The Battle of San Jacinto Chapter 11 Section 2

The Eve of Battle On April 20, 1836, Texan troops camped on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Santa Anna’s army moved to the edge of a prairie opposite the Texans. Santa Anna was in a poor position but believed the Texans would not attack.

Texan Soldiers of Varied Backgrounds Juan Seguín commanded 20–30 Tejanos. The Tejanos wore a piece of cardboard in their hats to distinguish them from Mexican troops. Only 170 men who fought in Houston’s army owned land in Texas before the Revolution.

Houston Calls a Council of War Santa Anna had 850 troops; 540 more joined them. Houston ordered the bridge across Vince’s Bayou destroyed to cut off a retreat for both armies. Houston called his officers to a council of war, but they disagreed over whether to attack directly or set up a defensive position.

"We view ourselves on the eve of battle "We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name." —General Sam Houston, Before the Battle of San Jacinto

“Remember the Alamo” Around 3:30 in the afternoon of April 21, Houston ordered the Texas army to advance on the Mexican troops who were resting. The Texans seized the Mexican artillery.

San Jacinto Battlefield – April 21, 1836 Buffalo Bayou San Jacinto River TEXAN CAMP Cavalry Peggy Lake Santa Anna escape route Mexican Camp

“Remember the Alamo” The Mexican camp was in total confusion as soldiers tried to fight and flee. The battle lasted 18 minutes

Mexicans Suffer Heavy Losses The Mexican army suffered heavy losses at San Jacinto. An estimated 630 Mexicans were killed and 730 were taken prisoner, including Santa Anna. Santa Anna surrendered the following day to a group of Texans who were looking for him

Santa Anna Surrenders to Sam Houston

Comparing Reports Houston’s report to President Burnet praised his troops highly for their courage and loyalty. Santa Anna’s report to his superiors explained that the loss was due to the high number of inexperienced recruits.

The Texan Navy Controls the Coast The Texan navy controlled the coastal waters, bringing supplies to the Texan armies and cutting off supplies to the Mexican divisions.

Treaties of Velasco Santa Anna signed two treaties at Velasco—one public and one secret. The public treaty —Santa Anna promised that Mexican forces would never fight against Texans again and ordered all Mexican forces out of Texas.

Treaties of Velasco Santa Anna signed two treaties at Velasco—one public and one secret. The secret treaty —Santa Anna promised to work for Mexican recognition of Texas independence in exchange for his release.

Many Texans Wanted Revenge Many Texans wanted to hang Santa Anna. Burnet, determined to honor the treaty, placed Santa Anna on a ship to return to Mexico. A group of angry Texan army officers prevented the ship from sailing, but Burnet stopped them from executing Santa Anna.

Victory’s Consequences News of the victory spread throughout Texas. Soldiers from both sides returned to their homes. The Mexican army, under General Filisola left in defeat.

Victory’s Consequences Many volunteers from the United States arrived in Texas too late. The Texans had already won the war. Texans were now citizens of the new Republic of Texas.