Jump to content

Grass Fight: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 29°25′N 98°31′W / 29.41°N 98.51°W / 29.41; -98.51
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by 71.78.237.206 (talk) (HG) (3.4.9)
 
(25 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|1835 battle during the Texas Revolution}}
{{Infobox military conflict
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Grass Fight
| conflict = Grass Fight
| partof = the [[Texas Revolution]]
| partof = the [[Texas Revolution]]
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| date = November 26, 1835
| date = November 26, 1835
| place = near [[San Antonio de Béxar]]
| place = near [[San Antonio de Béxar]]
⚫
| coordinates = {{Coord|29.41|N|98.51|W|display=inline,title}}
| result = Texian victory
| result = Texian victory
| combatant1 = [[Texians|Texian]] Rebels
| combatant1 = [[Texian Army]]
| combatant2 = {{flagicon|Mexico|1823}} [[Centralist Republic of Mexico|Mexico]]
| combatant2 = [[Centralist Republic of Mexico]]
| commander1 = [[James Bowie]]<br>[[William Houston Jack|William Jack]]
| commander1 = {{plainlist|
* [[James Bowie]]
* [[William Houston Jack|William Jack]]
}}
| commander2 = Unknown
| commander2 = <br>
| strength1 = approximately 140 cavalry and infantry
| strength2 = 100–150 [[cavalry]] and [[infantry]] <br /> 1 [[cannon]]
| strength1 = ≈140 cavalry and infantry
| strength2 = 100–150 [[cavalry]] and [[infantry]]<br />1 [[cannon]]
| casualties1 = 4&nbsp;wounded<br>1&nbsp;deserted
| casualties1 = 4&nbsp;wounded<br>1&nbsp;deserted
| casualties2 = 3&nbsp;killed<br>14&nbsp;wounded<ref name=barr40/>
| casualties2 = 3&nbsp;killed<br>14&nbsp;wounded<ref name=barr40/>
}}
}}
{{campaignbox Texas Revolution}}
{{campaignbox Texas Revolution}}
The '''Grass Fight''' was a small battle during the [[Texas Revolution]], fought between the [[Mexican Army]] and the [[Texian Army]]. The battle took place on November 26, 1835, just south of [[San Antonio de Béxar]] in the [[Mexican Texas|Mexican region of Texas]]. The Texas Revolution had officially begun on October 2 and by the end of the month the Texian had initiated a [[siege of Bexar|siege of Béxar]], home of the largest Mexican garrison in the province. Bored with the inactivity, many of the Texian soldiers returned home; a smaller number of adventurers from the United States arrived to replace them. After the Texian Army rejected commander-in-chief [[Stephen F. Austin]]'s call to launch an assault on Béxar on November 22, Austin resigned from the army. The men elected [[Edward Burleson]] their new commander-in-chief.
The '''Grass Fight''' was a small battle during the [[Texas Revolution]], fought between the [[Mexican Army]] and the [[Texian Army]]. The battle took place on November 26, 1835, just south of [[San Antonio de Béxar]] in the [[Mexican Texas|Mexican region of Texas]]. The Texas Revolution had officially begun on October 2 and by the end of the month the Texians had initiated a [[siege of Bexar|siege of Béxar]], home of the largest Mexican garrison in the province. Bored with the inactivity, many of the Texian soldiers returned home; a smaller number of adventurers from the United States arrived to replace them. After the Texian Army rejected commander-in-chief [[Stephen F. Austin]]'s call to launch an assault on Béxar on November 22, Austin resigned from the army. The men elected [[Edward Burleson]] their new commander-in-chief.


