Gen Martín Perfecto de Cós

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Dec 08, 1835 – Mexican Army Colonel Domingo Ugartechea returns to San Antonio with over 600 reinforcements to aid General Martin Cós, but only 170 were experienced soldiers. Untrained conscripts formed the other 450 men, who brought with them few supplies. General Edward Burleson sent 100 men into town to join the Texan force that captured the buildings of Zambrano Row in hand-to-hand fighting. Cós ordered his cavalry to threaten the Texan camp, but they found it well defended and returned without firing a shot. That night Colonel William Cooke with two companies seized the priest's house on the main plaza, but they seemed cut off from the Texas army. As the Texians advanced closer to the plazas, General Cós realized that his best defensive position would be within the Alamo Mission just outside Béxar. In his official report to Santa Anna, Cós wrote that, "In such critical circumstances there was no other measure than to advance and occupy the Alamo which, due to its small size and military position, was easier to hold. In doing so, I took with me the artillery, packs and the rest of the utensils I was able to transport.” The next day, General Cós would request the terms of surrender. Portraits: Colonel Domingo Ugartechea, General Martin Cós, General Edward Burleson, Colonel William Cooke.