Chapter 9: Road to Independence Section 1 – The Revolution Begins

Mexican Army in Texas Mexican Authorities became worried about men such as William Travis General Cos brought more troops to Texas Cos planned to arrest Texas rebels and take them to Mexico City in Chains General Martin Perfecto de Cos - Commander of Mexican forces in Coahuila y Texas and Brother-in-law of Santa Anna

Gonzales – The Lexington of Texas October 2, 1835 – First battle of Revolution Colonel Ugartechea ordered city of Gonzales to give up a small cannon Texas refused and decorated it with a flag “Come and Take it” Texans at Gonzales decorated their cannon with a white flag daring Mexican soldiers to “Come and Take it”

“Come and Take it” – Skirmish at Gonzales Col. Ugartechea sent Lt. Castaneda and 100 soldiers to get the cannon Col. John H. Moore and 160 men met the soldiers and refused to give up the artillery

“Come and Take it” – Skirmish at Gonzales A short skirmish began and 1 Mexican Soldier was killed. No Texans died. Ordered to avoid confrontation, the Mexican soldiers retreated back to their base at San Antonio.

On to San Antonio October 9, 1835 – 100 men take the fort at Goliad, Texas. 30 minute battle ends in Mexican surrender. La Bahia fort at Goliad

On to San Antonio Gonzales and Goliad lead Texans to think that the Mexicans can be easily defeated. Only Mexican stronghold was San Antonio 750 troops stationed there under General Cos

On to San Antonio Stephen Austin gathered 300 men at Gonzales to march to San Antonio – 100 join on the way Texans began a siege at San Antonio. Trying to force Mexicans to surrender due to lack of supplies.

Texans at the Consultation November 3, 1835 - While SFA and his men were camped at San Antonio others met at San Felipe. The Peace Party proposed to declare loyalty to the Mexican Constitution of 1824 War Party wanted to declare independence from Mexico

The Consultation at San Felipe 58 Delegates met from 14 towns and districts 14 voted for independence 33 voted against Ad offering land in exchange for supporting rebellion against Santa Anna

The Consultation at San Felipe “Declaration of the People of Texas in General Convention Assembled” Declared loyalty to Constitution of 1824 and urged all Mexican citizens to join in. Offered land to people who would fight against Santa Anna

Provisional Government Governor – Henry Smith Lt. Governor – James Robinson Created a regular army under Sam Houston Austin, William Wharton and Branch Archer were sent to U.S. Flag honoring Constitution of 1824 Sam Houston