On November 26, Texian scout [[Deaf Smith]] brought news of a Mexican [[pack train]], accompanied by 50–100&nbsp;soldiers, that was on its way to Bexar. The Texian camp was convinced that the pack train carried silver to pay the Mexican garrison and purchase supplies. Burleson ordered Colonel [[James Bowie]] to take 45–50 cavalry and intercept the train. An additional 100&nbsp;infantry followed. On seeing the battle commence, Mexican General [[Martín Perfecto de Cos]] sent reinforcements from Bexar. The Texians repulsed several attacks by Mexican soldiers, who finally retreated to Bexar. When the Texians examined the abandoned pack train they discovered that, instead of silver, the mules carried freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican Army horses. Four Texians were injured, and historian [[Alwyn Barr]] states that three Mexican soldiers were killed, although Bowie and Burleson initially claimed the number was much higher.
On November 26, Texian scout [[Deaf Smith]] brought news of a Mexican [[pack train]], accompanied by 50–100&nbsp;soldiers, that was on its way to Bexar. The Texian camp was convinced that the pack train carried silver to pay the Mexican garrison and purchase supplies. Burleson ordered Colonel [[James Bowie]] to take 45–50 cavalry and intercept the train. An additional 100&nbsp;infantry followed. On seeing the battle commence, Mexican General [[Martín Perfecto de Cos]] sent reinforcements from Bexar. The Texans repulsed several attacks by Mexican soldiers, who finally retreated to Bexar. When the Texians examined the abandoned pack train they discovered that, instead of silver, the mules carried freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican Army horses. Four Texians were injured, and historian [[Alwyn Barr]] states that three Mexican soldiers were killed, although Bowie and Burleson initially claimed the number was much higher.


== Background ==
== Background ==
Line 25: Line 30:
{{Further|Siege of Béxar}}
{{Further|Siege of Béxar}}
[[Image:Martin perfecto de cos.jpg|left|upright|thumb| Gen. Martín Perfecto de Cos, commander of the Álamo garrison]]
[[Image:Martin perfecto de cos.jpg|left|upright|thumb| Gen. Martín Perfecto de Cos, commander of the Álamo garrison]]
On October 2, 1835, Texas colonists<ref>[[Mexican Texas]] included the land north of the [[Medina River|Medina]] and the [[Nueces River|Nueces]] Rivers, {{convert|100|mi|km|0}} northeast of the [[Rio Grande]], west of San Antonio de Béxar, and east of the [[Sabine River (Texas-Louisiana)|Sabine River]]. According to Manchaca's ''Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans'', by 1834 an estimated 30,000 English speakers lived in Texas, compared to only 7,800 of Spanish heritage.</ref> attacked a Mexican force at the [[Battle of Gonzales]], formally launching the [[Texas Revolution]].<ref name=hardin12>Hardin (1994), p. 12.</ref> After the battle ended, disgruntled colonists continued to assemble in [[Gonzales, TX|Gonzales]], eager to put a decisive end to Mexican control over the area. On October 11 the disorganized volunteers elected [[Stephen F. Austin]], who had settled [[Old 300|the first English-speaking colonists]] in Texas, as their commander-in-chief.<ref name=barr6>Barr (1990), p. 6.</ref> Several days later Austin marched his newly created Texian Army towards San Antonio de Béxar, where General [[Martín Perfecto de Cos]], brother-in-law of Mexican president [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]], oversaw the garrison at the [[Alamo Mission|Alamo]].<ref name=barr15>Barr (1990), p. 15.</ref> In late October the Texians initiated a [[siege of Béxar]].<ref name=hardin53>Hardin (1994), p. 53.</ref>
On October 2, 1835, Texas colonists<ref>[[Mexican Texas]] included the land north of the [[Medina River|Medina]] and the [[Nueces River|Nueces]] Rivers, {{convert|100|mi|km|0}} northeast of the [[Rio Grande]], west of San Antonio de Béxar, and east of the [[Sabine River (Texas-Louisiana)|Sabine River]]. According to Manchaca's ''Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans'', by 1834 an estimated 30,000 English speakers lived in Texas, compared to only 7,800 of Spanish heritage.</ref> attacked a Mexican force at the [[Battle of Gonzales]], formally launching the [[Texas Revolution]].<ref name=hardin12>Hardin (1994), p. 12.</ref> After the battle ended, disgruntled colonists continued to assemble in [[Gonzales, TX|Gonzales]], eager to put a decisive end to Mexican control over the area. On October 11 the disorganized volunteers elected [[Stephen F. Austin]], who had settled [[Old 300|the first English-speaking colonists]] in Texas, as their commander-in-chief.<ref name=barr6>Barr (1990), p. 6.</ref> Several days later Austin marched his newly created Texian Army towards San Antonio de Béxar, where General [[Martín Perfecto de Cos]], brother-in-law of Mexican president [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]], oversaw the garrison at the [[Alamo Mission|Alamo]].<ref name="barr15">Barr (1990), p. 15.</ref> In late October the Texians initiated a [[siege of Béxar]].<ref name="hardin53">Hardin (1994), p. 53.</ref>


