Urrea, Gen José de

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Apr 29, 1836 - General José de Urrea still urged General Vicente Filisola, now the senior representative of the Mexican army, to continue the campaign. He (Urrea) was confident that he could successfully challenge the Texian troops. According to Hardin, "Santa Anna had presented Mexico with one military disaster; Filisola did not wish to risk another.” Spring rains ruined the ammunition and rendered the roads almost impassable, with troops sinking to their knees in mud. Mexican troops were soon out of food, and began to fall ill from dysentery and other diseases. Their supply lines had completely broken down, leaving no hope of further reinforcements. Filisola later wrote that "Had the enemy met us under these cruel circumstances, on the only road that was left, no alternative remained but to die or surrender at discretion". General Sam Houston and General Antonio López de Santa Anna begin negotiations for the declaration of the surrender of the Mexican army and withdrawal of Mexican troops from the Republic of Texas. Santa Anna had written to General Vicente Filisola ordering his troops to retreat to Béxar and await further instructions. Pictures: General José de Urrea, General Vicente Filisola, General Sam Houston, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the first official flag of the Republic of Texas, designed by General Lorenzo de Zavala, General Lorenzo de Zavala.