Battle of the Alamo

battle_name=Battle of the Alamo

Siege of San Antonio de Béxar

On December 11, 1835, after his defeat in what would be called the Siege of Béxar, Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos was forced to surrender his garrison of 1,100 at San Antonio de Béxar in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. After nearly twenty hours of negotiations with the Texian commander, Edward Burleson, it was agreed that Cos would be permitted to withdraw his troops across the Rio Grande river upon their pledge of support for the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and not to bear arms in Texas again. All Mexican soldiers were allowed to retain their private property and personal arms as well. But, as part of the terms of the agreement, Cos was also forced to surrender the public property of Béxar; 500 muskets, 21 pieces of artillery, military supplies and the ammunition stocks in the town. Upon taking control, Burleson began strengthening the Alamo mission and its outbuildings.

Related Topics:
December 11 - 1835 - Siege of Béxar - General - Martín Perfecto de Cos - Garrison - Coahuila y Tejas - Edward Burleson - Rio Grande river - Mexican Constitution of 1824 - Musket - Artillery - Ammunition

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Burleson had taken over command from Stephen F. Austin, who had been sent on a diplomatic mission to the United States. The Texian forces who had re-fortified the Alamo were volunteer (war duration or two years) soldiers and regulars (two year service) of the Provisional Government, led by Governor Henry Smith. Sam Houston was to be the major general and commander-in-chief under the authority of the governor. The Provisional Government was often at odds with Smith and the two sides clashed over politics and indecision. A disastrous expedition by the Texian Army to Matamoros resulted in Smith being voted out of office and replaced with Lieutenant Governor James Robinson.

Related Topics:
Stephen F. Austin - United States - Soldier - Governor - Henry Smith - Sam Houston - Major general - Matamoros - Lieutenant Governor - James Robinson

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A new force was subsequently dispatched to San Antonio to garrison the Alamo, which protected the road farthest northeast into Texas. Any approaching Mexican force would not be able to use this road without investing and taking the fortress. Although the old mission was not designed for military purposes, the Texian militia and regulars under Green B. Jameson re-fortified the post and mounted 18 cannon of different calibers, including an 18-pounder (8 kg) that faced the city of San Antonio de Béxar. All together, this was the greatest concentration of cannons at one place west of the Mississippi River.

Related Topics:
Militia - Cannon - Mississippi River

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