A Select Glossary of the
_TEXAS REVOLUTION_
compiled by
Jean Carefoot
Archives Division
Texas State Library
1986
PREFACE
The active period of the Texas Revolution lasted from October 2, 1835,
to April 22, 1836. The capture of General Santa Anna, coupled with the
decisive victory at San Jacinto, ended, for all practical purposes, the
war with Mexico. Mexico would mount two raids into Texas, each capturing
San Antonio temporarily. But never again did Mexico have permanent
control of any Texas territory north of the Rio Grande. The Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, finally acknowledged Texas
independence from Mexico.
The information for this select glossary of the Texas Revolution is
drawn from a number of sources, but principally from the three-volume
_Handbook of Texas_. With few exceptions, information about persons or
places is confined to the period from October 1835 through April 1836.
Additional information about the men who fought for and against Texas
independence can be found in the _Handbook_ and in the books listed in
the bibliography.
_The Texas Revolution_
The summer of 1835 was filled with unrest. In June the colonists had
discovered that General Cos intended to use the military to force Texan
compliance with government regulations. William B. Travis and a body of
some 50 men responded to this threat in August by attacking and taking
the fort at Anahuac. The action, although universally condemned by the
Texans, strengthened Mexican determination to bring a military
peace-keeping force to Texas.
Texans feared that rights and liberties guaranteed by the Mexican
Constitution of 1824 were threatened by this action and the increasing
centralization of the government in Mexico. Mexican officials viewed
Texan opposition as a direct attack on Mexican national honor, an insult
to the government which had generously allowed the colonists to settle
in Texas.
The arrival of Mexican troops in Texas finally united the Texans in
opposition to Santa Anna’s government. When Colonel Ugartechea demanded
that a cannon at Gonzales be returned, the colonists refused. The first
battle of the Revolution took place. The Mexican commander was forced to
retreat.
Gonzales fell on October 2; Goliad, on October 10. James Bowie and
William Barrett Travis captured Espada and Concepcion Missions in
October. Fort Lipantitlan surrendered in early November. Between
December 5 and December 10, after a month-long siege, San Antonio was
taken by the Texas Army and the Mexican troops remaining in Texas were
forced to retreat to Mexico. At year’s end, no “foreign” troops remained
on Texas soil.
The battles of 1835 were fought mainly by Texas settlers, men who had a
vested interest in defending Texas’ soil. By the end of the year,
however, they believed the war was over, and they returned to their
homes. The 1836 campaign would be conducted principally with volunteers
from the United States, a weakness that would hamper the war effort
throughout the rest of the Revolution.
While the Texan army drove out the Mexican forces, a “Consultation” of
delegates from each of the municipalities met to determine how best to
proceed. On November 7, they issued a declaration of causes for taking
up arms against Santa Anna. A vote of 33 to 15 favored the peace party:
Texas would fight to restore the Constitution of 1824 and to achieve
separate statehood for Texas within the Mexican confederation.
A government of sorts was set up by the Consultation. It consisted of a
governor, council, and lieutenant governor. None of the parties held
sufficient executive or legislative powers. Furthermore, the governor,
Henry Smith, favored complete independence for Texas; a majority of the
council favored continuing as part of Mexico. Within a month these
parties were fighting among themselves. Then, on January 10, Governor
Smith attempted to dismiss the council; the council impeached Smith and
replaced him with Lt. Governor James W. Robinson.
The split between Smith and the council was caused by attempts to mount
a Matamoros Expedition—an ill-favored plan to take the war outside of
Texas and to keep U. S. volunteers occupied. Although the Matamoros
Expedition never was organized, it drew off supplies and volunteers
desperately needed in Texas, and it divided the political and military
leaders at a time when unified action was essential.
As winter held Texas in its grip, Santa Anna mounted a counterattack.
Arriving in San Antonio on February 23, he laid siege to the Alamo,
where 150 Texans attempted to buy time for Texas. Only 32 volunteers
from Gonzales came to reinforce the men at the Alamo. All were killed
shortly after dawn on March 6.
While the Alamo was besieged, Texans met in Convention at
Washington-on-the-Brazos. On March 2, the Convention declared Texas
independence, and a Declaration to that effect was signed the following
day. Before the meeting adjourned, a constitution was drafted and an
interim government set up.
Texan reverses in the field continued. Learning of the fall of the
Alamo, Sam Houston and the undermanned and untrained Texas army began a
hasty retreat eastward.
F. W. Johnson was attacked at San Patricio on February 27, and only he
and four men survived. James Grant and his men were surrounded and
killed at Agua Dulce on March 2.
Refugio was attacked and Amon King and the garrison were killed on March
16. William Ward, who had been sent to relieve King, was captured with
his men on March 22. They were marched to Goliad where they were
executed on March 27.
Fannin, who had failed to respond to calls for help from the Alamo
because he lacked transport for his arms and supplies, finally began a
retreat on March 19. He and his men were caught outside Goliad at
Coleto. After fighting off several attacks, Fannin was finally forced to
surrender on the morning of the 20th. Returned to Goliad, Fannin and his
men awaited a decision about their fate. Gen. Urrea favored treating
them as prisoners of war; Santa Anna demanded that they be executed as
pirates. Santa Anna prevailed. His orders were carried out on Palm
Sunday, March 27.
Throughout April, the remaining Texas troops fled to the east. While
they retreated, panic seized the colonists. The Runaway Scrape saw
hundreds of families take to the roads fleeing from the oncoming Mexican
army. Even the Texas government was caught up in the frenzy as Santa
Anna moved steadily eastward. Indeed, the government narrowly escaped
being captured as its members prepared to sail to Galveston.
