The Revolutionary Spirit Grows

Capture of Goliad Goliad was the key to controlling most of south Texas, guarded the port of Copano. The Texans believed that General Cos had brought supplies and a shipment of silver to pay for his expedition. The group of Texans were led by George Collinsworth marched on Goliad with about 120 Texans and captured La Goliad.

Establishing a Government August 1835, Texans called meeting known as the “Consultation,” to discuss the future of Texas. Fighting at Gonzales and Goliad cause delegates to delay their meeting until November & moved the Consultation to San Felipe.

The Permanent Council The Permanent Council was the first form of a state government in Texas. The Council set up a postal system and sent soldiers and supplies to the army in South Texas.

Divisions Among Texans All Anglo Texans did not support the revolution, usually the most recent arrivals from the United States had little loyalty to Mexico. The most recent settlers to Texas were the most willing to fight for the American way of governing.

Consultation Work Most delegates supported war, but they were unable to agree on a purpose. Delegate came up with a compromise, deciding to not ask for independence, but to announce they were fighting for the Constitution of They also wanted Mexico to return to a federal system.

Consultation Work cont. At this meeting the delegates set up a Provisional Government. This Provisional Government included a governor and a legislature called the General Council.

Raising a Army Sam Houston was placed in charge of the army. The consultation also decided to raise a regular army, including full time soldiers who would serve for a period of time without being paid.

Siege of San Antonio

On to San Antonio James Fannin and Jim Bowie lead the Texan forces towards San Antonio, were they are encountered by General Cos and his forces. Texan forces are able to inflict high casualties upon Gen. Cos army forcing there retreat to San Antonio. Austin makes the decision to attack, but he decides to begin a siege. More than 600 Texan troops participated in the siege.

Trouble outside San Antonio The Texan army continued their siege at San Antonio for seven weeks. In November a group of Mexican cavalry troops slipped out of the fortress. This caused Austin to call for an all out attack on the Mexican army. Austin realizes the need for more help, but where would the help come from?

Grass Fight On November 26 a rumor surfaced that the Mexican army was leading mules that were carrying silver to pay the troops in San Antonio. Jim Bowie quickly lead his army one mile outside of San Antonio to seize the cargo. The attack was successful but they did not find any silver.

Capture of San Antonio

In December the Texan force numbered less than 500 men. The commander of the rebel forces was about to give up the siege, however they here Mexican soldier tell Burleson that the Mexican troops moral was very low. Milam decided it was the perfect time for an attack.