Misplaced Pages

#289710

85-743: By the late 1820s, the third most important port in Mexico was Matamoros , in the state of Tamaulipas . Located on the Rio Grande , approximately 31 miles (50 km) from the Gulf of Mexico , the bustling port served much of northeastern Mexico and received a significant amount of international traffic from the United States and Europe. The Matamoros Expedition traces its origins to an October 15, 1835 letter to Texian Army commander Stephen F. Austin from Philip Dimmitt , newly appointed commandant of

170-505: A 60% increase in employment. This economic activity is the second most important in the city of Matamoros, generating approximately 13.5% of the total employment in the municipality. The rapid growth of the population in Matamoros, along with an increase in incomes, have amplified the demand of satisfiers in the area. In the whole state of Tamaulipas, Matamoros places first in terms of jobs and businesses generated by foreign investment in

255-537: A Mexican grapeshot caught him in the hip. The final Battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21. 1838: received a league of land (including a parcel in Henderson County along the confluence of Walnut Creek and the Trinity River) for his services during the revolution. 1839: ran for the position of major general of militia, losing to newcomer Felix Huston . 1842: led a ranging expedition along

340-554: A federal republic against the centralist government of Mexico City. The federal troops of Francisco Avalos were able to repel their enemy, and the state congress granted Matamoros the title of "Heroic", countersigned by the Mexican Congress, hence the city's official name of Heroica Matamoros. The future of the city radically changed after Matamoros declared itself an international free trade zone in 1858. This transformation brought upon urbanization, industrialization, and

425-573: A gift from the people of Cincinnati, Ohio . Since Neill was a ranking artillery officer, Houston named him to command the revived artillery corps. On April 20, Neill commanded the Twin Sisters during the Battle of San Jacinto . During this fight, his artillery corps repulsed an enemy probe of the woods in which the main Texian Army was concealed. Neill was seriously wounded when a fragment of

510-500: A league of land (4,428) acres. They settled in (Viesca District) which is now Milam County . Neill served as a district representative in the Convention of 1833 . Due to his previous experience in battle, Neill had some knowledge of artillery . In 1834 Neill and his family moved to Mina, modern day Bastrop . On September 28, 1835, when armed conflict with Antonio López de Santa Anna 's Mexican troops seemed inevitable, he joined

595-563: A letter, published in early January, that again advocated for an invasion of Matamoros. His letter explained that invading the interior would take the war out of Texas, and a successful attempt could give the Texians the estimated $ 100,000 per month in revenue that the Matamoros port accumulated. Dimmitt believed that any expedition into Mexico should be led by someone who had been born a Mexican citizen, and he proposed Lorenzo de Zavala as commander. De Zavala claimed ill health. In mid-March,

680-700: A member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing Greene County in the 7th and 8th annual session and was also a justice of the peace in Jackson County . He was appointed to the House Military Committee by Speaker William Kelly on November 23, 1825. He introduced a bill intended "to more effectually prevent Sabbath breaking ", which lost in a 14-48 vote on December 21, 1825. The family moved to Texas in 1831 with Stephen F. Austin 's third colony where he received

765-474: A new, influential cattle industry in the area. Former landowners were skeptical that this new investment would be successful, since the frequent overflow of the Rio Grande caused severe floods, and because ranches were occasionally attacked by Indians. Nonetheless, these thirteen families effectively carried out their business plan and created 113 cattle-raising sites. In the year 1774, they officially named

850-421: A report to Houston detailing the current state of the defenses in the city and what improvements were needed. The Texian garrison was woefully undermanned and underprovisioned, with fewer than 100 soldiers remaining by January 6, 1836. Neill wrote to the provisional government : "If there has ever been a dollar here I have no knowledge of it". Neill requested additional troops and supplies, stressing that

935-667: A semiarid climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Matamoros and Brownsville, Texas , are home to the Charro Days and Sombrero Festival , two-nation fiestas that commemorate the heritage of the U.S. and Mexico which are celebrated every February. The Indigenous people of the area are known as the Esto’k G’na or by their colonized name, the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas . There are hundreds of members across South Texas, with many more descendants in

