In October 1835, Texan forces began gathering outside San Antonio de Béxar. The city was defended by Mexican troops commanded by General Martín Perfecto de Cos. Stephen F. Austin initially commanded the Texan forces, which included volunteers from Texas and the United States.
Rather than immediately attacking the city, the Texan forces began a siege. They tried to cut off supplies and communication to the Mexican troops inside San Antonio. Conditions were difficult for both sides. The Texan volunteers had limited supplies and sometimes had to search the surrounding countryside for food.
Several smaller fights occurred during the siege. On October 28, Texan forces commanded by James Bowie and James Fannin fought Mexican troops near Mission Concepción. Although the Texan force was smaller, it drove the Mexican troops back toward San Antonio.
Another confrontation occurred on November 26. Texan forces believed that a group approaching San Antonio might be carrying valuable supplies or reinforcements. They attacked but discovered that the men had mainly been gathering grass for the Mexican army’s horses. The encounter became known as the Grass Fight. Although it produced little military gain, it suggested that supplying the troops inside San Antonio was becoming difficult.
As the siege continued, the Texan forces debated what to do next. Some wanted to withdraw for the winter, while others wanted to attack the city. Benjamin Milam, who had previously served Mexico and had joined the Texan forces, called for volunteers to attack. He reportedly asked, “Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” About 300 volunteers joined the assault.
The attack began on December 5. Instead of fighting only from outside the city, Texan forces moved into San Antonio and fought Mexican troops through streets, buildings, and public squares. The fighting continued for several days. Milam was killed on December 7, but the attack continued.
By December 9, General Cos’s forces had suffered casualties, desertions, and shortages of supplies. Cos agreed to surrender. Under the terms of the agreement, the remaining Mexican troops were allowed to leave Texas after giving up most of their weapons and promising not to fight against the Constitution of 1824.
The capture of San Antonio was an important early victory for the Texan forces. They had defeated one of the main Mexican military forces in Texas and gained control of San Antonio and the Alamo. The victory also increased confidence among supporters of the revolt.
However, the victory did not end the conflict. Mexican forces would return to San Antonio only a few months later. The decision to continue defending the city and the Alamo would become an important part of the next stage of the Texas Revolution.