Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 9, 1836 - Santa Anna decides to take 500 grenadiers and riflemen & 50 mounted men and search from crossings furthers down (south) river... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 9, 1836 - Santa Anna decides to take 500 grenadiers and riflemen & 50 mounted men and search from crossings furthers down (south) river. Sesma and Tolsa are still cannonading the Texian defenders but to no results. Filisola arrives at the edge of the timber on the Colorado. Woll still waiting at the Atascosito crossing of the Colorado for Filisola’s arrival. Gaona claims to be lost in the desert between Bastrop and San Felipe but is probably spending his time looting all of the farms he can find.
The Twin Sisters are off loaded from the sloop to ox-carts for transport to the Texian camp. Major Leander Smith had acquired horses to haul the ox-carts and left Harrisburg for Groce’s along with Capt. Allen and Capt Alfred Wyly.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Forty-five men have been sent to reinforce Captain Baker opposite San Felipe. This will bring his force to at least one hundred and fifty men. They hold a superior position and should be able to hold the Brazos crossing at that point despite bombardment from the two Mexican cannons. It has been learned that Private John Bricker of Baker’s command was struck down yesterday by a musket ball to the head. He is the first person to die in combat in our present campaign.
"Private James Wells, one of our spies, reports that based upon the size of the Mexican encampment at San Felipe, their strength would be numbered between six and seven hundred men. No doubt they have sent out riders looking for other favorable Brazos river crossings. The rain-swollen river offers few fording opportunities for the time being. However, the rain has ceased and the river should begin to fall soon.
"The army has now been reorganized into two regiments. Col. Edward Burleson has been appointed commander of the First Regimental Volunteers and Col. Sidney Sherman of the Second Regiment. The camp is healthy."
The first naval ensign of the Republic of Texas adopted via executive order issued by President David G. Burnet on April 9, 1836.
Wishing those who celebrate a Happy Eid al-Fitr.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 8, 1836 – Santa Anna joins Sesma at Beason's Crossing. The cannonade and sniper fire has not dislodged Baker’s company of Texians. Mean... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 8, 1836 – Santa Anna joins Sesma at Beason's Crossing. The cannonade and sniper fire has not dislodged Baker’s company of Texians. Meanwhile barges are being built so the army can pass once it is cleared. The river is scouted north and south for an alternate crossing, but none is found nearby. Santa Anna getting impatient as he wants to end the campaign before the spring rains. Sesma commands the First Brigade and Tolsa commands the Second Brigade. Gaona commands the Third Brigade and has been ordered to march to San Felipe de Austin. However, his location and arrival is unknown. Vicente Filisola travels to the Navidad River on his way to the Colordao. Urrea is still crossing the Colorado at Cayce’s.
The Texas Navy ship, Ohio, bearing the Twin Sisters cannon, arrives at Harrisburg in the evening.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Word has been received from Captain John M. Allen that he is on march to our camp with 100 men and possibly two cannons received at Velasco from the good citizens of Cincinnati. The men in camp joyously welcome this news that field pieces are in transit. General Houston has instructed Allen to confiscate the property of those who refuse to join us and to regard those individuals as deserters from our cause.
"Shots have been heard from San Felipe and the men grow restless to know the nature of the engagement and whether the Mexican army will march north to our position. General Houston put the army on notice to be in 'readiness for action at a moment’s warning.' He has put the men on alert in order to discipline, but he feels that our camp in the bottoms is secure from any immediate attack. Any approaching army would be slow moving in the terrain and would make enough noise breaking through the cane and timber so as to alert us in amply time to prepare for any encounter."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 7, 1836 - Gen Antonio López de Santa Anna's army reaches San Felipe de Austin with Sesma & Tolsa and find the town in ashes. Texian Mos... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 7, 1836 - Gen Antonio López de Santa Anna's army reaches San Felipe de Austin with Sesma & Tolsa and find the town in ashes. Texian Mosley Baker’s company is protecting the crossing of the Brazos River. A cannonade is set up to try to dislodge the Texians. Filisola completed the crossing of the Guadalupe River at Gonzales and begins marching towards the Atascosito crossing of Colorado River where Woll is waiting with barges to transport the camp equipment. Gaona’s situation is still unknown. Urrea started his army across the Colorado. Because the river had expanded due to the heavy spring rains it will take him five days to complete the crossing.
The Texas Navy's Sloop Ohio is traveling from New Washington to Harrisburg with the Twin Sisters on board.
From the dispatches of Col. Alexander C. Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"It is now known that the advance of the enemy, only 30 in number, arrived at San Felipe yesterday. One of our sentries was captured and the enemy knows our position, as well as the strength of our forces lead by Captain Baker on the east side of the Brazos. General Houston has issued the statement 'The moment for which we have waited with anxiety and interest, is fast approaching. The victims of the Alamo, and the names of those who were murdered at Goliad, call for cool, deliberate vengeance. Strict discipline, order and subordination will insure us the victory.'