SECTION 10

#1732772506290

1020-458: A serious illness. He transitioned command to William Barret Travis , the highest-ranking regular army officer in the garrison. Due to a rift in the command of the Alamo between Bowie and Travis, Neill returned to the Alamo on February 14 and settled the dispute. A resolution was reached; Bowie and Travis would hold joint command of the Alamo. Neill would leave San Antonio just before the siege of

1105-572: A single day during summer breaks, the number of visitors can get as high as 180,000. Fortress of Casamata, converted into Museum Casamata in 1970, was a bastion that now guards a fine collection of prehispanic figurines and artifacts dating from central historic moments: the Spanish colonist era , the Mexican War of Independence , and the contentious Mexican Revolution . Unique and curious items are also exhibited, such as an iron casket where

1190-492: A sleepy little border town across the Rio Grande . The conclusion of the American Civil War brought a severe crisis to the now abandoned Port of Bagdad, a crisis that until this day the port has never recovered from. In addition, a tremendous hurricane in 1889 destroyed the desolated port. This same hurricane was one of the many hurricanes during the period of devastating hurricanes of 1870 to 1889, which reduced

1275-497: Is 27 km (17 mi) east of Matamoros. At Playa Bagdad, fishing tournaments are held each year, attracting participants from all over the state of Tamaulipas . During Holy Week , attracts many visitors, primarily from Nuevo León . During this period, the beach hosts several concerts, sport tournaments , and festivals. In 2014, Mayor Leticia Salazar proposed to change the beach's name to Costa Azul, in reference to Matamoros-native Rigo Tovar and to his band. In 1985, during

1360-461: Is only used for grazing by livestock, and arable land , used solely for growing crops. The municipality of Matamoros is within the Rio Grande river basin, and by means of irrigation, the agricultural sector flourishes in production. The two main water suppliers are the Rio Grande and the Arroyo del Tigre, which have dams that irrigate the region. The bovine is the most predominant livestock in

1445-555: Is the largest and most important art museum in the city, and one of the most memorable in the state of Tamaulipas . Art and photo exhibitions are held yearlong at MACT. Artworks from Mexico City , Monterrey , New York City, Los Angeles, Milan, and Paris have been displayed at this museum. The central 'plaza' in Matamoros is home to the Presidential Offices, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora Villa del Refugio , and of

1530-591: Is the second largest city in the state of Tamaulipas. As of 2016, Matamoros had a population of 520,367. In addition, the Matamoros–Brownsville Metropolitan Area has a population of 1,387,985, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area on the Mexico–US border. Matamoros is the 39th largest city in Mexico and anchors the second largest metropolitan area in Tamaulipas. The economy of

1615-486: The 1989 murder of an American tourist , a 1999 standoff and a 2011 mass kidnapping . In 2023, four American tourists were kidnapped . Two of them as well as a Mexican bystander were killed; the other two were rescued by Mexican authorities. The population of the Matamoros locality, measuring 115.3 km , was 510,739 in 2020 Census, while the entire municipality had 541,979 people covering 4,633 km . The economy of Matamoros depends primarily on its proximity to

1700-480: The Consultation met and formed a provisional Texas government, headed by Henry Smith . The council promptly created a new regular army , to be headed by Sam Houston . Houston would be required to raise his army from scratch rather than take over the volunteer force already commanded by Austin . The council was very interested in working with federalists within Mexico to strengthen the revolution. Smith, on

1785-742: The Mexican National Anthem was played. On 10 April 2002, the Museum of Mexican Agrarianism was founded. Its collection pertain to agrarianism and land reform. As of 2023, Matamoros has been a destination for US Americans seeking healthcare or cosmetic surgery at prices lower than in the US. In May 2023, the CDC reported about an outbreak of fungal meningitis in US residents returning from Matamoros after medical or surgical procedures including liposuction involving injection of an anesthetic into

