Tampico ExpeditionCommanded by Jose Antonio Mexia, 150 volunteers sailed from New Orleans November 6, 1835. Hoping to take the fort and the town of Tampico by surprise, they arrived at Tampico on November 14. Secrecy was impossible, however. The garrison’s commandant had aroused official suspicions, and he was arrested on November 13. And, when the ship attempted to approach the landing at night, it ran aground on the bar, and the men were forced to wade ashore. On November 15, they took up the march to Tampico, arriving there about midnight. Troops commanded by Gregorio Gomez attacked and wounded several of the expedition members. Mexia retreated to the bar and took refuge in the garrison, remaining there for twelve days. On November 26, what remained of the force embarked on the Halcyon. They arrived at the mouth of the Brazos on December 3. Three of the 31 prisoners left behind in Tampico died of their wounds; the rest were tried by court martial and shot on December 14, in spite of vigorous efforts by Texas and the United States to ransom the men.

Thompson’s FerryRiver crossing on the Brazos, three miles above Richmond. Houston’s army crossed at this point on April 14, 1836.

Tolsa, EugenioTolsa commanded the second brigade of Santa Anna’s forces. He was ordered to reinforce General Sesma at the Colorado, and, on March 31, to operate against the Bolivar-Harrisburg-Lynchburg area as far as the San Jacinto River.

Tornel, Jose MariaMexican Minister of War and Marine.

Travis, William BarretTravis organized a company of volunteers in June 1835 which expelled the Mexican garrison at Anahuac. He commanded a scouting company as part of the Volunteer Army before San Antonio. He was appointed a major of artillery in December, but later took a commission as lieutenant colonel of cavalry. Sent out to recruit volunteers, he was ordered to proceed to San Antonio with such troops as he could muster. He arrived there on February 2, 1836. Command fell to him when James Neill left, but by mid-February he was sharing command with James Bowie. After February 24, because of Bowie’s illness, Travis held sole command. Refusing to surrender the garrison to Santa Anna, Travis died in the assault on March 6.