"Regimental Quarter Master E. Winfield has been sent to Washington (-on-the-Brazos) to procure blankets, domestic for summer clothing and tents. Aide-de-camp Major James Collinsworth has been ordered to take command of the men at Washington, just north of our position, and James R. M. Williamson (Three Legged Willie) has been reprimanded for killing two Mexicans instead of sending them to us for interrogation. One can never know the source of valuable information.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 6, 1836... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 6, 1836
San Anna, with Sesma, is heading toward the San Bernard River on the way to San Felipe. Santa Anna leaves General Woll at Atascosito with a battalion and a cavalry picket in charge to build a barge so that the artillery can cross the river as well as the 12 transport wagons, baggage and other equipment that Gen. Filisola was bringing up from the Guadalupe at Gonzales. Advance troops under Gen. Castrillon and Col. Trevino capture an American sentry. They learn that a detachment of 60 men are on the opposite side of the Brazos River. Also, that Sam Houston is north at Groce's on the west side of the Brazos with 800 men after 400 recently deserted. The river is running high and frequently flooded due to the frequent spring showers. Gaona’s situation is still unknown. Urrea occupies Cayce’s Crossing of the Colorado River and explores the area.
The Interim Government cabinet is still dealing with matters of the new Republic at Harrisburg.
The Texas Navy vessel, Flash, arrives at New Washington with the Secretary of Navy and the Twin Sisters on board before noon. The Twin Sisters are moved from the Flash to the steamboat Ohio under the command of Capt. Lt. Aaron Burns.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Dispatches from Acting Secretary of War David Thomas have been received stating that the supplies are on their way. Captain Jacob Eberly has been authorized to raise a company of 56 men. Sergeant Foard should arrive shortly with 25 men raised by Merriweather W. Smith in Alabama. Smith is too sick to bring them himself even though he is presently located at Fort Bend.
"General Houston has written Capt. Baker about rumors that Baker allowed for waste and destruction in San Felipe. Baker is supposed to have put the town to the torch, on Houston’s orders. Houston said he did not order it and that Baker might have misunderstood his order. This confusion has created a rift between the two men.
"Another deserter from the enemy has been brought into camp and confirms the previous reports about the miserable conditions of the enemy army and the lack of adequate provisioning. Our spies continue to be active in reporting the location and deplorable condition of the enemy’s camps."
Happy future First Contact Day!! (2063)
"OOBY DOOBY, OOBY DOOBY, OOBY DOOBY, OOBY DOOBY
DOO WAH DOO WAH DOO WAH DOO WAH....."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 5, 1836 – US Army General Edmund P. Gaines (1777-1849), from his post in Natchez, Louisiana, warns the Native American populations in T... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 5, 1836 – US Army General Edmund P. Gaines (1777-1849), from his post in Natchez, Louisiana, warns the Native American populations in Texas not to interfere with the Texas revolutionary efforts. Defiance of his order will bring a military response from the US Army.
Santa Anna reached Atascosito Pass on the Colorado. Mexican General Adrián Woll assigned a battalion to construct rafts to ferry across the remainder of the army, which was arriving under General Vicente Filisola, second in command of the Mexican forces. Santa Anna then proceeds with a division to San Felipe.
General Antonio Gaona, upon new orders from Santa Anna and after an eight-day delay, abandons his occupation of Mina to proceed to San Felipe de Austin.
A. J. Yates, assisting the Texas commissioners to the U.S., writes from Baltimore to the future co-founder of the city of Houston, A. C. Allen, that he has just been in Washington. President Andrew Jackson and Congress are in favor of recognizing Texan independence and, if Texas so desires, annexation to the U.S.
Gen. Sam Houston ordered Ira Ingram, then commissioned as a major, to return to East Texas and the United States to recruit volunteers for the Texas army.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"Col. Rusk, the Secretary of War, arrived in camp last night. His support is greatly appreciated by the General. I am sure that his presence will encourage the men in our cause.
"General Houston has dispatched Captains Kimbrough and Bryant to Captain Mosley Baker’s camp opposite San Felipe on the Brazos to assist him in his defense of that position. He has also instructed Baker to protect the remaining stores at San Felipe.
"Major Ira Ingram has been dispatched to the east to raise men and forward troops for the service of the Army of Texas. Houston plans to concentrate his forces at this place and feels that the enemy currently offers no threat due to their high losses at the Alamo and in combat with Fannin before his surrender.
"Suspicious persons are being detained in order to stem the flow of information to the enemy. Although men are regularly leaving camp, it is their intention of putting in this season’s corn crop with the hostilities now at a lull and that they will return once their mission is accomplished.
"There is little more to report as the daily routine of drills continues, so I will retire early and hope for good news tomorrow."
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from Groce’s Plantation, Texas, April 5, 1836
UPDATES
General Sam Houston and his troops remain at Groce’s Plantation on the Brazos River conducting drills. Houston’s scouts continue to keep Houston informed as to the advancement of the various branches of the Mexican Army as they move eastward. Houston and his men arrived at Groce’s Plantation on March 31.
