The Texians thought they had found their champion when Antonio López de Santa Anna declared against the Centralist regime in 1832.

The Mexican army commander in Nacogdoches, José de las Piedras, after reviewing all that occurred during the Anahuac Disturbances, had issued an order that all residents in his area surrender their arms.

[2] On the morning of August 2, 1832, Bowie joined the Texian Militia and they marched into Nacogdoches to voice their demands to Piedras and to declare favor for Santa Anna.

The group returned in the evening and before they had reached the building housing the city officials, they were attacked by a force of 100 Mexican cavalry.

A second battle line began to form from the north, that drove the cavalry from the Mexican headquarters known as Old Red House, while Redlanders arriving from San Augustine approached from the rear.

On August 3, James Carter, Bowie, and 15 companions ambushed the fleeing army on the Angelina River and Piedras fled to a nearby home.