Ch 9: Road to Independence Created By Mrs.Phillips Krimmel Intermediate Mosaic by Bert Rees

9-1: Revolution Begins Photo by Mrs. Phillips from Bob Bullock Museum

A Mexican Army Arrives in Texas Texans became tense and concerned when General Cos arrived in Texas with Mexican soldiers. There were now 650 soldiers in San Antonio alone. Rumors spread that Cos was planning to arrest all Texan leaders.

Townspeople formed Committees of Correspondence, which were local groups sharing political and military info.

Gonzales—The Lexington of Texas This was the first battle of the TX Revolution against Mexico on Oct. 2, It started when the Mexican Colonel Ugartechea ordered the colonist to surrender their cannon. They refused, called for help, and buried the cannon in a peach orchard.

When help arrived led by John Moore they dug up the cannon, decorated it, and made a flag from a woman’s wedding dress that said “Come and Take It!” This battle lasted for only a few minutes and the Texans won.

Because this battle was under similar circumstances to the first battle of the American Revolution that took place in Lexington, Massachusetts, we call this battle the “Lexington of Texas”.

General Cos regarded the actions at Gonzales as the outbreak of war! Grrrr! This means WAR!!!!

One week after the Battle of Gonzales 120 Texans took the garrison (fort) at Goliad by surprise. The battle only lasted 30 minutes and the Mexican troops surrendered. Samuel McCullough Jr. charging the presidio at Goliad

“On To San Antonio!” The victories at Gonzales and Goliad convinced many Texans that the Mexican troops could be defeated easily. The only large Mexican force remaining was under General Cos in San Antonio. The cry was now “On to San Antonio!”

Stephen F. Austin took command of 300 Texans at Gonzales known as the Army of the People. As they marched to San Antonio more volunteers joined until they reached 400 men. They laid siege (to set up a military blockade around) to San Antonio hoping Cos would run out of supplies and surrender.

On Nov. 3, 1835 at San Felipe 58 delegates met representing 14 towns and districts. The War Party: favored a declaration of Independence from Mexico. The Peace Party : opposed Santa Anna, but objected to independence and claimed that they war was for the Constitution of The peace party won 33 to 15. The Consultation

There were 3 Decisions Made: 1)The Declaration of the People -declared themselves loyal to Mexico -pledge to support the Mexican Constitution of take arms only to defend themselves and to oppose Santa Anna -urged Mexican citizens to join in the struggle and offered land to volunteers.

2) Create a provisional government for Texas and Henry Smith as provisional Governor 1.htm

3) Planned a Regular Army for TX - Sam Houston was made Commander of the Regular troops - Stephen F. Austin was made Commander of the Volunteers - Stephen F. Austin, William H. Wharton and Branch T. Archer were named commissioners to represent Texas in the U.S. They were told to obtain troops, supplies and money for the war against Santa Anna.