The First Republic of TexM
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Elizondo at Presidio de Rio Grande (slightly south of present Eagle Pass) to meet Arredondo at the Canada de Caballos (probably a cross- ing south of today's main road, east of Dilley). Arredondo then re- organized the troops before continuing his slow march, taking precau- tions against surprise, and halting frequently to train the recruits brought by Elizondo. On August 17 he pitched camp about a league and a half south of Rancherias, some six or eight miles west of the Medina. Scouts sent out to reconnoitre reported the proximity of the enemy. Arredondo im- mediately made his plans. The main body, led by himself, was to con- tinue the march in the direction of the Medina River, fording it five or six miles south or east of the crossing. This tactic was to prevent surprise by the enemy in the narrow ravine through which the river flows at this point. Elizondo with 180 mounted men was to proceed as a van- guard along the regular road until he contacted the enemy. He was then to ascertain its number, general disposition, and strength, but not to engage in formal battle. If attacked, he was to withdraw slowly and send word back to Arredondo so that he might prepare the order for battle. Lieutenants Luis Gomez de Castrejon, of Vera Cruz, and Jose Maria Cespedes, of La Bahia, aides to Arredondo, accompanied Elizondo. The advance guard set out at five o'clock on the morning of August 18, leaving the main road on their left. The total strength of the Royalists at this time was 635 infantrymen and 1,195 cavalrymen.sa Toledo's order of marcli. News of the approach of the Royalists reached San Antonio before August 13, for on that day the "Republican Army of North Mexico," as Toledo styled it, was ordered to prepare for the march to meet the enemy on the morrow. 59 All troops were to be ready; no one was to take any personal baggage; Adjutant Wilson's regiment was to march at the head of the column, followed by the Mexi- can {Texan) troops, and Madison's regiment was to bring up the rear. Twenty men, Mexicans and volunteers from the United States under two 58 Joaquin de Arredondo to Viceroy Felix Maria Calleja, San Antonio de Bexar, September 13, 18 I 3, Historia, O-perado,us de Guerra, A"edofldo, IV, I 43-145, A . G.M. 59 Toledo and his men must have set out before August I 8 to have been In sight of the Medina River by eight o'clock of that day, when they first came In contact with scouts of Elizondo's advance guard. A copy of the order to march on August 14, issued the day before by Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria Guadiana, acting adjutant, is found In Hi.storia, O-peracio,res de Gue"a, A"edofldo, IV, 100-101, A.G. M. Cf. Garrett, Green Flag, 224, where it is stated, "Early morning of August J 8 Toledo began the day of destiny by marching from Bexar with 1,400 soldiers."
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