USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -This detachment was part of Urrea’s larger force of nearly 1, 200 men. The same day, General Houston ordered Fannin to retreat to Victoria. Fannin sent word to the men at Refugio to rendezvous with his command at Victoria.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sam Houston used the retreat to gain time to train his army, as well as to tire out the larger Mexican force chasing them. second unit of the Mexican army, under General José Urrea, advanced through South Texas.

Detailed explanation-3: -After the Alamo, Sam Houston feared another disaster. Mexican forces under Santa Anna continued to sweep across Texas toward the presidio in Goliad, which was in the hands of the rebels. Houston ordered Colonel James W. Fannin to evacuate his 400-man force from Goliad.

Detailed explanation-4: -James Fannin surrendered (March 20, 1836, after the Battle of Coleto Creek) to superior Mexican forces under Gen. José Urrea. Although Mexican law stipulated that foreign belligerents taken on Mexican soil be executed for piracy, Fannin surrendered with the understanding that his men would be… James W.

Detailed explanation-5: -Scouts reported that Santa Anna’s troops were heading east toward Gonzales. Unprepared to confront the Mexican army with his poorly trained force, Houston began a series of strategic retreats designed to give him enough time to whip his army into fighting shape.