Sherman, Henry W. Millard, Alexander Somervell, Joseph L. Bennett, and Lysander Wells. Two of the officers suggested attacking the enemy in his position; the others favored waiting Santa Anna's attack (with Santa Anna’s attack expected to be on April 22). Houston withheld his own views at the council. However, following the council, Houston prepared a written plan of battle and submitted it to Secretary of War Thomas J. Rusk for approval. Details of Houston’s battle plan are not yet known. The plans are awaiting approval by Rusk. Options would likely include the Texans attacking on April 21 or 22, or waiting to defend the attack of the Mexican Army on possibly April 22.
-Don Gray
This is a long one. Maybe consider grabbing a cup of coffee first.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.... View MoreThis is a long one. Maybe consider grabbing a cup of coffee first.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 20, 1836 - Captain Miguel Barragan brought the news to General Antonio López de Santa Anna at 8 a.m. that Houston was in the area. The Mexican army was preparing to march and had torched the warehouse on the wharf & all houses. Santa Anna was surprised at the news about Houston and recklessly rushed to the head of the column, running over troops and pack animals. At 2 p.m. the Mexican Army came in sight of the Texian camp. The Texians were camped in a wooded area with only the two small cannon visible. The initial confrontation began as an artillery duel. Mexican skirmishers tried to engage the Texian troops, but were unsuccessful. Realizing that there would not be a battle that day, Santa Anna set up camp in what was determined to be an unsuitable location. Colonel Pedro Delgado was left in charge of the cannon, but his pack animals were confiscated to bring up the troops gear. The Texian cavalry attempted to capture the exposed cannon, but the Mexican dragoons drove them off. About 5 p.m., the cannonade and the cavalry duel ended and the armies retired for the evening. General Vincente Filisola and most of the other generals in the field were at Old Fort. General José de Urrea marched from the San Bernard to the home of Mrs. Powell and camped there.
The Interim Texas government continued its business at Galveston on board the Cayuga, the temporary capitol. President David G. Burnet again sent word to Houston urging him to attack Santa Anna.
From the dispatches of Colonel Alexander Horton, General Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Scarcely were the fires set last night when the call to march was received. We marched into the rising sun and reached Lynch’s ferry to learn that the enemy had not crossed. We withdrew to a high wooded ridge about a half-mile back and set up camp. Our scouts encountered a contingency of lancers and banished them in gallant style. It was learned that Generalissimo Santa Anna has put New Washington to the torch and is headed in our direction.
"Contact has been made with the villainous enemy that struck down our brothers at the Alamo and at Goliad. The main body of our army was concealed in the timber along Buffalo bayou so as to deny Santa Anna the knowledge of our true strength. Col. James Neill commanded our two cannons and from a forward position exchanged fire with the lone Mexican cannon of superior caliber. Col. Neill was wounded (replaced by Col. G.W. Hockley) and the Mexican piece was damaged and one of her artillerymen wounded. Col. Sherman advanced with the cavalry in an attempt to capture the disabled Mexican cannon, but was driven back by Mexican Dragoons. Private Mirabeau Lamar made a valiant defense, which spared the life of our beloved Secretary of War, Thomas Rusk. General Houston honored Lamar by elevating him to commander of the cavalry. Since both Houston and Santa Anna declined to present their full armies to the engagement, the skirmish ended and the Mexican army withdrew to establish its camp.
"The demand for vengeance and the small victorious moments today has elevated the spirits of the men. It will be hard to keep them calm tonight as surely a decisive battle will be waged tomorrow."
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou, April 20, 1836
SANTA ANNA AND SAM HOUSTON READY TO BATTLE!
Today Santa Anna and some 1,000 troops within his Mexican Army crossed Vince’s Bridge near San Jacinto Bay and made camp on an open plain between two wooded bayous. They are camped with their backs to a large swamp. Since Vince’s Bridge is the only way off of the plain, it appears that Santa Anna is confident of his success and is not concerned about planning an exit strategy. The single bridge renders a hasty exit impossible.
It is believed that some 500 Mexican reinforcements will arrive tomorrow morning to strengthen Santa Anna’s unit. Scouts report that Santa Anna also has some additional 2,500 troops near the Brazos River, a two days march away from Santa Anna.
When asked why the Texas Army does not attack prior to the arrival of the 500 reinforcements, Houston replied “Why take two bites out of the same cherry?” Apparently Houston thinks that is better to attack 1,500 troops at once instead of in separate actions (i.e., “bites”). Houston’s aides added that Houston is concerned over the 500 reinforcements possibly arriving from the rear of the Texas Army while the Texas Army is battling Santa Anna’s unit. Houston feels it is important to have all 1,500 of the Mexican troops in front of him than at the front and rear. Thus, Houston opts to delay attack until after the arrival of Santa Anna’s 500 reinforcements. The 2,500 reinforcements near the Brazos River are not a concern since they are two days away from rendering aid to Santa Anna.
Spies report that those with Santa Anna spent a part of the day preparing defensive positions for the forthcoming battle. It appears there is much work left to be done at Santa Anna’s camp, suggesting that April 21 will be used by the Mexican Army to complete their fortifications in preparation for battle possibly on the morning of April 22.
-Don Gray
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