Yesterday a Texian soldier was spared execution. Execution had been ordered for dereliction of duty after falling asleep while on guard post duty. The soldier is only 18 years old and has no prior military experience. The soldier was very apologetic.
Today the commanding general of US troops massed on the Louisiana border issued orders to his commanders along the border to prevent Texians and Mexicans from crossing the border into Louisiana with arms.
-Don Gray
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 4, 1836 - General Antonio López de Santa Anna had taken to the field and caught up with Generals Tolsa and Ramírez y Sesma at the Colo... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 4, 1836 - General Antonio López de Santa Anna had taken to the field and caught up with Generals Tolsa and Ramírez y Sesma at the Colorado and pressed them forward to San Felipe de Austin in pursuit of Houston. The two generals took their time crossing the Colorado and were waiting for Santa Anna. Santa Anna had sent word to General Antonio Gaona in the north to meet him at San Felipe, but Gaona “got lost in the desert between Bastrop and Washington (-on-the-Brazos).” General José de Urrea was moving slowly up the coast as he encountered scattered Texian groups and waited for his supply train to catch up.
The interim government cabinet is still dealing with matters of the new Republic at Harrisburg.
Capt. J. M. Allen had left Brazoria with the Twin Sisters and was marching back to the Texian Army by way of Harrisburg. Before his arrival he met Major Leander Smith who was traveling from Houston’s camp to Brazoria to get the Twins. Allen told him that Quartermaster had taken control of the guns and were sending them to Galveston. When Allen arrived later at Harrisburg he told Secretary David Thomas (acting Secretary of War in Thomas Rusk’s absence) that the guns were being sent to Galveston. Thomas sent the Steamboat Ohio to go get the guns in Galveston and bring them back to Harrisburg.
Houston was now aware that actual cannon were being sent his way. He had previously sent for cannon but only to discover that there were no cannon, only fabricated reports. Now he had concrete evidence and stalling for time was in his favor.
Two men were court martialed for dereliction of duty and were to be shot on the 4th. Private Scales, who was granted mercy due to his mental condition at the time, and John P. Garner.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"The firing squad for John P. Garner was formed, his grave was dug and the prisoner placed at one end for the completion of his sentence from April 1st. At that moment, General Houston granted him mercy with a reprieve. Houston proclaimed that he would rather spare the lives of all that would be useful to the Country, but any future crimes of mutiny and desertion will be dealt with according to the Law. What an experience, and one that will undoubtedly insure better discipline among the men.
"The General feels secure with this place, as the bottoms nearby will soon overflow with the rain we have experienced. If the weather continues we may have to move again, either out beyond the timer, or to cross the Brazos for higher ground. He is most concerned that the horses be protected from the enemy, as they are our only burden for travel. He expects the Mexican army to possibly move south to visit Matagorda and then Velasco and has therefore instructed his agents and the government to land provisions at Galveston and to bring them overland to this camp. If we cross over the Brazos, which we can do only with the aid of the steamboat Yellowstone, we will drop down opposite Fort Bend. With the state of the river and that to come due to the continued rains, the enemy will not be able to cross for at least a month. As for the moment, Capt. Kimbro has been ordered to join Capt. Baker opposite San Felipe and keep that crossing secure."
Side note: On this day in 1836, Sarah Ann Horn was captured by Comanche Indians near the Nueces River. Her family was traveling from the failed Dolores settlement, in Beadles’ Rio Grande colony, hoping to reach the port of Matamoros. The Comanche killed several men, including John Horn, Sarah's husband.
After capture, Sarah was separated from her children, and in 1837, American traders ransomed her at a trading rendezvous in New Mexico.
She moved in 1838 to Missouri, where writer E. House recorded her account of her captivity, published the following year as “A Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Horn, and Her Two Children.” Sarah Horn died in 1839 from injuries sustained during her captivity.
"Early morning, April 4
a shot rings out in the Memphis sky..."
Today marks the 56th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from an assassin's bullet. Dr. King was denied a CHL, n... View More"Early morning, April 4
a shot rings out in the Memphis sky..."
Today marks the 56th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from an assassin's bullet. Dr. King was denied a CHL, not that it would have made a difference, but he was a gun rights advocate and, like it or not, was not a member of any political party, saying: "I don't think the Republican party is a party full of the almighty God nor is the Democratic party. They both have weaknesses ... And I'm not inextricably bound to either party."
He made great strides towards equality, but was far from being "perfect". then again, who among us is or ever was? It I just too bad that those who stepped up to attempt to fill his shoes have chosen the far different path of intolerance.
