Battle of Gonzales

Mexican leaders had loaned a small cannon to the Texans at Gonzales to fight Comanches Colonel Ugartechea is worried the Texans may use the cannon against the Mexican army He knew that General Cos and his troops were on their way to San Antonio. Ugartechea decided to send a small group of soldiers to take the cannon The alcalde (Mexican mayor) told the soldiers he would not give up the cannon. The alcalde quickly buried the cannon to hide it.

Battle of Gonzales When the alcalde resisted, Ugartechea sent more troops to Gonzales He did not want to start a war. He told the leader of the troops, Francisco de Castaneda, to avoid a fight if possible. 140 Texans gathered to oppose the Mexican troops. Some women from town made a battle flag. It featured a painted cannon and words that dared the Mexicans to “Come and Take It”.

Battle of Gonzales Oct 2, 1835: Texans fired on Castaneda’s force with the very cannon he had come to take! They were fighting for their cannon and the Constitution of st conflict between Mexican troops and Texans. The Revolution has begun The Lexington of the Texas Revolution Lexington was the first Battle in the American Revolution.

Capture of Goliad Oct 9 th 120 Texans capture Goliad (Battle lasted 30 minutes.) Captured much needed guns, cannons and gun powder. Texans became over confident on the fighting ability of Mexican soldier.

On To San Antonio Stephen F Austin takes control of the army. Austin sends soldiers under the command of James Fannin and Jim Bowie to find a campsite for the army. They settle along the San Antonio River. General Cos’ army attacks the Texans and his army suffered heavy losses. Austin’s army began a siege in San Antonio. (a siege is when an army surrounds and area and waits for them to give up.) Some 600 Texans waited for Cos’ army to give up due to lack of food and supplies. They waited for seven weeks.

Los Tejanos Already opposed to Santa Anna’s government, the Tejanos of San Antonio suffered further under the occupation of General Cos. Prominent citizens were forced to sweep the city streets, Tejanas had to bake tortillas for the troops, and the Mexican forces also took supplies from citizens and destroyed some of their homes Juan Seguín Placido Benavides More than 100 Tejanos joined the fight in San Antonio, most notably Juan Seguín and Placido Benavides. Many of these Tejanos were skilled horsemen and became a part of Stephen F. Austin’s plan to build a strong cavalry.

Siege of San Antonio As winter drew near, Austin’s army talked of going home. Austin decided it was time to attack. Only 100 men were willing to follow. Austin reports, “I have done the best I can do.” Austin is sent to the United States to seek help with two other men. (William H. Wharton and Branch T. Archer) Colonel Burleson is selected as the army’s new commander. 100s of Americans did arrive to help the Texans.

Commissioners to the United States Branch T. ArcherWilliam H. WhartonStephen F. Austin

Meanwhile Back at the Consultations Delegates pledge to support the Constitution of 1824 They had to take up arms only to defend themselves and To oppose the rule of Santa Anna They urged all Mexican citizens, both in Texas and Mexico to join their struggle for a democratic government

Texas Military The General Counsel created the Texas Navy to protect the coast and to attack Mexican ships.

Consultation Created a provisional government (temporary) Governor – Henry Smith Lt. Governor – James Robinson Formed a General Council * Smith and Robinson in War Party * General Council Peace Party

Provisional Government Created the General Council to help Smith and Robinson run the government Elected Henry Smith governor Elected James Robinson lieutenant governor

Consultation Sam Houston named commander of the regular army.

In April 1829, Houston resigned as governor of Tennessee and went west with the Cherokee. That year he was adopted as a citizen in the nation. There Houston married an Indian chief’s daughter. On May 9, 1840, Houston, aged 47, married for a third time. The bride was 21- year-old Margaret Lea. The union was lasted much longer than his two previous unions and produced eight children born between Houston's 51st and 68th years. On January 22, 1829, at the age of 35, Houston married 19-year-old Eliza Allen. Houston is believed to have loved the girl sincerely, but Eliza left him shortly after their marriage. Neither Houston nor Eliza ever discussed the reasons for their separation. Sam Houston

Negotiations with the Cherokee The Provisional government sent Sam Houston and an African-American man named William Goyens to make peace with the Cherokee Indians. Because of their efforts, the Cherokee promised to remain neutral during the revolution.

The Texan troops eagerly opened the bags that they thought contained silver, but found grass meant to feed horses The Texans were disappointed, but it was the first sign that their siege was working. It became known as the Grass Fight. About 40 Texas cavalry troops and 100 infantry soldiers ambushed the Mexican soldiers and captured their horses, mules, supplies, and cargo before they can reach San Antonio. The Grass Fight

Siege of San Antonio Other than the Grass Fight not much happening Many Texans becoming restless Some start to go home Early December siege called off But then something good happens!! Texans capture a Mexican deserter Deserter claims Mexicans don’t want to fight and their spirits were very low. Said the Texans could win San Antonio. Truth or Trick???

Assault on San Antonio After hearing this news Ben Milam stood up and yelled “Who will follow old Ben Milan into San Antonio?” About 300 Texans joined. House to house fighting for the next 5 days. Ben Milam was killed on the 3 rd day.

Gen. Cos Surrenders Mexican army retreats to the Alamo After 5 days Gen Cos Surrenders Terms: Never fight against Texans again He and Mexican army would leave Texas Dec. 10, 1835 there were no Mexican troops in Texas. Texans celebrated their victory. This victory made the Texans over confident. Santa Anna was furious with General Cos for surrendering.

COPY INTO YOUR JOURNAL The Texas Revolution and the American Revolution