José de
Urrea
General José de Urrea was born at El Presidio
de San Augustín de Tucson—modern-day Tucson, Arizona. The
39-year-old achieved distinction for his Goliad Campaign, during which he won
every engagement he fought. At the battle of Coleto Creek, he surrounded and
captured Colonel James W. Fannin’s entire force. Following San Jacinto, Urrea
bitterly resented receiving retreat orders from his superior, General Vicente
Filísola. As he explained it: “My division at that time was in the finest
condition. Each soldier could hold his head proudly, for up to then they had
met only victory in every encounter with the enemy.”