SECTION 20

#1732772506290

1870-756: The Mexican War of Independence , the Mexican Revolution , the Texas Revolution , the Mexican–American War , the American Civil War , and the French Intervention that allowed the city to earn its title of "Undefeated, Loyal, and Heroic". The Mexican National Anthem was played for the first time in public at an opera house, the Teatro de la Reforma (sometimes known as The Opera Theater ) in Matamoros. Matamoros has

1955-537: The Texas Revolution . The Matamoros Expedition was launched to attack Matamoros and defeat the forces of Antonio López de Santa Anna . It proved controversial and divisive. The roots of the controversy lay in the division within the provisional government between Governor Henry Smith and the General Council over whether to remain loyal to the Constitution of 1824 and support the liberals of Mexico in

2040-658: The Texian militia as a captain of artillery. On October 2, 1835, he saw action at the conflict at Gonzales . Texian John Holland Jenkins recorded that Neill actually fired the famed Gonzales "Come and Take It" cannon, crediting him with firing "the first shot of the Texas Revolution." After Gonzales, James would move onwards to the Alamo and join with Stephen F. Austin 's forces in the Siege of Bexar . From December 5–10, Neill's battery provided covering fire for

2125-673: The Union and the Confederacy , England, France, and Germany. Bagdad had grown from a small, seashore outpost to a "full-pledge town". The English-speaking population in the area by 1864 was so great that Matamoros even had a newspaper printed in English—it was called the Matamoros Morning Call . In addition, the port exported cotton to England and France, where millions of people needed it for their daily livelihood, and it

2210-556: The Zebus . Matamoros has more than 117 km (73 mi) of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico , and a total of 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) of the Laguna Madre . In addition, there are fishing activities in spots like Higuerillas, la Capilla, Rincón de las Flores, el Mezquital, and Playa Bagdad. The city has 10 fishing corporations operating in all of these areas. Bagdad Beach ( Playa Bagdad ), also known as Lauro Villar Beach,

2295-449: The Alamo . On March 7, Neill with Burleson gathered 50 men and headed for the Alamo. They came close to the Alamo but were repulsed by Mexican cavalry. Neill returned to Gonzales on March 10 after leaving a small party of scouts to observe, who also returned to Gonzales the next day. From late February until Houston's arrival on March 11, Neill had been in command of the relief troops gathering at Gonzales. Two days later, on March 13, word

2380-458: The Alamo . On the day of the final Alamo battle, Neill was in Gonzales steadily working to increase the roster of the Alamo relief forces. In Gonzales, he signed a personal voucher on March 6, for ninety dollars to buy medicine for the Alamo garrison. Neill was intent on heading back to the Alamo where, unknown to him, the fort had already fallen to Mexican troops on March 6, during the Battle of

2465-523: The Alamo as a diversionary tactic. The plan worked and the Texians were able to enter into Bexar. House to house fighting would eventually push the Mexicans back and into the Alamo. On December 8, the Mexican Army made a counterattack, Neill and his crew were there to answer back with canister-shot from their cannons. The flying hailstorm of iron would quickly end the advance, ultimately resulting in

2550-495: The Brownsville-Matamoros metropolitan area, however, due to the violence of colonialism in the area, many residents are unable to trace their family history far back enough to know if they are descendants or not. In 1519, the same year that Hernán Cortés arrived at the port of Veracruz , a captain named Alonso Álvarez de Pineda carried out a brief expedition to the region of northern Tamaulipas, where he named

2635-529: The Casino Matamorense, along with other historical buildings. The 'Teatro Reforma', the most important theater in the city, is found a few blocks away. On 28 January 1829, the plaza was named after the heroic and historical figure Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla , who fought in the Mexican War of Independence . Moreover, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora Villa del Refugio, constructed in 1831, was one of

Matamoros Expedition - Misplaced Pages Continue

2720-737: The Creek Indian War, enlisting with the West Tennessee Militia (protecting present day Alabama). He enlisted on October 1, 1813, and was discharged on March 15, 1815. He participated in the latter part of the War of 1812 , during the Creek War . Although wounded, he fought in the decisive battle against the Red Sticks , at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend . Neill served as a captain under Major William Woodfolk. The battalion

