two in the afternoon
he asked . `` I believe our general speaks the truth . He is not a man to fail . '' The day wore along until two in the afternoon , when several cannon-shots were heard in the distance , and incoming scouts announced that Santa Anna was coming , but not with his entire army . The Mexican general had divided his forces again , much to his disadvantage , as we shall see . A light skirmish occurred late in the afternoon , but Houston could not draw on a general engagement , and while Santa Anna pitched his camp and fortified it , the Texans remained on strict guard all night , fearing a surprise . In the morning General Cos arrived with five hundred men , to reinforce Santa Anna , but the soldiers were so tired out by a forced march they could scarcely stand , and so for the time being the Mexican general did nothing .