From the Battle of Gonzalez to the Convention of 1836
The Texas Revolution started with the Battle of Gonzalez on October 2,1835. In 1831, residents of the small town of Gonzalez were given a cannon by the Mexicans. However, when unrest begin, Mexican Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, who commanded all Mexican troops in Texas, ordered his soldiers to take back the cannon. When the Mexican soldiers came to take it back however, the Texans put up a stiff defense and after a skirmish, the Mexicans left. This was just the start of the Texan fight for independence. Next, about 120 Texan soldiers captured the garrison at Goliad in a 30 minute battle. Now, the only major Mexican force remaining in Texas was General Cos at San Antonio. Stephen F. Austin took command of the 300 troops who had assembled at Gonzalez. These troops were called the Army of the People. As the Texans marched towards San Antonio, about 100 more men joined their ranks, making 400 total troops. However, this still seemed small compared to the 750 troops under the command of General Cos. Finally, the troops reached San Antonio. After a 3 day battle, the Texans captured General Cos and the Alamo (a mission). Their victory was bolstered by brave men such as Ben Milam and Frank W. Johnson. Milam led 300 troops into battle but was killed on the 3rd day. Johnson finally took the city. Suddenly, the hopes and dreams of the Texans had been bolstered. In February 1836, Santa Anna marched into Texas and finally reached the San Antonio and the Alamo on February 23, 1836. Meanwhile, the Convention of 1836 was held and George C. Childress wrote the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted unanimously on March 2, 1836. Next, the delegates at the Convention wrote a Constitution and set up an ad interim or temporary government. David G. Burnet was chosen to be ad interim president.