Here's a summary of what happened at the Attack of Anahuac:
Background:
- In October 1832, the Mexican government established a customs office at Anahuac, a small port on the Trinity River in Texas.
- The Texans living in the area, who favored increased autonomy from Mexico, resented the new customs duties and the arbitrary actions of the Mexican military at the customs house.
- Tension between the Texans and the Mexican troops escalated in the spring of 1835.
Attack on Anahuac:
- On June 18, 1835, a group of Texian volunteers led by Captain William Barret Travis marched on Anahuac to confront the Mexican forces under the command of General Martín Perfecto de Cos.
- The Texians captured the town of Anahuac and surrounded the customs house where the Mexican troops were stationed.
- The Texans demanded the surrender of the Mexican garrison, but General Cos refused.
Negotiations and Surrender:
- Following the initial attack, there was a period of negotiations between the Texians and the Mexican forces.
- The Texians agreed to allow the Mexican troops to leave Anahuac peacefully if they gave up their arms and ammunition.
- General Cos initially rejected this proposal, but he eventually agreed to the terms on June 21, 1835.
- The Mexican garrison surrendered, and the Texians took control of the customs house and Anahuac.
Significance:
- The Attack of Anahuac marked the first significant military engagement of the Texas Revolution.
- It was a victory for the Texan volunteers and further inflamed tensions between Texas and Mexico.
- The incident also led to the establishment of a provisional government in Texas, which paved the way for the formation of the Republic of Texas in 1836.