18. The rejection of Stephen Austin and the Grass Fight
In late November Stephen Austin ordered an assault on the Mexican garrison in San Antonio. His officers rejected the idea by vote and Austin resigned from command. Edward Burleson was elected by the troops outside San Antonio to command them. Burleson received information from a scout of a pack train, of mules and horses, escorted by about 100 Mexican soldiers approaching the town. He sent James Bowie with about 50 mounted men to intercept the train, with about 100 infantrymen moving in support. From the description of the train received from the scout, Burleson believed the animals were carrying silver for the officers of the Mexican Army. The silver was to be used to purchase supplies.
The battle which became known as the Grass Fight was fought about 1 mile from San Antonio. Bowie and his men charged the pack train, scattered the animals and drove back the troops. Mexican reinforcements were sent from the garrison, and Bowie’s men repulsed several attacks. The battle ended with the Mexicans withdrawing from their positions in San Antonio. Texan troops seized 40 mules and horses. The saddlebags they carried were filled with grass to serve as fodder for the Mexican Army’s animals inside their positions, where none could be had. The cargo gave the battle its name.
