Bean, Peter EllisBean had served in the Mexican wars for independence from Spain, and, for that reason, was regarded with suspicion by the colonists. However, he is credited with having kept the Indian tribes from interfering with the Texan army throughout the Revolution. Neither side fully trusted him during the war.

Beason’s FerryCrossing on the Colorado River, south of Burn(h)am’s Ferry. Santa Anna’s army crossed the river at this point on April 5, 1836.

BexarThe term encompasses both the presidio of San Antonio de Bexar and the villa of San Fernando de Bexar, which became present-day San Antonio. It also includes the municipality of Bexar which eventually became Bexar county.

Benavides, PlacidoBenavides organized a band of Mexican soldiers to fight for the Texan cause at the outbreak of hostilities. In February 1836, he was with James Grant at the battle of Agua Dulce Creek. Grant ordered him to escape and to report the news of Urrea’s arrival to Fannin at Goliad.

Bonham, James ButlerBonham was commissioned a lieutenant of cavalry on December 20, 1835. He arrived at the Alamo some time between January 18 and 23, possibly with James Bowie. At the beginning of Santa Anna’s siege, Travis sent Bonham to Goliad to request reinforcements from Fannin. On Bonham’s return, he was sent to Goliad and Gonzales to raise volunteers. In spite of the danger, Bonham forced his way back into the Alamo on March 3 and died there on March 6.

Borden, Gail Jr.Borden published the Telegraph and Texas Register, beginning the publication on October 10, 1835. The press had to be moved from San Felipe to Harrisburg and then to Columbia as the Texans retreated before Santa Anna’s advance.

Borden, John P.Borden fought under Collinsworth at Goliad, October 7, 1835. Along with five other men, he signed a protest addressed to S. F. Austin, demanding that the men of Goliad be allowed to choose their own commander. He served under Dimmitt, but was discharged January 11. He rejoined the army on February 29, and, as a member of Moseley Baker’s company, he fought in the battle of San Jacinto.

Bowie, JamesA leader in the battle of Concepcion and the Grass Fight, Bowie also participated in the siege of Bexar and the surrender of General Cos. He commanded the volunteer forces in San Antonio when William B. Travis arrived with regular army troops. After James C. Neill left the San Antonio on February 14, 1836, Bowie and Travis shared command of the army: Travis in charge of the regular forces; Bowie, of the volunteers. He was stricken with “typhoid pneumonia” on February 24 and remained confined to his cot throughout the siege and fall of the Alamo.

Bowles, Chief (The Bowl)Chief of the Cherokee tribes in East Texas, Bowles was reported to have accepted a Mexican commission during the Revolution. However, he signed a treaty of peace with the Texas government on February 23, 1836, and the war ran its course with no organized Indian interference.

BravoA Mexican war vessel blockading the Texas coast in early November, the Bravo participated in the capture of the American ship, the Hannah Elizabeth. The Bravo, with two other Mexican ships, fought an engagement with the Texan man-of-war Independence in April 1836.

Another ship, formerly called the Montezuma but rechristened the Bravo was engaged in battle by the Invincible, commanded by Captain Jeremiah Brown. The battle took place at the mouth of the Rio Grande, about 35 miles from Matamoros. The Bravo grounded and was crippled by a broadside fired from the Invincible.

BrazoriaMost men from Brazoria had joined the Texan army at the outbreak of the war. Nearly all of the remaining population had fled in the Runaway Scrape when Jose Urrea burned the town on April 22, 1836.

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.