4-11a Yellow Stone

Today in Texas HistoryOn the trail to Texas independenceApr 11, 1836 - Santa Anna found a crossing of the Brazos at Old Fort. It is called the Lower or Thompson’s Crossing. General Almonte spoke good English and convinced the ferryman on the opposite bank to come over to pick up some runaway scrape settlers. Having secured a crossing, Santa Anna sent orders to Sesma & Filisola to join him there. Sesma ceases the cannonade and leaves San Felipe. Filisola and Gaona have yet to arrive there. Filisola is crossing the Colorado River at the AtasCósito crossing with the help of General Woll. It will take him several days. Urrea finally finishes crossing his army across Colorado River at Cayce’s Crossing, which took five days.Twin Sisters are still in transit to Texian Army at Groce’s Landing. Rain soaked trails are making progress difficult.From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:"Word has been received that the enemy has crossed the Brazos at Thompson’s ferry. Capt. Martin has withdrawn his men and they are moving northward in order not to be trapped by the Mexican army. The General has consulted with Capt. Joseph Ross, the commander of the Yellow Stone, and has determined that upwards to 500 men can be transported downstream safely due to the protection provided by the cotton bales on board the steam boat. This would allow the army to surprise the Mexican army in the south. Another option is to transport the equipment and men over to the east bank and march to a favorable battlefield to confront the enemy. There are some rumors in camp that Houston might chose to head straight to the United States border in the hopes of forcing U. S. General Gaines to bring his trained troops to the aid of the Texian army."The sense of the camp is that a major action is building and it is hoped that General Houston will respond directly to the challenge. There has been much dissatisfaction among the troops, the men want action and do not fully appreciate the General’s insistence on drill, discipline and patience. It is whispered that several officers have offered themselves up as replacement for Houston if he does not act."Painting: The steam boat Yellow Stone.The Yellow Stone steamed directly into the struggle for Texas, as General Santa Anna's army overwhelmed the Alamo and pushed General Sam Houston's force eastward. In April, 1836, Houston impressed the Yellow Stone into service in order to cross the flooded Brazos River.Built: 1830-31, Louisville, Kentucky (order placed November 24, 1830).Type: Sidewheel, wooden hull packet.Size: 130' x 19' x 5' 5", 144 tons.Engine: Single cylinder.Boilers: Three boilers.Paddlewheels: 18' diameter.Cost: $8,950 ($4,000 contracted for the boat, $4,950 for the steam engine).