Battle of Agua Dulce - Battle

Battle

Approximately 26 miles (42 km) south of San Patricio, near Agua Dulce Creek, the Mexican cavalry took cover in two groves of trees. Grant, Ruben Brown, and Plácido Benavides rode .5 miles (0.80 km) ahead of the main body of Texians and saw no signs of the Mexican soldiers.

As the remaining Texians reached the trees, the Mexican cavalry attacked. Taken completely unaware, many of the Texians were shot before they were able to raise their guns. On hearing the gunfire, Grant ordered Benavides, a local resident who was familiar with the countryside, to travel to Goliad to warn Fannin of the Mexican army's proximity. Grant and Brown returned to join the fray. As they neared, however, they realized that the battle was almost over, with most of the Texians already dead. A Mexican lance killed Brown's horse, but he managed to safely mount another horse. At about this time, the wild horses stampeded, and, in the confusion, Grant and Brown were able to escape. According to Brown's later recollection, both of their horses were wounded as Mexican soldiers fired after them.

Mexican soldiers promptly gave chase. Although some called for the Texians to surrender, Grant and Brown continued to flee. After 7 miles (11 km), the pair were surrounded and dismounted. Grant killed a Mexican soldier who drove a lance through Brown's arm. This made him the target of the other soldiers, and he died after being pierced multiple times. Unable to fight after a lasso pinned his arms, Brown surrendered and was taken captive.