== Battle ==
== Battle ==
At 10:00&nbsp;a.m. on November 26, Texian scout [[Deaf Smith|Erastus "Deaf" Smith]] rode into camp to report that a [[packhorse|pack train]] of mules and horses, accompanied by 50–100&nbsp;Mexican soldiers, was within {{convert|5|mi|km}} of Béxar.<ref name=barr39>Barr (1990), p. 39.</ref><ref name=hardin64>Hardin (1994), p. 64.</ref> For several days, the Texians had heard rumors that the Mexican Army was expecting a shipment of silver and gold to pay the troops and purchase additional supplies.<ref name=todish24>Todish ''et al.'' (1998), p. 24.</ref> The Texians had been fighting without pay, and most wanted to charge from camp and loot the expected riches.<ref name=hardin64/> Burleson calmed the crowd and then ordered Colonel [[James Bowie]] to take 35–40 mounted men to investigate, but only attack if necessary. After Bowie recruited the army's 12&nbsp;best marksmen for the expedition, there was little doubt that he intended to find a reason to attack. Burleson managed to stop the entire army from following by sending Colonel William Jack with 100&nbsp;infantry to support Bowie's men.<ref name=hardin64/><ref name=edmondson237>Edmondson (2000), p. 237.</ref>
At 10:00&nbsp;a.m. on November 26, Texian scout [[Deaf Smith|Erastus "Deaf" Smith]] rode into camp to report that a [[packhorse|pack train]] of mules and horses and donkeys, accompanied by 50–100&nbsp;Mexican soldiers, was within {{convert|5|mi|km}} of Béxar.<ref name=barr39>Barr (1990), p. 39.</ref><ref name=hardin64>Hardin (1994), p. 64.</ref> For several days, the Texians had heard rumors that the Mexican Army was expecting a shipment of silver and gold to pay the troops and purchase additional supplies.<ref name=todish24>Todish ''et al.'' (1998), p. 24.</ref> The Texians had been fighting without pay, and most wanted to charge from camp and loot the expected riches.<ref name=hardin64/> Burleson calmed the crowd and then ordered Colonel [[James Bowie]] to take 35–40 mounted men to investigate, but only attack if necessary. After Bowie recruited the army's 12&nbsp;best marksmen for the expedition, there was little doubt that he intended to find a reason to attack. Burleson managed to stop the entire army from following by sending Colonel William Jack with 100&nbsp;infantry to support Bowie's men.<ref name=hardin64/><ref name=edmondson237>Edmondson (2000), p. 237.</ref>


[[Image:Jimbowie.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Colonel [[James Bowie]] led the Texian cavalry during the Grass Fight]]
[[Image:Jimbowie.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Colonel [[James Bowie]] led the Texian cavalry during the Grass Fight]]
About {{convert|1|mi|km}} from Béxar, Bowie and his men spotted the Mexican soldiers crossing a dry ravine.<ref name=barr39/> This was likely near the confluence of the Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro Creeks.<ref name=groneman39>Groneman (1998), p. 39.</ref> Bowie's men charged the Mexican party, scattering the mules.<ref name=edmondson237/> The mounted forces briefly exchanged fire, and then both sides dismounted and took cover in dry streambeds. The Mexican forces counterattacked but were repulsed.<ref name=barr39/> In Béxar, General Cos saw the battle begin and sent 50&nbsp;infantry and 1&nbsp;cannon to provide cover so the cavalry could retreat to town.<ref name=barr39/> The Texian infantry also heard the initial shots and rushed toward the battle, at one point wading through waist-deep water. They approached the battlefield during a lull. The lack of noise made it difficult for them to ascertain where the Mexican troops were, and the Texians were surprised to find themselves between the Mexican cavalry and infantry. As the Mexican troops began firing, the Texian infantry troops dropped to the ground. Colonel [[Thomas Rusk]] led a group of 15 in an attack on the nearest Mexican cavalry; as those cavalrymen fled the Texian infantry was able to scramble to cover.<ref name=barr39/>
About {{convert|1|mi|km}} from Béxar, Bowie and his men spotted the Mexican soldiers crossing a dry ravine.<ref name=barr39/> This was likely near the confluence of the Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro Creeks.<ref name=groneman39>Groneman (1998), p. 39.</ref> Bowie's men charged the Mexican party, scattering the mules.<ref name=edmondson237/> The mounted forces briefly exchanged fire, and then both sides dismounted and took cover in dry streambeds. The Mexican forces counterattacked but were repulsed.<ref name=barr39/> In Béxar, General Cos saw the battle begin and sent 50&nbsp;infantry and 1&nbsp;cannon to provide cover so the cavalry could retreat to town.<ref name=barr39/> The Texian infantry also heard the initial shots and rushed toward the battle, at one point wading through waist-deep water. They approached the battlefield during a lull. The lack of noise made it difficult for them to ascertain where the Mexican troops were, and the Texians were surprised to find themselves between the Mexican cavalry and infantry. As the Mexican troops began firing, the Texian infantry troops dropped to the ground. Colonel [[Thomas Rusk]] led a group of 15 in an attack on the nearest Mexican cavalry; as those cavalrymen fled the Texian infantry was able to scramble to cover.<ref name=barr39/>


