Battle of Brazos River

Battle of the Brazos River
Independence and the two Mexican brigs firing at long range.
Date April 17, 1837 Location Brazos River, off Velasco, Texas 28°57′28.9″N 95°21′46.0″W / 28.958028°N 95.362778°W / 28.958028; -95.362778Coordinates: 28°57′28.9″N 95°21′46.0″W / 28.958028°N 95.362778°W / 28.958028; -95.362778 Result Mexican victory
Belligerents
Mexico	Republic of Texas
Commanders and leaders
Francisco López	George W. Wheelwright
Strength
2 brigs	1 schooner
Casualties and losses
2 killed 2 brigs damaged	1 wounded 1 schooner captured

The Battle of the Brazos River was an engagement fought in the Brazos River on April 17, 1837, between the Mexican Navy and the Texas Navy.

Despite Houston's victory over Santa Anna's army at San Jacinto, Texans continued to fight a naval war in hopes of persuading the Mexican Government to agree to the independence of Texas. In May 1837, Texas Navy ship Independence prepared for another cruise to take United States diplomat William H. Wharton to Texas from New Orleans. Independence had smooth sailing for about seven days when on April 17 she encountered the Mexican brigs Vencedor del Álamo under Francisco López and the Libertador, off the mouth of the Brazos River.

The initial sighting of the two Mexican brigs was at about 5:30 am. Outgunned and outmanned Independence fled up Brazos River for protection at the small riverside town of Velasco. The Mexican vessels pursued the Texans, eventually the two brigs came within cannons range several hours later at 9:30 am. Vincedor del Alamo of sixteen 8-pounder guns and 140 men, sailed with Libertador of 100 men, six 12-pounder guns and one 18-pounder. Independence of eight guns total, raised her colors followed by Libertador which then fired the first broadside that had no effect. Shortly afterward Independence fired a broadside with her weather battery of one 9-pounder gun, three 6-pounder guns, and one pivot gun. For two hours, Independence continued up Brazos River with the Mexican brigs in close pursuit, occasionally stopping to fire on each other. By 11:30 am the Texans had reached Velasco, Captain Wheelwright had no choice but to fight to the end, apparently not being able to continue up Brazos River any further. The final engagement took place right in front of the small Texan town and populace, including Texan Secretary of the Navy Samuel Rhoads Fisher.

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