Along the Gulf Coast in what are now the counties of Goliad , Refugio , San Patricio and Victoria , Tejano involvement in events of the Texas revolution were partially influenced by the empresario colonization contracts . Over the objections of Mexican '' rancheros '' ( ranch owners ) in the area without legal titles , Irish immigrants James Power and James Hewetson were granted an empresario colonization contract in 1828 ( amended in 1831 ) to settle four hundred Irish families on secularized land once belonging to Nuestra Señora del Refugio Mission and Mission La Bahía . When Power and Hewetson failed to settle the required number of families , local rancheros were issued titles as colonists of Power and Hewetson . Garza was able to secure title to a league of his own land only as a colonist of these empresarios . Mexican residents of the area feared land speculation by the empresarios , feeling threatened by the influx of the Anglo settlers taking over what they believed were their lands . With many friends among the settlers , Garza opposed revolution on the grounds that it would strain relations between neighbors . Presidio commandant James Fannin targeted Carlos Rancho under the suspicion of harboring Mexican spies . Private homes were likewise looted under orders from Fannin . During the events of the Battle of Goliad , rancheros such as Garza offered fleeing Goliad residents food and shelter on their lands . Many in the area wanted retaliation , subsequently organizing the Victoriana Guardes as a coalition of Tejanos and Karankawa Indians , employing the fighting skills of Spanish lancers . Garza was chosen as leader . As scouts for José de Urrea at the Battle of Coleto , they ran guerilla tactics against Fannin . The Texian surrender at Coleto Creek led to the Goliad massacre of prisoners . Garza successfully pleaded on behalf of his Anglo neighbors who fought with Fannin in the skirmish ; their lives were spared by the Mexican troops . The spirit of his defense was returned in kind by his neighbors after the Texian victory at Battle of San Jacinto . When Republic of Texas Secretary of War Thomas Jefferson Rusk began reprisals against Mexican sympathizers , he ordered Garza deported . The order was never successfully carried out due to a defense mounted by Garza 's neighbors
Goliad massacre
Goliad massacre
Carlos de la Garza