Battle of the Alamo

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Battle of the Alamo
Part of the Texas Revolution (against Mexico)
AlamoplanF0385.jpg
Plan of the Alamo, by José Juan Sánchez-Navarro, 1836.
Date February 23–March 6, 1836
Location San Antonio, Texas
Result

The Battle of the Alamo was a 19th century battle between the Republic of Mexico and the rebel Texan forces during the latter's fight for independence - the Texas Revolution. It took place at the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas (then known as "San Antonio de Béxar") in February and March of 1836. The 13-day siege ended on March 6 with the capture of the mission and the death of nearly all the Texan defenders, except for a few slaves, women and children. Despite the loss, the 13-day holdout stalled Mexican forces' progress and allowed Sam Houston to gather troops and supplies for his later successful battle at San Jacinto.

The battle took place at a turning point in the Texas Revolution, which had begun with the October 1835 Consultation whose delegates narrowly approved a call for rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. By the time of the battle, however, sympathy for declaring a Republic of Texas had grown. The delegates from the Alamo to the Constitutional Convention were both instructed to vote for independence.

Prelude

Texas was part of Mexican colony of New Spain. After Mexican independence in 1821, Texas became part of Mexico, in 1824 became the northern section of Coahuila y Tejas. 3 January 1823, Stephen F. Austin began a colony of 300 American families along the Brazos River in present-day Fort Bend County and Brazoria County, primarily in the area of what is now Sugar Land.

1835, Mexican President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna Pérez de Lebrón, abolished the Constitution of 1824 and proclaimed a new constitution that reduced the power of many provincial governments and increased power of the Presidency. Since the end of hostilities with Spain ten years before, Mexican government,Santa Anna in particular, had been eager to reassert control over entire country and control of Texas was seen as important as Santa Anna perceived the province to be vulnerable to America's westward expansion.

Mexico's new interest in Texas was not popular with the colonists, felt themselves to be more economically and culturally linked to United States than to Mexico, had grown used to relative autonomy that the old Constitution of 1824 had given them. Santa Anna's increasingly ambitious seizure of dictatorial powers under new constitution was causing unrest throughout all of Mexico. Hostilities in Texas began with the Battle of Gonzales October 1, 1835 after which Texan rebels quickly captured Mexican positions at La Bahía and San Antonio.

Surrender of General Martín Perfecto de Cos and his garrison at San Antonio, there was no longer a Mexican military presence in Texas. Santa Anna decided to launch offensive, putting down the rebellion. Minister of War José María Tornel and Maj. Gen. Vicente Filisola (1789–1850) proposed a seaborne attack to Santa Anna,would have been easier on the troops and proven means of expeditions into Texas since 1814. Santa Anna refused this plan would take too long and the rebels in Texas might receive aid from the United States.

Santa Anna assembled an estimated force of 6,100 soldiers and 20 cannons at San Luis Potosí early 1836, moved through Saltillo, Coahuila, towards Texas. His army marched across the Rio Grande through inclement weather,snowstorms, to suppress the rebellion. San Antonio de Béxar was one of his intermediate objectives; his ultimate objective: capture the Texas government, restore rule of the central or "Centralist" Mexican government over a rebellious state. He suppressed the rebellion in the state of Zacatecas in 1835.

Santa Anna and his army arrived in San Antonio de Béxar on February 23, a mixed force of regular infantry and cavalry units:activo reserve infantry battalions. They were equipped with British Baker and out-dated, short range but effective and deadly British Tower Musket, Mark III, or "Brown Bess" musket. The average Mexican soldier stood 5 ft 1 in.,many were recent conscripts with no previous combat experience. Although well-drilled, Mexican army discouraged individual marksmanship. Initial forces were equipped with four 7 in howitzers, seven 4-pound, four 6-pound , four 8-pound and two 12-pound cannons.

Many Mexican officers were foreign mercenary veterans, including Vicente Filisola (Italy) and Antonio Gaona (Cuba), and General Santa Anna was a veteran of Mexican War of Independence.

