New Orleans Greys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Orleans Greys |
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| Active | 1835-1836 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance | Republic of Texas |
| Type | volunteers (militia) |
| Role | Ground-based military warfare |
| Size | 2 companies (122 men) |
| Part of | Texian Army |
| Engagements | Texas Revolution |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Stephen F. Austin Thomas H. Breece Robert C. Morris Sam Houston James Fannin † William Travis † James Bowie † Davy Crockett † |
The New Orleans Greys were a group of brave volunteer soldiers. They formed in New Orleans to help Texas fight for its independence. There were about 120 men in two companies. They were called the 'Greys' because of their grey military uniforms.
Forming the Greys
The New Orleans Greys were created in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 13, 1835. They met at a coffee house owned by Thomas Banks. A businessman named Adolphus Sterne from Nacogdoches, Texas, supported the Texas Revolution. With permission from the Texas provisional government, called the Consultation, he helped pay for the Greys.
The New Orleans Greys were made up of two main groups, called companies. One company had 54 men and was led by Captain Thomas H. Breece. The other company had 68 men and was led by Captain Robert C. Morris. These volunteers, along with other Texian soldiers, were very eager to fight the Mexican Army.
Fighting for Texas Independence
The New Orleans Greys played an important part in the Texas Revolution. Many of them fought in famous battles.
- Siege of Béxar: One Grey soldier died during the Siege of Béxar. This was an early battle where Texian forces captured the town of San Antonio from the Mexican Army.
- Battle of the Alamo: Twenty-three Greys fought and died at the Battle of the Alamo. This was a famous stand where a small group of Texian defenders held out against a much larger Mexican army.
- Goliad Campaign: Twenty-one Greys were lost during the Goliad Campaign. This was a series of events where many Texian soldiers were captured and later executed.
- Battle of San Jacinto: Seven Greys served at the Battle of San Jacinto. This was the final battle of the Texas Revolution, where the Texian Army won a decisive victory.
Some of the Greys who were with Captain Fannin at Goliad tried to go help their friends at the Alamo. These men joined other Texian groups, including one led by Juan Seguin. They marched towards the Alamo, but the battle ended before they could arrive.
Uniforms and Weapons
Unlike many other Texian volunteers, the New Orleans Greys looked like professional soldiers. They had some uniforms, which were grey, and well-kept rifles. They also had US-pattern muskets and enough ammunition. They showed good discipline, which means they were organized and followed orders well.
The Greys also brought a very large weapon with them: an 18-pounder cannon. This heavy cannon arrived by ship. However, the Greys realized they had forgotten to bring cannonballs for it! A special group of 20 men, including some Greys, was sent to pick up the cannon. They struggled to pull the giant cannon about 200 miles to San Antonio. They arrived two days after the Siege of Béxar had ended. Even though they missed that battle, the cannon was later used in the famous Battle of the Alamo.
