Texas Tall tales and Truthes

Once upon a time in Texas by Mable Cash 4-25- 2008

Climbing the wooden stairway in the old County Courthouse in Centerville to the restored courtroom was like an adventure into the past. It is April 21, 2008, the anniversary date of the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Remembering 900 Texans, fighting for liberty from Mexico against Mexican troops that numbered 1200, were victorious and freedom for Texas was the prize!

This celebration was hosted by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Fort Boggy Chapter, honoring all those who contributed to the independence of Texas. Nick Watson spoke of the cost of freedom, the commitment required to retain it and the reason why all Texans should appreciate the liberties we enjoy. Accompanied by his guitar, he sang a ballad, “The Siege of the Alamo.” Mr. David Hanover, Secretary General of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, shared with us a portion of “General Houston’s Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto.” The following is a brief report in remembrance of this momentous event in our Texas history.

Early settlers in Texas had agreed to honor the Mexican Constitution of 1824. The rights and privileges agreed to in this document were important to the Texans. When Santa Anna ignored these rights the Texas Revolution began as people in Texas tried to defend the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Changes were taking place as thousands of Americans poured into Texas. Meanwhile, Santa Anna was becoming an absolute ruler with complete power. It is certain, that on March 6, 1836, more than 180 Texans were willing to stand and die for the rights they held under the constitution. Santa Anna sent tax collectors, accompanied by Mexican troops into Texas.

Stephen F. Austin, after 2 years of Mexican imprisonment, returns to Texas, advising all Texans to stand against the dictatorship of Santa Anna and prepare for the oncoming troops of General Cos. Texans challenged the Mexican military at Gonzales. Texans realized that they were in a war for freedom.

From November 1835 until March 1836 there was some confusion in the provisional government of Texas. A new convention was scheduled to meet on March 1, 1836. (They thought they had plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming war.) But Santa Anna crossed the Rio Grande in early February of 1836 and heading for San Antonio with his army…..

Santa Anna thought his victory at the Alamo would convince all other Texans that he and his troops could not be defeated. Instead it proved to be an inspiration for fighting Texans. March 2, 1836 when Texas Independence was declared, the vote in favor of this declaration was unanimous! As fighting for independence continued, Sam Houston was trying to organize an army that was short on troops, guns, ammunition, supplies and money. Meanwhile, his scout, Deaf Smith informed him that Santa Anna along with 1000 soldiers were heading toward the makeshift Texas Army at Gonzales. Houston ordered a retreat. All supplies were removed and on March 12, 1836, Houston burned Gonzales to the ground. Settlers fled eastward for about five weeks. With news of defeats coming in regularly, Houston’s troops pressed to stand and fight. Confiding in no one, Houston moved his small army eastward toward the Brazos River. He led his men to Groce’s Crossing, near Hempstead. Here they camped and for two weeks, he intensely drilled his troops and taught them military strategy. He created a scouting unit and increased supplies and ammunitions. The Army was given two cannons which the Texans named, “Twin Sisters.” On April 14^th, the Texans Army left Groce’s Crossing and marched toward Harrisburg. The Scouting Unit reported Santa Anna’s army was encamped near Harrisburg on the San Jacinto River.

Houston moved the Texans down Buffalo Bayou and on April 20^th, camped beside the San Jacinto River in a thick grove of live oak trees. To attack the Texans, the Mexicans would have to cross an open prairie. That afternoon, there was a skirmish between small parties of Texans and Mexicans. The Twin Sisters discouraged the enemy’s advancement and Santa Anna pulled his forces back.

April 21, 1836 at 3:00 pm, 900 Texans were ready to charge the 1,200 Mexican troops. Deaf Smith had already gone to destroy the bridge at Vince’s Bayou, cutting off any chance for Santa Anna to receive any reinforcements. As the Texans moved from the live oak grove onto the prairie, they were still out of sight from the Mexican sentries because of high ground in front of the troops. Many Mexican soldiers were taking an afternoon rest and were startled to hear Texas soldiers screaming, “Remember the Alamo,” as they came running toward them firing their weapons.

The battle lasted less than twenty minutes. The passion of the Texas patriots could not be contained nor subdued. When the shooting stopped, 630 Mexicans had been killed. Nine Texans died. Sam Houston was wounded, his ankle shattered by a musket ball. Santa Anna was found the following day, hiding in a wooded area. His life was spared to secure his acknowledgment of the independence of Texas from Mexico. The war was over. This historical victory affects every Texan. Texas exists today, in spite of overwhelming odds in an impossible situation because of the bravery of free men who were willing to fight for the cause of freedom.

The San Jacinto monument stands today, a reminder of the struggle that occurred in this place for life, liberty and the freedom we have to pursue our dreams. Remember these heroes of freedom and honor their memory. May god continue to bless Texas!