R.I.P., Dr. King.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 3, 1836 - General Antonio López de Santa Anna considered returning to Mexico and allowing his generals to continue the fight against th... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 3, 1836 - General Antonio López de Santa Anna considered returning to Mexico and allowing his generals to continue the fight against the Texians. However, due to General José de Urrea's string of victories, Santa Anna decided to stay in Texas and personally finish off the rebellious Texas government. His motives were personal and political as Urrea was getting all the headlines and would be seen back in Mexico as a more popular figure.
Santa Anna and Sesma continue their eastward treks slowed by intermittent rain and poor ground conditions. General Urrea rests in Victoria.
The most important action of the First Texas Navy was their victory in the Action of April 3, 1836 off the coast of Matamoros at Brazos de Santiago on the mouth of the Rio Grande River. Here, Capt. Jeremiah Brown’s "Invincible" came across a merchant ship, "Pocket", which they soon captured. More than a ton of supplies and foodstuffs were found, as well as several Mexican naval officers, who Capt. Brown had flogged. Dispatches from Santa Anna were found detailing a planned amphibious landing near Galveston. This is Brown’s second capture in as many days, having capture the Mexican vessel “Bravo” the previous day.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"General Houston sent his papers today to S. P. (Samuel Price) Carson at Harrisburg with his servant, Willis. In this way the General has relieved himself of two worries, that of packing around his papers and the dealing with Willis, who does him no good in this situation.
"The young Mr. (vice president of Texas Lorenzo de) Zavala has arrived and informed us that Secretary (Thomas) Rusk will join the camp shortly. His arrival will lift the spirits of the men. Eighty Redlanders have arrived on the opposite bank of the Brazos and will join us as transportation allows. The arrival of others is daily expected. The army is being reorganized to include the new volunteers and each man will be assigned to some Company.
"Tonight an express arrived with unpleasant news. As reported earlier, Col. Fannin and his command were forced to surrender to a superior Mexican force. Fannin negotiated an agreement that they would be treated as prisoners of war and in eight days would be sent to New Orleans on parole. General (Stephen F.) Austin had accepted General Cós and the Mexican surrender at Bexar back in late December under similar terms. The godless tyrant General Santa Anna revoked the surrender agreement and in a surprise move, killed all of the prisoners, including Fannin. Our initial disbelief was quickly followed with a fury of anger not often seen in civilized men.
"Now is the time for our friends to step forward and to avenge the wrongs, which have been inflicted on our honorable comrades. General Houston proclaims that the day of just retribution ought not to be deferred."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 2, 1836 – The Texians continued training, while The Mexican army continued with their troop movements.... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 2, 1836 – The Texians continued training, while The Mexican army continued with their troop movements.
General Antonio López de Santa Anna and his troops continue eastward from San Antonio.
General José de Urrea and his troops arrive at Victoria.
General Ramírez y Sesma and his troops continue eastward towards Anahuac.
John Forbes was appointed Commissary General of the Texas.
The Republic of Texas Interim President David G. Burnett orders the enforcement of the Republic’s Constitutional prohibitions against slavery. This order focuses on the military and slavery but is intended for the entire population of the Republic. The fledgling nation is moving towards emancipation, in the face of opposition of newly arrived southern American immigrants. The 120-ton Texas brig “Invincible” engages the Mexican ship “Bravo” off the sandbar at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Texan Captain Jeremiah Brown sends a smaller boat to assist “Bravo” off the sandbar and then claims the captured vessel.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:
"A deserter from the enemy entered our camp last night and has reported that there is great dissatisfaction in the enemy camp due to their great want of the necessities of life. With the current estimated strength, the condition of their animals, the dissatisfaction of the individual soldiers, the burden of civilians traveling with the company, and the damnable weather and resulting impassible roads, we do not fear an immediate engagement. Time is on our side. Volunteers are in movement to our place and supplies should begin to arrive.
"Dr. James Phelps has been assigned to the commissary department of the field hospital and has taken it upon himself to address Sec. (Thomas J.)
Rusk concerning the destitute condition of supplies, especially for the sick. He threatens to close the hospital if supplies are not immediately forthcoming. With measles in camp, that would cause more injury than the enemy can inflict at this time.
"Morale is generally strong, but the General has issued warning against named individuals who might be spies for the enemy, or that would give aid and comfort to them. A court martial was convened this date and Private Scales was charged with threatening Lt. Miller with a loaded weapon and for deserting the guard house on the evening of the 27th. Private John T. Garner was likewise arraigned. He was charged with disobedience of two direct orders. Both were found guilty as charged and both cared to Suffer Death by Shooting. General Houston approved the order and set the sentence of execution for the 4th inst. Capt. Roman’s company is to provide the detail to carry the sentence into effect. Upon certification by Dr. W. M. Bomar as to the mental condition of Private Scales, General Houston accepted the recommendation of mercy. But he was compelled to state that this was to be an exception to the rule. The man who abandons his post is more dangerous to the security of the army than a loss of twenty men from the battle lines."