2805-490: The Federal Volunteer Army". He then tried to assume command and commandeered all the supplies that Dimmitt and his men had in their stores. Houston, hearing of the developing crisis, attempted to resolve the situation and left for Goliad. He arrived on January 14, just in time to meet with Dimmitt as he was leaving Goliad with some of his men. Houston entered the fort at Goliad and on January 16, spoke to all

2890-516: The Federalist cause against Santa Anna or to declare independence from Mexico and seek to become an independent territory. The division, on the other hand, was mirrored within the provisional government and among the commanders in the field, who compounded the situation and contributed to the near destruction of the Texian army . At the beginning of the American Civil War , the city of Matamoros

2975-497: The Gulf of Mexico accompanies cooler winds during the summers and winters, compared to its sister cities of Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo , which are farther inland. Moreover, the climate of Matamoros is subtropical , with relatively low precipitation patterns distributed throughout the summer, and with summer temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 °C (86 to 104 °F). Temperatures above 38 °C (100 °F) are very uncommon, just as

3060-467: The James Neill family had moved to south-central Tennessee, in and around Bedford and Marshall counties. In this vicinity, James Clinton married Margaret Harriett Ferguson in 1807. It is likely that James Clinton Neill was acquainted with a near-neighbor around those parts at the same time, David Crockett , another Tennessean who would become a Texas Revolution hero. Like Crockett, J.C. Neill fought in

3145-519: The Mexican interior. As his troops were returning to Goliad, they encountered Agustin Viesca , the former governor of Coahuila y Tejas who had escaped imprisonment. Viesca's commentary on events within Mexico convinced Dimmitt that taking Matamoros was no longer feasible. He wrote to Austin, "In a former communication, I hinted the policy of a dash at Matamoros, hoping from what I had then heard, that

3230-580: The Texian garrison at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad . Dimmitt proposed that his forces be sent to capture Fort Lipantitlan, a small Mexican army base south of Goliad. Eliminating the Mexican forces at this coastal location would give the Texians a clear path to invade Matamoros, hopefully encouraging federalists in the Mexican interior to join the Texian revolt. After his troops took Fort Lipantitlan in November, Dimmitt withdrew his support for an invasion of

3315-440: The United States, due to the importance of the strong presence of foreign investment in the area. Maquiladoras are a direct representation of American presence in the state of Tamaulipas; the trade of goods through the international bridges and the flow of people on both sides of the border play a huge role in the economic posture of Matamoros. Matamoros is home to more than 122 maquiladoras dedicated in its majority to export to

3400-468: The United States. This industry produces technological goods like cables, electrical appliances, electrical components, vehicle parts and accessories, textiles, chemical products, machinery, and computer products. The city operates about 35% of the Tamaulipas' maquiladora industry, placing second, just behind Reynosa . In December 2004, the maquiladora industry employed more than 52,777 workers in Matamoros, an increase of 576 jobs compared to 2003 representing

3485-523: The area San Juan de los Esteros Hermosos, known today as Matamoros. In 1793, to colonize the province of Nuevo Santander , two Franciscan missionaries named Francisco Pueyes and Manuel Júlio Silva established a parish in the main plaza of Matamoros. They proposed a new name for the community: Villa del Refugio, in honor of the parish and patron saint, Our Lady of the Refuge of the Estuaries. In 1826,

Matamoros Expedition - Misplaced Pages Continue

3570-439: The area around the spinal column i.e., epidural anesthesia . As of June 1, the causative agent had been identified as Fusarium solani . The city is located on the southern bank of the Rio Grande , directly across the border from Brownsville, Texas , United States . The city of Matamoros has a warm humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfa ), with mild winters, and hot, humid summers. Its proximity to

3655-428: The area, comprising a total of 238 companies, 36% of the state's whole business sector. The rural area of Matamoros encompasses 97 communities, with more than 36,096 inhabitants in these small agrarian sectors. Traditionally, the city was eminently agricultural, cultivating sorghum , corn, beans, vegetables, and sunflower by millions each year. The terrain in Matamoros categorized in two factions: gley soil , land that

