Thirteen Days Of Glory - Day Five

February 27

Mexican troops attempt to cut off the water supply to the Alamo. Santa Anna is seen by the Texans and is shot at but missed. James Butler Bonham leaves for Goliad to get a message to Col. James W. Fannin for help. (Source)

 

Unbeknownst to the Texians, Colonel James Fannin had finally decided to ride to their relief ... On the morning of February 26, he set out with 320 men, 4 cannon, and several supply wagons for the 90 miles march from Goliad to the Alamo. The Goliad garrison had no horses to move the wagons and artillery and were forced to rely on oxen. Barely 200 yards into their journey, one of the wagons broke down, and the expedition stopped for repairs. The group then took six hours to cross the waist-deep water of the San Antonio River. By the time they reached the other side it was dark, and the men camped along the river. The cold front reached Goliad that evening, and the poorly-dressed soldiers were "quickly chilled and miserable" in the driving rain. On awakening, Fannin realized that all of the Texian oxen had wandered off, and that his men had neglected to pack food for the journey. It took most of the day for the men to round up the oxen; after two days of travel, Fannin's men had not even ventured 1 mile from their fort... (Source)

From reading the above, one might think that Fannin was an incompetent commander. Others argue that he was a victim of circumstance.

The schooner Tamaulipas, carrying ... the Texas army's whole supply of munitions, clothing, and shoes - badly needed by Fannin's volunteers - was wrecked on February 5...

In any event, it should be noted in his defense that "Fannin's men lacked shoes and clothing-many were barefooted and nearly naked..."

Regardless, the bottom line is that Travis and his men waiting at the Alamo were doomed to wait in vain. Fannin was not coming. But they didn't know that.