The Lone Star Republic
Don Gray, reporting from Harrisburg, Texas, April 2, 1836
PRESIDENT BURNET ISSUES ORDERS TO CRACK DOWN ON SLAVE TRADERS
Today President David Burnet issued orders to crack down on slave traders. The order reminds the public that the newly created Constitution of Texas calls for the importation of slaves from the US but forbids importation from other locations. Illegal importation is prohibited and is considered as piracy.
Burnet’s address stated that the African slave trade is equally revolting for the nest feelings of our nature and the benign principles of Christian faith, to national morals, and to individual humanity. Burnet ordered the Texas Navy and Army to enforce the prohibition against illegal slave trading. Sources cite that Burnet is deeply a very religious man and personally opposed to slavery and especially to the importation of African slaves.
-Don Gray
Note: Throughout the revolt the Texas army faced manpower problems, frequently leaving the ranks of Houston’s forces short-handed. Not all Texans supported the insurgency against Mexico and often dodged military service or disserted. Referred to as “Tories,” they included prominent citizens and others who held financial ties to Mexico and hoped for a peaceful settlement. Despite a divided population, volunteers typically came from the ranks of Texians, Anglo-Americans from the United States; Tejanos such as Juan Seguin, who led the Tejano cavalry and fought at San Jacinto; and a few black Texans, who acted as spies for Houston. Many of the Anglo men who served were “citizen soldiers” who would fight in times of crisis and then return home to take care of their families and farms. During the chaotic Runaway Scrape, soldiers became concerned for the safety of their families and often left their posts to rejoin them. Men also “came and went” due to illness, reassignment, or frustration with the lack of adequate supplies and political wrangling. As a consequence, the Texas army was often numerically inferior on the battlefields.
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 1, 1836 – Sam Houston and the Texians continued to rest, and wait for the two cannons, known as the Twin Sisters, to arrive from Cincin... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Apr 1, 1836 – Sam Houston and the Texians continued to rest, and wait for the two cannons, known as the Twin Sisters, to arrive from Cincinnati, Ohio. They also continued with their military training.
Santa Anna continued his march toward San Felipe de Austin to join Ramírez y Sesma, who was camped in the area around Columbus, before crossing the Colorado River and pursuing the Texians eastward toward the Brazos River and Groce’s Landing where they were camped.
The Mexican Consulate, Manual E. de Corotiza in Washington, DC, refuses the claims for payment of debt to Americans by the Republic of Texas explaining to federal officials that Texas is in rebellion. The Texas Revolution is financed mainly through gifts and loans made to the Republic by American individuals.
Houston’s Texan army arrives at Croce’s retreat (near present day Hempstead) 20 miles north of San Felipe and begins to set up camp. The Texans will be there two weeks training and preparing for the battle with Santa Anna.
From Alexander Horton's, Houston's aide-de-camp, dispatch of that day:
"Inspector General George W. Hockley has written T. R. Rush, Secretary of War, to report the arrival of our army to this place. It is a secure and effective place with excellent water from a nearby lake. We are located about three-quarters of a mile from Col. Groce’s ferry and are in a position to cross the Brazos if the need should occur. The steamboat Yellowstone is presently at Groce’s taking on cotton and General Houston has ordered that it be taken in charge of for the use of the army, whether for crossing or rapidly descending the river to confront the enemy. Major Cooke is on board and has taken command of the vessel.
"The general camp orders have been relaxed during our movement, but will be reinstated as soon as the men have rested, washed their clothes and arranged their arms. One death occurred as we crossed Mill Creek due to his exposure to snow (?) and cold. The spirits of the men are otherwise generally high. Because of the rains and the poor condition of the roads, the enemy, if it desires to follow us to this place, will take several days at best to arrive, and we will be ready,
"A few cases of measles have been reported and a hospital has been established on the other side of the Brazos in order to reduce the risk to the rest of the army."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Mar 31, 1836 – General Sam Houston paused his men at Groce's Landing, roughly 15 miles north of San Felipe. Two companies that refused to r... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Mar 31, 1836 – General Sam Houston paused his men at Groce's Landing, roughly 15 miles north of San Felipe. Two companies that refused to retreat further than San Felipe were assigned to guard the crossings on the Brazos River. For the next two weeks, the Texians rested, recovered from illness, and, for the first time, began practicing military drills
Unhappy with everyone involved, Interim President David G. Burnet wrote to Houston: "The enemy are laughing you to scorn. You must fight them. You must retreat no further. The country expects you to fight. The salvation of the country depends on your doing so.” Complaints within the camp became so strong that Houston posted notices that anyone attempting to usurp his position would be court-martialed and shot.
(Note: The Runaway Scrape, marked by the period between March 11 and April 21, 1836, were the evacuations by Texas residents hurriedly fleeing the Mexican Army during the Texas Revolution. The term Runaway Scrape was the name Texans applied to the flight from their homes when General Antonio López de Santa Anna began his attempted conquest of Texas in February 1836.)
