The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 62, July 1958 - April, 1959 Page: 25

A Texas Expedition into Mexico, 1840

government by assisting in any way possible any planned reinva-
sion of Texas.24
Molano's plan to abandon the Texans was evidently to lead
them far into the interior of Mexico. Leaving Palmillas, the expe-
dition started for Saltillo, as Jordan planned; but he soon dis-
cerned that they were on the road to San Luis Potosi. Further
suspicion was raised when Molano continually refused to admit
recruits to the ranks in the small towns through which the party
passed. But Molano pleaded ignorance of the country, and the
expedition then swung north toward Saltillo.25
Upon approaching within a long day's march from Saltillo,
Molano again offered Jordan advice, and Jordan again accepted
it. Molano stated that the road to Saltillo was in all probability
fortified, and that it would be necessary to diverge from the main
route and proceed circuitously. The force therewith left the main
road, arriving at a well-stocked ranch six miles from Saltillo at
midnight, where the federalists remained until the next morning.26
The men prepared themselves for battle and began marching
toward Saltillo. They had proceeded about two miles when they
realized that there were enemy forces on an eminence ahead. The
federalists were drawn up into a line of three groups, with the
Texans in the center and the Mexicans on the flanks. About three
hundred paces separated the three groups. Colonel Molano, de-
siring a conference, then advanced under a white flag toward the
enemy, who proved to be the forces of General Rafael Vasquez.
Molano disappeared, and was presumed shot-or at least, that was
the impression the other federalists had. Soon a communication
came from the city for Colonel Luis L6pez, of the federalists;
reinforcements appeared for 'the centralists; and L6pez, "without
consulting with any one, rode out in front of the line, and waving
his cap in the air, cried out-'Viva el Supremo Gobierno-Mueren
los Texanos.' "27
With that, L6pez galloped off in the direction of the enemy with
24Arista to Molano, October 14, 1840, ibid.
25Austin City Gazette, December 2, 1840; information from Anson G. Neal,
Lamar Papers, VI, 99-111.
26Ibid.
27Austin City Gazette, December 2, 1840.