USA > Texas > A School History of Texas: From Its Discovery in 1685 to 1893. For the Use of Schools, Academies, Convents, Seminaries, and all Institutions of Learning > Part 9
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The citizens from Matagorda, the lower Colorado, Navi- dad, and Lavaca, collected to the number of fifty-two men, elected George M. Collinsworth commander, and marched on foot for Goliad. On the second night, October 9th, as they were approaching the place, a voice called to them from a thicket. It proved to be Colonel Benj. R. Milam, who had escaped from the prison at Monterey, and, hiding by day, had, by travelling on foot, at night, upwards of three hun- dred miles, reached the thicket in time to aid his country- men in taking Goliad.
Before midnight they made a sudden attack, battered down the door, and the whole company rushed in, firing at every moving object. The surprise was complete. The sen- tinels fired a few random shots, and the little garrison sur- rendered. It had been reduced a short time since to twenty- four soldiers under Lieutenant-Colonel Sandoval and two other officers. The garrison lost three men. The Texans
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had one man wounded. They came into possession of valuable stores and two pieces of artillery.
A small garrison of Texans remained to hold the fort, and elected Captain Philip Dimmitt commander. Milam escorted the three officers to San Felipe, and the men were paroled.
Governor Viesca, who, with his secretary, had made his escape from Monterey, now arrived in Goliad ; and, finding it in possession of Texans, expected to be recognized as gov- ernor. He had been elected to that position by the joint vote of Coahuila and Texas. Not being acknowledged at Goliad, he visited San Felipe, and also failed. He retired to the United States, where he spent two years, and then returned to Mexico.
The political chiefs and alcaldes were the only recognized civil authority in Texas, and that was questionable, as their source of authority-the governorship-had been destroyed. The body called the Executive Council was only advisory. The armed citizens were collecting at Gonzales and Goliad with the avowed purpose of taking San Antonio from Gen- eral Cos. Captains John H. Moore and Edward Burleson, who were experienced in Indian warfare, were organizing companies ; and, on the 11th of October, 1835, Colonel Ste- phen F. Austin was elected to the chief command, Lorenzo de Zavala filling Austin's place as chairman of the Com- mittee of Safety at San Felipe.
On the 13th, with about three hundred volunteers com- ing and going at pleasure, they elected regimental officers, and General Austin selected a full staff of officers. Milam, arriving on the 14th, was given command of scouts, and "Deaf " Smith also had a small scouting party.
This embryo army left Gonzales on the 14th, and arrived on the Salado, about ten miles east of San Antonio, on the 20th. Here they made an encampment to await reënforce- ments. They soon increased in numbers to about seven
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hundred well-armed and equipped riflemen, with the four- pound cannon.
So many of the members elected to the consultation were with the army, there was not a quorum in that body, at San Felipe, on their first meeting, on the 16th; and the messengers sent to summon them did not return, so their numbers were greatly diminished, and it became evident that they preferred to remain with the army. This created alarm among the enlightened citizen volunteers, and they, foresee- ing the anarchy that would follow, assembled in mass-meet- ing, and demanded that the men to whom the whole country had intrusted the gravest responsibilities should repair to their post of duty at San Felipe. They immediately obeyed, and we leave them to organize while we follow the army.
BATTLE OF CONCEPCION.
On the 27th the army moved its encampment to the mission of Espada, about ten miles below San Antonio, and General Austin sent Colonel James Bowie and Captain James W. Fannin, with ninety-two men, to select a suitable camp- ing ground as near to San Antonio as practicable.
These officers encamped for the night, in a small crescent- shaped bend of the San Antonio River, in front of and about two hundred yards distant from the abandoned mission of Concepcion, placing out sentinels, and one man in the tower of the building. The night passed quietly, and in the early morning every object was obscured by a dense fog. Just after sunrise one of the sentinels was fired upon by the advance guard of the enemy. He returned the fire, they retiring. Preparations were now made for battle, as retreat was impossible.
The enemy's infantry advanced with trailed arms, and were covered by a large cavalry force to the right, about two hundred yards distant. Five companies of their cavalry
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covered the whole front and flank of the Texans. The little army was surrounded.