The Texian cavalry joined their infantrymen.<ref name=barr39/> Burleson's father, James Burleson, led a cavalry advance on the Mexican position, yelling, "Boys, we have but once to die, they are here in the ditch. Charge them!"<ref name=barr40>Barr (1990), p. 40.</ref> The Mexican artillery fired three times, driving the Texians back. Three times the Mexican cavalry attempted to take a small rise to give the artillery better position; they were repulsed. The Mexican infantry then attacked. Rusk wrote of the Mexican attack: "These men advanced with great coolness and bravery under a destructive fire from our men, preserving&nbsp;... strict order and exhibiting no confusion."<ref name=barr40/> The infantry abandoned their charge when they realized that Texian James Swisher had led a band of cavalry to try to take the Mexican cannon.<ref name=barr40/> The Mexican forces then withdrew towards Béxar.<ref name=edmondson237/>
The Texian cavalry joined their infantrymen.<ref name=barr39/> Burleson's father, James Burleson, led a cavalry advance on the Mexican position, yelling, "Boys, we have but once to die, they are here in the ditch. Charge them!"<ref name=barr40>Barr (1990), p. 40.</ref> The Mexican artillery fired three times, driving the Texians back. Three times the Mexican cavalry attempted to take a small rise to give the artillery better position; they were repulsed. The Mexican infantry then attacked. Rusk wrote of the Mexican attack: "These men advanced with great coolness and bravery under a destructive fire from our men, preserving&nbsp;... strict order and exhibiting no confusion."<ref name=barr40/> The infantry abandoned their charge when they realized that Texian James Swisher had led a band of cavalry to try to take the Mexican cannon.<ref name=barr40/> The Mexican forces then withdrew towards Béxar.<ref name=edmondson237/>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
[[Image:ThomasJeffersonRusk.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Colonel [[Thomas Rusk]] participated in the Grass Fight]]
[[Image:ThomasJeffersonRusk.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Colonel [[Thomas Rusk]] participated in the Grass Fight]]
Four&nbsp;Texians were wounded in the fighting, and one soldier deserted during the battle.<ref name=barr40/><ref name=edmondson238>Edmondson (2000), p. 238.</ref> In his reports, Burleson claimed that 15&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed and 7&nbsp;wounded,<ref name=edmondson238/> while Bowie claimed that 60&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed.<ref name=hardin66>Hardin (1994), p. 66.</ref> In his book ''Texans in Revolt: the Battle for San Antonio, 1835'', historian Alwyn Barr stated that only 3&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed and 14&nbsp;wounded; most of the casualties were from the cavalry companies.<ref name=barr40/> Burleson praised all of his officers for their conduct; Bowie received the most mention.<ref name=edmondson238/>
Four&nbsp;Texians were wounded in the fighting, and one soldier deserted during the battle.<ref name=barr40/><ref name=edmondson238>Edmondson (2000), p. 238.</ref> In his reports, Burleson claimed that 15&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed and 7&nbsp;wounded,<ref name=edmondson238/> while Bowie claimed that 60&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed.<ref name=hardin66>Hardin (1994), p. 66.</ref> In his book ''Texans in Revolt: the Battle for San Antonio, 1835'', historian Alwyn Barr stated that only 3&nbsp;Mexican soldiers had been killed and 14&nbsp;wounded; most of the casualties were from the cavalry companies.<ref name=barr40/> Burleson praised all of his officers for their conduct; Bowie received the most mention.<ref name=edmondson238/>


