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| Prelude to Battle
- Since it was believed that Houston was to be cornered, Santa Anna decided to rest his army on the date of April 19th. Then it was to be decided that the attack was on April the 22nd. He received roughly 500 reinforcements under General Martin Perfecto de Cos. Which brought his total strength up to roughly 1,400 men ( two Battalions = two Regiments). As Cos was on his right, Santa Anna posted, near the river, and poseted his last artillery in the center, erecting a five-foot barricade of packs and baggage as hastily constructed protection for his infantry. Before he settle back to plan, the following day to attack, he placed his veteran cavalry on his left flank. (flank- is an attack on the sides of an opposing force. If a flanking maneuver succeeds, the opposing force would be surrounded from two or more directions, which significantly reduces the maneuverability of the outflanked force and its ability to defend itself. A psychological advantage may also be present, as flank forces usually do not expect to be attacked.) On the morning of April 21st, Houston had held a council of war, and the majority of these officers of his favored for waiting for Santa Anna's eventual assault. However, Houston decided in favor, of his own suprise attack that afternoon, was concerned that Santa Annta might be using the extra time to concentrate his scattered army. With his army of about 900men, he decided to attack Santa Anna. Most of this assault would come over on open ground, where the Texan infantry would be vulnerable to Mexican gunfire. To take on an even greater risk, Houston decided to outflank the Mexicans. (Stretching his troops even thinner). In this down fault, however, Santa Anna made a mistake. One that is crucial. During his army's afternoon siesta, he failed to post sentries or skirmishers around his camp. Houston soon gained approval for his daring plan from Texas Secretary of War, Thomas J. Rusk. Who had caught up with the army to consult with Houston by 3:30pm. Houston had formed his men into battle lines for the impending assault, screened from Mexican view by trees, and by the slight ride that ran across the open prarie between the armies. Santa Anna's failure to properly post lookouts proved fatal to his chances of victory. 
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