Finally, on April 20, the Mexican and Texan armies met at San Jacinto. A
brief skirmish was fought on April 20. Then, as the afternoon shadows
began to lengthen, on April 21 the Texan army advanced against Santa
Anna’s troops. What took place then was a slaughter of the Mexican army,
its men taken by surprise, cut off from escape.
The Texan victory was completed the next day when a poorly-dressed
soldier was brought in from the field. The prisoners’ reactions soon
revealed that this was, indeed, President-General Antonio Lopez de Santa
Anna. For all practical purposes, the war was at an end.
A
Ad Interim Government The last act of the Convention of 1836 was to
elect an interim government to serve until the people of Texas
could ratify the Constitution and hold regular elections. David G.
Burnet served as president; Lorenzo de Zavala, vice-president.
This government acted from March 16 until October 16, 1836.
Agua Dulce, Battle of Fought March 2, 1836. James Grant’s small body
of men, a part of the Matamoros Expedition, and troops commanded
by Jose Urrea met on a spot some 26 miles from San Patricio. Grant
and most of his men were killed. Those who escaped death either
were made prisoner by the Mexican army or were to join Fannin’s
forces at Goliad, only to be executed in the Goliad Massacre.
Alamo Mission The Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the “Alamo,”
was used as a fort by the Mexican army from 1821 until December
1835. After a two-month siege, Texan troops took over San Antonio
on December 10, and drove the Mexican army from the city. Texan
soldiers hastened to the Alamo on February 23, 1836, as Santa
Anna’s army entered San Antonio. After a 13-day siege, the Mexican
army succeeded in taking the Alamo on March 6. None of the 187
Texan soldiers survived the battle and its aftermath.
Almonte, Juan Nepumoceno A colonel in the Mexican Army, Almonte
accompanied Santa Anna as an aide-de-camp. He was captured at San
Jacinto. Almonte’s report to the Mexican government in January
1834 alerted the government to the possibility that Texas might be
taken from Mexico by force or by diplomacy.
Anahuac Angered over the arrest of Andrew Briscoe, citizens of
Anahuac, led by William B. Travis, attacked the garrison on June
29, 1835. Mexican troops under Antonio Tenorio were forced to
surrender and were expelled on June 30. The action was condemned
by most Texans, and numerous communities sent in protests to the
Mexican government. Mexico retaliated by sending military forces
under the command of General Cos to Texas to quell any future
demonstrations.
Archer, Branch Tanner Before joining the Consultation, Archer
participated in the capture of Gonzales. He was the president of
the Consultation, and he was appointed by that body to serve as
one of three commissioners to the United States, empowered to
secure men and money for the war effort.
Austin, Stephen Fuller His speech at Brazoria on September 8, 1835,
encouraged the colonists to seek independence from Mexican rule.
Austin was elected commander-in-chief of the Volunteer Army in the
field, and, as such, directed the operations of the Texan army
before Bexar. In November 1835, the Consultation appointed him a
Commissioner to the United States, where he worked throughout the
remainder of the Revolution, negotiating for men and money to
support the revolutionary forces.
Austin, William Tennant At the beginning of hostilities, he sent
supplies to the Texas army from the mouth of the Brazos. He
participated in the siege of Bexar and later served as an aide to
Stephen F. Austin, Edward Burleson, and Sam Houston.
B
Baker, Moseley A leader of the war party in Texas before the
Revolution, Baker went into east Texas with F. W. Johnson to
recruit soldiers for Texas in August 1835. Baker fought in the
battle of Gonzales and the Grass Fight. He was elected captain of
his company on March 1, 1836. His command prevented the Mexicans’
crossing the Brazos during the Texas Army’s retreat. After burning
San Felipe, he rejoined Houston’s army and was wounded in the
battle of San Jacinto. In that engagement, Baker commanded Company
D, 1st Regiment of the Texas Volunteers.
Barrett, Don Carlos Barrett served as president of the Mina Committee
of Safety and Correspondence and represented that community at the
Consultation. Barrett was instrumental in framing the Declaration
of November 7, 1835. After the session, Barrett became a member of
the General Council. He was elected judge advocate general of the
Texas Army, but resigned because of ill health shortly after Henry
Smith’s impeachment.
Bean, Peter Ellis Bean had served in the Mexican wars for independence
from Spain, and, for that reason, was regarded with suspicion by
the colonists. However, he is credited with having kept the Indian
tribes from interfering with the Texan army throughout the
Revolution. Neither side fully trusted him during the war.
Beason’s Ferry Crossing on the Colorado River, south of Burn(h)am’s
Ferry. Santa Anna’s army crossed the river at this point on April
5, 1836.
Bexar The term encompasses both the presidio of San Antonio de Bexar
and the villa of San Fernando de Bexar, which became present-day
San Antonio. It also includes the municipality of Bexar which
eventually became Bexar county.
Benavides, Placido Benavides organized a band of Mexican soldiers to
fight for the Texan cause at the outbreak of hostilities. In
February 1836, he was with James Grant at the battle of Agua Dulce
Creek. Grant ordered him to escape and to report the news of
Urrea’s arrival to Fannin at Goliad.
