The Battle of San Jacinto

By Murray Montgomery - Staff Writer

Sunday, April 21, will mark the 188th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto - because of the eventual consequences of this victory, the battle is considered one of the most important in world history.

After spending weeks retreating from Mexican troops in an attempt to buy some time to train his “rag-tag” army, General Sam Houston had finally found the right place and time to fight the superior forces under the command of the Mexican dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

The events that led to the battle at San Jacinto began at the little town of Gonzales, in March of 1836. General Sam Houston had arrived there just in time to receive the news of the disaster at the Alamo.

 He immediately made an attempt to form military units within the army. According to Seymour V. Connor in his article that appears in the book, Battles of Texas: “The First Regiment of the Volunteer Army of Texas was formed on March 12, with Edward Burleson in command as colonel....”

After he had accomplished some sort of organization to his little army, Houston decided that he must retreat. He knew that his group would be no match for Santa Anna’s disciplined troops and his only hope was to withdraw and lure the Mexican forces deeper into Texas. He hoped to lengthen their (Mexican) supply lines and make it difficult for them to move rapidly.

As the Texas army retreated east and sometimes northeast in a zigzag sort of way, many of the soldiers became disgruntled and were tired of running — some deserted, most of them just wanted to fight. But, “General Sam,” had a plan. A plan he shared with no one.

When the Texans arrived at the Colorado River, Sam Houston’s army was at its peak strength. It is estimated that he had anywhere from 1000 to 1500 men at this time - but, to the chagrin of many of his soldiers and Texas government officials, he continued to retreat. 

Everyone felt sure that Houston would make his stand at the Colorado and when he did not, some thought that he would be relieved of his command; this might have happened if there had been a qualified replacement. Sam Houston overcame these difficulties in his same determined way and the exhausted little army moved on toward the coastal plain at San Jacinto.

When the Texas army reached the Brazos River, General Houston turned them toward the north and Groce’s Landing. Again, the men started to talk with anger about their commander. They were tired of running! Heavy rain was constant and having to trudge through the mud day after day was beginning to take its toll.

While camped at Groce’s, Houston continued to drill and train his men. He began to mold his volunteers into a fighting unit. Jared Groce had a fine plantation and he gave all he could to the Texans. They were supplied with lead to make ammunition, and he also gave them vegetables from his garden as well as meat from his vast herd of cattle.

 It was at this time that the Texans received another, much-needed gift;  two cannons from the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio. They were promptly named, “Twin Sisters.”

After playing his game of cat and mouse with the Mexican army for more than a month, Sam Houston was ready to spring his trap. Although the odds still favored the Mexicans, Houston must have felt that this was the best chance he had to secure a victory and better yet, possibly capture Santa Anna.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on April 21, 1836, some 800 Texans began their assault against 1300 to 1400 Mexican soldiers. The book, Battles of Texas, describes the Texans’ charge as follows: “Incredibly the Texans reached within two hundred yards of the Mexican barricade before they were seen. The “Twin Sisters” roared and muskets barked and men cursed furiously and suddenly all was bedlam.” 

General Sam Houston had two horses shot out from under him during the battle. He was shot through the ankle. Santa Anna grabbed a horse from one of his men and fled. The Mexican army was caught completely off-guard and the Battle of San Jacinto was over in less than 18 minutes.

The battle had been won, but the killing continued. Thirsty for revenge, emotions ran wild among the Texans. They shot, clubbed, and stabbed the Mexicans as they attempted to escape. Some of the enemy soldiers were even scalped. It has been estimated that 650 Mexicans were killed and 700 captured. General Santa Anna was taken captive the next day. 

The Alamo and Goliad had been avenged. Texas' independence was secured.