Editing Battle of San Jacinto (section)

==Battle==
[[File:Battle of San Jacinto.jpg|thumb|left|300px|San Jacinto Battlefield with troop movements]]
The area along Buffalo Bayou had many thick oak groves, separated by marshes. This type of terrain was familiar to the Texians and quite alien to the Mexican soldiers.<ref name=hardin202/> Houston's army, comprising around 800 men, reached Lynch's Ferry mid-morning on April 20; Santa Anna's 700-man force arrived a few hours later. The Texians made camp in a wooded area along the bank of Buffalo Bayou; while the location provided good cover and helped hide their full strength, it also left the Texians no room for retreat.<ref name=hardin200and1>Hardin (1994), pp. 200–201.</ref><ref name=moore258>Moore (2004), p. 258.</ref> Over the protests of several of his officers, Santa Anna chose to make camp in a vulnerable location, a plain near the [[San Jacinto River (Texas)|San Jacinto River]], bordered by woods on one side, marsh and lake on another.<ref name=hardin202>Hardin (1994), p. 202.</ref><ref name=moore283>Moore (2004), p. 283.</ref> The two camps were approximately {{convert|500|yd|m}} apart, separated by a grassy area with a slight rise in the middle.<ref name=hardin208>Hardin (1994), p. 208.</ref> Colonel Pedro Delgado later wrote that "the camping ground of His Excellency's selection was in all respects, against military rules. Any youngster would have done better."<ref name=moore287>Moore (2004), p. 287.</ref>

Over the next several hours, two brief skirmishes occurred. Using the Twin Sisters, Texians won the first, forcing a small group of dragoons and the Mexican artillery to withdraw.<ref name=hardin202/><ref name=hardin203/> Mexican dragoons then forced the Texian cavalry to withdraw. In the melee, Rusk, on foot to reload his rifle, was almost captured by Mexican soldiers but was rescued by newly arrived Texian volunteer [[Mirabeau B. Lamar]].<ref name=hardin203>Hardin (1994), p. 203.</ref> Over Houston's objections, many infantrymen rushed onto the field. As the Texian cavalry fell back, Lamar remained behind to rescue another Texian who had been thrown from his horse; Mexican officers "reportedly applauded" his bravery.<ref name=hardin204>Hardin (1994), p. 204.</ref> Houston was irate that the infantry had disobeyed his orders and given Santa Anna a better estimate of their strength; the men were equally upset that Houston had not allowed a full battle.<ref name=davis267>Davis (2006), p. 267.</ref>

Throughout the night, Mexican troops worked to fortify their camp, creating [[Breastwork (fortification)|breastworks]] out of everything they could find, including saddles and brush.<ref name=hardin205>Hardin (1994), p. 205.</ref> At {{nowrap|9 a.m.}} on April 21, Cos arrived with 540 reinforcements, bringing the Mexican force to approximately 1,200–1,500 men which outnumbered the Texian aggregate forces of approximately 800 men (official count entering battle was reported at 783).<ref>Houston, 1836, op cit</ref> General Cos' men were mostly raw recruits rather than experienced soldiers, and they had marched steadily for more than 24 hours with no rest and no food.<ref name=moore292>Moore (2004), p. 292.</ref> As the morning wore on with no Texian attack, Mexican officers lowered their guard. By afternoon, Santa Anna had permitted Cos' men to sleep; his tired troops also took advantage of the time to rest, eat, and bathe.<ref name=moore328>Moore (2004), p. 328.</ref>

Not long after Cos arrived with reinforcements, General Houston ordered Smith to destroy [[Vince's Bridge]] (located about 8 miles from the Texian encampment) to block the only road out of the Brazos and, thereby, prevent any possibility of escape by Santa Anna.<ref>Houston, Texian Army HQ Report from San Jacinto, 1836 op cit</ref> Houston describes how he arrayed the Texian forces in preparation of battle: ''"Colonel [[Edward Burleson]] was assigned the center. The second regiment, under the command of Colonel [[Sidney Sherman|Sydney Sherman]] (sic), formed the left-wing of the army. The artillery, under the special command of Col. Geo. W. Hackley, inspector general, was placed on the right of the first regiment, and four companies under the command of Lieutenant Colonel [[Henry Millard]], sustained the artillery on the right, and our cavalry, sixty-one in number and commanded by Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar...placed on our extreme right, composed our line."'' <ref name="Houston 1836">Houston, Texian Army HQ Report from San Jacinto, 1836, op cit</ref>

[[File:108 of 'A Texas Scrap-Book. Made up of the history, biography, and miscellany of Texas and its people. Compiled by D. W. C. Baker. (With plates, including portraits.)' (11109994645).jpg|right|200px|San Jacinto Battlefield]]
The Texian cavalry was first dispatched to the Mexican forces' far left, and the artillery advanced through the tall grass to within 200 yards of the Mexican breastworks.<ref name="Houston 1836"/> The Texian Twin Sisters fired at 4:30, beginning the battle.<ref name=moore210>Moore (2004), p. 210.</ref> After a single volley, Texians broke ranks and swarmed over the Mexican breastworks, yelling "Remember the Alamo! Remember La Bahia (Goliad)!", to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Mexican soldiers were taken by surprise. Santa Anna,  Castrillón, and Almonte yelled often conflicting orders, attempting to organize their men into some form of defense.<ref name=moore211>Moore (2004), p. 211.</ref> The Texian infantry forces advanced without halt until they had possession of the woodland and the Mexican breastwork; the right-wing of Burleson's and the left-wing of Millard's forces took possession of the breastwork.<ref name="Houston 1836"/> Within 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers abandoned their campsite and fled for their lives.<ref name=davis271>Davis (2006), p. 271.</ref> The killing lasted for hours.<ref name=hardin213>Hardin (1994), p. 213.</ref>

