Col Juan Seguín

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Feb 23, 1836 - Santa Anna's advance force arrived in San Antonio and began preparations for a siege. Santa Anna ordered the raising of a red flag atop the San Fernando Church, signifying no quarter and demanded that the Texans surrender unconditionally. William Travis replied with a cannon volley. Travis penned an urgent plea for help to “the People of Texas and All Americans in the World…I shall never surrender or retreat…VICTORY or DEATH.” Juan Seguin and other scouts rode through the Mexican lines and carried messages for help. James Fannin, commander of a sizeable force of about 400 men at Goliad, started for San Antonio, but returned to his fort. A few others trickled in, including David Crockett, with his Tennessee volunteers. For thirteen days, the Texans would hold their position behind the inadequate defenses of the mission, while awaiting reinforcements. Portraits/Paintings: General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the San Fernando Church, William Travis, Juan Seguin, James Fannin, David Crockett, the Alamo.