The “First Republic of Texas” effort occurred as part of the Hidalego Mexican independence effort from Spain and while the USA was involved in the War of 1812 with Great Britain. They even flew the Green flag of Mexican independence. Americans could be found among the officer and enlisted ranks. The Army also included Mexican and Lippan and Tonkawa Indians from the coast.

After initial success the Republicans were suppressed by late 1813 (?). Republican Army of Texas. During the initial phase (Rosilla), the small companies were integrated units with a mix of Creoles, Indians and Americans. They wore not formal uniform but there is some evidence that they wore green armbands (similar to flag) and ‘field signs’ in their hats. By the later phase (Medina), the Army had been reorganized into raical units of Mexicans (Creoles), Indians, and Anglos (Americans). This seems to be based on the Spanish Louisiana manner of unit organization in the 1700s. However the change resulted in rivalry and distrust between units and weakened the Army’s cohesion.

Battle of ROSILLA (or Salado Creek) , March 1813.

The Republican Army while advancing on San Antonio (the capital) engaged a Royalist force at a ford along Salado Creek. The republicans routed the Royalist forces and inflicted heavy losses. Royalist losses were reported to be 330 killed and 60 captured. The Republicans proceeded to siege San Antonio and force the surrender of Governor Salcedo. The governor and some high-ranking officers were later executed despite the terms of surrender.

Spanish under Colonel Herrera with about 600 men were camped along the Salado creek.

Republican forces under Colonel Samuel Kemper (American) with a mixed force as mentioned above of about ~200 men.

Battle of ALAZAN,

Spanish troops under Colonel Elizondo

Republican troops under ?

The Republican forces defeated the Spanish. After their rallying, the Spanish continued their pursuit of Republican forces.

Battle of MEDINA, 18 August 1813

Spanish Forces under General Arredondo composed of 2,000- 4,000 men (the lower number is used by the Spanish and the higher number by the Republicans).

Republican Forces under Toledo comprised of ethnic units (Indians, Mexicans, Anglos) and numbered about 1500 men. Half of the men were reported to have been Americans.

General Arredondo reported the Republicans as being both a ‘rabble commanded by assassins’ and as ‘well armed…full of pride…versed in military tactics’.

Battle of PERDIDO, June 19, 1817.

The Spanish troops were en-route to recapture the town of La Bahia when confronted by a small Republican force. The Republican were routed with a loss of both commanders and 50% of their force.

Spanish Forces = Colonel Antonio Martinez (Governor of Texas) with a garrison of 120-150 men including 20-30 mounted (lancers) cavalry

Republican Forces = Colonel Henry Perry and Major James H. Gordon (both former Americans who were veterans of the battle of New Orleans in 1815) with 42 men.

Early Filibuster Operations in America

Introduction
Filibuster Battles in the Texas Region
The Crabb Venture into Mexico 1857