Bonham, James Butler Bonham was commissioned a lieutenant of cavalry
on December 20, 1835. He arrived at the Alamo some time between
January 18 and 23, possibly with James Bowie. At the beginning of
Santa Anna’s siege, Travis sent Bonham to Goliad to request
reinforcements from Fannin. On Bonham’s return, he was sent to
Goliad and Gonzales to raise volunteers. In spite of the danger,
Bonham forced his way back into the Alamo on March 3 and died
there on March 6.
Borden, Gail Jr. Borden published the _Telegraph and Texas Register_,
beginning the publication on October 10, 1835. The press had to be
moved from San Felipe to Harrisburg and then to Columbia as the
Texans retreated before Santa Anna’s advance.
Borden, John P. Borden fought under Collinsworth at Goliad, October 7,
1835. Along with five other men, he signed a protest addressed to
S. F. Austin, demanding that the men of Goliad be allowed to
choose their own commander. He served under Dimmitt, but was
discharged January 11. He rejoined the army on February 29, and,
as a member of Moseley Baker’s company, he fought in the battle of
San Jacinto.
Bowie, James A leader in the battle of Concepcion and the Grass Fight,
Bowie also participated in the siege of Bexar and the surrender of
General Cos. He commanded the volunteer forces in San Antonio when
William B. Travis arrived with regular army troops. After James C.
Neill left the San Antonio on February 14, 1836, Bowie and Travis
shared command of the army: Travis in charge of the regular
forces; Bowie, of the volunteers. He was stricken with “typhoid
pneumonia” on February 24 and remained confined to his cot
throughout the siege and fall of the Alamo.
Bowles, Chief (The Bowl) Chief of the Cherokee tribes in East Texas,
Bowles was reported to have accepted a Mexican commission during
the Revolution. However, he signed a treaty of peace with the
Texas government on February 23, 1836, and the war ran its course
with no organized Indian interference.
_Bravo_ A Mexican war vessel blockading the Texas coast in early
November, the _Bravo_ participated in the capture of the American
ship, the _Hannah Elizabeth_. The _Bravo_, with two other Mexican
ships, fought an engagement with the Texan man-of-war
_Independence_ in April 1836.
Another ship, formerly called the _Montezuma_ but rechristened the
_Bravo_ was engaged in battle by the _Invincible_, commanded by
Captain Jeremiah Brown. The battle took place at the mouth of the Rio
Grande, about 35 miles from Matamoros. The _Bravo_ grounded and was
crippled by a broadside fired from the _Invincible_.
Brazoria Most men from Brazoria had joined the Texan army at the
outbreak of the war. Nearly all of the remaining population had
fled in the Runaway Scrape when Jose Urrea burned the town on
April 22, 1836.
_Brutus_ The _Brutus_ was bought and equipped as a privateer by
Augustus C. and John K. Allen. The brothers sold the ship to the
Texas Navy on January 25, 1836. The ship did not see action in the
war, however.
Bryan, Moses Austin While Stephen F. Austin commanded the Texan
volunteers in the field, Bryan served as his secretary. After
Austin’s retirement from the army, Bryan joined the army as
private and fought in Moseley Baker’s company in the battle of San
Jacinto. At the time, he was serving as Thomas J. Rusk’s
aide-de-camp. He was an interpreter at the conference between
General Houston and Santa Anna.
Bryan, William A New Orleans merchant, Bryan furnished men and money
to the Revolution. He was appointed general agent for Texas by the
General Council on January 26, 1836, and, with his partner Edward
Hall, he served as purchasing agent for the revolutionary
government.
Buffalo Bayou This stream flows east from Fort Bend County to the San
Jacinto River. On April 20, 1836, Sam Houston’s army crossed the
San Jacinto River at Lynch’s Ferry and camped on the south bank of
Buffalo Bayou. On April 21, the battle of San Jacinto was fought
on its banks, near the point where the stream flows into the San
Jacinto River.
Burleson, Edward At Gonzales, on October 10, 1835, Burleson was
elected colonel of the only regiment raised under Stephen F.
Austin’s command. He succeeded Austin in the command of the
volunteer army in November. On December 3, Burleson was forced to
order a withdrawal of the army to Goliad, but Milam’s support of
an advance against Bexar countermanded that move. On December 18,
Burleson succeeded Philip Sublett as colonel of infantry. At San
Jacinto he commanded the 1st Regiment of Texas Volunteers.
Burnam’s Ferry Also spelled “Burnham’s,” the ferry was at the La Bahia
Road crossing of the Colorado River. Sam Houston’s army crossed
the river at this point on March 17, 1836. The ferry was destroyed
on March 19 to prevent its being used by the Mexican army.
Burnet, David Gouverneur Burnet represented the Municipality of
Liberty in the Consultation. The Convention of 1836 elected him
president of the interim government, a position he held until
October 16, 1836.
C
Centralists A Mexican political party which supported a strong central
government (instead of a federal system). Although Santa Anna had
originally gained the presidency of Mexico by supporting the
federal cause, he had decided in 1834 that Mexico was not yet
ready for democracy. He dissolved the state legislatures in
October 1835, putting the nation under a single, central governing
body.
Chambers, Thomas Jefferson Chambers took an active part in the events
leading to the Revolution. He offered his land for security to
raise men and money for the war. The provisional government
commissioned him a major general of reserves and sent him to the
United States to secure volunteers and munitions.
Childress, George Campbell Childress was elected a delegate to the
Convention of 1836 shortly after he arrived in Texas. There, he
called the assembly to order and, after permanent organization,
moved that a committee of five be appointed to write a declaration
of independence. The document reported out by the committee was
written by Childress.