The Texians captured 40&nbsp;horses and mules.<ref name=barr40/> To their surprise, the saddlebags did not contain [[bullion]]. Instead, the mules had been carrying freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican horses trapped in Béxar; this prize gave the battle its name.<ref name=edmondson238/> Although the engagement, which historian J.&nbsp;R.&nbsp;Edmondson termed a "ludicrous affair", did not yield valuable plunder, it did serve to unite the Texian Army. Days before, the army had been bitterly divided and unwilling to risk a prolonged siege or assault. With their success at the Grass Fight, however, the Texian soldiers began to believe that, although outnumbered, they could prevail over the Béxar garrison.<ref name=edmondson238/> The Texians believed that Cos must have been desperate to send troops outside of the safety of Béxar.<ref name=hardin66/>
The Texians captured 40&nbsp;horses and mules.<ref name=barr40/> To their surprise, the saddlebags did not contain [[bullion]]. Instead, the mules had been carrying freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican horses trapped in Béxar; this prize gave the battle its name.<ref name=edmondson238/> Although the engagement, which historian J.&nbsp;R.&nbsp;Edmondson termed a "ludicrous affair", did not yield valuable plunder, it did serve to unite the Texian Army. Days before, the army had been bitterly divided and unwilling to risk a prolonged siege or assault. With their success at the Grass Fight, however, the Texian soldiers began to believe that, although outnumbered, they could prevail over the Béxar garrison.<ref name=edmondson238/> The Texians believed that Cos must have been desperate to send troops outside of the safety of Béxar.<ref name=hardin66/>


Several days later, on December&nbsp;1, a handful of Americans in Béxar convinced Cos to allow them free passage from the city. Although they had promised to leave the country, the men, including [[Samuel Maverick]],<ref name=barr41>Barr (1990, p. 41.</ref> instead joined the Texian Army and provided information about the Mexican defenses and the low morale within the town. Buoyed by their Grass Fight victory, on December 5 the Texians launched an attack on Béxar;<ref name=barr42>Barr (1990, p. 42.</ref> Cos surrendered on December 9.<ref name=barr56>Barr (1990), p. 56.</ref> As a condition of their [[parole#Prisoners of war|parole]], the Mexican troops were forced to leave the province, leaving the Texas colonists in full control.<ref name=barr64>Barr (1990), p. 64.</ref>
Several days later, on December&nbsp;1, a handful of Americans in Béxar convinced Cos to allow them free passage from the city. Although they had promised to leave the country, the men, including [[Samuel Maverick]],<ref name=barr41>Barr (1990), p. 41.</ref> instead joined the Texian Army and provided information about the Mexican defenses and the low morale within the town. Buoyed by their Grass Fight victory, on December 5 the Texians launched an attack on Béxar;<ref name=barr42>Barr (1990), p. 42.</ref> Cos surrendered on December 9.<ref name=barr56>Barr (1990), p. 56.</ref> As a condition of their [[parole#Prisoners of war|parole]], the Mexican troops were forced to leave the province, leaving the Texas colonists in full control.<ref name=barr64>Barr (1990), p. 64.</ref>
<!--There is a [[Texas Historical Commission]] marker commemorating the battle at IH 35 Frontage Road, near the former [[Union Stock Yards (San Antonio, Texas)|Union Stock Yards]] in San Antonio.<ref>{{citation|url=http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/common/viewform.asp?atlas_num=5507013358&site_name=The%20Grass%20Fight&class=5000 |title=The Grass Fight: Marker Number: 13358|publisher=Texas Historical Commission|accessdate=October 11, 2008}}</ref>
<!--There is a [[Texas Historical Commission]] marker commemorating the battle at IH 35 Frontage Road, near the former [[Union Stock Yards (San Antonio, Texas)|Union Stock Yards]] in San Antonio.<ref>{{citation |url=http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/common/viewform.asp?atlas_num=5507013358&site_name=The%20Grass%20Fight&class=5000 |title=The Grass Fight: Marker Number: 13358 |publisher=Texas Historical Commission |access-date=October 11, 2008}}</ref>
-->
-->


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Texas}}
{{Portal|Texas}}
*[[List of Texas Revolution battles]]
* [[List of Texas Revolution battles]]
*[[Timeline of the Texas Revolution]]
* [[Timeline of the Texas Revolution]]


