I Became The Crown Prince Of The Mexican Empire - Chapter 57



Only Noblemtl

Texas (6)

Stephen Austin, who soon came to his senses, roared.

“Come to Michael Williams!”

“yes!”

The Texas Vigilantes dispersed.

“Search all the houses in the city, the houses on the farm, the villas!”

As befitting a leader of the vigilante group, he owned three houses.

It is fatal that the list of signatures has been stolen.

Michael Williams How does that guy write a list?

‘I’ll use it for trading.’

Stephen Austin was sure of it. We’ve been together for 10 years. He’ll definitely use the list that way.

You should have burned it a long time ago instead of putting it in the safe.

If it weren’t for that, I guess I could have tried to force it somehow. But if a list is handed over that is blatantly labeled “Texas Democratic Committee Supporters List,” it’s over.

For the judges of this Mexican Empire, who were under the direct influence of the Emperor, the mere mention of the phrase “Democratic Committee” was enough to convict them of conspiracy to commit sedition.

Of course, even if they hadn’t been on that list, Stephen Austin and his executives would have likely been punished for corruption and bribery, but the rank-and-file members would have likely avoided punishment.

‘The moment that traitor Michael Williams hands over the list to the Mexican Empire government, even the ordinary members will not be able to avoid punishment.’

Stephen Austin hoped to find Michael Williams and retrieve the list, but bad news soon arrived.

“There is no house in the city! Michael is not there, nor is his family.”

“Hmm. I didn’t think it would be there since it’s close. Let’s wait a little longer.”

A few hours later.

“Not even in the villa!”

“It’s the same on the farm!”

bang!

“Damn it!”

Stephen Austin slammed his fist on the desk.

“It’s been less than 12 hours since that Michael Williams escaped. Where the hell has he been? Search him again!”

“yes!”

This time, all the executives except Jonathan were sent out.

“Steven Austin, who was left alone in the building with Jonathan, said:

“Jonathan, bring me the arms dealer. I need to get more weapons.”

“Yes, boss.”

Stephen Austin did not even consider the last resort that Michael had mentioned before leaving: exile to the United States.

Even if we tried, it wouldn’t be possible for all the vigilantes to go. If they did, it would cause a huge diplomatic problem.

Leave secretly with only your family? Or surrender and be punished?

‘I would rather fight and die like a man than do such a shameful thing.’

After waiting alone for hours, the men started coming in.

“I’m sorry, I can’t even see where that Michael is.”

I couldn’t find Michael Williams.

“I can’t see where the weapons dealer went either.”

The arms dealer was nowhere to be seen. Did he cut off his tail when things got weird? Or did something happen?

It doesn’t matter.

Exile was not even a consideration, but eventually the last escape route was cut off.

Now, there really is no choice but to fight.

He spent the rest of his time rallying his remaining followers throughout Texas.

In the middle of the wide-open Texas wilderness, Stephen Austin stood before a gathering of vigilantes.

Although the size was greatly reduced, many comrades who had protected Texas together for several years still came to visit. And that wasn’t all.

A lot of hot-blooded young Texans have been joining us recently.

Steven looked at the members with a determined face and began his final speech.

“Comrades!

The Crown Prince of the Mexican Empire is advancing against us with his army. Our list of signatures is in the hands of the enemy, and we have nowhere to retreat.

The time I told you about has come a little too soon. The Mexican Empire’s oppressors will have sent their armies to crush us one day anyway.

We are all descendants of Texas. We are ready to fight against the oppression of the Mexican Empire. Our weapons are ready.

The enemy is stronger than us, but the number of comrades who remained here until the end is a whopping 2,000.

We have a good chance. We have been fighting for this land, Texas, against the Comanche for the past 12 years. No one knows the terrain better than we do.

Now our choice is clear: fight or be executed by the Mexicans. If so, I will fight with you to the end.

Come on, comrades! For our land, for our freedom, for our future! For Texas!”

***

“It was a surprise attack… But what can I do? They already found out.”

It seems that they can’t even imagine that there could be a spy within their own organization.

Stephen Austin’s movements were constantly reported to me by an informant who had infiltrated his organization.

