As a descendent of a member of Juan Sequin's company (Agaptio Cervantes) this month's topic seems particularly fascinating to me. I think that Tejano participants in the revolution formed a new sense of definition to the term "Mexican American." It was here that for the first time Mexican Americans identified themselves as no longer simply "Mexicans", but as members of a pivotal moment in history. The descendants of these brave men are those who really benefit. For us a sense of pride is felt that in a time of change, our ancestors chose a rocky road over an easy path. The true contribution of these men is measured in each on of the countless Mexican Americans who treasure the freedom and security of his country.

Phillip DeLaPena

From: Gary S. Zaboly
Date: 04/12/2000

Those Tejanos who did fight alongside Travis and Houston were evidently highly esteemed by their Anglo peers, judging by the following extract from The Mobile Morning Chronicle of June 11, 1836, describing the battle at San Jacinto River:

"A letter from Galveston, May 29, "...730 bodies of the enemy are now lying on the field of battle, and are strewed for miles--More than 200 rifles and muskets were broken to pieces, beating out the brains of the Mexicans... "You will have seen the official reports, that will give you more detail than time will allow me to condense. I am pleased to say, that Captain (now Colonel) Juan Nepemucene[sic] Seguin, a native of Bexar and whom I have known from a boy, commanded 25 men, all natives of the same place, and performed wonders; every man signalized himself in the most distinguished manner. One of them, with a Bowie knife, killed 25 of his countrymen, and one of them, Colonel Batres, whom I knew well."

The author of the letter is not identified in the report.

Gary S. Zaboly

From: Kevin Young
Date: 04/30/ 2000

Captain Juan Seguin and the members of his company contributed mightily to the cause of Texas independence, not only at San Jacinto, but in the follow up campaign in which they followed the Mexican rear guard to the Nueces and their subsequent service in protecting San Antonio during the summer of 1836. The Tejano participation deserves attention, because they did make major contributions to the Texas cause in both 1835 and 1836. I would also hope, following the work done by Steve Hardin, that attention would also be paid to the contributions that the non-independence minded Tejanos made to the story. People like Carlos de la Garza, Guadalupe de los Santos and Juan and Agustin Moya played important, and highly successful roles in their support of Mexico by serving with General Jose UrreaÕs forces. They too have voices that need to be heard.

Kevin R. Young

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