1835. The "Come and Take It" flag was first used as a symbol of defiance by Texan settlers at the Battle of Gonzales in October of 1835, a minor battle considered to be the opening shot fired in the Texas Revolution against the government of Mexico. The cannon had originally been provided by Mexico as defense of their own colony in 1831. The Mexican military failed in their attempt to recover the cannon. In the February of 1836, Mexican forces returned and inflicted a devastating loss on the Texans at the Battle of Alamo. (The iconic Alamo flag is a variation of the Mexican flag and is associated with a demand for protecting American settler rights outlined in the Mexican Constitution of 1824). The "Come and Take It" slogan was used during the American Revolution and recognized a written response to British forces demanding surrender of Ft. Morris, south of Savannah, Georgia in November 1778. "As to surrendering the fort, receive this laconic reply: COME AND TAKE IT!". No cannon flag was associated at this time. The British withdrew at that time, but the fort succumbed to a larger British force several months later.