‘It’s impossible to know exactly where they’ll attack. There’s no real-time communication. But if you look at the departure time, you can get a rough idea.’

Agent Carlos is said to be planning to desert before the battle begins.

‘Stephen Austin, I thought you could run away on your own if it got to this point.’

Surrendering means being executed no matter what, so it’s natural not to make a choice, but if you run away alone, wouldn’t you be able to save your life?

Are you willing to fight if you have everything to lose? Honestly, it doesn’t look that good to me.

‘Only my family and subordinates are pitiful.’

Noble sacrifice? That’s just how it is packaged, after it has been successfully merged into the US, and then packaged in the US media.

David Crockett of the Battle of the Alamo is an example.

Frankly, from Mexico’s perspective, it’s just an absurd thing where an American guy came to our territory to fight and die trying to make our territory independent.

David Crockett, who is considered a great man in America, similar to Stephen Austin, who was given the grand title of the Father of Texas, will not die in this world because he immigrated to Texas in 1835.

‘It was a success in the original history, so it was well packaged. It will fail in this world, so it’s better for both of us not to come.’

The last rider brought a letter saying that Stephen Austin and the Texas Vigilantes had been on a mission three days ago. Given the distance, a surprise attack could be possible starting tonight.

“We have received intelligence that the enemy may attempt a surprise attack at dawn. Be prepared.”

There are four senior officers under my direct command: an infantry regiment commander commanding 1,000 infantrymen, two cavalry regiment commanders commanding 500 cavalrymen each, and an artillery regiment commander commanding 500 artillerymen.

Among them, the infantry regiment commander was the most senior. He answered.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I cannot allow you to sleep at all, so I will instruct you to strengthen your guard and sleep fully armed.”

“Yes. Prepare the cavalry and artillery units to respond immediately. Increase the number of scouts on the cavalry side.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Our troops arrived at the town of Gonzales, on the way to San Antonio, and prepared to camp next to it.

‘Gonzalez… I think I’ve heard that somewhere.’

***

“Boss, there are over 100 deserters today.”

Jonathan reported to Stephen Austin.

“Damn. I can’t waste any more time.”

“Yes, I think so too. Especially since that bastard Carlos deserted.”

“Is this because the morale has dropped a lot?”

“yes.”

“You cowards are running away while protecting your hometown. Get ready for a surprise attack today.”

In the dark of dawn, Stephen Austin and the Texas Vigilantes prepared for a raid.

The number of vigilantes, which had clearly reached 2,000 at the start, has decreased by over 400 over the past three days.

We tried to stop those who ran away every morning, but even those who ordered the stoppage were running away.

2,500 versus 1,600.

The numbers are quite different, but if you surprise them, you have a good chance of winning. That’s what Stephen Austin thought.

“To the comrades who have stayed here. You are the ones who truly love our home, Texas. If you can overcome this final ordeal, great rewards will follow.”

Stephen Austin encouraged those who stayed until the end.

Half of those who remained were because of the camaraderie they had built up over their long careers as Texas vigilantes.

The other half were young people who had fallen for Stephen Austin’s rhetoric about their Texan identity and who firmly believed that this was the way to truly serve their hometown.

Most of those who followed with the hope of promotion and rewards deserted as the battle drew near.

Stephen Austin divided them into two regiments and sixteen companies. Although irregulars, they had considerable combat experience from years of fighting the Comanche.

“Texas Vigilantes, March!”

Stephen Austin commanded in a small but firm voice.

The Mexican Empire’s camp was quiet, dimly lit by moonlight.

‘We’re almost there. You didn’t even know we had to come this far? Military discipline is a mess.’

As the distance drew closer, Stephen Austin felt a thrill.

He had no intention of shooting from afar. Without cannons, he would have to engage in close combat, a dogfight, to take advantage of the surprise attack and neutralize the enemy’s artillery.

“Now! Charge! Once we get there, light the tent on fire!”

It’s really here. If we just run from now on, it’ll be quick. That was the moment when Stephen Austin gave the order.

“Commence firing!”

Bang! Ta-ta-ta-tang!

Suddenly, soldiers fully armed and carrying guns burst out of all the tents.

“What the hell! Run full speed ahead!”

