'
I
Our Catholic Heritage in Texas
Santa Anna fled in disguise, but was captured and brought into camp the following day. When his identity was unwittingly revealed by his men, the Texans clamored for his hanging, but Houston, who knew the real value of his prisoner, saved him from violence. An armistice, pend- ing a permanent peace, was signed by the frightened prisoner providing for cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of General Filisola from Fort Bend to San Antonio with the main body of the Mexican anny and of General Urrea from Victoria to Matamoros. A siesta, the confusion of the surprise attack, thirty minutes' fight, and the accidental capture of Santa Anna combined to give the Texans not only victory and ample revenge, but also complete independence. One swift blow shattered the bonds binding Texas to Mexico. The pro- longed and ignominious Texan retreat was turned into a joyful and decisive victbry. From San Jacinto Santa Anna and the other prisoners were taken to Velasco, where on May 14 the defeated Napoleon of the West signed two treaties. The first, a public treaty, provided for the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of the Mexican forces to beyond the Rio Grande, the restoration of property taken by the Mexicans, and the liberation of Texan prisoners. The second, a private or secret treaty, provided for the immediate liberation of Santa Anna and his safe conduct to Vera Cruz with the solemn pledge that on his arrival in Mexico he use his influence to obtain the recognition of Texas' independence. The position of Texas was still precarious, for Filisola, second in com- mand, was only a few miles away at Fort Bend with about 2,400 fresh and well-equipped troops, while Urrea was at Victoria with almost 1,000 more. Some 600 Mexican prisoners, furthermore, would prove difficult to guard in event of attack. The danger, however, passed quickly. Filisola fortunately ratified the public treaty, and immediately ordered Urrea and his men to Matamoros. Urrea sullenly obeyed, later protested, and eventually replaced Filisola in command after he arrived in Mata- moros--too late to change the state of affairs. President Burnet suddenly found himself torn between the incessant demands for the execution of Santa Anna and the fulfillment of the secret treaty of Velasco. Volunteers from the United States were pouring in daily, and clamored for the execution of the prisoners. When on June 4 they learned that Santa Anna, his private secretary, Martinez Caro, and General Almonte were on board an armed schooner, the In- vincible, ready to be transported to Vera Cruz, General Thomas J. Green
Powered by FlippingBook