Political Quotes

“I rise today to continue with a series of speeches designed to explain to my colleagues the history of my home State of Texas. On March 2 of this year I spoke to this body of the brave actions taken by 54 men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, a document modeled after the one signed almost 60 years earlier by our Founding Fathers. I also spoke to my colleagues of the brave sacrifices of the defenders of the Alamo and of the massacre of Texas forces at Goliad. Six weeks later, on the banks of San Jacinto River, approximately 750 Texans under General Sam Houston assembled, determined to avenge their brothers. On the morning of April 20, 1836, over 1,500 Mexican soldiers under General Santa Ana approached the Texans' position. Driving off by fire from the famous 'Twin Sisters' cannon, he fell back to regroup. The Texans, inspired by their initial success, were champing at the bit. Houston, however, held them back, and sent his most trusted spy, Erastus 'Deaf' Smith, with a few men to burn Vince's Bridge, thus cutting off the path of retreat for the Mexican Army. Mr. Speaker, Vince's Bridge is in the 29th Congressional District that I am proud to represent. On the 21st, today's anniversary, though, Houston was ready to strike. With the Mexican Army still in its camp, Houston gave the order to advance, and the Texans did not hesitate.”