Coleto, Battle of Fought March 19-20, 1836, this battle was the
culmination of the Goliad campaign. James W. Fannin and some 400
men from Goliad were falling back toward Guadalupe Victoria when
they were attacked by Urrea’s men near Coleto Creek. Although the
Texans countered three attacks, they were forced to surrender when
their water supplies ran out and Urrea’s main army arrived on the
March 20.
Collinsworth, George Morse Collinsworth raised a company of 52 men
from Matagorda, and, along with additional troops under Ben Milam,
took Goliad on October 9, 1835. He was in command at Goliad until
November 18. The General Council appointed him collector of
customs for the port of Matagorda on December 10, 1835.
Collinsworth, James The General Council elected Collinsworth captain
of the Texas Regiment of Infantry (probably never organized). He
represented Brazoria in the Convention of 1836, where he nominated
Sam Houston for commander-in-chief. In the army, he assisted the
families fleeing in the Runaway Scrape. He was made a major and
appointed an aide-de-camp to Houston on April 8. His conduct in
the battle of San Jacinto was commended by both Houston and Thomas
J. Rusk in their reports.
Committee on Military Affairs Created by the General Council, the
Committee on Military Affairs, through its recommendations and its
immediate supervision of military matters, did much to influence
the conduct of the war from November 1835 through January 1836.
Its members included Wyatt Hanks, J. D. Clements, and R. R. Royal.
Committees of Safety and Correspondence On May 8, 1835, Mina organized
a Committee of Safety and Correspondence, and Gonzales and Viesca
followed suit a few days later. By the end of the summer, most
communities in Texas had such organizations. Their purpose was to
keep people in touch with developments that affected the
Revolution.
Concepcion, Battle of James Bowie and James W. Fannin, with a
detachment of 90 men were scouting for a secure campground when,
on October 28, they were attacked by a Mexican cavalry force about
a mile from Concepcion Mission. The battle lasted some thirty
minutes, ending when the main body of the Texan army joined the
fight. The army took over the mission grounds for a campsite.
Consultation Called for October 16, 1836, at San Felipe de Austin, the
Consultation failed to convene a quorum until November 3. Although
sharply divided between the “war hawks” and the “peace doves,” the
body issued its “Declaration of November 7, 1835,” stating that
the war’s aim was to restore the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and
to make Texas an independent state within the Mexican
Confederation. Sam Houston was made commander-in-chief of the
regular army, a government was set up, authorized by the Organic
Law, and three commissioners were sent to the United States to
seek money and soldiers. The Consultation adjourned on November
14.
Convention of 1836 The General Council, over Governor Smith’s veto,
called for a Convention to assemble at Washington-on-the-Brazos on
March 1, 1836. The Convention adopted a declaration of
independence, wrote a constitution, and elected a provisional
government before adjourning hastily on March 17.
Cos, Martin Perfecto de Cos was Santa Anna’s brother-in-law, sent to
Texas in September 1835 to investigate the colonists’ refusal to
pay duties at Anahuac. Cos landed 500 men at Matagorda Bay and
then established headquarters at San Antonio. He intended to expel
all who had come to Texas since 1830 and anyone opposed to Santa
Anna. Forced to surrender San Antonio on December 10, Cos and his
men were allowed to return to Mexico on their pledge never to take
up arms against Texas again. However, Cos returned, commanding a
column at the assault on the Alamo. He crossed Vince’s Bridge with
reinforcements for Santa Anna just before Deaf Smith destroyed the
bridge on April 21, 1836. He was captured after the battle of San
Jacinto.
Crockett, David He came to Texas “to fight for his rights.” Crockett
and some of his “Tennessee boys” joined William B. Travis at the
Alamo, where he and his men were killed. Contemporary reports from
both Texan and Mexican sources claim that Crockett survived the
assault on the Alamo, only to be executed on Santa Anna’s order.
Cuellar, Jesus “Comanche” Cuellar served as a guide for Ugartechea in
November 1835 and fought under Cos during the siege of Bexar. He
deserted the Mexican forces, reported to Edward Burleson the
weaknesses in the defenses, and guided the Texans into San
Antonio. He joined James Grant for the proposed Matamoros
Expedition, but attached himself to James W. Fannin’s command at
Goliad. He devised a plan for defeating Urrea’s army, but Fannin
was unable to put it into effect. Cuellar was sent to Refugio to
warn Ward of Mexican army operations, and from there he joined the
Texas Army.
D
de Zavala, Lorenzo A prominent Mexican Federalist and a Texas
empresario, de Zavala moved his family to a home on Buffalo Bayou
in December 1835. He supported the colonists in both their attempt
to restore the Constitution of 1824 and in their later move for
independence. He represented Harrisburg in the Consultation and in
the Convention of 1836. He was elected interim vice president on
March 17, 1836. His home was used as a hospital for the wounded
after the battle of San Jacinto.
Declaration of Independence Issued by the Convention of 1836, the
document called for complete independence from Mexico. Written by
George Childress, the declaration was approved by the Convention
on March 2 and was signed on March 3, 1836. The original document
was deposited in the United States Secretary of State’s office;
five other copies were sent out to cities in Texas. The five
copies were lost, but the original document was returned to Texas
in 1896.
Declaration of November 7, 1835 Adopted by the Consultation, the
document set out the reasons for making war against Santa Anna.
