Posted: 10/2/2021 11:24:06 AM EDT
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TL:DR alert for some Texas History https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/gonzales-battle-of GONZALES, BATTLE OF.When Domingo de Ugartechea , military commander in Texas, received word that the American colonists of Gonzales refused to surrender a small cannon that had been given that settlement in 1831 as a defense against the Indians, he dispatched Francisco de Castaeda and 100 dragoons to retrieve it. Ugartechea realized that, given the tensions between the Texans and Antonio Lpez de Santa Anna 's Centralist government, the slightest provocation might ignite hostilities. He therefore instructed Castaeda to use force if necessary but to avoid open conflict if possible. The company rode out of San Antonio de Bxar on September 27, 1835. When Castaeda's troops reached the Guadalupe River opposite Gonzales on September 29 they found their path blocked by high water and eighteen militiamen (later called the Old Eighteen). Castaeda announced that he carried a dispatch for alcalde Andrew Ponton but was informed that he was out of town and that the Mexican dragoons would have to wait on the west side of the river until he returned. Unable to proceed, Castaeda pitched camp 300 yards from the ford. As he awaited word from the absent alcalde, the men of Gonzales summoned reinforcements from several of the surrounding settlements. Later, a Coushatta Indian entered the Mexican camp and informed Castaeda that the number of Texan volunteers now numbered at least 140 and more were expected. Knowing he could not force the guarded crossing, Castaeda abandoned his campsite near the ford and marched his troops in search of another place not so well defended, where he could "cross without any embarrassment." Around sundown on October 1 he ordered his dragoons to pitch camp seven miles upriver from the contested ford on land belonging to colonist Ezekiel Williams. The Texans were also on the move. On the night of October 1 their troops crossed to the west bank of the Guadalupe and marched upriver toward Castaeda's new camp. On the morning of October 2 they attacked the Mexicans, and Castaeda ordered his men to fall back to a low rise behind their camp. During a lull in the fighting Castaeda arranged a parley with Texan commander John Henry Moore. Castaeda inquired why he and his men had been attacked without provocation, and Moore replied that the Texans were fighting to keep their cannon and to uphold the Constitution of 1824. Castaeda then assured Moore that he was himself a Federalist and personally opposed to the policies of Santa Anna. He added that he had no wish to fight colonists; he only had orders to reclaim the cannon. Moore then invited Castaeda to join the Texans in their fight for the federal Constitution of 1824. Castaeda explained that as a soldier he was obliged to follow his orders, whether or not he agreed with the politics behind them. At that point negotiations broke down, and the two commanders returned to their respective units. When the fighting resumed, Castaeda, finding himself outnumbered and outgunned, ordered a withdrawal toward Bexar. He may also have been mindful of his orders not to participate in actions that were likely to bring about a conflict. In his report to Ugartechea, Castaeda stated that "since the orders from your Lordship were for me to withdraw without compromising the honor of Mexican arms, I did so." Despite Castaeda's efforts to avoid war, the so-called battle of Gonzales (which was really only a brief skirmish) marked a clear break between the American colonists and the Mexican government. |
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Different page http://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/tnghist2.htm The volunteer spirit that has now characterized the military forces of Texas for more than one hundred fifty years was first called upon during this crisis. It was against a determined group of men that Santa Anna sent his dictator-controlled army. It was at Gonzales that the motto--"Come and Take It"--was born. When Santa Anna sent a Mexican commander to take a cannon from Gonzales, the Texans rallied forces from the Guadeloupe, the Colorado and the Brazos for aid, then told the Mexican commander to "Come and Take It." The latter retreated six miles, and the Texans, tired of waiting for an attack charged the Mexicans on October 2, 1835, and the Mexicans retreated in full flight. It was immediately after the Battle of Gonzales that the First Army of Texas Volunteers was organized with Stephen F. Austin in command. This same army marched to San Antonio and gained a victory over General Cos, who had previously defeated Colonel Benjamin R. Milam. Thus began the campaign of 1835 which resulted in the securing of independence for Texas. With the birth of Texas was also recorded the birth of what is now the Texas National Guard. The storming of the Bexar and the enforced retreat of Cos took place in December. Men who were found ready and willing to fight for their homes and the right to peace and security and independence formed the first militia forces of Texas. Not only Texans but men from the United States who had come to love freedom and democracy rallied to the cause. To the many companies formed in the Lone Star State were added those that came from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other sections of the United States. It was in these hastily formed but spirited organizations that the Texas National Guard was born. Typical of the units that faced Santa Anna were the New Orleans Greys organized in front of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans in October, 1835. Two companies, aggregating well over 100 men and both calling themselves the New Orleans Greys, left the city within two days of each other. It was such help as these companies gave that encouraged the Texans in their fight for independence. The New Orleans Greys covered themselves with glory in the storming of San Antonio, as 33 of them were in the Alamo when it fell and others were among Fannin's men at the Battle of Coleto. It was under the banner of "God and Liberty" that the New Orleans Greys joined the Texans. It was this principle they also upheld at the Battle of San Jacinto. As Texas had no regular army, since its independence had just been declared, the armed might that beat back the Mexicans and established the Republic of Texas was strictly of the militia character--volunteers who left their homes in order that they might have protected homes to which to return. Their gallantry in defeat as well as in victory serves as one of the highest traditions which the present Texas National Guard has to uphold. Their choice of glorious death instead of ignoble defeat and surrender is an inspiration for those who don the uniform. |
There is a song for this Come and Take It: Delbert McClinton/Rusty Wier |
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Battle of Gonzales happened in Cost. I suspect I had relatives in it-don't know. Did have relatives in the runaway scape and one in the Immortal 32 Different sources are rewriting to story of the one and Take It. Locally the story is that it was a small signal canon. It was rapidly put on a carriage. The Immortal 32 tried to take it to the Alamo but the carriage failed the rewrite believes there were 2 cannons. The other was a 6 pounder and did make it to the Alamo. After the call it was moved around a bit, eventually being melted down and now is a church bell Cost has a tiny state park that has a free boat ramp. I was damn depressed the last time I went their to launch. I kept backing up but could not see the water. Eventually I got out of the truck-and damn there was no water. The damn on the River had failed the week before and the launch was now a couple hundred yards from the river. Laughted my ass off at the last miniseries about the republic of Texas. They showed the Gonzales troops on a multi hundred foot cliff looking over the mountains of Gonzales. Gonzales is essentially in a valley on the coastal plains (about 80 miles from the coast) |
My wife (native Texan) and I toured the state capital and state history museum in Austin a few weeks ago. Your state really has an amazing history. I really gained a deep appreciation for everyone who made that state into what it is. Most midwestern history is basically "this was a prairie full of indians before 1800 when the first farmers showed up, then came railroads and factories.....and thats pretty much remains to this day" Where as Texas history is like "WE HAVE BEEN FORGED IN BLOOD AND BATTLE SINCE THE FIRST SPANIARDS CAME IN 1500"  We spent two+ days in SA / NB / Austin and I really enjoyed that a great deal more than the cumulative months Ive spent in DFW/Houston. It just felt more like what I thought Texas would be like before my first visit there 8 years ago. Little bit more western and with damn good food. |
