The War Begins 11.1 Austin v Santa Anna

Battle of Gonzales:  The first conflict erupted in Gonzales because Santa Anna refused the Constitution of This increased tensions between Texans and the Mexican Government.  The battle of Gonzales was over a cannon, which the Mexican government wanted to take from the U.S. settlers.  The settlers antagonized the Mexican troops by placing a flag on the cannon chanting “Come and Take It.”  The fighting in Gonzales was brief as 140 Texas rebels attacked 100 Mexican soldiers, ending up victorious.

Conflict at Goliad:  General Martin Perfecto de Cos brought 300 Mexican soldiers to Gonzales, which was immediately after Mexican troops backed down in Gonzales.  Veteran Ben Milam, who assisted the U.S. rebels, led a volunteer army to attack a small amount of Mexican troops at Goliad, so they quickly surrendered.  The Texans winning at Goliad and Gonzales was a surprise to the Mexican garrison (army.  Now the Texas rebels had two victories, and were beginning to grow quite confident. Ben Milam General Martin Perfecto de Cos

The March on San Antonio:  After the victory at Goliad, many volunteers joined the rebel army. By capturing Goliad, the rebels had cut off the Mexican army’s supply route.  In October, Stephen F. Austin led a march from Gonzales to San Antonio.  Even Tejanos like Juan Seguin joined the Texas rebel army.  Although Austin’s army had grown to over 600 infantry (foot soldiers), the Mexican army had a much more dominant cavalry (soldiers on horseback). I am Juan Seguin

Mexican attack at Concepcion:  As Jim Bowie was choosing a holding ground for Austin and his troops, 400 Mexican soldiers attacked Bowie at Mission Concepcion.  Bowie however, camped behind a riverbank, which provided great protection from the Mexican troops.  The Mexican brigade quickly grew discouraged, and retreated.  This boosted Austin’s army, causing them to want to attack San Antonio immediately. I’m Jim Bowie and this is my knife!!!

The Grass Fight:  After the fight at Concepcion, Austin relocated his troops to Old Mill, which was just north of San Antonio.  This was a great location because it again crossed another one of the Mexicans supply routes.  Austin and his men were growing tired and sick, so Edward Burleson came in took over Austin’s command.  Erastus “Deaf” Smith, one of Burleson’s men, rode into camp claiming that the Mexican’s resupply was coming on horseback with silver.  This excited the rebel army, causing them to strike. It turned out that the silver was non-existent, and the resupply was actually full of grass and hay for the livestock of the Mexican army. Erastus “Deaf”Smith

Capturing San Antonio:  After capturing the Mexican’s resupply, Colonel Ben Milam led 300 rebel troops in to San Antonio.  From December 5 th -9 th, Milam and his men cleared out all the Mexican troops in San Antonio.  General Cos and the Mexican army soon surrendered, and left Texas.  This victory led the rebels to think that the Constitution of 1824 had been achieved, but Santa Anna had different plans.  Ben Milam statue Who will go with Old Ben Milam???