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
Line 54: Line 59:


==References==
==References==
*{{cite book|last= Barr |first= Alwyn | authorlink=Alwyn Barr|title =Texans in Revolt: The Battle for San Antonio, 1835 |publisher= University of Texas Press |place= Austin, TX|year= 1990|isbn= 978-0-292-77042-3 }}
* {{cite book |last=Barr |first=Alwyn |author-link=Alwyn Barr |title=Texans in Revolt: The Battle for San Antonio, 1835 |publisher=[[University of Texas Press]] |place=Austin, TX |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-292-77042-3}}
*{{cite book|last=Edmondson|first=J.R.|title=The Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts|publisher=Republic of Texas Press |place=Plano, TX|isbn= 978-0-585-24106-7|year= 2000}}
* {{cite book |last=Edmondson |first=J.R. |title=The Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts |publisher=Republic of Texas Press |place=Plano, TX |isbn=978-0-585-24106-7 |year=2000}}
*{{cite book|last=Groneman|first=Bill|title=Battlefields of Texas |publisher=Republic of Texas Press |place= Plano, TX |year= 1998 |isbn= 978-1-55622-571-0 }}
* {{cite book |last=Groneman |first=Bill |title=Battlefields of Texas |publisher=Republic of Texas Press |place=Plano, TX |year=1998 |isbn=978-1-55622-571-0}}
*{{cite book|last=Hardin|first=Stephen L.|authorlink=Stephen L. Hardin|year=1994|publisher=University of Texas Press|place=Austin, TX|title=Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution|isbn=978-0-292-73102-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/ravenbiographyof00jame}}
* {{cite book |last=Hardin |first=Stephen L. |author-link=Stephen L. Hardin |year=1994 |publisher=University of Texas Press |place=Austin, TX |title=Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution |isbn=978-0-292-73102-8 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/ravenbiographyof00jame}}
*{{cite book|last= Manchaca|first= Martha|title=Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans|series=The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Series in Latin American and Latino Art and Culture|publisher=University of Texas Press |place= Austin, TX |year= 2001 |isbn= 978-0-292-75254-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Manchaca |first=Martha |title=Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans |series=The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Series in Latin American and Latino Art and Culture |publisher=University of Texas Press |place=Austin, TX |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-292-75254-2}}
*{{cite book|last1= Todish |first1= Timothy J. |last2= Todish |first2= Terry |last3= Spring |first3= Ted |title= Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution |publisher= Eakin Press |year=1998 |place= Austin, TX |isbn= 978-1-57168-152-2 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Todish |first1=Timothy J. |last2=Todish |first2=Terry |last3=Spring |first3=Ted |title=Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution |publisher=Eakin Press |year=1998 |place=Austin, TX |isbn=978-1-57168-152-2}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 67: Line 72:
{{Featured article}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Texas}}
{{Texas}}
⚫
{{Coord|29|25|N|98|30|W|display=title|name=San Antonio}}


[[Category:Battles of the Texas Revolution]]
[[Category:Battles of the Texas Revolution]]
Line 73: Line 77:
[[Category:1835 in Texas]]
[[Category:1835 in Texas]]
[[Category:November 1835 events]]
[[Category:November 1835 events]]
[[Category:Military history of San Antonio]]

Latest revision as of 16:40, 27 February 2024

Grass Fight
Part of the Texas Revolution
DateNovember 26, 1835
Location
near San Antonio de Béxar
29°25′N 98°31′W / 29.41°N 98.51°W / 29.41; -98.51
Result Texian victory
Belligerents
Texian Army Centralist Republic of Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Strength
≈140 cavalry and infantry 100–150 cavalry and infantry
1 cannon
Casualties and losses
4 wounded
1 deserted		 3 killed
14 wounded[1]

The Grass Fight was a small battle during the Texas Revolution, fought between the Mexican Army and the Texian Army. The battle took place on November 26, 1835, just south of San Antonio de Béxar in the Mexican region of Texas. The Texas Revolution had officially begun on October 2 and by the end of the month the Texians had initiated a siege of Béxar, home of the largest Mexican garrison in the province. Bored with the inactivity, many of the Texian soldiers returned home; a smaller number of adventurers from the United States arrived to replace them. After the Texian Army rejected commander-in-chief Stephen F. Austin's call to launch an assault on Béxar on November 22, Austin resigned from the army. The men elected Edward Burleson their new commander-in-chief.

