A Clash of Armies (10-1) 13 Days that changed the fate of Texas and American History

The 2 ½ months after the Texan victory at San Antonio was wasted time for the Texas rebels Texans had little leadership, and many of the volunteers went home By the end of 1835, many Texans refused to recognize Sam Houston as the military leader Texas forces were spread out and unable to communicate General Sam Houston

100 men remained in San Antonio under Colonel James Neill 50 men with Col. Frank W. Johnson and 50 under Dr. James Grant at San Patricio 450 men with Col. James Fannin at Goliad Colonel James Walker Fannin

Determined to rid Mexico of the Anglo rebels and punish the defiant Tejanos Quickly gathered troops to make a march from Northern Mexico to San Antonio Forced to gather many untrained troops Divided troops into two forces General Santa Anna

Texans did not believe Santa Anna would march his troops during the winter. They expected to have until the Spring to prepare. Santa Anna led 4-6K soldiers to San Antonio while General Jose Urrea led 2K up the Texas Gulf Coast towards Goliad  Learned of Texas troop movements from Mexican ranchers

Col. James Neill and his 100 men at San Antonio occupied the Alamo in the winter of They requested reinforcements and supplies January 17: Sam Houston sent Col. James Bowie and 25 Texan volunteers to San Antonio to survey the Alamo, and abandon/destroy it if necessary. Bowie decides the Alamo is too important and decides to stay Colonel James Bowie

February 3, 1836: Lt. Col. William B. Travis and 30 regulars from San Felipe arrive at San Antonio. Col. Neill returns home due to a family illness and leaves Travis in charge. Travis and Bowie will argue over who will lead the Alamo defenders. Lt. Colonel William B. Travis

The Alamo in 1836 N PLAZA 18 lb. Cannon Church Gap in north wall palisade

Feb. 8, 1836: David Crockett and 12 volunteers from Tennessee arrive at San Antonio The Tennessee Volunteers were expert marksmen (rifle shooters) They would eventually be given the duty of defending the weakest part of the Alamo defenses—the Palisade. David Crockett

Tejanos – People of Mexican heritage living in Texas At least 9 Tejanos helped defend the Alamo Cpt. Juan N. Seguin was at the Alamo but rode out to plead for more volunteers before the battle Captain Juan N. Seguin

Travis did not expect Santa Anna ’ s army until late March, April or May Reports that they had crossed the Rio Grande in early February were ignored Travis was convinced he had more time to prepare and receive volunteers—he was wrong! Feb. 23: Santa Anna arrives and lays siege to San Antonio; forces everyone there into the Alamo.