The Dawson Massacre-- Part 2: Surrendered, But Fighting Continued

On September 11, 1842, the Mexican Army occupied San Antonio.  Matthew Caldwell organized 210 militia and marched against them.  On September 17, he sent a small band of Rangers to San Antonio to draw the Mexicans out.

A separate company of 54 Texans, mostly from the Fayette County area, under the command of Nicholas Dawson arrived and advanced on the Mexicans.  After much fighting, they were surrounded by the larger Mexican force and surrendered.

But, the fighting continued and Dawson and 36 Texans were killed in the ensuing action.  Fifteen were captured and two escaped.  Zadock Woods was one of the dead.  Son Henry Woods managed a daring escape and son Norman was severely wounded, captured and died while imprisoned in Mexico.

Zadock Woods was buried in a mass grave, but was dug up and reinterred six years later at Monument Hill, Texas.

--Brock-Perry