Another accounting of the day:
His army rested, Generalissimo Santa Anna orders it eastward from San Antonio towards Ft. Bend on the Brazos River where he will join General Sesma's men with his own making a formidable force.
General Urrea orders his army from La Bahia to Victoria.
From Alexander Horton's, Houston's aide-de-camp, dispatch of that day:
"General Houston has decided to remain at this place in order to receive reinforcements and supplies. He has written Thomas Rusk, Secretary of War, requesting flour, sugar and coffee, on packhorses. Wagons could not make the trip with any speed. Rumors are threatening our very survival. The rumors spread by deserters have the country in great turmoil. The rumors of troops arriving for reinforcement, but never arriving, have us in an anxious state. Rumors that the enemy had crossed the Colorado caused the citizens of San Felipe two nights since, to set fire to their town and reduced it to ashes. Houston denies ordering such an act. General Houston has issued a message directly to the people of the country in order to ease the panic and to clarify rumors.
"Spies, I believe including Deaf Smith, arrived this afternoon at four o’clock and reported the enemy, only 800 to 1,000 men strong, are now within a few miles of San Felipe. They have only 30 cavalry and can be easily whipped, if confronted. We have somewhere between seven and eight hundred effective men that can provide the challenge.
"The continued rain is a test to our constitution. Discourage all negative remarks you encounter. Houston would have fought at the Colorado, in fact, that was his plan for March 27th, but the report of Fannin’s capture and the report of reinforcements to the enemy, caused our retreat. Our time will come, and we will be victorious. Encourage all volunteers to quickly arrive at this place. Supply ships with provisions to our ports, but direct that they should come by packhorse, not wagons to our camp. The weather and roads are the worse I have every [sic] seen."
Later that evening, Sam Houston decides to move the Army of Texas north on the Brazos River.
Wishing all a Joyous Easter!
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 30, 1836 – General Sam Houston continued to avoid engagement, to the immense displeasure of his troops. By the end of March, the Texi... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 30, 1836 – General Sam Houston continued to avoid engagement, to the immense displeasure of his troops. By the end of March, the Texian army had retreated 120 miles (190 km) across the Navidad and Colorado Rivers. Many troops deserted; those who remained grumbled that their commander was a coward.
The fire-fight at San Felipe continues as Sam Houston escapes Sesma. The small garrison remaining at San Felipe to defend the Brazos crossing ordered the town evacuated and then burned it to the ground to keep it from falling into the hands of the advancing Mexican army. The terrified residents hastily gathered what few belongings they could carry before fleeing eastward. With San Felipe occupied and destroyed, Sesma turns to his orders which send him eastward towards Anahuac.
From Alexander Horton's, Houston's aide-de-camp, dispatch of that day:
"The army is continuing its movement north, upwards towards Washington. Only the General knows where we are headed. We only traveled three miles today and then set up camp on a high ridge near the Brazos river and about three-quarters north of Groce’s place on the opposite side. Groce is our ally and from his large plantations can supply us with corn and other crops. On our way here we came through a dense canebrake and had to cut runways through it in order to reach this place. There is a small lake nearby. The General feels that from this position we could whip any approaching enemy, even if he comes ten to our one.
"Capt. Benjamin Bryant arrived on the east bank with forty-three volunteers from the eastern settlements of our country. Not only were they mounted on fine Texas ponies, but also they came armed with long rifles.
"A slow rain has begun again and the moon is partly obscured by the clouds. The weather is hampering all progress and making life miserable. Fortunately, the same is true for our tormentors."
From the "Traces of Texas" page on Facebook:
"The Hill Country farm wife had to haul water, and she had to haul wood.
Because there was no electricity, Hill Country stoves were wood stoves. The spre... View MoreFrom the "Traces of Texas" page on Facebook:
"The Hill Country farm wife had to haul water, and she had to haul wood.
Because there was no electricity, Hill Country stoves were wood stoves. The spread of cedar brakes had given the area a plentiful supply of wood, but cedar seared bone-dry by the Hill Country sun burned so fast that the stoves seemed to devour it. A farmer would try to keep a supply of wood in the house, or, if he had sons old enough, would assign the task to them. . . They would cut down the trees, and chop them into four-foot lengths that could be stacked in cords. When wood was needed in the house, they would cut it into shorter lengths and split the pieces so they could fit into the stoves. But as with the water, these chores often fell to the women.