Defenders

Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis now commanded Texan regular army forces assigned to defend the old mission. January 1836, he was ordered by the provisional government to Alamo with volunteers to reinforce 189 already there. Travis arrived in San Antonio on February 3 with 29 reinforcements. He became post's official commander, taking over from Col. James C. Neill, promised to be back in twenty days after leaving to tend to family illness.

Others assembled to help in defensive effort, including a number of unofficial volunteers under command of Jim Bowie. Travis and Bowie often quarreled over issues of command and authority, as Bowie's health declined, Travis assumed overall command.

At that time, siege of Alamo was seen as a battle of American settlers against Mexicans, but many of the ethnic Mexicans in Texas (called Tejanos) in fact sided with the rebellion. This struggle was viewed in similar terms with American Revolution of 1776. Tejanos wanted Mexico to have a loose central government supported states rights as expressed in the Mexican Constitution of 1824. One Tejano combatant at Alamo was Captain Juan Nepomuceno Seguín, sent out as dispatch rider before the final assault.

Defenders of the Alamo came from many places besides Texas. The youngest, Galba Fuqua, 16, one of the oldest, Gordon C. Jennings, 57. The men came from 28 different countries and states. From Tennessee, small group of volunteers led by famous hunter, politician and Indian fighter Davy Crockett accompanied by Micajah Autry,neighbor and lawyer. 12-man "Tennessee Mounted Volunteers" arrived at Alamo on February 8. Davy Crocket had resigned from politics having told the electorate that if they did not elect him they could go to hell and he would go to Texas!

"New Orleans Greys", came from that city to fight as infantry in the revolution. The two companies comprising Greys had participated in the Siege of Béxar in December. Most Greys then left San Antonio de Béxar for an expedition to Matamoros with the promise of taking the war to Mexico, two dozen remained at Alamo.

The abrogation of the Constitution of 1824 was a key trigger for the revolt in general,many Anglos in Texas had strong sympathies for independence or union with the United States. While the political climate would have been more favorable earlier during 1835 for a reliance on such a Constitution, things changed towards the fall of that year. Texans defeated the Mexican garrison at the Alamo in December of 1835, their flag did have the words INDEPENDENCE on it. Letters written from Alamo expressed that "all here are for independence", the famous letter from Travis referred to their "flag of Independence". Some 25 years after battle, historian Reuben Potter made the assertion that reinstatement of the Constitution of 1824 was a primary objective, and Potter's comments have also been the source of a myth that the battle flag of the Alamo garrison was some sort of Mexican tricolor with "1824" on it.

The key element of the revolt in general was the fact that Santa Anna had abolished slavery in Mexico. This was a serious set back to many land owners, now facing financial ruin. Texan independence or joining the Union would also allow those people to overcome this economic problem.

Siege

Lt. Col. William Travis was able to dispatch riders before the battle as March 3 informed Texas provisional government of his situation requesting assistance. Sam Houston's Texas Army was not strong enough to fight through the Mexican Army and relieve the post. Provisional Texas government was in disarray due to in-fighting among members. Travis sent several riders, including James Bonham (1808–1836), to Colonel James Fannin for help. Fannin (1804–1836), commander of 450 Texas forces at Goliad 100 miles southeast of Alamo, attempted an unorganized relief march with 320 men and cannon February 28 to Alamo, aborted the relief column due to poor transportation. Most men were slaughtered by a Mexican force after surrendering (the "Goliad Massacre").

March 1, 32 Texans led by Capt. George Kimbell and John W. Smith from Gonzales, slipped through Mexican lines and joined defenders inside the Alamo. They were only response to Travis' plea for help. The group became known as "Immortal 32." A letter written by one of the 32, Isaac Millsaps, details events inside Alamo on the night before the siege.

Final assault

At the end of 12 days the number of Mexican forces attacking was reported as high as 4,000 to 5,000, but only 1,400 to 1,600 soldiers were used in the final assault. 6,500 soldiers had originally set out from San Luis Potosí, but illness and desertion had reduced the force. The Mexican siege was scientific and professionally conducted in Napoleonic style. After 13-day period the defenders were tormented with bands blaring at night (including buglers sounding the no-mercy call El Degüello), artillery fire, an ever closing ring of Mexicans cutting off potential escape routes, Santa Anna planned the final assault for March 6. Santa Anna raised a blood red flag which made his message clear. No mercy would be given for defenders.

