<P> On their return to Goliad, Westover's group encountered Governor Viesca . After being freed by sympathetic soldiers, Viesca had immediately traveled to Texas to recreate the state government . Dimmitt welcomed Viesca but refused to recognize his authority as governor . This caused an uproar in the garrison, as many supported the governor . Dimmitt declared martial law and soon alienated most of the local residents . Over the next few months, the area between Goliad and Refugio descended into civil war . Goliad native Carlos de la Garza led a guerrilla warfare campaign against the Texian troops . According to historian Paul Lack, the Texian "antiguerilla tactics did too little to crush out opposition but quite enough to sway the uncommitted toward the centralists ." </P> <P> While Dimmitt supervised the Texian forces along the Gulf Coast, Austin led his men towards Béxar to engage Cos and his troops . Confident that they would quickly rout the Mexican troops, many Consultation delegates chose to join the military . Unable to reach a quorum, the Consultation was postponed until November 1 . On October 16, the Texians paused 25 miles (40 km) from Béxar . Austin sent a messenger to Cos giving the requirements the Texians would need to lay down their arms and "avoid the sad consequences of the Civil War which unfortunately threatens Texas". Cos replied that Mexico would not "yield to the dictates of foreigners". </P> <P> The approximately 650 Mexican troops quickly built barricades throughout the town . Within days the Texian army, about 450 strong, initiated a siege of Béxar, and gradually moved their camp nearer Béxar . On October 27, an advance party led by James Bowie and James Fannin chose Mission Concepción as the next campsite and sent for the rest of the Texian army . On learning that the Texians were temporarily divided, Ugartechea led troops to engage Bowie and Fannin's men . The Mexican cavalry was unable to fight effectively in the wooded, riverbottom terrain, and the weapons of the Mexican infantry had a much shorter range than those of the Texians . After three Mexican infantry attacks were repulsed, Ugartechea called for a retreat . One Texian soldier had died, and between 14 and 76 Mexican soldiers were killed . Although Texas Tech University professor emeritus Alwyn Barr noted that the battle of Concepción "should have taught...lessons on Mexican courage and the value of a good defensive position", Texas history expert Stephen Hardin believes that "the relative ease of the victory at Concepción instilled in the Texians a reliance on their long rifles and a contempt for their enemies". </P> <P> As the weather turned colder and rations grew smaller, groups of Texians began to leave, most without permission . Morale was boosted on November 18, when the first group of volunteers from the United States, the New Orleans Greys, joined the Texian army . Unlike the majority of the Texian volunteers, the Greys looked like soldiers, with uniforms, well - maintained rifles, adequate ammunition, and some semblance of discipline . </P>

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