The engagement began about eight o'clock on the morn- ing of the 28th of October. After the given signal-the crack of a rifle-the discharge from the enemy became one continued blaze of fire ; while the Texans, with more delib- eration, took truer aim, stepping back under cover of the river bank to reload, while others filled their places.
The Mexicans now brought forward a brass four-pound cannon and opened fire with grape and canister, at the same . time sounding a charge. As if by magic the men at the cannon were shot down, and the charge was checked. Three times the cannon was manned and cleared, the Texans each time drawing nearer. " The cannon and victory !" became the battle cry. After the fifth fire the Mexicans sounded a retreat, and it soon became a disorderly rout, leaving to the victors their cannon and the field. The Mexicans lost sixty- seven killed and over thirty wounded ; not one of their artillery escaped. The Texans lost one brave soldier, Rich- ard Andrews. Ninety-two Texans had routed four hundred of Cos' main army.
In their joint report to Austin, Bowie and Fannin said : " Had it been possible to communicate with you and bring you up earlier, the victory would have been decisive and Bexar ours before twelve o'clock."
In one hour after the battle, Austin with the main body of the Texans, about seven hundred in number, arrived, hav- ing been first apprised by the report of the cannon that a battle was being fought.
Cos had refused to recognize Austin as a military com- mander, and threatened to fire upon his flag of truce. He was now obliged to ask of Austin the favor, under flag of truce, to bury his dead.
General Austin now divided his command, stationing one body above the town, near the San Pedro Springs, and the
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other a mile or so below. Edward Burleson was in command above, and Bowie and Fannin below.
On the 31st of October, Colonel Bowie wrote to Cos, sug- gesting terms of reconciliation by which a further effusion of blood might be prevented. This was of no avail.
The large number of officers, none of whom could lay claim to military skill above the rest, and all having divers opinions as to the contemplated attack upon San Antonio, and want of authority over the volunteers, all deprecating the division of the forces, created and kept up a restless, dissatisfied spirit among the volunteers. In consequence of this disaffection and delay the army was diminishing in num- bers, and the enemy were strengthening their position and looking for reenforcements.
At Goliad, Captain Dimmitt detailed forty men, under Captain Ira Westover, to capture a small garrison at Lipan- titlan, on the west bank of the Nueces, twelve miles above San Patricio, the soldiers of which were interfering with com- munication with the Rio Grande. They arrived in front of the fort about dark, and demanded a surrender, which was granted. At four o'clock the next afternoon they met a body of Mexicans, under Rodriguez, who opened fire at about two hundred yards. Hastily forming near the river, and taking true aim with their rifles, the Texans were soon mas- ters of the field. Rodriguez soon afterwards retreated to Matamoras, having thirty wounded, some of whom died.
Besides accomplishing their main purpose, it resulted in the release of several Texas prisoners from the fort, and the return of citizens whom the Mexicans had pressed into their service.
QUESTIONS .- What decree had been issued ? Where was the second attempt to disarm the people made ? Give an account of it. What was the effect of these attempts ? What place was first taken ? By whom ? Whom did they find by the wayside ? How had he travelled ? Describe the attack on Goliad. What garrison was left ? What distinguished person visited them ? What did he expect ? Under what civil control was Texas at this time ? How did the leaders proceed ? What position did Zavala fill ? How did they
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complete their organization ? What was the first movement of the army ? Why was there not a quorum at the gathering of the consultation ? What was evident ? What demand was made by the citizen volunteers ? Was it obeyed ? Where did the army next camp ? Where were Bowie and Fannin sent ? What was done by these officers ? How was the night passed ? What occurred in the morning ? What was the plan of the enemy's advance ? Describe the engagement. What did Bowie and Fannin state in their joint report to Austin ? Who arrived an hour after the battle ? What insult had Cos offered to Austin ? What disposition was made of the volunteers ? What did Bowie suggest to Cos ? What was the main trouble in the army ? What was the consequence ? For what did Captain Dimmitt detail Westover ?
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE GENERAL CONSULTATION-STORMING OF SAN ANTONIO- AUSTIN LEAVES THE ARMY.
