La Bahia Read textbook pages 160-161 on “The Capture of Goliad.” Write a (Somebody) wanted _____ but ______ so _______ statement.

La Bahia October 10, 1835 La Bahia, Goliad, Texas

La Bahia George M. Collinsworth Ben Milam vs. General Martin Perfecto de Cos Lt. Col. Francisco Sandoval

La Bahia La Bahia had become the only Spanish fortress for the entire Gulf Coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Mississippi River. This area was one of the three most important in Spanish Texas. La Bahia was one of the two major garrisons in Mexican Texas and lay 1/2way between San Antonio de Bexar (the political center of Texas) and Copano (the major port of Texas.)

La Bahia Texas heard General Cos had a military chest containing at least $50,000. The Texans to capture General Cos and seize the money. After they realized Cos had left for San Antonio with the chest, they knew they could easily take the fort and cut off Cos’ communication with Copano Bay where Mexico received supplies and reinforcements.

La Bahia About 125 Texans including Ben Milam and 30 Tejanos stormed the fort of La Bahia. Roughly 50 Mexican soldiers fired from their barracks hitting a freed slave in the shoulder. Within 30 minutes the Mexicans surrendered and the Texans had control of the fort and the leftover supplies (food, clothing, blankets).

La Bahia After the presidio was captured it was renamed Fort Defiance to raise Texas moral, create a symbol to be rallied around, and the more “American” name inspired the Anglo Texans.