The necessity of hauling the wood was not, however, the principal reason so many farm wives hated their wood stoves. In part, they hated these stoves because they were so hard to "start up." The damper that opened into the firebox created only a small draft even on a breezy day, and on a windless day, there was no draft--because there was no electricity, of course, there was no fan to move the air in the kitchen--and a fire would flicker out time after time. "With an electric stove, you just turn on a switch and you have heat," says Lucille O'Donnell, but with a wood stove, a woman might have to stuff kindling and wood into the firebox over and over again. And even after the fire was lit, the stove "didn't heat up in a minute, you know," Lucille O'Donnell says--it might in fact take an hour. In part, farm wives hated wood stoves because they were so dirty, because the smoke from the wood blackened walls and ceilings, and ashes were always escaping through the grating, and the ash box had to be emptied twice a day--a dirty job and dirtier if, while the ashes were being carried outside, a gust of wind scattered them around inside the house. They hated the stoves because they could not be left unattended. Without devices to regulate the heat and keep the temperature steady, when the stove was being used for baking or some other cooking in which an even temperature was important, a woman would have to keep a constant watch on the fire, thrusting logs--or corncobs, which ignited quickly--into the fire box every time the heat slackened.
Most of all, they hated them because they were so hot.
When the big iron stove was lit, logs blazing in the firebox, flames licking at the gratings that held the pots, the whole huge mass of metal so hot that it was almost glowing, the air in the kitchen shimmered with the heat pouring out of it. In the Winter the heat was welcome, and in Spring and Fall it was bearable, but in the Hill Country, Summer would often last five months. Some time in June the temperature might climb to near ninety degrees, and would stay there, day after day, week after week, through the end of September. Day after day, week after week, the sky would be mostly empty, without a cloud as a shield from the blazing sun that beat down on the Hill Country, and on the sheet-iron or corrugated tin roofs of the box-like kitchens in the little dog-run homes that dotted its hills and valleys. No matter how hot the day, the stove had to be lit much of the time, because it had to be lit not only for meals but for baking; Hill Country wives, unable to afford store-bought bread, baked their own, an all-day task. (As Mrs. O'Donnell points out, "We didn't have refrigerators, you know, and without refrigeration, you just about have to start every meal from scratch.") In the Hill Country, moreover, Summer was harvest time, when a farm wife would have to cook not just for her family but for a harvesting crew--twenty or thirty men, who, working from sun to sun, expected three meals a day."
----- Robert Caro, "The Years of Lyndon Johnson," 1982
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 29, 1836 – General Antonio López de Santa Anna finally departs San Antonio de Béxar and begins his march to the east. General Juan Jo... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 29, 1836 – General Antonio López de Santa Anna finally departs San Antonio de Béxar and begins his march to the east. General Juan José de Andrade is left in command with 1000 troops at Béxar. As the Runaway Scrape continues, Texian Soldiers under Captain Mosley Baker evacuate and burn San Felipe de Austin, Stephen F. Austin's unofficial capital of his original Colony established in 1824 and in control of the Brazos River Crossing at the Old San Antonio Road, to prevent it from falling in the hands of the Mexican Army.
The Lone Star Republic
-Don Gray, reporting from San Felipe, Texas, March 29, 1836
SAM HOUSTON’S ARMY BEGINS ITS RETREAT FROM SAN FELIPE, TEXAS
Despite complaints from many Texian troops, The Texas Army began a retreat from San Felipe today. The Army, some 1,200 strong, is now marching about 20 miles upriver to Groce’s Plantation on the west bank of the Brazos River. The troops have been in a rebellious mood since Houston ordered another retreat just three days ago from their camp at Beason’s Crossing on the Colorado River. More than 200 men deserted the Army during its move from Beason’s Crossing to San Felipe. Most of the desertions were from men who needed to leave to protect their families located in the path of the advancing Mexican Army.
An interview with Sam Houston makes it clear that he is well aware of his troop’s frustrations. However, with Houston’s army being the only effective Texian fighting force remaining in Texas after the defeats at the Alamo, San Patricio, Refugio and Goliad, Houston advises that it is imperative that his army not be caught between two or more advancing columns of the Mexican Army. Houston pointed out that Groce’s Plantation has a good supply of corn to feed his troops and that the riverboat Yellowstone is also located there. The riverboat would be of great aid in moving his troops quickly across the Brazos River if the need arose.
-Don Gray
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 28, 1836 - General Urrea orders the burial of Fannin’s command in a massive grave outside the walls of La Bahia. He sends an official... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
March 28, 1836 - General Urrea orders the burial of Fannin’s command in a massive grave outside the walls of La Bahia. He sends an official report of the massacre to Santa Anna. The common grave of Fannin's men remained unmarked until about 1858. At that time, George von Dohlen, a Goliad merchant, placed a pile of rocks where he believed the common grave was located. However, the area was grazed by large herds of wild cattle and the stones were soon scattered and the location of the grave forgotten. In April 1858, a memorial for the massacred prisoners was erected in the city of Goliad, since by that time no one knew the location of the common grave.
General Sesma continues to move toward San Felipe. It is slow going due to the heavy rains and laden wagons.
Houston orders Wiley Martin and Mosley Baker with Juan Seguín to guard his retreat thus delaying Santa Anna's army from crossing the Brazos River.