Lt. Col. Travis wrote in his final dispatches: "The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken — I have answered their demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls — I shall never surrender or retreat."

The Mexican army attacked Alamo in four columns plus reserve and pursuit and security force, starting at 05:30 AM. The first column of 300 to 400 men led by Martín Perfecto de Cos moved towards northwest corner of Alamo. Second 380 men commanded by Col. Francisco Duque. Third column comprised 400 soldiers led by Col. José María Romero. Fourth comprised 100 cazadores (light infantry) commanded by Col. Juan Morales. The attacking columns had to cover 200 to 300 yards (200 to 300 m) open ground before they could reach Alamo walls. To prevent attempted escape by fleeing Texans or reinforcements entering, Santa Anna placed 350 cavalry under Brig. Gen. Ramírez y Sesma to patrol surrounding countryside.

Texans pushed back one of the attacking columns,Cos' column was able to breach Alamo's weak north wall quickly, the first defenders fell, among them William Barret Travis, who was killed by a shot to the head. The rest of Santa Anna's columns continued assault while Cos's men flooded into fortress. Alamo defenders were spread too thin to adequately defend both the walls and the invading Mexicans. By 6:30 that morning, nearly all Alamo defenders had been slain in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Famous defender Jim Bowie is reported to have been bayoneted and shot to death in his cot. The battle, from initial assault to capture of the Alamo, lasted only an hour. A group of male survivors were executed after battle. Famous defender Davy Crockett was to be among them, but this claim is subject to heavy controversy.

Victorious Mexicans released two dozen surviving women and children, Bowie's slave Sam and Travis' slave Joe after battle. Joe told of seeing a slave named John killed in the Alamo assault and another black woman killed. Another reported survivor was Brigido Guerrero, Mexican army deserter who had joined the Texan cause. He was able to convince the Mexican soldiers that he had been a prisoner held against his will. Henry Wornell was reportedly able to escape battle, but died from his wounds three months later.

Casualties

  • Texan: 183 to 250 Texan and Tejano bodies were found at Alamo after the battle,Santa Anna's official report dictated to his personal secretary Ramón Martínez Caro, stated 600 rebel bodies were found. Historians believe this to be a false claim. All but were burned by the Mexicans; the sole exception being Gregorio Esparza,was buried rather than burned because his brother Francisco had served as an activo had fought under General Cos in Siege of Béxar.

Texan Independence

Texas declared independence on March 2. The delegates elected David G. Burnet as Provisional President and Lorenzo de Zavala as Vice-President. Men inside the Alamo likely never knew this event had occurred. Houston still held his rank of supreme military commander. Texan Army never numbered more than 2,000 men at the time of Alamo siege. Successive losses at Goliad, Refugio, Matamoros and San Antonio de Béxar, reduced the army to 1,000 men.

April 21, at Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna's 1,250-strong force was defeated by Sam Houston's army of 910 men, who used now-famous battle cry, "Remember the Alamo!" Mexican losses for the day were 650 killed with 600 taken prisoner. Texan losses were 9 killed and 18 wounded. Santa Anna was captured the following day, dressed in a common soldier's jacket, having discarded his finer clothing in hopes of escaping. He issued orders that all Mexican troops under the command of Vicente Filisola (1789–1850) and José de Urrea (1795–1849) were to pull back into Mexico.


Line in the sand

Legend has it, on March 3,4, or March 5, Lt. Col. Travis drew a line in the sand with his sword inviting all those willing to stay,presumably to die, to cross over the line. Jim Bowie was carried across the line at his request. All but one defender crossed the line. Louis Rose,a French soldier who had fought under Napoleon in Russia before arriving in Texas,slipped out of the Alamo. Evaded Mexican forces by moving at night, Rose took shelter with the family of William P. Zuber to whom he told the tale of his escape. 1873, Zuber (his son) published a version of the story, which has not been historically documented. The phrase "drawing a line in the sand" has remained part of English, for taking a stand with no compromise. This account is carried in Steven Kellerman's The Yellow Rose of Texas,Journal of American Folklore. A moving account of this "line in the sand" story and Bowie's being carried over in a cot can be found onlineAlamo shrine.

