Woll Invades

[Craig Tx]

From the Texas State Historical Association

On this day in 1842, Mexican general Adrián Woll, with a force of 12,000 men, captured the city of San Antonio. Woll's expedition was part of the continued skirmishing that went on between the Texas Revolution and the Mexican War. Woll's army was repulsed by Texan troops in the battle of Salado Creek on September 18, evacuated San Antonio two days later, and returned to Coahuila. The Mexican government hailed Woll's Texas campaign as a success, promoted him to major general, and awarded him its Cross of Honor. Texans responded to the attack by launching the Somervell and Mier expeditions.



Craig

[greyhunter]

Was it common practice to shoot surviving texicans after capture?

[Craig Tx]

Tough question...  The Spanish did when the Mexicans were tryin' to gain their independence and in battlin' the filibusters tryin' to take Texas away from Spain.  The impressionable young Lieutenant Santa Anna was on at least one of these campaigns.  And obviously took note.

When the Texas Revolution rolled around (President) General Santa Anna declared the revolutionaries pirates and not protected as Prisoners of War according to the Rules of War of the day.

So no prisoners were taken at the Alamo, and the executions were ordered at La Bahia (Goliad) (Although there were some survivors of the La Bahia executions and some prisoners were spared because they were either doctors, or secreted away by Officers or citizens.).  His officers were divided as to their compliance to these orders.  (Fannin and his command were allowed to surrender (at the Battle of Coleto Creek and transported back to La Bahia.) and then were later ordered executed.)

The decimation of the Mier expedition was in reprisal for the escape attempt in which some guards were killed.  Santa Anna originally wanted the entire 170 executed.  But was convinced to only decimate the survivors.  Actually there were 18 executions.  The 17 required for the decimation, and Ewan Cameron who drew a white bean, but was so hated by the President (Santa Anna) that he ordered his execution in spite of his drawing of the white bean.

Craig

[greyhunter]

Whoa, tough times indeed!