The Battle of Gonzales and "Come and Take It"

Introduction

The Battle of Gonzales, occurring on October 2, 1835, marks the beginning of the Texas Revolution and the first open conflict between Texian settlers and Mexican authorities. Known famously by the provocative phrase "Come and Take It," this battle is significant not merely for its military importance, but for its symbolic assertion of resistance and defiance against the Mexican government, setting the stage for the broader struggle for Texan independence.

Historical Context

By the early 1830s, Texas was part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The Mexican government had previously encouraged immigration from the United States, but growing tensions began to arise due to cultural differences, disputes over slavery (abolished in Mexico but practiced by American settlers), and increasingly authoritarian measures from Mexico City. The Law of April 6, 1830, aimed at curbing U.S. immigration and establishing customs duties, was especially unpopular among Texians.

This growing unrest led to increased militarization in the region, and in 1831, Mexican authorities provided the settlers of Gonzales with a small bronze cannon to help defend themselves against frequent Native American attacks. This cannon, though largely symbolic and militarily insignificant, would become a central icon of the struggle that ensued.

Lead-Up to the Conflict

In September 1835, as relations deteriorated further, Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna dispatched orders to local military commanders to retrieve weapons from various Texian settlements to prevent potential uprisings. The cannon at Gonzales was specifically targeted for retrieval.

On September 10, 1835, tensions in Gonzales escalated when Jesse McCoy, the town sheriff, was attacked by a Mexican soldier, further fueling anti-Mexican sentiments. Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, stationed in San Antonio de Béxar, ordered Lieutenant Francisco de Castañeda to retrieve the cannon. On September 25, 1835, four soldiers under Corporal De León were sent to Gonzales to demand the cannon, but the settlers refused to surrender it, triggering a standoff.

The Gonzales Militia

The settlers of Gonzales, deeply protective of their rights and properties, had formed a militia led by Captain Albert Martin. The militia was well-prepared for a possible confrontation, having anticipated Mexican demands for their cannon. The initial refusal was tactfully communicated by the Alcalde (mayor) of Gonzales, Andrew Ponton, who used diplomatic language to stall and delay any immediate conflict. The town's militia used the additional time gained to send messages to nearby settlements, requesting support and reinforcements.

Reinforcements Arrive

Messengers quickly spread word of Gonzales' predicament to neighboring communities such as Mina (present-day Bastrop), La Grange, and other surrounding settlements. Within days, volunteers from across the region poured into Gonzales, swelling the militia ranks. Notable among these arrivals were John Henry Moore, Robert M. Coleman, and Edward Burleson, whose presence significantly bolstered the morale and resolve of the settlers.

Preparation for Battle

As the Mexican force led by Lieutenant Castañeda neared Gonzales, residents hid the cannon in George W. Davis’s peach orchard to prevent its seizure. The settlers then dug up the cannon, mounted it onto a wagon, and hastily crafted a white battle flag bearing a black star, a representation of the cannon, and the defiant words "Come and Take It." According to local lore, Sarah DeWitt and her daughter, Evaline, created the flag from Naomi DeWitt’s wedding dress, making it an emotional symbol of resistance.

The Battle Begins

In the early hours of October 2, 1835, approximately 150 Texian settlers, commanded by Colonel John Henry Moore, moved into position near the Mexican camp located at Ezekiel Williams' farm, approximately seven miles upriver from Gonzales. The Mexican troops, numbering around 100 soldiers under Castañeda, were largely unaware of the growing force they faced.

Initially, a dense fog blanketed the battlefield, causing confusion on both sides. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, marking the first shots of what would become the Texas Revolution. During this initial skirmish, one Mexican soldier was slightly wounded, and the Texian side saw Richard Andrews injured due to a fall from his horse.

Negotiations and Final Engagement

Following this brief skirmish, Lieutenant Castañeda requested a meeting with Colonel Moore to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Moore and Castañeda met in the open field between their two forces. Castañeda explained that he was under strict orders to retrieve the cannon but expressed no personal animosity or desire for conflict. Colonel Moore, however, refused to surrender the cannon, emphasizing that the settlers viewed the Mexican troops as representatives of a tyrannical regime under Santa Anna. In a bold declaration, Moore reportedly pointed to the cannon and delivered the now-famous challenge, "Come and Take It."

With negotiations having failed, Moore ordered the cannon to be fired, effectively escalating the confrontation. Although the cannon itself was not particularly powerful or effective militarily, its discharge symbolized a point of no return.

Mexican Retreat

Recognizing their precarious position and vastly outnumbered by the growing Texian force, Lieutenant Castañeda ordered his men to withdraw, avoiding a prolonged engagement. The Mexican troops retreated toward San Antonio, leaving the Texians emboldened by their first victory.

Significance of the Battle

The Battle of Gonzales was relatively minor in scale, with minimal casualties on both sides, but its psychological and symbolic impact was immense. The defiant "Come and Take It" slogan rapidly spread across Texas, galvanizing other communities to join the struggle against Mexican rule. This battle marked the definitive beginning of organized Texian resistance and set the stage for future engagements, including the pivotal Battle of the Alamo and ultimately, the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

Legacy and Symbolism

Today, the "Come and Take It" flag has become an enduring symbol of defiance and resilience. It represents a spirit of independence and a readiness to stand against oppressive forces. The battle itself is commemorated annually in Gonzales through historical reenactments, parades, and celebrations, preserving the memory of this crucial moment in Texas history.