<P> Over the next several hours, two brief skirmishes occurred . Texians won the first, forcing a small group of dragoons and the Mexican artillery to withdraw . Mexican dragoons then forced the Texian cavalry to withdraw . In the melee, Rusk, on foot to reload his rifle, was almost captured by Mexican soldiers, but was rescued by newly arrived Texian volunteer Mirabeau B. Lamar . Over Houston's objections, many infantrymen rushed onto the field . As the Texian cavalry fell back, Lamar remained behind to rescue another Texian who had been thrown from his horse; Mexican officers "reportedly applauded" his bravery . Houston was irate that the infantry had disobeyed his orders and given Santa Anna a better estimate of their strength; the men were equally upset that Houston hadn't allowed a full battle . </P> <P> Throughout the night, Mexican troops worked to fortify their camp, creating breastworks out of everything they could find, including saddles and brush . At 9 a.m. on April 21, Cos arrived with 540 reinforcements, bringing the Mexican force to 1,200 men, which outnumbered the Texians . Cos's men were raw recruits rather than experienced soldiers, and they had marched steadily for more than 24 hours, with no rest and no food . As the morning wore on with no Texian attack, Mexican officers lowered their guard . By afternoon, Santa Anna had given permission for Cos's men to sleep; his own tired troops also took advantage of the time to rest, eat, and bathe . </P> <P> Not long after the Mexican reinforcements arrived, Houston ordered Smith to destroy Vince's Bridge, 5 miles (8.0 km) away, to slow down any further Mexican reinforcements . At 4 p.m. the Texians began creeping quietly through the tall grass, pulling the cannon behind them . The Texian cannon fired at 4: 30, beginning the battle of San Jacinto . After a single volley, Texians broke ranks and swarmed over the Mexican breastworks to engage in hand - to - hand combat . Mexican soldiers were taken completely by surprise . Santa Anna, Castrillón, and Almonte yelled often conflicting orders, attempting to organize their men into some form of defense . Within 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers abandoned their campsite and fled for their lives . The killing lasted for hours . </P> <P> Many Mexican soldiers retreated through the marsh to Peggy Lake . Texian riflemen stationed themselves on the banks and shot at anything that moved . Many Texian officers, including Houston and Rusk, attempted to stop the slaughter, but they were unable to gain control of the men . Texians continued to chant "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" while frightened Mexican infantry yelled "Me no Alamo!" and begged for mercy to no avail . In what historian Davis called "one of the most one - sided victories in history", 650 Mexican soldiers were killed and 300 captured . Eleven Texians died, with 30 others, including Houston, wounded . </P>

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