Trego's Mountain Ear

Texas Governor Abbott invoked Article 1, Section 10 of the US Constitution, which apparently empowers Texas to resist invasion when the Federal government won’t do the job.  Historically, Texas had an invasion by the Federal Government to resist back in 1836 – and since both 2024 and 1836 are leap years, it seems relevant to list the significant dates and events leading to Texas independence.

October 2, 1835 – Battle of Gonzales – loosely organized Texans win this battle and keep the cannon.  This encounter is under a simple flag:

January 17 – Jim Bowie arrives at the Alamo

February 3 – William B. Travis arrives at the Alamo

February 8 – Davy Crockett arrives at the Alamo

February 17 – Travis sends his first letter asking for assistance

February 22 – Santa Anna arrives at San Antonio, demands the Alamo’s surrender

February 23 – Alamo is receiving cannon fire

February 24 – Travis writes and sends his ‘victory or death’ letter – Bowie is ill and Travis assumes full command of the garrison at the Alamo

March 1 – The 32 men of the Gonzales Ranging Company arrive at the Alamo

March 2 – Texas Declaration of Independence is signed.

March 3 – James Butler Bonham arrives with the message that reinforcements are not coming.  Travis tells his command that they are free to leave.  Three more Mexican battalions arrive.

March 5 – Mexican artillery stops shelling the Alamo

March 6 – Alamo falls – Brigido Guerrero survives, convincing the Mexican officers that he had been a prisoner for 2 months.

March 7 – Santa Anna sends Susan Dickinson, her daughter, and Joe (Travis’ slave) off to Sam Houston after having the Mexican Army parade in review. April 21 – Battle of San Jacinto

“Texas Revolution Battles: The Battle of Jacinto
The Battle of Jacinto was the final battle of the Texas Revolution fought on April 21, 1836. General Sam Houston led the Texan army in the battle that was fought by the San Jacinto River. Vince’s Bridge played a critical role during the Battle of San Jacinto. Vince’s Bridge was a wooden bridge constructed by Allen Vince over Sims Bayou near Harrisburg. Acting under the orders of Sam Houston Vince’s bridge was destroyed by Texan troops led by Deaf Smith. The destruction of Vince’s bridge prevented the arrival of re-enforcements to General Santa Anna’s Mexican Army (who had divided his force) and resulted in the decisive defeat of the Mexican army, effectively ended the Texas Revolution.  The Battle of Jacinto was a rout, as hundreds of Mexican soldiers were killed or captured. General Santa Anna was one of those captured and on May 14, 1836 signed the peace Treaty of Velasco. The demoralized Mexican army, crossed the Rio Grande back into Mexico on June 15, 1836.”

Texas Revolution: Facts and Timeline for kids ***

May 14 – Peace Treaty of Velasco signed.

I have no idea how the disagreement between President Biden and Governor Abbott will work out – but this is the timeline (predominately at the Alamo) and the results in 1836 were in Texas’ favor.