According to historian Stephen Hardin , this battle proved that the Texians did not fight well on open prairies . News of the battle reached Fannin on March 4 . Urrea 's imminent arrival worried Fannin , who feared that Santa Anna would lead his troops from San Antonio de Béxar towards Goliad , essentially trapping Fannin and his men between the two branches of the Mexican Army . Fannin wrote to the Acting Governor , James Robinson , " I am a better judge of my military abilities than others , and if I am qualified to command an Army , I have not found it out . " The acting Texas government nonetheless left Fannin in charge of the fort at Goliad , instructing him to determine whether it was best to retreat or make a stand . Fannin delayed making a decision , finally choosing to leave Goliad on March 19 . Urrea 's troops trapped Fannin 's men on an open prairie . The Texians surrendered after the Battle of Coleto and most , including Colonel Fannin , were executed a week later in the Goliad massacre
Goliad massacre
Goliad massacre
Battle of Agua Dulce