The Siege of Bexar

Originally the army in the field served under Stephen F. Austin, popularly elected as commander in chief. Success on the battlefield led to his demanding surrender of General Martin Perfecto de Cos, the Mexican commander and brother-in-law of President Santa Anna. The demand was refused in words echoing the later defiance by Travis: "he would defend the place until he died, if he had only ten men left with him—" By mid-November, however, Austin had been sent as one of three commissioners to the United States, charged with obtaining recognition and support from other governments. The army was running low on supplies, and the various commanders were divided in their desire to take Bexar

Ben Milam

Ben Milam's Passport

Edward Burleson proposed withdrawing to Goliad for the winter. However, new intelligence brought a change in plans and a decision to enter the town. Benjamin R. Milam and Francis W. Johnson, with some 300 volunteers, entered Bexar before dawn on December 5, while Burleson and another 400 men scouted, protected the Texan supply line, and forced Cos to divide his forces between the town and the Alamo.

Milam was killed by a sniper bullet on December 7, but the conflict continued from house to house until December 9, when General Cos, at last, asked for surrender terms. The capitulation was signed on December 11, 1835. Cos and his men were allowed to return to Mexico with the understanding that none would return to fight against the Texans. The retreat effectively removed the last Mexican soldiers garrisoned in Texas. Most of the volunteers returned to their homes, convinced that the war was over. General Cos later was captured at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Edward Burleson

Letter from Milam and Burleson to the president of the Provisional Government

 

List of the Texan wounded

Surrender terms signed by General Cos and Burleson

 

Map of the Siege of Bexar (click for full size version)

 

Related Topics from Texas Treasures:
First-Hand Account: Joseph Lopez