10-25 Alamo

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. The Lone Star Republic -Don Gray, reporting from the outskirts of San Antonio de Bexar, Texas, October 25, 1835 TEXIAN ARMY STILL GATHERED OUTSIDE OF SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR On October 13, the newly created Texian Army under Stephen F. Austin had marched from Gonzales towards Bexar, where General Martín Perfecto de Cos commanded the remaining Mexican soldiers in the Tejas. By October 20 the Texians—led by Stephen F. Austin, the first empresario to bring English-speaking settlers to Tejas—had reached Salado Creek east of Bexar to initiate a proposed siege of Bexar. To keep the Texians from examining Mexican defensive measures inside Bexar, Mexican troops attempted to restrict access to and from the city. Despite those efforts, several people were able to leave their homes in Bexar and join the Texians. Among those leaving Bexar are many Mexican residents who are as passionate about independence from Mexico as are the Anglos. Among those was James Bowie, who was well known for his fighting prowess; stories of his exploits in the Sandbar Fight and his search for the lost San Saba mine have been widely reported. James Fannin and Edward Burleson are also with Austin’s troops. Bowie and Fannin and their men have been sizing up the facilities at the Espada, San Juan and San Jose missions in case they may of aid in a siege with food, supplies, material or fortification. At present, the Texian army outside Bexar contains close to 400 men. General Martín Perfecto de Cos’ troops are rumored to contain some 750 men. Cos and his troops are fortified within the plazas of Bexar and in the Alamo mission (San Antonio de Valero) across the river from the town. The Texians, well armed with long rifles, appear anxious to battle and hopeful that Austin will soon announce battle plans. The “pot” is expected to soon reach the boiling point. A victory at Bexar and driving Cos from Bexar could mean a prompt end to our revolution. Two days ago Austin appointed loyalist Juan Sequin to the rank of Captain and appointed him to raise a company of native Mexicans loyal to independence from Mexico. -Don Gray Rendering of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (Alamo).