Gen Antonio López de Santa Anna 1

Today in Texas HistoryOn the trail to Texas independence.Apr 26, 1836 – Travelling eastward from Old Fort (present day northern Ft. Bend county), the Mexican troops were headed toward Columbus. From there would turn southward toward Victoria. Plagued by rains, the going would be slow.On Houston’s command Santa Anna ordered his second-in-command, General Vicente Filisola, to withdraw his troops from Texas and never return. It was thought that if the Mexican army had remained in Texas, it is probable that the war would have continued. Many Texans wanted Santa Anna’s life, but Houston, aware of the Mexican general’s value alive, spared him.Portraits: General am Houston, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, and General Vicente Filisola.