BrutusThe Brutus was bought and equipped as a privateer by Augustus C. and John K. Allen. The brothers sold the ship to the Texas Navy on January 25, 1836. The ship did not see action in the war, however.
Bryan, Moses AustinWhile Stephen F. Austin commanded the Texan volunteers in the field, Bryan served as his secretary. After Austin’s retirement from the army, Bryan joined the army as private and fought in Moseley Baker’s company in the battle of San Jacinto. At the time, he was serving as Thomas J. Rusk’s aide-de-camp. He was an interpreter at the conference between General Houston and Santa Anna.
Bryan, WilliamA New Orleans merchant, Bryan furnished men and money to the Revolution. He was appointed general agent for Texas by the General Council on January 26, 1836, and, with his partner Edward Hall, he served as purchasing agent for the revolutionary government.
Buffalo BayouThis stream flows east from Fort Bend County to the San Jacinto River. On April 20, 1836, Sam Houston’s army crossed the San Jacinto River at Lynch’s Ferry and camped on the south bank of Buffalo Bayou. On April 21, the battle of San Jacinto was fought on its banks, near the point where the stream flows into the San Jacinto River.
Burleson, EdwardAt Gonzales, on October 10, 1835, Burleson was elected colonel of the only regiment raised under Stephen F. Austin’s command. He succeeded Austin in the command of the volunteer army in November. On December 3, Burleson was forced to order a withdrawal of the army to Goliad, but Milam’s support of an advance against Bexar countermanded that move. On December 18, Burleson succeeded Philip Sublett as colonel of infantry. At San Jacinto he commanded the 1st Regiment of Texas Volunteers.
Burnam’s FerryAlso spelled “Burnham’s,” the ferry was at the La Bahia Road crossing of the Colorado River. Sam Houston’s army crossed the river at this point on March 17, 1836. The ferry was destroyed on March 19 to prevent its being used by the Mexican army.
Burnet, David GouverneurBurnet represented the Municipality of Liberty in the Consultation. The Convention of 1836 elected him president of the interim government, a position he held until October 16, 1836.
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CentralistsA Mexican political party which supported a strong central government (instead of a federal system). Although Santa Anna had originally gained the presidency of Mexico by supporting the federal cause, he had decided in 1834 that Mexico was not yet ready for democracy. He dissolved the state legislatures in October 1835, putting the nation under a single, central governing body.
Chambers, Thomas JeffersonChambers took an active part in the events leading to the Revolution. He offered his land for security to raise men and money for the war. The provisional government commissioned him a major general of reserves and sent him to the United States to secure volunteers and munitions.