ON the 3d of November, 1835, the "general consultation of all Texas" met, and, having a quorum, organized. At this time the "advisory council " surrendered their organiza- tion to them with a full report. They elected Dr. Branch T. Archer, once speaker of the House of Delegates in the Vir- ginia Legislature, president, and Peter B. Dexter secretary.
The conventions of 1832 and 1833 were assemblages of men met to petition for a redress of grievances, and for measures looking to the bettering of their condition as sub- missive subjects of the ruling powers of Mexico. This con- sultation met, in the midst of war against those ruling powers, for the preservation of life and liberty, representing the majesty of an inborn sense of right.
On the first day of the session John A. Wharton offered, and the consultation adopted, a resolution " That the Presi- dent appoint a committee of one from each of the twelve municipalities represented, to prepare a declaration setting forth to the world the causes that impelled them to take up arms."
On the sixth day, after much discussion, on motion of Sam Houston, a vote was taken on the question of a declara- tion of independence, which resulted in fifteen for indepen-
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dence, and thirty-three for a provisional State government under the Mexican confederacy.
The confederacy was at that moment in fragments ; but many Texans believed that there existed in Mexico a large federal party, and the declaration, adopted on November 7th, was so framed as to invite a cooperation with them in restor- ing the constitutional government. The Texans were fight- ing against a military despotism.
On the 12th a plan for the civil and military provisional government was adopted, and the officers of that government were elected. Henry Smith was elected governor, James W. Robinson lieutenant-governor, and Sam Houston com- mander-in-chief of the army. Dr. Branch T. Archer, Stephen F. Austin, and William H. Wharton were elected commis- sioners to the United States, to invoke aid for the impending struggle. The oath of office bound each one to support the constitution of 1824.
The consultation passed a solemn decree, to which each member signed his name, guaranteeing to the Cherokees and their twelve associate bands the same landed rights as they themselves claimed-by grants from Mexico and occupancy. This body adjourned on the 14th of November, to meet again on the 1st day of March, unless sooner called by the "provisional governor and council." The latter went into immediate operation, and many of the members of the consultation went to join the army, then holding San Antonio in a state of siege.
It was the duty of the provisional government to execute the decrees of the consultation, bring order out of chaos, prepare for military defence, establish postal routes, regu- late commerce, improvise a navy, establish local judicial tribunals, and form a treaty with the Cherokees. The treas- ury was empty.
The question as to storming San Antonio still agitated the army. On the 21st of November, 1835, General Austin
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issued an order to the effect that, on the next day, the army would be organized into divisions for storming San Antonio. Colonels Burleson and Sublett both replied, on the same day, that their officers were opposed to it, and the order was re- voked. On the afternoon of the same day, November 21st, the New Orleans Grays, numbering sixty-four men, arrived and reported for duty. These men, well armed and equipped, were fitted out by the generosity of citizens of New Orleans, and were the first volunteers to join the Texas standard from the United States. They had marched on foot from the mouth of the Brazos.
On the 24th it was officially announced to the army that their commander, Stephen F. Austin, and Judge- Advocate Wm. H. Whar- ton, with Dr. Branch T. Archer, had been ap- pointed commissioners to visit the United States. All who were willing to remain with the army under a new commander were requested to respond. All present, four hundred and five (what remained from about a thousand, including the New Or- leans Grays), responded. These elected Colonel Ed- GENERAL EDWARD BURLESON. ward Burleson com- . mander. Austin left the army on the 25th.
Colonel Burleson appointed Frank W. Johnson adjutant, Wm. T. Austin and Peter W. Grayson aids ; Milam, Bird Lockhart, Travis, and " Deaf" Smith, were each in command of scouts who were always on duty.
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The scouting parties had several skirmishes, penetrating the country as far west as the Nueces, burning off the grass which furnished subsistence to the Mexican horses. Near the powder-house near San Antonio, seven of the enemy were killed ; and, near the Nueces, Travis captured and brought in a large number of cavalry horses.