Among its provisions were 1) Texas pledged support of the
Constitution of 1824, whose terms Santa Anna had violated; 2)
Texas was no longer bound by the compact of union because of this
violation; and 3) Texas had the right to set up an independent
government within the federation, and it would support any other
Mexican state willing to take up arms in defense of federal
principles.
Dickinson, Mrs. Almeron (Suzanna A.) Mrs. Dickinson and her daughter
were in the Alamo with her husband Almeron Dickinson when the
Alamo fell. One of the few survivors, Mrs. Dickinson was given a
Mexican escort when she and her child left San Antonio after the
battle.
Dimmitt, Philip Dimmitt (also spelled “Dimitt” and “Dimmit”) joined
George M. Collinsworth in the assault on Goliad in October 1835.
He remained at Goliad as captain, but Stephen F. Austin replaced
him after receiving complaints about Dimmitt’s conduct from the
alcalde of Goliad and former Governor Agustin Viesca. He
participated in the siege of Bexar, then returned to Goliad.
Dimmitt helped to frame the Goliad Declaration of Independence. He
resigned his command on January 17, 1836. Dimmitt left the Alamo
on February 23 and returned to Dimmitt’s Landing where he
maintained a small force of men throughout the Revolution.
Duval, Burr H. Duval gathered a band of Texas sympathizers, called the
Kentucky Mustangs, and set out for Texas in November 1835.
Arriving at Quintana, the men set out for Goliad where they joined
James W. Fannin’s command. He fought in the battle of Coleto, and
was executed on March 27.
Duval, John Crittenden Duval joined his brother’s volunteer force and
was with him in the battle of Coleto. John Duval, however, was
able to escape. His description of the Goliad massacre, his escape
and subsequent adventures became a Texas classic.
E
Eleven League Grants Under the Mexican Law of March 24, 1825, the
government of Coahuila and Texas could sell eleven league grants
only to Mexicans—an attempt to place some restrictions on land
speculation by Anglo American settlers and to reward loyalty to
the Federalist cause. However, the colonists found it easy, once a
grant was issued, to transfer these titles to themselves. Traffic
in eleven league grants increased markedly after 1830.
Espada Mission Pursuant to an order by General Stephen F. Austin,
James Bowie and James Fannin proceeded to San Francisco de la
Espada Mission to gather information and supplies. On October 22,
after a short engagement with the enemy, men in Bowie and Fannin’s
detachment captured the mission. They were able to repel a Mexican
attack on the 24th successfully.
F
Fannin, James Walker, Jr. Fannin participated in the battle of
Gonzales as captain of the Brazos Guards. With James Bowie, Fannin
led the Texan forces in the battle of Concepcion and the capture
of the Espada Mission. Fannin was offered the position of
Inspector General of the Texan forces by the General Council, but
he took, instead, an honorable discharge on November 22, 1835. He
then spent time campaigning for a larger army. On December 7, Sam
Houston commissioned Fannin a colonel in the regular army; on
December 10, the General Council ordered him to enlist
reinforcements and contract for war supplies. As agent for the
government, Fannin began recruiting forces for the proposed
Matamoros Expedition on January 9. He was elected colonel of the
Provisional Regiment of Volunteers at Goliad on February 7, and he
acted as commander-in-chief of the army from February 12 to March
12, 1836. Learning that Urrea had occupied Matamoros, Fannin and
his men fell back on Goliad and began fortifying the city. Ordered
to relieve William B. Travis at the Alamo, Fannin made a
short-lived effort to transport supplies and ammunition. When the
transport wagons broke down, the soldiers voted to return to
Goliad. After the fall of the Alamo, Houston ordered Fannin to
retreat to Guadalupe Victoria. Fannin delayed, however, staying in
Goliad until March 19. Urrea’s forces surrounded Fannin’s troops
at Coleto Creek, and, after two days of pitched fighting, Fannin
was forced to surrender. He and his men were executed at Goliad on
March 27.
Federalists A Mexican political party which supported a federal system
of government. The federalists opposed Santa Anna’s proposal to do
away with the Mexican Constitution of 1824. The party also
advocated separate statehood for Texas. These men assisted the
Texans during the 1835 campaign, abandoning the Texan cause only
when the colonists declared independence from Mexico.
Filisola, Vicente An Italian general, second in command to Santa Anna,
Filisola supervised the troop crossings at the Colorado after the
army left San Antonio. He joined Gaona in the march eastward. On
April 23 Filisola received news of Santa Anna’s capture. Ordering
the men under his command to congregate near Fort Bend, Filisola
tried to surrender command. When his fellow generals refused to
accept the resignation, Filisola led the Mexican retreat.
_Flash_ The _Flash_ was a privateer fitted out for Texas in the spring
of 1836. The ship picked up victims of the Runaway Scrape on the
Brazos and took them to Morgan’s Point. At Morgan’s Point, the
_Flash_ took on the Texan provisional government and transported
its members to Galveston, narrowly escaping capture by Almonte’s
forces.
_Flora_ An American schooner, the _Flora_ took Sam Houston to New
Orleans for medical treatment after the battle of San Jacinto.
Fort Bend Santa Anna transported his troops across the Brazos at this
point. Later, as the Mexican forces retreated before the Texan
army, Filisola gathered his available forces here and attempted to
resign command.
Fort Defiance James Fannin wrote the government in February to say
that the men of Goliad, after strengthening the fort there, had
elected to rename it “Fort Defiance.”
