Ottr Catlwlic Heritage in T e%as
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a large Royalist army was on its way to San Antonio cast a heavy pall over the city. Panic seized both troops and people. No one thought of any- thing but precipitate flight to safety beyond the Louisiana frontier: A second report, received shortly afterwards, that the Royalists were still in Laredo, counteracted the panic. When, however, the forces of Elizondo came in full view of the city on June 18, confusion and fear again seized Bexar. Major Ross, in command of the adventurers from the United States, called a council and strongly recommended retreat, a decision attributed to the influence of a Mexican lover's concern for the comely officer. In her solicitude, she had persuaded Ross that all the Mexican troops had agreed to surrender to Elizondo and to help execute every American in the city. Major Henry Perry assumed command after the departure of Ross and ordered a reconnaissance of the enemy's position. While Elizondo waited in happy anticipation, the Republicans reor- ganized their forces and marched out of the city under cover of darkness on June 19. In the silence of the night they surrounded the unsuspecting Royalists. At dawn just as the Spanish troops were preparing to attend Mass, Gutierrez' men opened fire. The surprise was complete. The sud- den, fierce onslaught caught Elizondo off guard and scattered his men to the four winds. Texans and Americans forgot their differences and fought side by side with all their former fearlessness. The battle lasted only two hours. The jubilant victors captured 4,000 pounds of biscuits, 40 mule-loads of flour, 2,000 horses and mules, 300 guns and muskets, 5,000 pounds of powder, $28,000 worth of goods and clothing, i7,ooo in specie, hundreds of saddles, besides liquor, cigars, coffee, and other luxuries. In the elation of their success, they failed to pursue the enemy and deliver a crushing blow to Arredondo before he was ready to stamp out the revolt in Texas. Instead, Gutierrez and Perry returned with their men to San Antonio to celebrate their victory. They soon fell out and renewed their bickering, which was destined to seal their doom. Two horses were shot from under Elizondo, but he managed to escape. He did not catch up with the remnants of his army until he had gone some fifteen miles. Although his dreams of glory had been temporarily shat- tered, the failure of the rebels to follow on his heels gave him hope and courage. Removal of Gutie"ee. The founder of the first Republic of Texas succeeded in repelling Elizondo only to find himself soon replaced in command by Jose Alvarez de Toledo. His removal was due to the in- triguing Shaler, who, together with Claiborne, never forgave Gutierrez
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