The Battle of San Antonio, also known as the Siege of Bexar, was a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. The city of San Antonio was a strategic location for both the Texans and the Mexican army.
The Texans, led by Ben Milam, had to decide whether to risk everything and launch an attack on the heavily fortified city. This article will explore the events leading up to the Battle of San Antonio and the brave men who followed Old Ben Milam into battle.
The Background of the Battle
In 1835, the Texan Revolution was in full swing. The Texans had already won a few battles, but the Mexican army was still occupying San Antonio, which was a crucial location for both sides. The Texans needed to capture the city to control the region, while the Mexican army wanted to keep the Texans from gaining ground.
Ben Milam, a veteran of the War of 1812, was one of the most respected leaders among the Texans. He saw an opportunity to attack San Antonio and take control of the city. However, the Texans were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. They needed brave men who were willing to fight for their freedom.
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Milam’s Call to Action
On December 5, 1835, Ben Milam stood before a group of Texans who were camped outside of San Antonio. He delivered one of the most famous speeches in Texas history, known as “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”
In his speech, Milam declared that they had a chance to capture the city if they were willing to fight for it. He asked for volunteers to join him and promised them a share of the spoils of war if they were successful. Milam’s speech ignited a fire in the hearts of the Texans, and hundreds of men volunteered to join him.
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The Volunteers
The men who volunteered to follow Ben Milam into battle were a diverse group. They came from all over Texas and represented different backgrounds and occupations. Some were farmers, some were merchants, and others were skilled tradesmen.
One of the most famous volunteers was James Bowie, who would later become known for his famous Bowie knife. Bowie was a larger-than-life figure who had already gained a reputation for his bravery in battle. He was one of the first men to volunteer to follow Milam into San Antonio.
Another notable volunteer was William Barret Travis, who would later become the commander of the Alamo. Travis was a lawyer and had recently moved to Texas from Alabama. He was also one of the first men to volunteer for Milam’s mission.
The Siege of Bexar
After gathering his volunteers, Ben Milam launched an attack on San Antonio on December 7, 1835. The Texans were outnumbered, but they fought bravely. They used guerrilla tactics to harass the Mexican army and slowly advanced towards the city.
The battle was intense and lasted for several days. The Texans suffered heavy casualties, but they refused to give up. They eventually managed to breach the walls of the city and entered the town square.
However, Ben Milam was shot and killed during the final assault. His death was a blow to the morale of the Texans, but they continued to fight. They eventually forced the Mexican army to surrender, and the Texans took control of the city.
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The Aftermath
The Battle of San Antonio was a significant victory for the Texans. It gave them control of the region and boosted their morale. However, the battle also had a lasting impact on the men who fought in it.
Many of the volunteers who fought under Ben Milam went on to become leaders in the Texas Revolution. Jim Bowie and William Barret Travis would both die at the Alamo, fighting for their freedom. Others , like Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, would become legends in Texas history.
The Battle of San Antonio also solidified the reputation of the Texans as a formidable fighting force. It showed that they were willing to risk everything to achieve their freedom and that they were not to be underestimated.
The Legacy of Ben Milam
Ben Milam’s legacy lives on in Texas history. He was a brave leader who inspired men to fight for their freedom. His famous speech, “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” is still remembered today as a symbol of courage and bravery.
Milam’s death during the final assault on San Antonio was a tragic loss for the Texans. However, his sacrifice inspired his men to continue fighting, and they eventually emerged victorious.
Conclusion
The Battle of San Antonio was a pivotal moment in Texas history. Ben Milam’s call to action inspired hundreds of men to follow him into battle, and their bravery and determination led to a significant victory for the Texans.
The volunteers who fought under Milam’s leadership would go on to become some of the most famous figures in Texas history. Their sacrifice and bravery helped shape the state and inspire future generations of Texans.
Ben Milam’s legacy lives on today, as a symbol of the Texas spirit of independence and determination. The Battle of San Antonio was a defining moment in Texas history, and the men who fought in it will always be remembered as heroes.