Fort Jessup The federal fort across the border in Louisiana. Secret
messages from the fort’s commander, E. P. Gaines, to Sam Houston
offered assistance in the pursuit of the war. Troops from Fort
Jessup did, in fact, come onto Texan soil when rumors of Indian
uprisings in the Nacogdoches area were received.
Four Hundred League Grant The Coahuila and Texas legislature passed an
act on March 14, 1835, authorizing the government to sell 400
leagues of land without regard to the size of individual grants—a
violation of previously legislated limitations on the amount of
land which could be purchased by one individual. The scandal
divided Texans throughout much of the Revolution. Attempts to
protect these extensive land purchases were the basis for repeated
efforts to mount a Matamoros Expedition.
G
Gaines, Edmund Pendleton At Stephen F. Austin’s invitation, General
Gaines led a troop of United States soldiers into east Texas to
quell a threatened Indian uprising. They remained in the
Nacogdoches area until the Texan government had been organized
after the end of the war.
Galveston Members of the _ad interim_ government fled to Galveston in
April 1836. It became the temporary capital of the Republic, until
the government was sworn in at Columbia in October 1836.
Gaona, Antonio Gaona was a general in the Mexican army. Santa Anna
ordered him to march to Nacogdoches by way of Bastrop. These
orders were changed on April 15. Gaona was to proceed from Bastrop
to San Felipe to join Santa Anna’s forces. Gaona’s men became lost
in the “desert” around Bastrop, causing them to miss their
rendezvous with Santa Anna and participation in the battle of San
Jacinto.
Goliad Formerly called La Bahia, Goliad was a major point of military
operations in both 1835 and 1836. Texans captured Goliad on
October 9, 1835. Supplies captured in this battle allowed Stephen
F. Austin and his men to carry on the siege of Bexar. James W.
Fannin marched his command to Goliad and set up headquarters near
the presidio. He remained committed to the defense of Goliad,
seeing it as the most suitable location for a supply depot for the
Texan forces in the field. James B. Bonham’s arrival from the
Alamo, requesting men and supplies to relieve William B. Travis,
caused Fannin to attempt a rescue mission. The effort failed, and
Fannin remained at Goliad until March 19. As Urrea’s forces neared
Goliad, they fought a number of skirmishes with troops under the
command of Johnson, Ward, King, and Grant. The survivors of these
conflicts—when there were any—rallied to Goliad, only to be
captured at Coleto, marched back to Goliad and executed.
Goliad Declaration of Independence A document drafted by Philip
Dimmitt and Ira Ingram, the Declaration was read to the citizens
of Goliad on December 20, 1835. 91 signatures were attached, and
the document was sent to the General Council. It arrived just as
the government was deep in negotiations with sympathetic
Federalists. The Declaration did not have any immediate effect on
the Texan’s conduct of the war or their reasons for fighting. It
did, however, alienate popular Mexican support for the Texan
cause.
Goliad Massacre James W. Fannin’s men captured at Coleto along with
survivors of units commanded by Ward and Grant were returned to
Goliad after the battle of Coleto. When Fannin surrendered, he
understood that the men would be treated as prisoners of war, and
Urrea did request that the prisoners be so regarded. The Mexican
government, however, had passed the Black Decrees. Anyone taking
up arms against the Mexican government was to be considered a
pirate and was subject to immediate execution. Santa Anna wrote
back ordering immediate execution, and he backed that order up
with a similar one to Nicolas de la Portilla, the commander at
Goliad. On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836 unwounded Texans were
divided into three columns and were marched down three roads to
points about a half mile outside Goliad. Ordered to halt, the men
were cut down by firing squads. Men from two of the columns,
halted near wooded areas, were able to make an escape and to carry
the news of the slaughter. Fannin, who had been wounded at Coleto,
and about 40 men were killed at the fort.
Gonzales, Battle of An engagement fought four miles above Gonzales,
the battle took place on October 2, 1835. When, in the latter part
of September, Domingo de Ugartechea demanded the city surrender
its cannon, the colonists refused. They buried the cannon in
George W. Davis’s peach orchard on September 29. When the men
under Francisco Castaneda marched on the town, the colonists dug
up the cannon, mounted it, and fired the first shot of the
Revolution. When the Mexican army learned that the unit sent to
capture the cannon was taken prisoner, it stopped west of the
Guadalupe.
Gonzales, Jose Maria A federalist colonel, Gonzales escorted former
governor Agustin Viesca in his flight to Texas. In San Antonio,
Gonzales issued a proclamation calling on Mexicans to support the
Texan cause and to restore the Constitution of 1824. In January,
he led a force against the Mexican town of Mier. Urrea marched to
intercept the army, and, although he captured 24 federalist rebels
on January 22, Gonzales and the rest made their escape. The
captives were used as guides and scouts for Urrea’s army as they
marched through Texas.
Grant, James Dr. Grant joined the siege of Bexar. He was elected the
Goliad representative to the consultation, but remained in the
field during that body’s deliberations. In early spring 1836,
Grant and F. W. Johnson organized a Matamoros Expedition and
proceeded as far as San Patricio. Grant and a party of 15
volunteers were attacked at Agua Dulce Creek on March 2. Grant was
killed, and most of his men who escaped were taken prisoner and
marched to Goliad where they were executed on March 27.
Grass Fight On the afternoon of November 26, James Bowie with about
100 men attacked a pack train believed to be carrying supplies and
pay for the Mexican troops in San Antonio. The engagement took
place about a mile from San Antonio. Seeing the battle in
progress, Cos began firing from the Alamo. Bowie’s detachment was
joined by the main army. The Mexicans eventually retreated to San
Antonio. The packs, when opened, were found to contain only grass
for the Mexican cavalry horses.
