Our Catl,olic Heritage in T ezas
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officers, were to march two hundred paces ahead of the column to recon- noitre. The advance guard was to take two light pieces of artillery. The munition train, protected by a section of artillery, was to fall in behind the rear guard of Madison, and was to be followed by the Indian allies and the civilians. 60 Toledo is said to have commanded r ,400 men, although Arredondo re- ported he had more than 3,000. Perhaps the total approximated the latter figure if the Indian allies are included. A force as large as that of Toledo could not travel fast. It is quite probable, therefore, that, since the orders were dated August 13 and the distance to be covered was well beyond 20 miles, the "Republican Army of North Mexico" started its fateful march the next day in order to be able to take up their position north of the Medina by August 17. Here Toledo had planned to await the approach of Arredondo. But the impatience of the troops under Perry and Keml?.!:.r caused a last minute change of plans, which put the Republicans-at a disadvantage. Their impetuosity was to lead them into the ambush carefully prepared by Arredondo. The Battle of Medina. Elizondo and his vanguard apparently reached the Medina about eight o'clock the morning of August 18, and sent scouts across the river to feel out the enemy. One of these, Ensign Francisco Lopez, was discovered by a Toledo outpost. The shot was ineffectual and permitted him to flee unscathed. Colonel Perry urged immediate advance of the whole army, because the Royalists would thus be caught unaware and thrown into disorder by the surprise attack. Others counseled awaiting the enemy at the selected position. In the midst of the dispute Colonel Perry started in pursuit and the rest followed. Before they had gone two miles, the heat and thirst made many propose a return to their camp. Others pointed out th~t they were nearer the river than the camp. It was decided to advance to the river. They quenched their thirst and looked about for the enemy. Refreshed by the cooling waters of the river and emboldened by the absence of the enemy, they crossed and continued their search, confident that the Royalists were already in full retreat. But the cunning Elizondo was determined to avenge his recent blunder. He had followed instructions by immediately dispatching a messenger to warn Arredondo that the enemy was in sight, and then withdrew a short distance from the river where he made preparations for a delaying action. He planned to check the advance of the overconfident and quarreling 60 J05e Maria Guadiana, Teniente Coronel y Mayor General Interino. Quartel General, San Antonio de Bexar, August 13, 1813, Hisloria, 0,Peracwnes de Gue"a, Arredondo, IV, 100-101, A.G. M.
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