Texas Times Weekly - The Tales of Texas Legend James Bowie

Statement

Texas Times Weekly - The Tales of Texas Legend James Bowie

By: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

Every June, residents of Bowie, Texas participate in a celebration in honor of their town's namesake: James Bowie. "Bowie Days" involves several events such as a rodeo, a bass fishing tournament, and an antique car show. The man at the center of their celebration is remembered today for his colorful existence and his fervent dedication to Texas' independence.

According to most accounts, the legendary James Bowie was born on April 10, 1796. Bowie was raised in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana and as a teenager, he worked delivering lumber to market. When he wasn't working, Bowie enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially the thrill of capturing and riding wild horses and alligators.

Though he possessed an "open, frank disposition," an insult could provoke a hot temper in Bowie. Known for carrying a large butcher knife his brother had given him, Bowie became involved in a duel on September 19, 1827 that would go down in history as the Sandbar Fight. The original duel was between Samuel Levi Wells III and Dr. Thomas Maddox, who exchanged shots but missed each other. Another pair of men, Alexander Crain and Samuel Cuny, stepped in, and when Cuny was shot, Bowie, a bystander, fired at Crain and missed. Crain then shot Bowie in the shoulder. Witnesses claim Bowie drew his butcher knife, chased Crain and stabbed him several times. Word of the fight got out and Bowie earned a reputation as the most formidable knife fighter in the South. Even his knife gained notoriety, as men across the South began flocking to the blacksmith to have knives fashioned in the likeness of the "Bowie Knife."

At age 34, Bowie took the oath of allegiance to Mexico and made his way to San Antonio. He was generally well liked by those he met along the way, as he was well traveled, conversational, and generous. On a darker note, Bowie had a love for gambling and operated under a mountain of debt. When he arrived in San Antonio, he presented letters of introduction to affluent Mexicans such as Juan Martin de Veramendi. Bowie gave off the impression of wealth and ingratiated himself with the Veramendi family. On October 5, 1930, Bowie officially became a Mexican citizen. A few months later, he married Ursula de Veramendi and they settled in San Antonio.

Shortly after his marriage, Bowie set out to reclaim a legendary silver mine west of San Antonio from hostile Indians. His defeat of the Comanches and other Indians who roamed the region earned him further acclaim as a skilled fighter. Bowie earned the position as a colonel of the Texas Rangers, and he went on to lead an effort to defeat Mexican troops in the Battle of Conception. A man serving under Bowie during that battle said he was "a born leader, never needlessly spending a bullet or imperiling a life."

But the role that would win Bowie a permanent place in Texas history was his leadership in the Battle at the Alamo. In 1836, Army Chief Sam Houston got word that Mexican General Santa Anna was driving a large force to San Antonio. Bowie was sent to defend the Alamo with 30 men in tow. Upon his arrival on January 19, Bowie found an existing force of 104 men with hardly enough artillery to defend the Alamo.

Through his connections to influential Mexicans in San Antonio, Bowie learned that Santa Anna was on his way with a force of 4,500 men. Bowie pled with the government for more men, rifles and resources. In a letter to Governor Smith, Bowie said "the salvation of Texas depends in great measure on keeping Bexar out of the hands of the enemy." Houston had instructed Bowie to remove the artillery and destroy the fortress. Bowie refused.

Nearly 10 days later, William Travis arrived at the Alamo with 30 troops, and shortly after, Davy Crockett arrived with 12 men from Tennessee. After a power struggle with Travis, Bowie became ill and physicians were unable to diagnose him. Bowie was bedridden and Travis became commander of the forces. Santa Anna arrived on the outskirts of San Antonio several days later and began their siege of the Alamo on February 24. According to one reporter's account, when Travis realized they would likely be defeated, he drew a line in the sand-calling on those who were willing to die in the fight to cross it. Bowie requested that Crockett and others carry his cot across the line.

On March 6, the Mexicans attacked the Alamo and all 188 defenders were killed. Accounts of Bowie's death vary. Perhaps the most accurate version depicts Bowie on his cot with his "back braced against the wall, and using his pistols and famous knife" before he was killed. When his mother was informed of his death, she said of her son, "I'll wager no wounds were found in his back." Killed while defending the Alamo and his beloved Texas, Bowie's colorful legacy will continue to be told and retold for generations to come.

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