For the Texas Army encamped near San Jacinto April 21, 1836 must have dawned bright and clear with a bit of a chill in the air that wasn't entirely due to the weather. They had just spent a little over a month retreating from the Mexican army, the same army that had just slaughtered their friends and compatriots at the Alamo and Goliad. The fact that Houston had avoided any encounters with the enemy had many of the men disgruntled and threatening to leave to either take care of their families or deal with Santa Anna on their own. So, for the men of the Texas army, realizing that the events of the past few days were no longer leading them away from a fight but rather towards it, the morning sun of April the 21st brought with its rays the hope and promise of momentous events to come. When Santa Anna’s army received an additional 500 or so troops, which brought his total strength to nearly 1500 men, Houston sent his always reliable scout, Deaf Smith, to destroy the bridge that was the only means of retreat or reinforcements for either the Texas army of the Mexican. Later that day Houston spoke to his men urging them to “Remember the Alamo†and “Remember La Bahia†(Goliad). That afternoon Houston placed his army in battle order and at about 3:30 told them to charge and thereby forever changed Texas, The United States, and the entire world. With the memories of those Mexican slaughters fresh on their minds, the Texas army charged the Mexicans and in 18 minutes secured the independence of a new nation. Hundreds of Mexicans were wounded or killed but even more were captured, including Santa Anna. The back of the Mexican army was broken, and just a few short weeks later Santa Anna had signed the Treaties of Velasco which were meant to secure the Mexican recognition of Texas as a Republic. However, as neither side fully complied with the terms of the two treaties, Mexico did not officially recognize Texas’ independence or her boundaries until 1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
On another note, for those Aggies present, have an excellent Muster, eat lots of BBQ, and remember those that have passed on this past year. Gig ‘em.
“If we succeed, the Country is ours. It is immense in extent, and fertile in its soil and will amply reward all our toil. If we fail, death in the cause of liberty and humanity is not cause for shuddering. Our rifles are by our side, and choice guns they are, we know what awaits us, and are prepared to meet it.†Daniel Cloud, Dec. 26, 1835 while en rout to San Antonio, the Alamo and death.
On another note, for those Aggies present, have an excellent Muster, eat lots of BBQ, and remember those that have passed on this past year. Gig ‘em.
“If we succeed, the Country is ours. It is immense in extent, and fertile in its soil and will amply reward all our toil. If we fail, death in the cause of liberty and humanity is not cause for shuddering. Our rifles are by our side, and choice guns they are, we know what awaits us, and are prepared to meet it.†Daniel Cloud, Dec. 26, 1835 while en rout to San Antonio, the Alamo and death.