On November 26, Texian scout Deaf Smith brought news of a Mexican pack train, accompanied by 50–100 soldiers, that was on its way to Bexar. The Texian camp was convinced that the pack train carried silver to pay the Mexican garrison and purchase supplies. Burleson ordered Colonel James Bowie to take 45–50 cavalry and intercept the train. An additional 100 infantry followed. On seeing the battle commence, Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cos sent reinforcements from Bexar. The Texans repulsed several attacks by Mexican soldiers, who finally retreated to Bexar. When the Texians examined the abandoned pack train they discovered that, instead of silver, the mules carried freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican Army horses. Four Texians were injured, and historian Alwyn Barr states that three Mexican soldiers were killed, although Bowie and Burleson initially claimed the number was much higher.

Background

[edit]
Main articles: Mexican Texas and Texas Revolution
Further information: Siege of Béxar
Gen. Martín Perfecto de Cos, commander of the Álamo garrison

On October 2, 1835, Texas colonists[2] attacked a Mexican force at the Battle of Gonzales, formally launching the Texas Revolution.[3] After the battle ended, disgruntled colonists continued to assemble in Gonzales, eager to put a decisive end to Mexican control over the area. On October 11 the disorganized volunteers elected Stephen F. Austin, who had settled the first English-speaking colonists in Texas, as their commander-in-chief.[4] Several days later Austin marched his newly created Texian Army towards San Antonio de Béxar, where General Martín Perfecto de Cos, brother-in-law of Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna, oversaw the garrison at the Alamo.[5] In late October the Texians initiated a siege of Béxar.[6]

Battle

[edit]

At 10:00 a.m. on November 26, Texian scout Erastus "Deaf" Smith rode into camp to report that a pack train of mules and horses and donkeys, accompanied by 50–100 Mexican soldiers, was within 5 miles (8.0 km) of Béxar.[7][8] For several days, the Texians had heard rumors that the Mexican Army was expecting a shipment of silver and gold to pay the troops and purchase additional supplies.[9] The Texians had been fighting without pay, and most wanted to charge from camp and loot the expected riches.[8] Burleson calmed the crowd and then ordered Colonel James Bowie to take 35–40 mounted men to investigate, but only attack if necessary. After Bowie recruited the army's 12 best marksmen for the expedition, there was little doubt that he intended to find a reason to attack. Burleson managed to stop the entire army from following by sending Colonel William Jack with 100 infantry to support Bowie's men.[8][10]

Colonel James Bowie led the Texian cavalry during the Grass Fight

About 1 mile (1.6 km) from Béxar, Bowie and his men spotted the Mexican soldiers crossing a dry ravine.[7] This was likely near the confluence of the Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro Creeks.[11] Bowie's men charged the Mexican party, scattering the mules.[10] The mounted forces briefly exchanged fire, and then both sides dismounted and took cover in dry streambeds. The Mexican forces counterattacked but were repulsed.[7] In Béxar, General Cos saw the battle begin and sent 50 infantry and 1 cannon to provide cover so the cavalry could retreat to town.[7] The Texian infantry also heard the initial shots and rushed toward the battle, at one point wading through waist-deep water. They approached the battlefield during a lull. The lack of noise made it difficult for them to ascertain where the Mexican troops were, and the Texians were surprised to find themselves between the Mexican cavalry and infantry. As the Mexican troops began firing, the Texian infantry troops dropped to the ground. Colonel Thomas Rusk led a group of 15 in an attack on the nearest Mexican cavalry; as those cavalrymen fled the Texian infantry was able to scramble to cover.[7]

The Texian cavalry joined their infantrymen.[7] Burleson's father, James Burleson, led a cavalry advance on the Mexican position, yelling, "Boys, we have but once to die, they are here in the ditch. Charge them!"[1] The Mexican artillery fired three times, driving the Texians back. Three times the Mexican cavalry attempted to take a small rise to give the artillery better position; they were repulsed. The Mexican infantry then attacked. Rusk wrote of the Mexican attack: "These men advanced with great coolness and bravery under a destructive fire from our men, preserving ... strict order and exhibiting no confusion."[1] The infantry abandoned their charge when they realized that Texian James Swisher had led a band of cavalry to try to take the Mexican cannon.[1] The Mexican forces then withdrew towards Béxar.[10]

