Williams, Thomas

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas Independence. Oct 4, 1835 - Two days after the Battle of Gonzales, Stephen F. Austin wrote to the San Felipe de Austin Committee of Public Safety, "War is declared - public opinion has proclaimed it against a Military despotism - the campaign has commenced". News of the skirmish, originally called "the fight at Williams' place", spread throughout the United States, encouraging many adventurers to come to Texas and assist in the fight against Mexico. Newspapers referred to the conflict as the "Lexington of Texas"; as the Battles of Lexington and Concord began the American Revolution, the Gonzales skirmish launched the Texas Revolution. Note: Thomas Williams was one of Austin’s original 300 settlers, having been given a land grant around 1821. Thomas Johnson Williams, his son, fought at the Battle of San Jacinto in April, 1836. Images: Stephen F. Austin, Gonzales, Thomas Johnson Williams.