Groce’s Landing Located on the site of the Bernardo Plantation at the
Maelina or Coushatta Crossing of the Brazos in present-day Waller
County. Leonard H. Groce was operating the plantation at the
outbreak of the Revolution. The Texas Army camped there on the
west bank of the river, one-half mile from the ferry, from March
31 to April 14, 1836.
H
Hall, Warren D. C. Hall was a member of the Committee of Safety at
Columbia. David G. Burnet appointed him adjutant general, and he
served as secretary of war while Thomas J. Rusk was in the field
with the Texas army.
_Hannah Elizabeth_ On November 19, 1835, the American schooner _Hannah
Elizabeth_ was attacked by the Mexican armed vessel _Bravo_. On
November 21, the Texan privateer _William Robbins_, which had
received letters of marque and reprisal from the Texas government,
landed 20 volunteers, the captain and 3 crew members. They took
the _Hannah Elizabeth_ from the Mexican captors. Considering the
ship as salvage, the Texans eventually sold its cargo at auction,
an action which led to considerable criticism from other Texans as
well as protests from the United States.
Harrisburg The General Council designated Harrisburg as the seat of
government for the newly-created Municipality of Harrisburg. On
April 16 Santa Anna burned the entire town, leaving only John W.
Moore’s residence standing.
Horton, Albert Clinton Horton came to Texas with the Mobile Grays in
late December 1835. In the spring, Horton raised a cavalry unit to
go to James W. Fannin’s relief. They arrived at Goliad on March
16, and on March 17, the unit fought a brief skirmish with Urrea’s
troops. His men were sent out to investigate the crossing at
Coleto Creek on March 19, but when they returned, they found
Fannin already surrounded by Urrea’s forces. Horton fell back,
seeing the hopelessness of rendering any practical aid to Fannin.
Horton, Alexander Horton served in the Consultation as the
representative of Ayish Bayou. After Sam Houston was named
commander-in-chief of the Texas Army in 1836, Horton became his
aide-de-camp. He fought in the battle of San Jacinto.
Houston, Sam A delegate to the Consultation, Houston was elected major
general of the regular Texas Army by the General Council on
November 12. He left to join the Texas forces at Goliad and
Refugio on January 8. When he arrived, however, the volunteers
refused to serve under him because of Houston’s opposition to the
Matamoros Expedition. Houston went to east Texas and spent
February negotiating peace treaties with the Indians. He
represented Refugio in the Convention of 1836, and he was
appointed commander-in-chief of all army units—regular, volunteer,
and militia—by that body. He took command at Gonzales on March 11.
Two days later he ordered a retreat eastward after receiving news
of the fall of the Alamo. Finally halting at Groce’s Landing,
Houston spent the next month training the raw recruits who made up
the remaining Texas Army. On April 14 he then began the march
which culminated in the battle of San Jacinto on April 21. Houston
was severely wounded in the ankle in that engagement, and on May 5
he went to New Orleans for medical treatment.
I
_Independence_ This Texas Navy schooner was formerly the United States
Revenue Cutter _Ingham_. The _Independence_ was flagship of the
Texas Navy, and on January 10, 1836, took her first cruise to
Mexico under the command of Captain Charles E. Hawkins. On March
20, she undertook a second cruise to Mexico, during which she
destroyed a number of small Mexican vessels. In early April, she
exchanged fire with the Mexican brigs of war _Urrea_ and _Bravo_,
but the Mexican ships withdrew before the _Independence_’s fire.
She returned to Galveston on April 28. On May 5, Santa Anna,
President Burnet and the Cabinet sailed on the _Independence_ for
Velasco, arriving there on May 8.
_Invincible_ McKinney and Williams purchased the _Invincible_ and sold
her to the Texas government on January 5, a move strongly opposed
by Governor Smith. Jeremiah Brown was commissioned as her captain
on March 12. The _Invincible_ engaged the _Bravo_ and wrecked her
on April 3. During this fight, the American ship _Pocket_ sailed
up and was captured by the _Invincible_. For this action, the
United Stated declared the _Invincible_ a pirate ship. The U. S.
sloop _Warren_ captured her and took the ship and crew to New
Orleans on May 1. They were tried on May 4, but were not
convicted.
J
Jack, William H. He was a member of the Committee of Safety from
Brazoria. During the revolution, Jack participated in the Grass
Fight and the battle of San Jacinto. From April 2 to October 22,
1836, he was Secretary of State under President Burnet.
Jameson, Green B. Jameson served under Bowie as aide and chief
engineer. At the Alamo he was responsible for strengthening the
defenses and remounting the cannon. He was killed in the fall of
the Alamo, March 6.
Johnson, Francis White At the beginning of the Revolution Johnson was
appointed adjutant and Inspector General under Stephen F. Austin
and Edward Burleson. He led one of the divisions into San Antonio
during the siege of Bexar and was in command at the taking of the
Alamo in December. In January, he ordered an expedition to
Matamoros, in spite of opposition from Governor Smith and General
Houston. On February 27, Johnson with a detachment of fifty men
was surprised by Urrea at San Patricio. All but Johnson and four
men were killed.
K
Karnes, Henry Wax Karnes fought in the battle of Concepcion and in the
siege of Bexar. He organized a company of cavalry at Gonzales on
March 20, 1836. Before the battle of San Jacinto, Karnes was sent
on a spy mission with Erastus (Deaf) Smith to report on Mexican
troop movements around Harrisburg. He and Juan N. Seguin followed
the Mexican army’s retreat to protect Texan property.