3740-401: The army could have kept men at this post, under the neglect they have experienced ." Despite Houston's orders to have the Alamo destroyed as indefensible, Neill and Bowie vowed "... we will rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy." However, Neill was soon badly in need of supplies, as well as soldiers. On February 11, Neill left the Alamo, to care for his family, overcome with

3825-536: The assault on San Antonio de Béxar . He had gained an additional artillery piece from the Battle of Concepción and two more from the New Orleans Grays . They would be placed in the Texian post, just west of the Alamo, confronting the town, however their fire could not shake Cos from Bexar. Then, Neill and his command formed a plan. They took a cannon across the San Antonio River and fired upon

3910-468: The attempt, including: Smith initially had supported the plan and on December 17, he instructed Houston to begin planning for such an expedition. Houston delegated the task to James Bowie but Bowie did not receive his orders for several weeks. Without consulting Smith, on December 15, the Council asked Edward Burleson to oversee an expedition to Matamoros. Burleson had replaced Austin as commander of

3995-462: The city is significantly based on its international trade with the United States through the USMCA agreement, and it is home to one of the most promising industrial sectors in Mexico, mainly due to the presence of maquiladoras . In Matamoros, the automotive industry hosts the assembly and accessories plants for brands such as General Motors , Ford , Chrysler , BMW , and Mercedes-Benz . Prior to

4080-456: The city. Nothing like it had been done before. And finally, the 'Teatro Reforma,' once considered the 'House of the Opera of the 19th Century', was constructed in 1861. For decades, the theater was home to important balls held by the richest families of Matamoros and the high-ranking military officers of the state. In addition, 'Teatro Reforma' is well known for being the first place in history where

4165-611: The commission by one of his neighbors, D. C. Barrett, who wrote to Texian Army commander Sam Houston that "age and experience with his militia rank & title, would seem to justify his first commission as a field officer". On December 21, 1835, Houston requested that Neill, now a lieutenant colonel of an artillery company, take command of the Texian and Tejano garrison stationed at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio de Bexar. The orders also specified that Neill should make

4250-663: The country (1913). Consequently, in the years to come, Matamoros enjoyed another golden era during The Cotton Age, from 1948 to 1962. This epoch placed Matamoros as the largest cotton producer and exporter in the country. Since the 1970s, and especially during the 1990s, after the initiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement , foreign investment has multiplied in Matamoros, resulting in an enormous population growth, prominently from other Mexican states, like San Luis Potosí and Veracruz . Many major crimes have occurred in Matamoros, including

4335-580: The expansion of the Bagdad Port, which experienced an economic boom for being the only entrance port for mercenaries for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War . The Port of Matamoros, also known as the Port of Bagdad, was during the American Civil War one of the leading commercial ports of the world. The city of Matamoros was a strategic and fortified city during

SECTION 50

#1732772506290

4420-466: The expedition. On December 30, Johnson partnered with James Grant and ordered most of the volunteers to leave Bexar and gather at Goliad. Only 100 men were left to garrison in Bexar. They were placed under the command of Colonel James C. Neill and stationed in the Alamo Mission . The 200 men who accompanied Johnson had previously volunteered to garrison Bexar; their departure put them in violation of

4505-488: The expedition. Grant was informed that Mexican Captain Nicolás Rodríguez and a small company formerly from Fort Lipantitlán was in the area. Grant confronted and overtook them, confiscated their horses and took the men as prisoners to San Patricio. Within a few days the prisoners had escaped, alerting nearby Mexican forces. Splitting into smaller groups, the Texians searched for mounts and supplies, proceeding all

4590-423: The first mayor constructions and is one of the present symbols of the city. Its neoclassical architecture , along with its rich, historical background, attracts visitors yearlong. The Casino Matamorense, constructed in 1950, is traditionally considered the center of social gatherings for the principal families of Matamoros. Also with its unique architecture, Centro Cultural Olimpico, is a historical creation built in

4675-415: The garrison was likely unable to withstand a siege greater than four days. The Texian government was in turmoil and unable to provide much assistance. Four different men claimed to have been given command over the entire army; on January 14 Neill approached Houston for assistance in gathering supplies, clothing, and ammunition. On January 17, 1836, James Bowie arrived to evaluate the situation, with

