The Capture of San Antonio Ch. 9 Section 2

A New Commander  Edward Burleson chosen to command the Volunteer “Army of the People” when SFA went to the United States

The Grass Fight  After a skirmish with a Mexican mule train, the Texans captured some mules  They discovered that their cargo consisted only of grass meant for Cós’ cavalry horses, not silver.  Texas volunteers called off the siege in early December because winter was coming, and they were tired and restless

The Assault on San Antonio  When the siege was ending, Burleson got news that the Mexican army was weakened.  Ben Milam, an empresario who had helped capture Goliad, gathered 300 men to fight with him into San Antonio

“Who will go with Old Ben Milam to San Antonio?”

The Assault on San Antonio  Milam led one column and Frank Johnson led another column of men  The Texas volunteers fought their way into San Antonio and pushed Mexican forces toward the center of town.

Milam Killed  On Dec. 7, the second day of the siege, a sniper sitting in this tree shot and killed Ben Milam.  After Milam’s death, Frank Johnson took full command of the attack

The Assault on San Antonio  Texans had an advantage of fighting from house to house against a force trained to fight in open combat.  The Mexican soldiers retreated to an abandoned mission known as the Alamo.

Open field Warfare

Urban Combat – House to House Warfare

City Center of San Antonio de Bexar Main Texans Camp Alamo

The Assault on San Antonio –On December 9 Cós surrendered He promised to never again fight against the Texans or the Consitution of 1824 –In return he and his men were allowed to return to Mexico. Texans believed that the war was over and many began returning home.Texans believed that the war was over and many began returning home.

Tejanos and African Americans Join the Fight Tejanos and African Americans Join the Fight Hendrick Arnold, a free African – American guided Milam’s Column in the Battle. Greenbury Logan, another African American was the third Texan wounded in the battle. About 100 Tejanos, led by Juan Seguin, were in the Texas army at San Antonio.

The Provisional Government –Governor Henry Smith rejected a proposal to hold a convention of the people in March, but the council overrode his veto. –Later, the council approved a plan to capture Matamoros, but Governor Smith vetoed it. –Disagreements resulted in a breakdown of government, leaving Texas unprepared to fight Santa Anna