The First Republic of Texas
115
rebels, whose temper was not improved by the increasing heat of midday, the troublesome sandy wastes, or the indifference of the discontented Texans. Suddenly the crack of rifle fire broke the noonday stillness. The toiling Republicans dashed with the joy of relief upon the enemy. Skillfully the fire was returned, as an orderly withdrawal began. Arre- dondo on receipt of the news, rushed I 50 men under Colonel Juan Manuel Zambrano to support Elizondo. He himself followed with the main force. The Republicans, seeing the small contingent, thought it was the whole Arredondo army. They renewed their attack with even greater fury in a desperate effort to overwhelm the enemy with one violent charge. Elizondo gave the command to fall back slowly towards the advancing Arredondo. The jubilant followers of Toledo misjudged the movement for a complete rout and, consequently, rushed headlong into the trap set by Arredondo. Suddenly the Republicans found themselves between a withering fire from both flanks and a solid front. They were facing, not presidia! guards or Indian fighters but seasoned troops from Spain, who stood their ground firmly like true veterans. For more than three hours the running fight over the burning sands and thorny wastes sapped the strength of the rebels. The Republicans ~e- cided to put every ounce of strength in a supreme effort to knock the enemy out quickly. Now they were drawn into a trap, facing compara- tively fresh troops. For a few more minutes the fire of the combatants continued unabated. The Republicans, convinced that fu'rther resistance was useless, staggered, broke, and fled. By four o'clock the "Republican Army of North Mexico" was a fleeing mob, dispersed to the four winds. The green flag of the first Republic of Texas trailed in the dust. Toledo-- the man of talent, in the opinion of Shaler, the boastful leader and resplendent general-had but one thought, safety in flight beyond the eastern frontier. Both Arredondo and the Anglo-Americans estimated the number of rebels left dead on the field at approximately 1,000.' 1 According to Arredondo, the Indian allies proved of little value to the Republicans, for they were the first to flee, but closely followed by Toledo. In pursuit of the Tonkawas, Taovayas, Towakonis, and Lipans, as well as of other survivors, Elizondo was sent with 200 mounted men. He was to pursue the fleeing enemy into San Antonio and take possession of the city before the Republicans could recover from the shock. Arredondo was determined to avenge his former defeat. Prisoners 61 Joaquin de Arredondo to Viceroy Felix Maria Calleja, San Antonio de Bexar, September 13, 1813, Hi.storia, 0-peracwnes de Guerra, Arredondo, IV, 146-149, A.G.M.
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