4760-586: The governor Lucas Fernandez dispatched a decree to change the name of the city to Matamoros, in honor of Mariano Matamoros , a hero of the Mexican War of Independence , who participated along with José María Morelos . During the Texas Revolution (1836), Matamoros was the fortress for many Mexican soldiers against rebel attacks. In 1851, the city of Matamoros was again heroic for defending against attacks by troops under José María Jesús Carbajal , many of whom were recruited from within Texas , who sought to establish

4845-429: The growth of the maquiladoras in the 2000s, Matamoros' economy had historically been principally based on agriculture, since northern Mexico's biggest irrigation zones are in the municipality . PEMEX announced a multibillion-peso offshore drilling project for the port of Matamoros, one of the future prospects for Mexico's oil industry. Matamoros is a major historical site, the site of several battles and events of

4930-482: The humid Gulf Coast, the city is dry, receiving an average of 698 mm (27.48 in) of precipitation annually. The international exchange of goods and services between the U.S. and Mexico is seen in effect throughout the city of Matamoros with the presence of its four international bridges. Matamoros is the only border city on the U.S.-Mexico border that has four international bridges. James C. Neill James Clinton Neill (c. 1788 – 1848)

5015-780: The importance of the port in Matamoros: Matamoros is to the rebellion west of the Mississippi what New York is to the United States—its great commercial and financial center, feeding and clothing the rebellion, arming and equipping, furnishing it materials of war and a specie basis of circulation that has almost displaced Confederate paper ... The entire Confederate Government is greatly sustained by resources from this port. The cotton trade brought together in Bagdad, Tamaulipas , and Matamoros over 20,000 speculators from

5100-460: The months of July and August, although it is not uncommon to go about without any rain whatsoever during the "wet" season. The average temperatures during the winters usually range around 0–10 °C (32–50 °F); this seasons is usually attended with rain, drizzle, and fog. The last snowfall was seen on 25 December 2004, which is the heaviest snowfall ever recorded in the city, with up to 3.8 cm (1.5 in) in one day. Despite its proximity to

5185-447: The movement would be approved and sustained by a majority of the people in that section of the country, but now, I fear it would not be. On the contrary, I am fully satisfied that such a movement on the part of Texas, would be as likely to be opposed as to be approved". Nevertheless, Dimmitt continued to prepare for a potential invasion, and as reports from inside Mexico reached him, his desire to invade fluctuated. On December 2, he wrote

SECTION 60

#1732772506290

5270-507: The municipality of Matamoros, and the commercialization of its meat is the principal income of ranchers in the region. In fact, livestock production goes as the following: bovine (62%), pigs (16%), and sheep (9%). In the northern part of Tamaulipas, near the municipality of Matamoros, the breeding of calves is characterized and well known for having European blood. However, this is only seen among specialized, high quality meat industries that breed Charolais cattle , Simmental cattle , and

5355-461: The other extreme, where freezing temperatures during the winter are rarely seen as well. While on average the warmest month is August, the March record high shows influence from the tropical wet and dry climates located further south in Mexico, where the temperatures soar to their yearly maximums in March and April before decreasing somewhat during the rainy season. Heavy rainfall is usually seen during

5440-447: The other hand, was wary of working with most Mexican citizens, saying "I consider it bad policy to fit out, or trust Mexicans in any manner connected with our government, as I am well satisfied that we will in the end find them inimical [e.g. hostile] and treacherous". Nevertheless, the council, hearing reports that other Mexican states were near revolt, on December 25 authorized an expedition into Matamoros. They listed several reasons for

5525-592: The population of Matamoros to nearly half its size, mounting with it another upsetting economic downturn. During the French intervention , the port of Baghdad was the scene of the Battle of Baghdad, where the Mexican army defeated the French army and its conservative allies. During the course of the Mexican Revolution , the generals Francisco Mújica and Lucio Blanco executed the first agrarian reform for land in

