[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COME AND TAKE IT: GONZALES, TEXAS, 1835

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the phrase ``Come and Take It'' is 
known and cherished by all Texans. You'll see it emblazoned on t-
shirts, bumper stickers, and glassware, and some businesses and 
organizations have adapted it to fit into their mottos and slogans.
  But these four words were not the creation of an advertising firm or 
a campaign communications shop. No, this phrase comes from a critical 
chapter in the history of Texas.
  The year was 1835. Independence from Mexico was on the mind of 
Texans, and discussions had already begun to create a new nation free 
from the tyrannical government of Santa Anna in Mexico City. Santa 
Anna's government had begun to trample on the rights of Texans, who 
then became resolved to stand up to him.
  An opportunity presented itself in October 1835 when a band of 
Mexican soldiers under the command of Fernando Castaneda were 
dispatched to Gonzales. The Mexican government had been informed that 
the settlers there were refusing to give up a cannon given to the town 
to defend the settlers from Indian attacks. The settlers responded to 
requests to return the cannon to the Mexican army with strong words 
that only a Texian would utter: ``come and take it.'' So Domingo de 
Ugartechea, military commander of Texas, believing the settlers words 
were bluster, ordered Castaneda and his men to retrieve it.
  Well, Santa Anna never did learn the lessons of history. If he had, 
he might have remembered that things did not go well for King George 
when he tried to disarm the colonists in Massachusetts and he maybe 
would have thought twice about marching his henchman up to Texas.
  When Castaneda arrived at Gonzales, he found his path blocked by a 
ford and eighteen determined militiamen. Attempting to trick his way 
past the guards, he declared that he had a message for Andrew Ponton, 
the local alcalde. The militiamen informed him that Ponton was not in 
Gonzales and would have to wait on the other side of the river until he 
returned. As the Mexican troops set up camp, the Texans scrambled to 
alert the surrounding area and bring more volunteers into the town to 
defend it from an impending Mexican attack.
  The militiamen, who came to be known as the Old Eighteen, bought 
valuable time for the town and for Texas. Indeed, the presence of 
incoming volunteers forced Castaneda to abandon his campsite at the 
river and move seven miles to the west. Bolstered with reinforcements 
and a growing confidence, the Texans under the command of John Moore 
found the Mexican camp and attacked. Stunned and outgunned, Castaneda 
ordered a withdrawal to Bexar, thus marking the first victory won 
against Mexico in the fight for independence.
  It was during this battle that the phrase ``Come and Take It'' took 
on its significance. During the battle, the Texans marched under a new 
flag that featured the Lone Star, a cannon representing the one under 
guard in Gonzales, and the words ''Come and Take It.'' Today, Texans 
take pride in this enduring symbol of the Texan spirit, and if you 
happen to walk past my office window in Washington, you will see this 
flag proudly displayed next to the Lone Star flag.
  Mr. Speaker, in Texas, we have a long tradition of fighting against 
oppression and tyranny. So when our enemies come knocking on our doors 
again threatening our freedom, let them remember these words: Come and 
Take It.
  And that is just the way it is.