Before war ended, Santa Anna ordered a red flag be raised from San Fernando cathedral indicating to the defenders inside the Alamo that no quarter would be given. According to José Enrique de la Peña diary, several defenders who had not been killed in final assault on Alamo were captured by Col. Castrillón were presented to Santa Anna, who personally ordered their deaths. Speculation among the six prisoners was Davy Crockett. De la Peña states Crockett attempted to negotiate surrender with Santa Anna,was turned down on grounds of 'no guarantees for traitors'. There is little evidence to support this. Some believe that Crockett went down struggling to stay alive when spotted by Santa Anna's army after the 12 day struggle. "They fought all one bloody night, until he [Travis] fell with all the garrison but seven;they were slain, while crying for quarter!" (See Emma Willard, Abridged History of the United States (New York, 1849), p. 337.) Historically,not providing proof that Crockett was among those who did not die during the assault, does corroborate de la Peña's diary entry.

Mexican Casualties

Santa Anna reported he had suffered 70 dead and 300 wounded, while many Texan accounts claim that as many as 1,500 Mexican lives were lost. While many quickly dismiss Santa Anna's account as being unrealistic, Texan account of 1,500 dead also lacks logic. Alamo historians agree that the Mexican attack force consisted of 1,400 - 1,600 men, a count of 1,500 sounds improbable. Commonly acceptable accounts by historians are the ones that place the number of 200 and number of initial Mexican wounded at 400. These losses, (43% casualties) would've been considered catastrophic by Mexican Army, still being realistic to today's historians.

Alamo Flags

After battle, Mexican soldiers discovered the company flag of New Orleans Greys and sent it to Mexico City as proof of U.S. involvement. It is now property of National Historical Museum in Mexico City. No one knows which flag flew over the Alamo during battle. One Mexican tri-color flag with the numbers "1824" set in the middle denoting Constitution of 1824 the Mexican tri-color with two stars in the middle denoting Coahuila y Tejas. The flag with the two stars was probably a company banner of Mexican ancestry fighting against Santa Ana...less than ten answering to Juan Seguin. The New Orleans Greys banner,simply discovered in a room after the famous battle. It was in a pristine state with no tears or bullet holes and the earliest photographs of it show it had no way to be attached to any pole. The de facto flag of the Texas Revolution was a banner patterned after American Flag with 13 stripes of red and blue field. A large single star was present in the blue field with the letters T-E-X-A-S appearing between the points. This identification being Alamo battle flag has been confirmed in the recent book Texas Flags by Robert Maberry. The earliest representation of a Alamo battle flag being first noted a few months after battle.

See also

  • Battle of San Jacinto
  • Famous Last stands
  • Singer Brian Burns tells the tale of the Alamo through the song: Ballad of the Alamo.

Further reading

  • Dingus, Anne, The Truth About Texas, Houston: Gulf Publishing Company (1995) ISBN 0-87719-282-0
  • Nofi, Albert A., The Alamo and The Texas War for Independence, Da Capo Press (1992) ISBN 0-306-81040-9
  • Crisp, James E., Sleuthing the Alamo, Oxford University Press (2005) ISBN 0-19-516-349-4
  • Hardin, Stephen L., Texian Iliad, Austin: University of Texas Press (1994) ISBN 0-292-73086-1
  • Lord, Walter, A Time to Stand,; Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press (1961) ISBN 0-8032-7902-7
  • Davis, William C., Lone Star Rising: The Revolutionary Birth of the Texas Republic, Free Press (2004) ISBN 0-684-86510-6
  • Hardin, Stephen L., The Alamo 1836, Santa Anna's Texas Campaign, Osprey Campaign Series #89, Osprey Publishing (2001).
  • Rosenthal, Philip S., "Alamo Soldiers: An Armchair Historian's Guide to the Defenders of the Alamo", A Team Productions (1989) ISBN 0-9622-5570X
  • Borroel,Roger, "THE TEXAN REVOLUTION OF 1836", La Villita Pbns., ISBN 1-928792-09-X.

External links

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