5610-473: The remaining troops, and tried to talk them out of continuing the campaign. Grant's men could not be dissuaded and headed for Refugio , where Johnson and other troops were gathering. Houston went along with them, while trying to gain some stature with the men. Fannin and William Ward had also gathered a force of 200 strong, that had assembled at Velasco . On January 24, they departed and landed at Copano harbor on February 2. Fannin would press his supplies from

5695-495: The remains of fearless General Canales once rested (fought against both American and French invasions) and the dark tunnels lounged beneath the construction, inevitable reference for local horror stories. The existence of a multipurpose hall and newspaper library also provide extra interest to the museum. The museum was founded by Don Eliseo Paredes Manzano, the city's first "cronista" and recognized historian. The 'Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Tamaulipas (MACT),' inaugurated in 1969,

5780-616: The stores of the ships in the harbor. On February 4, he marched out to join Johnson's men at Refugio. At Refugio, Houston again tried to persuade the men and this time his efforts met with success, as most of the men decided to break with the Matamoros campaign. Fannin, taking most of the men, would depart for Goliad and make Presidio La Bahía his headquarters, renaming it Fort Defiance. However, Grant and Johnson continued their quest towards Matamoros. As co-commanders, with about 70 to 100 men, they went as far as San Patricio to gather horses for

5865-496: The suggestion from Sam Houston to remove the artillery and blow up the Alamo. Houston had written the Provisional Government asking for approval of his orders. Houston sent Bowie to San Antonio because he trusted Bowie's opinion. Instead of leaving the Alamo and falling back to Gonzales or Copano Bay, Bowie and Neill became committed to its defense. Bowie, impressed with Neill's leadership, wrote, "No other man in

5950-558: The surrender of the Mexican forces on December 9. On December 7, the Texas General Council had commissioned Neill lieutenant colonel of artillery in the regular Texian army. Having received several captured Mexican field pieces to augment his firepower, he now commanded over twenty artillery pieces, the largest amount west of the Mississippi River and north of the Rio Grande. Neill had been recommended for

6035-503: The terms of their enlistment. The Council voted to make Johnson the official commander of the expedition. He initially refused, citing another dispute with the council, before changing his mind the following day. In the interim, the council appointed James W. Fannin to lead the expedition. They did not revoke Johnson's orders, leaving two men with authority to raise an army to go to Matamoros. When Grant reached Goliad, he confronted Dimmitt and claimed to be "Acting Commander-in-Chief of

6120-516: The town known today as Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) as Rio de las Palmas (Palms River). Nevertheless, the actual founding of Matamoros began in 1686, when Captain Alonso de León explored the area and concluded that the Rio Grande was an excellent route for navigation, and that the area of Matamoros was an ideal spot for cattle raising. In the year 1749, thirteen enterprising families, twelve from Camargo and one from Reynosa , decided to invest and begin

6205-597: The upper Trinity River , to control hostile Indians. 1844: appointed as an Indian agent, responsible for vast areas of Texas. 1845: granted a lifetime pension of $ 200 a year, as compensation for San Jacinto injuries. In 1848, he died at his home on Spring Creek in Navarro County, Texas , and was buried next to his wife, who had died near Seguin, Texas , in February 1836. On land owned with two partners, David Reed Mitchell and Thomas I. Smith, one hundred acres

6290-492: The volunteer Texian Army. Days before, they had taken San Antonio de Bexar after a long siege . Their victory ensured that no Mexican troops remained within Texas. Unbeknownst to the council, after the victory Burleson had submitted his resignation to Smith. He left Frank W. Johnson in charge of the amassed troops. On January 3, Johnson wrote to the Council that he had received the note addressed to Burleson and had initiated

6375-401: The way to Santa Rosa Ranch . Grant and a group of fifteen Texians left to forage. While Grant was gone, Mexican General José de Urrea led a surprise attack on San Patricio in the early hours of the morning of February 27. Most of Johnson's men were killed, but Johnson narrowly escaped. Grant and his men, while foraging, were also attacked by members of General José de Urrea 's cavalry. Grant