Many Mexican soldiers retreated through the marsh to Peggy Lake.<ref group=Note>Peggy Lake, also called Peggy's Lake, no longer exists. It was located southeast of the Mexican breastworks, which is now the site of the monument. Hardin (2004) pp. 71, 93</ref> Texian riflemen stationed themselves on the banks and shot at anything that moved. Many Texian officers, including Houston and Rusk, attempted to stop the slaughter, but they were unable to gain control of the men, incensed and vengeful for the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad, while frightened Mexican infantry yelled "Me no Alamo!" and begged for mercy to no avail.<ref name=hardin211to5>Hardin (1994), pp. 211–215.</ref> In what historian Davis calls "one of the most one-sided victories in history",<ref name=davis274>Davis (2006), p. 274.</ref> 650 Mexican soldiers were killed, 208 wounded, and 300 captured.<ref name=hardin215>Hardin (1994), p. 215.</ref> Eleven Texians were killed and mortally wounded, with 30 others, including Houston, wounded.<ref name=moore364>Moore (2004), p. 364.</ref>

Although Santa Anna's troops had been thoroughly vanquished, they did not represent the bulk of the Mexican army in Texas. An additional 4,000 troops remained under the commands of Urrea and General [[Vicente Filisola]].<ref name=davis272>Davis (2006), p. 272.</ref> Texians had won the battle because of mistakes made by Santa Anna, and Houston was well aware that his troops would have little hope of repeating their victory against Urrea or Filisola.<ref name=davis273>Davis (2006), p. 273.</ref> As darkness fell, a large group of prisoners was led into camp. Houston initially mistook the group for Mexican reinforcements and reportedly shouted out that all was lost.<ref name=davis276>Davis (2006), p. 276.</ref>

===Mexican retreat===
[[File:SantaAnnaSurrender.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A group of men is gathered under a large tree.  One man lays on the ground under the trees, with his barefoot exposed.|''"Surrender of Santa Anna"'' by [[William Henry Huddle]] shows the Mexican president and general surrendering to a wounded Sam Houston, the Battle of San Jacinto]]
Santa Anna had escaped towards Vince's Bridge.<ref name=moore353>Moore (2004), p. 353.</ref> Finding the bridge destroyed, he hid in the marsh and was captured the following day, wearing the uniform jacket of a private. This subterfuge was uncovered when other Mexican prisoners cried out in recognition of their commander.<ref name=hardin215/> He was brought before Houston, who had been shot in the ankle and badly wounded.<ref name=davis272/><ref group=Note>Lamar thought Houston was deliberately shot by one of his men. Moore (2004), p. 339.</ref> Texian soldiers gathered around, calling for the Mexican general's immediate execution.  Bargaining for his life, Santa Anna suggested that he order the remaining Mexican troops to stay away.<ref name=hardin216>Hardin (1994), p. 216.</ref> In a letter to Filisola, who was now the senior Mexican official in Texas, Santa Anna wrote that "yesterday evening [we] had an unfortunate encounter" and ordered his troops to retreat to Béxar and await further instructions.<ref name=davis273/>

Urrea urged Filisola to continue the campaign. He was confident that he could challenge the Texian troops. According to Hardin, "Santa Anna had presented Mexico with one military disaster; Filisola did not wish to risk another."<ref name=hardin245>Hardin (1994), p. 245.</ref> Spring rains had ruined the ammunition and rendered the roads nearly impassable, with troops sinking to their knees in mud. The Mexican troops were soon out of food and began to fall ill from dysentery and other diseases.<ref name=davis277/> Their supply lines had broken down, leaving no hope of further reinforcements.<ref name=hardin246>Hardin (1994), p. 246.</ref> Filisola later wrote "Had the enemy met us under these cruel circumstances, on the only road that was left, no alternative remained but to die or surrender at discretion".<ref name=davis277>Davis (2006), p. 277.</ref>

For several weeks after San Jacinto, Santa Anna continued to negotiate with Houston, Rusk, and then Burnet.<ref name=davis279>Davis (2006), p. 279.</ref> Santa Anna suggested two treaties, a public version of promises made between the two countries, and a private version that included Santa Anna's agreements. The [[Treaties of Velasco]] required that all Mexican troops withdraw south of the Rio Grande and that all private property be respected and restored. Prisoners of war would be released unharmed, and Santa Anna would be given immediate passage to Veracruz. He secretly promised to persuade the Mexican Congress to acknowledge the Republic of Texas and to recognize the Rio Grande as the border between the two countries.<ref name=davis282>Davis (2006), p. 282.</ref>

When Urrea began marching south in mid-May, many families from San Patricio who had supported the Mexican army went with him. When Texian troops arrived in early June, they found only 20 families remaining. The area around San Patricio and [[Refugio, Texas|Refugio]] suffered a "noticeable depopulation" in the Republic of Texas years.<ref name=lack180>Lack (1992), p. 180.</ref> Although the treaty had specified that Urrea and Filisola would return any slaves their armies had sheltered, Urrea refused to comply. Many former slaves followed the army to Mexico, where they could be free.<ref name=lack245>Lack (1992), p. 245.</ref> By late May, the Mexican troops had crossed the [[Nueces River|Nueces]].<ref name=davis277/>  Filisola fully expected that the defeat was temporary and that a second campaign would be launched to retake Texas.<ref name=hardin246/>