Though some managed to escape en route, most remained there until the Mexican government later released them. To provide assistance, James W. Fannin, commander of forces at Goliad, sent two relief forces. Captain King and all but one man were executed in short order. Many were killed or captured. Yes, I would like to begin receiving history-rich content, news, and updates from TSHA. Amon B. In some accounts of the Goliad Massacre, a Mexican woman, Francisca (Francita, Panchita or Pancheta) Alavez, sometimes referred to by other names (Alvarez or Alavesco), rescued about 20 Texian soldiers and became known as "The Angel of Goliad. The first paragraph states "The massacre was reluctantly carried out by General Jose de Urrea". Balderas, Capt. On this day in 1836, the Goliad Massacre takes place. Portilla suffered an unquiet night weighing these conflicting orders, but he concluded that he was bound to obey Santa Anna's order and directed that the prisoners be shot at dawn. Section 107 related to Copyright and “Fair Use” for Non-Profit educational institutions, which permits the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), to utilize copyrighted materials to further scholarship, education, and inform the public. by Charlotte Churchill, With Milam and Fannin, Austin: Pemberton Press, 1968). Hobart Huson, El Copano: Ancient Port of Bexar and La Bahia (Refugio, Texas: Refugio Timely Remarks, 1935). At a prearranged moment, or upon a given signal, the guards fired upon the prisoners at a range too close to miss. Unhurt myself, I sprang up and, concealed by the thick smoke, fled along the hedge in the direction of the river, the noise of the water for my guide. John Crittenden Duval, Early Times in Texas, or the Adventures of Jack Dobell (Austin: Gammel, 1892; new ed., Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1986). Surrender of the Force at Goliad under the Command of James W. Fannin. His increasingly dictatorial policies, including the revocation of the Constitution of 1824 in early 1835, incited federalists throughout the nation to revolt. When the Mexican and Texan commissioners seeking surrender terms failed to agree, Urrea shortened the conference by dealing directly with Fannin and proposing written terms, under which the Texans should give up their arms and become prisoners of war "at the disposal of the Supreme Mexican Government." While their friends were killed, many soliders escaped or tried to. Pedro (Luis?) reset. Still, Fannin became cheerful and reported to his men that the Mexicans were making arrangements for their departure. The third group, on the San Patricio road, was farther from cover; only four men from it are known to have escaped. Goliad Massacre-Index | Independence-Index . Carolino Huerta of the Tres Villas battalion. In 1853, he received 320 acres in Bee County, adjacent to Goliad County. For Biographies, Search Handbook of … When the Mexican general reported to Santa Anna that he was holding the San Patricio prisoners, Santa Anna ordered Urrea to comply with the decree of December 30. The largest group, including what remained of Ward's Georgia Battalion and Capt. Joseph H. Barnard, Dr. J. H. Barnard's Journal: A Composite of Known Versions, ed. Urrea marched the Texians back to Fort Defiance, where they were held under guard. Battle of Coleto, Capitulation and Survival of the Goliad Massacre as told by John C. Duval From Early Times in Texas or, the Adventures of Jack Dobell 1892 (Headings added by current editor, WLM) The Battle of Goliad was the second skirmish of the Texas Revolution. Join TSHA to support quality Texas history programs and receive exclusive benefits. On March 12, they encountered a group of Texian soldiers, under the command of William Ward at Refugio. Mexican troops under the command of General José de Urrea defeated rebellious immigrants to the Mexican province of Texas, known as Texians, in a series of clashes in February and March. Santa Anna replied to Urrea's clemency letter on March 23 by ordering immediate execution of these "perfidious foreigners" and repeated the order in a letter the next day. The darkest day in Texas history, the Goliad Massacre, took place at Presidio La Bahia on March 27, 1836 — Palm Sunday. The resolution thus gave the Mexican Army permission to take no prisoners in the war against the Texians. Support the Handbook today. Those not killed were pursued and slaughtered by gunfire, bayonet, or lance. The San Antonio Grays, Mobile Grays,and others were marched along the Victoria road in the direction of the lower ford. The battle at Goliad was terrible. The Texians repulsed Mexican attacks for several days. 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