6460-551: The yearly festival of 'Festival del Mar,' Rigo Tovar , along with other important attractions, played in Playa Bagdad. Other second tier bands like 'La Firma', 'La Mira de Linares,' and 'La Leyenda,' along with several other pop groups, have also played during the month of April, the most visited period of the year. In addition, Playa Bagdad has several seafood restaurants. Jet ski , surfing , and even motocross and off-road 4x4 racing are allowed with few area restrictions. In

6545-627: Was a captain in the American Revolution, who along with five of his sons, including James Clinton's father James, fought in the War for Independence. James Clinton's uncle, Lieutenant William Neill, was killed at the Battle of Ramsour's Mill . The Clinton middle name comes from both his paternal grandfather and grandmother, Captain William Clinton Neill and his wife Mary "Polly" Clinton Neill. By at least 1807, some members of

6630-687: Was a wealthy land speculator who owned a large plantation in Jackson County. In addition to potentially sharing time with Davy Crockett, during this military service James Clinton Neill may well have also met his future Texas Revolution commander, Sam Houston. He lived in Tennessee (present day Alabama) with his wife Margaret Harriett, who bore him three children – George Jefferson Neill (b. 1808), Samuel Clinton Neill (b. 1815) and Harriett (b. 1820). By at least 1820, J.C. Neill had moved his family to Greene County, Alabama. He served as

6715-612: Was an American soldier and politician , most noted for his role in the Texas Revolution and the early defense of the Alamo . He was born in North Carolina and served in the Alabama House of Representatives between 1825 and 1827. James Clinton Neill was born in 1788 in Rowan County, North Carolina , the third child (and third son) of James Neill and Hannah Clayton Neill. William Clinton Neill (James Clinton's grandfather),

6800-683: Was considered "heavy and profitable". By 1865, Matamoros was described as a prosperous town of 30,000 people, and Lew Wallace informed General Ulysses S. Grant that neither Baltimore or New Orleans could compare itself to the growing commercial activity of Matamoros. Nevertheless, after the collapse of the Confederacy, "gloom, despondency, and despair" became evident in Matamoros—markets shut down, business almost ceased to exist, and ships were rarely seen. "For Sale" signs began to sprout up everywhere, and Matamoros returned to its role of

6885-497: Was designated as "Separate Battalion of West Tennessee Militia". This battalion was based at Fort Jackson most of the time from late November 1814 to early 1815. Some of the men were stationed at Fort Decatur, where the remnants of the defeated Creek Nation came to surrender, seeking food and supplies (surrendering Creeks also went to Fort Jackson). One company, under Captain Abner Pearce, was stationed at Fort Montgomery. Woodfolk

6970-419: Was killed in the Battle of Agua Dulce at 10:30 a.m. on March 2, 1836. Matamoros, Tamaulipas Matamoros , officially known as Heroica Matamoros , is a city in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas , and the municipal seat of the homonymous municipality . It is on the southern bank of the Rio Grande , directly across the border from Brownsville, Texas , United States . Matamoros

7055-477: Was possible to receive fifty cents per pound in gold for cotton, when it cost about three cents in the Confederacy, "and much more money was received for it laid down in New York and European ports". Other sources mention that the port of Matamoros traded with London, Havana , Belize , and New Orleans . The Matamoros and New York City trade agreement, however, continued throughout the war and until 1864, and it

7140-614: Was received that the Alamo had fallen. Thus, Neill once again relinquished his command and joined the withdrawal of Sam Houston 's army to Groce's Retreat on the Brazos River . Unable to transport their cannons, Houston ordered them dumped into the Guadalupe River before abandoning Gonzales. That changed on April 11 when the "Twin Sisters" —two matched six-pounders— reached the Texian camp. The brass cannons were

7225-441: Was simply a sleepy little border town across the Rio Grande from Brownsville. It had, for several years, been considered a port, but it had relatively few ships arriving. Previous to the war, accounts mention that not over six ships entered the port each year. Nevertheless, in about four years, Matamoros, due to its proximity to Texas, was to assume a new status as a port, and multiply its population. A Union general in 1865 described

#289710