The Republic Times
March 24th, 2016
Exclusive Issue!
What Caused Such a War, and Why Was There Panic in Austin?
Angelina Eberly
Sam Houston
Remembering Angelina Eberly
The War Itself
Aftermath of the Battle
About 6 months later, Mexican troops returned. Led by General Adrian Woll, the army overpowered San Antonio. Texans sent their own militia to defeat the Mexicans and succeeded. They were able to attack the Mexican troop near Salado Creek. Although the men returned to Mexico, they took Texan captives with them. This attack resulted in the Mier Expedition.
Texans were furious with the attack at San Antonio and declared war. The purpose of the expedition was clear- Texas wanted its men back. President Houston sent General Alexander Somervell and approximately 750 soldiers to the Rio Grande to get to Mexico. As they approached their destination, it soon became apparent to General Somervell that they did not have enough materials nor men to go on with the expedition. He requested the retreat of his men, but only about 450 did as he said. The Texans were commanded to get supplies in Mexico and went to the small town of Mier. They were promised that materials would be delivered shortly, but were never given them. Our men decided to attack the town, but found 900 Mexican soldiers waiting for them. The fight ultimately ended with the surrender of Texas' army and they were captured by Mexico. They were headed to Mexico City, where they would be imprisoned. About 2/3 of the captured men escaped, but died of hunger and thirst or were caught again. Once in Mexico City, the men's lives depended on which bean- yes, bean- they picked from a jar. There were only 18 survivors and peace was soon restored between Mexico and Texas thanks to the help of France and Great Britain.
City of Austin Weekly History Meeting
Friday, Mar 25, 2016, 06:30 PM
Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX, United States
What Did Angelina and Sam Have to Say?
-Sam Houston on The Archives War
"I feel as though I did much to help. Who knows where our capital may lie if those documents were brought to Houston? The voices of the Texan people need to be heard. The event does not reflect my personal views on Sam Houston as a president, leader, or person. I respect him and our government, but the papers were not to be moved if we wanted to keep a secure republic."
-Angelina Eberly on the The Archives War