QUESTIONS .- On what day did the consultation meet to organize ? What body sur- rendered to them ? Who was elected president ? Who was secretary ? In what impor- tant particular did this general consultation differ from the conventions which preceded ? What was the next act of the first day's sitting ? Was a majority of the consultation in favor of an immediate declaration of independence ? What was then the condition of the Mexican confederacy ? Give an account of the acts of the 12th of November. What solemn declaration did the consultation make which was unanimously adopted and signed by every member ? When ? On what date did the consultation adjourn ? When were they to meet again ? Where did the members of the consultation go ? What duties devolved upon the provisional governor ? What question now agitated the army ? What order was issued by Austin ? What did Burleson and Sublett reply ? Who arrived on the same day ? How had they travelled from the Brazos ? What announcement was made to the army on the 24th ? What request was made ? What was the response ? Who was elected commander ? When did Austin leave the army ? What officers were ap- pointed ? What can you tell of the scouting parties ?
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE GRASS FIGIIT-STORMING OF SAN ANTONIO-DEATH OF MILAM.
A MULE train, guarding the silver for paying the Mexican troops, was daily expected to arrive at San Antonio ; and James Bowie, with a small detachment of men, a few miles west of San Antonio, discovered a train, heavily packed, approaching. Runners were despatched to the camp for reinforcements. All who had their horses in readiness left in haste, and many pressed forward on foot. Bowie, seeing the prize about to escape him, made a furious charge. Burleson arrived in the midst of it ; and his father, Colonel James Burleson, an old officer of the Creek war, electrified the young men, calling out in a clear, ringing voice : " Charge 'em, boys ! Charge !"
The Mexicans, after losing a number of men, abandoned
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their train and fled into the town. The packs were found to contain grass for the cavalry horses.
STORMING OF SAN ANTONIO-DEATH OF MILAM.
On the 4th of December, Colonel Ben Milam, alarmed lest the entire encampment should disband and go home, moved restlessly to and fro like a caged lion. Late in the day, when the men were in line, he suddenly called out : " Who will follow old Ben Milam into San Antonio ? Let all who will form a line here." With loud cheers for Ben Milam and Texas, three hundred men responded. The attack began early on the morning of the 5th of December, the storming party being formed in two divisions, under Colonels Milam and Johnson, while a reserve was held in camp by General Edward Burleson. The division under Milam consisted of six parts of companies with their several captains, two pieces of artillery, and fifteen artillerymen. Johnson had eight parts of companies with their captains.
At three o'clock in the morning of the 5th, Colonel Neill was sent across the river to be in readiness to make a feint upon the Alamo, to divert the attention of the Mexicans from the advance of the two divisions. This was done with the desired effect. The two divisions advanced together. Milam took possession of the stone house of Garza, and Johnson of the stone house of Veremendi, the families having left. Both divisions were for a time exposed to a heavy fire from the whole of the enemy's line of fortifications, and at-seven o'clock a heavy cannonading from the town was seconded by a well-directed fire from the Alamo. This prevented a safe communication between the divisions. Colonel Milam's two guns could not be used to advantage, but with close and well- aimed fire from their rifles they compelled the enemy to slacken their fire, and several times to abandon their artil- lery. The casualties on this day were one killed and fifteen wounded, three dangerously.
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The two divisions passed the night in strengthening their positions, opening trenches, and making a communication between them, constantly exposed to a heavy cross-fire from the enemy. At daylight on the 6th a portion of the enemy occupying the tops of the houses, protected by the palisadoes, poured through loopholes a furious fire of small arms on the whole Texan line, followed by a steady cannonading from the town in front, and from the Alamo on the left, with little intermission all day. The Texans, under a heavy fire, ob- tained possession of another house, extending their line at the same time that they returned the enemy's fire, and strength- ened their trenches so that they were able to mount their two guns and do good execution with them. On the second day five were wounded.
During the night the enemy opened a trench on the Alamo side of the river and on the left, and strengthened their battery on the cross street leading to the Alamo. The Texans made and filled sandbags and strengthened their lines.
