Road to Independence

1
Road to Independence

• The Capture of San Antonio
• p. 210 - 213

2
The Grass Fight

• In November 1835, Austin left to plead for aid
  from the United States.
• Edward Burleson was chosen to command the
  volunteer army in his absence.
• Under Burlesons command, Texans attacked
  Mexicans and captured mules thought to be
  carrying silver.
• After the battle, Texans discovered the mules
  were not carrying silver, but grass for Cos
  cavalry horses.
• This skirmish became known as the Grass Fight.

3
The Assault on San Antonio

• Ben Milam, an empresario, gathered about 300
  volunteer soldiers to attack San Antonio.
• Milam is known for his famous plea, Who will go
  with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?
• Milam split his men into 2 columns and began the
  assault in December.
• On the third day of the battle (also called the
  Siege of Bexar), Milam was killed, and Frank W.
  Johnson took command.

4
The Assault on San Antonio

• During the fighting, the Mexican forces were
  driven toward the center of town and took refuge
  in the abandoned mission known as the Alamo.
• Cos asked for surrender terms and promised to
  never fight against the colonists or the
  Constitution of 1824.
• He and his soldiers were allowed to return to
  Mexico a few days later.
• The Texas army now held both Goliad and the Alamo.

5
Tejanos and African Americans Join the Fight

• The siege of Bexar had divided the Tejanos of San
  Antonio most stayed neutral, but some helped
  Cos.
• More than 100 Tejanos fought for the Texas army,
  most serving under Captain Juan N. Seguin.
• Free African Americans also helped fight for
  Texas independence.

6
The Provisional Government

• While the fighting was raging at San Antonio, the
  provisional government carried on the work of the
  Permanent Council, a group formed before the
  Consultation met. The Permanent Council
• Created a post office
• Made plans for a navy and army
• Appealed to U.S. citizens for more men, money and
  supplies.
• Governor of the provisional government and
  members of the general council quarreled
  frequently neither side would cooperate with the
  other and this almost broke down the government.