From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Texan army aide-de-camp:
"There is much discontent in the army today as General Houston ordered us to move up river from San Felipe. Many wanted him to cross the Brazos to put it between the army and the enemy. Others wanted him to drop down river, to be closer to the troops that are assembling there. The General asked for no counsel and declared that if there were any blame, it would be his alone to shoulder. Houston feels that by heading north on the west bank of the Brazos the enemy will continue to pursue him instead of falling down toward Matagorda, the coast and the large civilian population in that region.
The cursed rain has begun again and the temperature is falling. Without a proper road, a poor crossing at Mill Creek and no tents for shelter at nights, our journey north will be difficult on the men and animals. The only satisfaction we can have is that the weather will be harder on the enemy."
Today in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Mar 27, 1836 – Goliad Massacre... View MoreToday in Texas History
On the trail to Texas independence.
Mar 27, 1836 – Goliad Massacre
This was, to many, a pivotal day in the history of Texas independence. For a few, it turned them away from the area; but for many, many others, it turned the resolve to stone and steel.
Urrea had departed Goliad the evening before, leaving Colonel José Nicolás de la Portilla in command. Urrea had written to Santa Anna to ask for clemency for the Texians, but as has been noted, General Santa Anna countermanded that request.
The prisoners at Goliad held little suspicion of their fate, for they had been told a variety of stories - they were to gather wood, drive cattle, be marched to Matamoros, or proceed to the port of Copano for passage to New Orleans. Only the day before, Fannin himself, with his adjutant general, Joseph M. Chadwick, had returned from Copano, where, accompanied by Holsinger and other Mexican officers, they had tried to charter the vessel on which William P. Miller's Nashville Battalion had arrived earlier (these men had been captured and imprisoned at Goliad, also).
The prisoners who could walk were gathered at the gates of Presidio La Bahía Goliad in preparation for what they thought would be a march to Copano for their voyage to New Orleans. The prisoners were divided into three groups, each taking a different road out of Goliad. At selected spots on each of the three roads, from half to three-fourths of a mile from the presidio, the three groups were halted. The guard on the right of the column of prisoners then countermarched and formed with the guard on the left. At a prearranged moment, or upon a given signal, the guards fired upon the prisoners at a range too close to miss. Nearly all were killed at the first fire. Those not killed were pursued and slaughtered by gunfire, bayonet, or lance The bodies were dumped in a mass grave. Fannin and some forty (Peña estimated eighty or ninety) wounded Texans unable to march were put to death within the presidio under the direction of Capt. Carolino Huerta of the Tres Villas battalion.
The wounded men who could not walk were executed inside the fort compound. Col James Fannin was the last to be executed, after seeing his men killed. He was taken by Mexican soldiers to the courtyard in front of the chapel, blindfolded, and seated in a chair (due to his leg wound from the battle and shot by 20 guns, suggesting a coward’s death to his Mexican captors). He made three requests: he asked for his personal possessions to be sent to his family, to be shot in his heart and not his face, and to be given a Christian burial. The soldiers took his belongings, shot him in the face, and burned Fannin's body along with the other Texans who died that day and dumped into a mass grave.
Word of the Goliad Massacre quickly spread throughout Texas, infuriating the settlers and rebel Texans. Santa Anna's order to kill the prisoners worked both for and against him: it assured that settlers and homesteaders in his path quickly packed up and left, many of them not stopping until they had crossed back into the United States. However, the rebellious Texans were able to use Goliad as a rallying cry and recruitment soared: some no doubt signed on believing that the Mexicans would execute them even if they were not in arms when captured. The "Goliad Massacre" became a rallying cry for other Texans, and became the impetus for many Texans to redouble their efforts toward the defeat of Santa Anna and the Mexicans, and establish a free and independent Texas.
Between 25 and 30 Texans escaped the massacre (two of whom find their way to San Jacinto) through the help of the “Angel of Goliad” Senora Francita Alavez (1816–1906). As the wife of a Mexican army Captain, Sra. Alavez entered the presidio the night before the massacre and brought out several Texans to hide them until after the executions.
General Sam Houston and his army camp near San Felipe de Austin on the west bank of the Brazos River.
Dispatch from Alexander Horton, Texian Army aide-de-camp:
“With embarrassment we have discovered that in our haste to withdraw we failed to recall our pickets. Moses Lapham and seven others were left behind. We made the same mistake upon leaving Gonzales and had to send a messenger to retrieve the pickets. A small matter, but a better-organized army would not make such senseless mistakes. General Houston constantly makes this point and forces the men to drill daily, except, of course, when we are on the march.
Wiley Martin will be retained at the San Bernard to guard the crossing and to redirect the anticipated two hundred volunteers from Brazoria. Our camp tonight is in the Brazos timber short of San Felipe. We traveled about 20 miles today. Although almost half of the volunteers deserted as we began our withdrawal from the Colorado river, new recruits are continuing to arrive daily. A great number of the deserters where men of the area who left without furlough in order to help their family and friends to safety in the face of the advancing enemy. Surely they will return to our cause once they have discharged this duty. Where, oh where, are those artillery pieces?”
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