Peña, José Enrique de la, 1807-1841 or 1842

José Enrique de la Peña, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Mexican Army under the command of General Antonio López de Santa Anna, chronicles the events of the Texas Revolution from the moment the Mexican Army departed Saltillo on its march towards Texas. These papers constitute one of the most detailed descriptions of the Battles of the Alamo, of San Jacinto and the battle, occupation and massacre of Goliad. A participant in the Battle of the Alamo, de la Peña's account of Davy Crockett's capture and execution runs counter to traditional legend. De la Peña's diary is highly critical of Santa Anna's tactical abilities and leadership.

From the description of Reseña y diario de la campaña de Texas por Colonel José Enrique de la Peña, 1836. papers [microform]. 1836-1840. 1829-1840. (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 41711434

Mexican Army officer Lt. Col. Jose Enrique de la Peña (approximately 1805-1841) served under General Antonio López Santa Anna during the 1836 campaign in Texas. As an anti-Santa Anna agitator and an outspoken opponent of the Mexican centrist government, Lt. Col. Peña found himself in a series of Mexican prisons beginning in 1838. He disappears from the historical record after the publication of his pamphlet “A Victim of Despotism” in 1839. He is believed to have died in 1841 or 1842.

From the guide to the José Enrique de la Peña Collection, 1835-1840, 1857, (Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)