By eleven o'clock on the 7th-third day of the fight-the superior fire of the Texans had silenced the cannonading and small arms of the Mexicans, which was soon renewed. At twelve o'clock Henry W. Karnes, of Captain York's com- pany, under a heavy fire, forced an entrance with a crowbar into a stone house in front, the whole company rushing in. In the afternoon the enemy opened fire from every available position. At half-past three, as Colonel Milam was entering the yard of the Veremendi house, he was struck on the head with a shot which killed him instantly. The death of Colonel Milam, the master spirit of this most hazardous undertak- ing, was a calamity which might have proved disastrous ; but his men were fired with the determination to avenge the loss of their loved and trusted leader. Colonel Johnson was in- vested with the chief command. Later in the day four com- panies forced their way into the Navarro house, an advanced
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1824 ;" the cavalry to retire with the general, also the con- victs and their escort. The private soldiers were disarmed and allowed to go or remain in the country. On the 15th General Burleson left the command to Colonel Johnson, and retired to his home on the Colorado. Most of the volunteers returned in triumph to their homes, leaving a small force at San Antonio under Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph C. Neill.
When the official report of the victory reached the Council they immediately passed appropriate resolutions expressive of their intense rejoicing, and admiration for the heroes who had won the " unparalleled victory," and of most profound sorrow for the death of "so pure a patriot, so brave a soldier, and so true and valuable a friend to Texas," Benj. R. Milam.
QUESTIONS .- Give an account of the Grass Fight. What was the result ? Describe the occurrences of the 4th of December. When did the attack begin ? How was the storm- ing party formed ? For what was Colonel Neill detailed ? Was he successful ? Describe the advance and plan of attack. What were the casualties ? How did the Texans pass the night ? What occurred on the 6th ? How many were wounded ? How was the second night passed by the two armies ? Give an account of what occurred on the 7th. Describe the calamity of the 8th. How was the night spent ? What occurred on the morning of the 9th ? How long did the fight continue ? What were the losses on both sides ? What was done with the prisoners ? Whom did Burleson leave in command ? What of the volunteers ? What took place in the Council when the news of the victory reached them ?
CHAPTER XXXIV.
POWERS OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR-POWERS OF THE COUNCIL-JOHNSON AND GRANT-ACTS OF THE PROVIS- IONAL COUNCIL.
GOVERNOR HENRY SMITH and the committees of the Council did not at all times harmonize in their views and acts. The Governor was clothed with full and ample executive powers ; was made commander-in-chief of all the military forces of Texas by sea and land, to lead and conduct them by his proper officers, by sea or land, within or without the limits of Texas ; and with all other powers which may be thought
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necessary by the Council, calculated to aid and protect the country from her enemies. The Council had no powers sep- arate and apart from the Governor, but were devisers of ways and means for the support of the army, and to advise and assist the Governor in the discharge of his du- ties. The powers granted to both were ample for all emergencies that might arise. The Governor and Council were authorized to contract for loans, not to exceed one million dol- lars, and to hypothecate the public lands and pledge the faith of the country for the security of the payment.
It was the Governor's HENRY SMITH. policy to increase the army by a recruiting service under Travis, who was already in that field ; to collect supplies through agents already appointed for that service, and place both at the discretion of General Sam Houston, commander-in-chief, that they might be able to meet the invading armies of Santa Anna, which were confidently expected in the spring.
The Military Committee of the Council developed a policy which would place the military resources of the coun- try at the disposal of agents of their own appointing, whose movements they could direct. To accomplish this they passed decrees over the Governor's veto not in harmony with the plans of the commander-in-chief. On the 25th of De- cember the Military Committee reported a resolution favoring an attack upon Matamoras. " Striking a decisive blow at
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once by taking Matamoras," Colonel Frank Johnson wrote to the Council, January 3, 1836. " It is an expedition of the utmost importance at this time." The Military Committee recommended that Colonel Johnson should take command of all the troops which he could raise for that purpose.
The chairman of the Military Committee directed the government agent in New Orleans, Captain Edward Hall, to land all munitions of war and other supplies at or as near to Copano as possible, in view of the establishment of " a cordon of forts being established from Bexar, by Goliad, to San Patricio ; government agents to be stationed at each post." " Indeed, we hope," he added, " to extend the line to Mata- moras at no very distant time."
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