Road to IndependenceRoad to IndependenceThe Capture of San The Capture of San

AntonioAntoniop. 210 - 213p. 210 - 213

The Grass FightThe Grass Fight• In November 1835, Austin left to plead for In November 1835, Austin left to plead for

aid from the United States.aid from the United States.• Edward Burleson was chosen to command Edward Burleson was chosen to command

the volunteer army in his absence. the volunteer army in his absence. • Under Burleson’s command, Texans Under Burleson’s command, Texans

attacked Mexicans and captured mules attacked Mexicans and captured mules thought to be carrying silver.thought to be carrying silver.

• After the battle, Texans discovered the After the battle, Texans discovered the mules were not carrying silver, but grass mules were not carrying silver, but grass for Cos’ cavalry horses. for Cos’ cavalry horses.

• This skirmish became known as the “Grass This skirmish became known as the “Grass Fight.”Fight.”

The Assault on San The Assault on San AntonioAntonio•Ben Milam, an empresario, gathered Ben Milam, an empresario, gathered about 300 volunteer soldiers to attack about 300 volunteer soldiers to attack San Antonio.San Antonio.

•Milam is known for his famous plea, Milam is known for his famous plea, “Who will go with old Ben Milam into “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”San Antonio?”

• Milam split his men into 2 columns and Milam split his men into 2 columns and began the assault in December.began the assault in December.

• On the third day of the battle (also called On the third day of the battle (also called the Siege of Bexar), Milam was killed, and the Siege of Bexar), Milam was killed, and Frank W. Johnson took command.Frank W. Johnson took command.

The Assault on San The Assault on San AntonioAntonio• During the fighting, the Mexican forces During the fighting, the Mexican forces were driven toward the center of town were driven toward the center of town and took refuge in the abandoned and took refuge in the abandoned mission known as the mission known as the AlamoAlamo..

• Cos asked for surrender terms and Cos asked for surrender terms and promised to never fight against the promised to never fight against the colonists or the Constitution of 1824.colonists or the Constitution of 1824.

• He and his soldiers were allowed to return He and his soldiers were allowed to return to Mexico a few days later. to Mexico a few days later.

• The Texas army now held both The Texas army now held both GoliadGoliad and and the the Alamo.Alamo.

Tejanos and African Americans Join Tejanos and African Americans Join the Fightthe Fight•The siege of Bexar had divided the The siege of Bexar had divided the

Tejanos of San Antonio; most stayed Tejanos of San Antonio; most stayed neutral, but some helped Cos.neutral, but some helped Cos.

•More than 100 Tejanos fought for More than 100 Tejanos fought for the Texas army, most serving under the Texas army, most serving under Captain Juan N. Seguin.Captain Juan N. Seguin.

•Free African Americans also helped Free African Americans also helped fight for Texas independence.fight for Texas independence.

The Provisional GovernmentThe Provisional Government• While the fighting was raging at San While the fighting was raging at San

Antonio, the provisional government Antonio, the provisional government carried on the work of the Permanent carried on the work of the Permanent Council, a group formed before the Council, a group formed before the Consultation met. The Permanent Council:Consultation met. The Permanent Council:– Created a post officeCreated a post office– Made plans for a navy and armyMade plans for a navy and army– Appealed to U.S. citizens for more men, money Appealed to U.S. citizens for more men, money

and supplies.and supplies. • Governor of the provisional government and Governor of the provisional government and

members of the general council quarreled members of the general council quarreled frequently; neither side would cooperate with the frequently; neither side would cooperate with the other and this almost broke down the other and this almost broke down the government.government.