Stephen Austin shouted and started running himself. The Mexican side, who had anticipated this, also responded quickly.

“Infantry! Form ranks!”

“yes!”

“Artillery Commander! Fire immediately as soon as you are ready!”

“Yes! Fire as soon as you’re ready!”

“The 1st Cavalry Regiment will attack from the left, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment will attack from the right!”

“yes!”

To anyone who saw it, the surprise attack was a failure. The enemy was perfectly prepared.

The Texas Vigilantes were caught off guard by the sudden counterattack.

“What the hell are those guys! How the hell do they know!”

“I don’t know, damn it! Just run! Don’t stop!”

A surprise attack was the only hope, but when it failed, they were greatly shaken, but instead of running away, they ran. This was because they had not suffered any major losses yet, and their leader, Stephen Austin, was running with them.

“Sons of Texas! Follow me!”

The Texas Vigilantes were encouraged again when they heard the cries of Stephen Austin running along at the forefront.

That was when.

“firing!”

Boom! KWAANG! BAM! KWAANG! BAM!

The Texas Vigilante brothers running alongside were crushed.

“Oh, the Mexican empire!”

It was a do-or-die situation up to this point.

Stephen Austin thought as he ran.

‘The surprise attack is a failure. The enemy infantry has already started forming battle lines. There is no point in approaching any further.’

The enemy infantry formed up in battle formation and began firing.

Tata tata tata tang!!

Stephen Austin screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Brothers! Spread out! Use the terrain to take cover!”

Stephen Austin said that and then ran to the rock in front of him.

“Shoot!”

Most of the deserters have a conscience, and they run away with their guns and bullets. Thanks to this, there is ample ammunition per person.

Tata tata tata tang!!

The area around the town of Gonzales was not entirely open plains. Taking cover behind trees, rocks, hills, and buildings, the Texas Rangers began a firefight.

Tata tata tata tang!!

The veterans, who had extensive experience fighting the Comanche tribe, inflicted significant losses on the Mexican Imperial infantry, but the cost of the engagement was hopeless.

The Crown Prince of the Mexican Empire, Jeronimo, who was watching the scene, said:

“Well, it was a good idea to bring a new weapon. The breech-loading rifle is very powerful.”

Diego, the aide who followed me to the battlefield, said.

“Yes, Your Majesty. It seems that the 300 men with breech-loading rifles shoot at more than twice the rate of those with muzzle-loading rifles.”

The Texas Vigilantes also noticed this fact. Jonathan, the number two in the Vigilantes, shouted.

“Boss! The enemy’s weapons are overwhelming! There’s no answer for this theory!”

“Damn it. First, retreat to the village of Gonzales! Use the terrain as much as possible!”

There are civilians in the village. It was an irresponsible order that could have drawn them into the fight. But that was also Stephen Austin’s plan.

‘Once we enter the village, the cannon won’t be able to fire.’

It’s not a very large town to be called a city battle, but the various obstacles will lower the power of the cavalry.

His quick cover order prevented a situation where catastrophic casualties occurred. In fact, it was not a bad situation considering the differences in armament levels, troop levels, and training levels.

‘There is still hope.’

“Everyone, retreat to Gonzales Village! Spread the word to your neighbors!”

The Texas Vigilantes’ movements changed. They started running towards the town of Gonzales. The Mexican Empire also confirmed this.

“Are you planning on dragging in civilians? Just in case, you set up shop a little away from the village.”

“Your Majesty, it seems like that guy over there has been giving orders for a while now. He seems to be the commander.”

Diego, who was surveying the battlefield, said. Hearing this, the Crown Prince hurriedly gave an order to the signalman.

“Signal the cavalry to capture that Stephen Austin over there! If they can’t capture him alive, just kill him!”

It is an organization that runs solely under the leadership of Stephen Austin.

If you lose your center, you will scatter.

It would be nice to be able to bring him alive and stand trial, but we cannot waste the lives of our soldiers for that.

The signalman sent out a prearranged signal. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, which was attacking the right flank and hunting down the vigilantes, confirmed the signal.

The cavalry began to gallop behind Stephen Austin as he rode toward the village of Gonzales.