At the commencement of difficulties between this country and Mexico, this village contained not less than a thousand inhabitants. . . . Since this period the inhabitants, who were-native Mexicans, had gradually retired down the river to another part, and this place is now inhabited by the volunteers. I do not believe there are ten native citizens here at this time. One third of the place affords ample and comfortable quarters for the soldiers, and the restitude is abandoned to cats and dogs.

Col. Fannin and other Texans underestimated the importance of these Mexicans of Goliad, and the resentment in their hearts due to having to leave their homes. . . . These Badeños, as they were called, were descendants of the presidio soldiers stationed at La Bahía through the years. They were indolent and maybe none too honest, but they were expert horsemen---among the world's best---knew every acre of the Goliad region and for a hundred miles around; and, contrary to the prevalent belief of the Texans, were anything but cowardly---their leader, Carlos de la Garza, had dignity and force of character, and courage and intelligence as well. The people had abandoned Goliad at his bidding, and it was to his ranchero on the San Antonio River that they had gone. He and his men were everywhere after General Urrea came.

By the end of February, Fannin had been notified of the approach of Urrea's Army. Johnson and four or five others, fleeing from San Patricio, where they barely escaped with their lives, warned him that Urrea with a division of three thousand troops was nearing. Still Fannin dallied, even after he learned of the fall of the Alamo, and the news that Captain Hugh Fraser brought of the capture and butchery of King's and Ward's men, and in spite of the orders he had received from General Houston,--now recognized by all except Fannin as Commander-in-Chief of the Texas Army, to destroy the fort of La Bahía and to retreat to Victoria, a position on the Guadalupe River more capable of defense. Houston's orderto evacuate the fort came to Fannin on March 12. From that date to the 17th no move was made to obey the order. But late that day the scout, John White Bower, came in with the warning that a large force of the enemy was in the vicinity. Only then were preparations began for leaving.

On March 17, Colonel Horton, who had been reconnoitering the country between Goliad and San Antonio, reported to Fannin that Col. Morales' force to the number of some 1500 were approaching and would unite with Urrea's army south of the Mission of Refugio. Another Council of War was held, and the unanimous opinion was that an immediate retreat should be made the next day. Other scouts coming in now, reporting large enemy forces were seen near by, so alarmed Fannin that he gave orders that the cannon that they had buried should be dug up and remounted and preparations made to repel an attack. He ordered his troops to destroy the whole town of La Bahía by fire, battering down all ruined walls, so as to secure a full sweep of the enemy should they attack the fort.