Kimbro, William Kimbro raised a company of volunteers for the army in
September 1835. This company fought under his command in the
battle of San Jacinto.
King, Amon Butler Kings came to Texas in 1835 with the Paducah
Volunteers, formed from Peyton S. Wyatt’s Huntsville Company.
After reporting to Sam Houston, he was sent to Refugio in January.
In March, King and his company were ordered to Goliad. They
returned to Refugio on March 10 to bring stranded families and
supplies back to Goliad. The group was attacked by _rancheros_,
but King succeeded in getting the families to Refugio mission on
March 12. Surrounded by the _rancheros_, King sent to James W.
Fannin for relief. William Ward’s company was able to break up the
siege on March 13. King, however, refused to return to Goliad with
Ward, insisting instead on attacking the _rancheros_. Ward
remained at Refugio to await King. On March 14, King’s return to
Refugio was blocked by Urrea’s company. After a day-long battle,
King’s men attempted to make their way back to Goliad, but soaked
their guns and powder in the river as they undertook a crossing.
They were captured on March 15 by Captain Carlos de la Garza and
returned to the mission, along with stragglers from Ward’s
company. They were taken out to be shot, but German officers in
the Mexican army heard some of the prisoners speaking German. The
group of 33 were returned to Refugio, where the Germans and some
others of the prisoners were released. King and the remaining
prisoners were marched out on March 16 and shot. Their bodies were
left unburied on the plain.
L
La Bahia The settlement which grew up around the presidio of La Bahia
also took the name “La Bahia.” On February 4, 1829, the Congress
of Coahuila y Texas declared it a town and changed the name to
Goliad. In correspondence and reports during the Texas revolution,
the terms “La Bahia” and “Goliad” are used more or less
interchangeably.
Lamar, Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar joined the Texas army as it retreated
eastward after the fall of the Alamo. At San Jacinto, on April 20,
Lamar’s quick action saved the lives of Thomas J. Rusk and Walter
P. Lane when they were surrounded by the enemy. He was
commissioned a colonel on the following day and assigned the
command of the cavalry in the battle of San Jacinto.
_Liberty_ Formerly the _William Robbins_, the _Liberty_ was purchased
from McKinney and Williams. Its name was changed in January, 1836,
when it began a cruise to seek out Mexican vessels of war. On
March 3, it captured the _Pelicano_ at Sisal, Yucatan.
Lipantitlan Mexican fort on the Nueces captured by the Texans under
the command of Ira Westover on November 4, 1835.
Lockhart, Byrd Lockhart commanded a company at the siege of Bexar. In
March he was sent from the Alamo to get supplies and
reinforcements. As a result, he survived the fall of the Alamo and
later joined a spy company in the Texas Army.
M
Martin, Wylie Martin was the political chief of Gonzales in 1835.
Although he thought the Declaration of Independence premature, he
raised a company and joined Houston at Columbus. He was sent to
guard river crossings on the Brazos, but his force was unable to
prevent the Mexican army’s crossing at Richmond. Martin returned
to headquarters, surrendered his command, and went to aid families
caught up in the Runaway Scrape.
Matagorda Captured by Urrea on April 13, the town had been deserted,
although some of its inhabitants could be seen on Culebra Island,
south of Matagorda. Urrea took the supplies housed there and
ordered the pier fortified.
Matamoros Expedition First proposed by the Consultation on November
13, 1835, the Matamoros Expedition was a disrupting factor
throughout the Revolution. James Bowie was ordered to lead an
expedition on December 17; later, the General Council ordered
Houston to undertake the mission. Houston declined the command;
Bowie never received his orders. In January 1836, the General
Council ordered both James W. Fannin and F. W. Johnson to command
a Matamoros Expedition. Johnson, with James Grant, took troops to
Goliad and Refugio. However, at Refugio, Sam Houston’s protests
against the legality of the Expedition caused considerable
desertion. The remaining men were attacked by Urrea’s army at San
Patricio and at Agua Dulce. Fannin, meanwhile, marched to Goliad
where he remained until March 19. He and his men were attacked at
Coleto and defeated on March 20.
McKinney, Williams and Company Thomas F. McKinney and Samuel May
Williams provided much-needed supplies and money during the
revolution. The Texas government purchased the _William Robbins_
(which was renamed the _Liberty_) and the _Invincible_ from the
firm. From the United States, Williams supplied arms and
ammunition. The company provided some $99,000 worth of goods and
services to Texas during the war. The government also authorized
McKinney, Williams and Company to raise up to $100,000 on Texas
lands for the war effort. Although Williams preferred fighting to
support the Mexican Constitution of 1824, he came to accept the
war for Texas independence. McKinney, on the other hand, continued
to work for Texas but remained opposed to Texas independence for
years after the war had ended.
Mexia, Jose Antonio In November 1835, Mexia sailed from New Orleans
for Tampico with a group of 150 men. Their attempt to capture the
city failed, and, after remaining in the fort at Tampico for
twelve days, he and most of his men retreated. They returned to
Texas in December. He attempted to raise a Matamoros Expedition,
but opposition by Governor Henry Smith and lack of funds prevented
the project from materializing. Mexia declined orders to proceed
with his troops to San Antonio, declaring that his services would
be better used in recruiting. He returned to New Orleans where he
spent the remainder of the war.