Col Frank Johnson

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Dec 04, 1835 - Upon completing a scouting mission south of San Antonio, Colonel Benjamin Milam returned to the camp of the Texian army surrounding the city. There, to his surprise, he saw the men packing their belongings and dismantling the camp. Milam sought out Colonel Frank W. Johnson and demanded an explanation. Johnson responded that the army’s commander, Edward Burleson, had ordered the men to go into winter quarters. With Johnson close behind, Milam stormed into Burleson’s tent. Outside, a crowd of volunteers began to gather, sensing that something of significance left was being discussed. Burleson initially responded to Milam’s protests by saying he himself supported continuing the siege, but had been overruled in the last council of war. Eventually, however, the two men came to a compromise. Milam would call for volunteers to storm the city the following morning. If enough men responded, Burleson would hold the remaining force in camp to provide cover if the assault failed. Stepping back outside the tent, Milam, according to some accounts, drew a line in the sand with the butt of his rifle. “Who will go with old Ben Milam into Béxar?” he cried. 300 men responded in the affirmative. Portraits: Benjamin Milam, Frank Johnson, and Edward Burleson.