The Texas Revolution - Early April 1836

Sam Houston's fine cadre of scouts, many Spanish speaking and led by Deaf Smith, successfuly continue to report the movements of the separate elements of the Mexican Army. As Santa Ana's force nears San Felipe, Houston orders the town burned and moves up the Brazos River to Groce's crossing.

Here the existing ferry and the newly arrived steamboat "Yellowstone" moves Houston's army across the river. The Yellowstone originally operated on the Missouri River but is here to carry cotton to American markets. It will later encounter forward elements of the Mexican army in its journey down the Brazos who will fire at it from the banks. The cotton bales on its deck make excellent shields and there are no casualties.

Houston leaves Mosely Baker and a sizeable force, over one hundred men, on the east bank at Groce's Crossing to impede Mexican attempts at crossing there. When Santa Ana arrives, Baker's men are totally successful in keeping him on the west bank. Santa Ana turns south and will attempt to cross at Fort Bend.

Houston is now moving toward Harrisburg along a route that roughly parallels highway 290. Santa Ana follows what will become known as the Old Richmond Road. Houston knows where Santa Ana is but Santa Ana has no idea of the location of Houston's army. In a short while he will be out in front of Houston. The pursuer has become the pursued!