Aftermath

[edit]
Colonel Thomas Rusk participated in the Grass Fight

Four Texians were wounded in the fighting, and one soldier deserted during the battle.[1][12] In his reports, Burleson claimed that 15 Mexican soldiers had been killed and 7 wounded,[12] while Bowie claimed that 60 Mexican soldiers had been killed.[13] In his book Texans in Revolt: the Battle for San Antonio, 1835, historian Alwyn Barr stated that only 3 Mexican soldiers had been killed and 14 wounded; most of the casualties were from the cavalry companies.[1] Burleson praised all of his officers for their conduct; Bowie received the most mention.[12]

The Texians captured 40 horses and mules.[1] To their surprise, the saddlebags did not contain bullion. Instead, the mules had been carrying freshly cut grass to feed the Mexican horses trapped in Béxar; this prize gave the battle its name.[12] Although the engagement, which historian J. R. Edmondson termed a "ludicrous affair", did not yield valuable plunder, it did serve to unite the Texian Army. Days before, the army had been bitterly divided and unwilling to risk a prolonged siege or assault. With their success at the Grass Fight, however, the Texian soldiers began to believe that, although outnumbered, they could prevail over the Béxar garrison.[12] The Texians believed that Cos must have been desperate to send troops outside of the safety of Béxar.[13]

Several days later, on December 1, a handful of Americans in Béxar convinced Cos to allow them free passage from the city. Although they had promised to leave the country, the men, including Samuel Maverick,[14] instead joined the Texian Army and provided information about the Mexican defenses and the low morale within the town. Buoyed by their Grass Fight victory, on December 5 the Texians launched an attack on Béxar;[15] Cos surrendered on December 9.[16] As a condition of their parole, the Mexican troops were forced to leave the province, leaving the Texas colonists in full control.[17]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Barr (1990), p. 40.
  2. ^ Mexican Texas included the land north of the Medina and the Nueces Rivers, 100 miles (161 km) northeast of the Rio Grande, west of San Antonio de Béxar, and east of the Sabine River. According to Manchaca's Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans, by 1834 an estimated 30,000 English speakers lived in Texas, compared to only 7,800 of Spanish heritage.
  3. ^ Hardin (1994), p. 12.
  4. ^ Barr (1990), p. 6.
  5. ^ Barr (1990), p. 15.
  6. ^ Hardin (1994), p. 53.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Barr (1990), p. 39.
  8. ^ a b c Hardin (1994), p. 64.
  9. ^ Todish et al. (1998), p. 24.
  10. ^ a b c Edmondson (2000), p. 237.
  11. ^ Groneman (1998), p. 39.
  12. ^ a b c d e Edmondson (2000), p. 238.
  13. ^ a b Hardin (1994), p. 66.
  14. ^ Barr (1990), p. 41.
  15. ^ Barr (1990), p. 42.
  16. ^ Barr (1990), p. 56.
  17. ^ Barr (1990), p. 64.

References

[edit]
  • Barr, Alwyn (1990). Texans in Revolt: The Battle for San Antonio, 1835. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. ISBN 978-0-292-77042-3.
  • Edmondson, J.R. (2000). The Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts. Plano, TX: Republic of Texas Press. ISBN 978-0-585-24106-7.
  • Groneman, Bill (1998). Battlefields of Texas. Plano, TX: Republic of Texas Press. ISBN 978-1-55622-571-0.
  • Hardin, Stephen L. (1994). Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. ISBN 978-0-292-73102-8.
  • Manchaca, Martha (2001). Recovering History, Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans. The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Series in Latin American and Latino Art and Culture. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. ISBN 978-0-292-75254-2.
  • Todish, Timothy J.; Todish, Terry; Spring, Ted (1998). Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. Austin, TX: Eakin Press. ISBN 978-1-57168-152-2.
[edit]
  • A letter from William H. Jack to Edward Burleson (November 27, 1835) describing the battle, from the Texas State Library and Archives website.
  • The Narrative of Robert Hancock Hunter [1] (1860), describing the battle, from Texas A & M University website.
  • The Pension Petition of Julian Dias (Diaz) [2] 1874, 28 November, describing the battle, from Texas A & M University website.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grass_Fight&oldid=1210641122"