Ch 11 Notes

“Independence Won”

Independence at San Jacinto

After the Mexican victory at San Antonio, Santa Anna believed the Texas rebellion was over.

However, Sam Houston knew it was not over. He had to train and build up his army before he could be ready to face Mexican troops in battle.

Retreat of Houston’s ArmyWhen Sam Houston learned about the Texan defeat at the Alamo, he ordered a retreat eastward toward the Colorado River. His troops numbered fewer that 400, and they were untrained. While Houston trained his soldiers, he was able to recruit more volunteers and his army now had nearly 1,000 soldiers.

Houston had ordered Fannin’s troops to join him, but they never showed up. He soon learned of their terrible fate. Houston retreated again to the Brazos River.

Houston Fannin

“The Runaway Scrape”

People living in the area between the Colorado and Brazos rivers panicked. They thought they would be harmed by the advancing Mexican army, so they gathered what belongings they could and fled toward the Sabine River.

Houston trains his army…Houston retreated further to Groce’s Plantation on the Brazos River and spent nearly 2 weeks there training his troops.Some men got angry because they were ready to fight, not train.

“The enemy are laughing you to scorn. You must fight them. You must retreat no farther. The country expects you to fight. The salvation of the country depends on you doing so.”

Even David G. Burnet sent a letter to Houston, asking him to attack.

Houston refused to move his troops until he was ready.

Hendrick Arnold, a free African American, posed as a slave to scout out information about the Mexican Army’s plans.

The Mexican Army AdvancesMeanwhile, Santa Anna’s army advances across the Colorado River and on to the Brazos River. The government kept moving its headquarters from Harrisburg to New Washington and on to Galveston Island. Houston moved south eastward to the San Jacinto River.

At Groce’s Landing, Houston received 2 six pound cannons ---named the “Twin Sisters” --- from the people of Cincinnati, Ohio.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1QBH

Victory at San Jacinto 11-2

The Eve of the Battle

Santa Anna didnot think the Texans

would attack, butonly fight defensively

as they had at SanAntonio and Goliad.

--The Day of the Battle--

Most of General Cos’ men were

inexperienced. Santa Anna did not

post enough guards around the

Mexican camp. Santa Anna

allowed his men to eat and rest,

and he himself retired to his tent.

“Remember the Alamo” On the afternoon of

April 21, 1836, while Santa Anna and his troops rested. Sam Houston and his men attacked. They were upon the enemy camp before the Mexicans knew an attack was under way.

They cried “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad.” The battle only lasted 18 minutes! However, until dark, Texans continued to chase down Mexican Soldiers who fled and killed them.

Losses at San Jacinto

Fewer that 10 Texans were killed at San Jacinto, and about 30 were injured, including

Sam Houston who was shot in the ankle.

About 630 Mexicans were killed and 730 were taken prisoner. Santa Anna was one of the

prisoners.

Santa Anna had tried to run away into the tall grass during the fighting, and was dressed as a common soldier. He was taken to see Sam Houston and introduced himself as “General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna….a prisoner of war at your disposition.”

Santa Anna blamed his loss at San Jacinto on having too many new recruits who were tired and hungry.

Treaties of VelascoSanta Anna signed two treaties at Velasco. In the one made public, he promised never again to fight against the Texans. In the Secret Treaty, he promised to work for Mexican recognition of Texas Independence.

Santa Anna was held in a Texas prison for several months, then allowed to return to Mexico, although many Texans wanted him executed.

Imprisonment of Santa Anna

The meaning of San Jacinto

The victory at San Jacinto meant that the Texans had won their independence from Mexico.

Texas was now a republic --- a country!