[2] After Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas declared independence in October 1838 and formally organized their provisional government on January 18, 1839 with Jesús de Cárdenas as President, the January 28, 1839 supporters of the rebellion placed the flag of this republic in the town square of Guerrero, Tamaulipas and every man went under the banner of the proclaimed Republic of the Rio Grande to kiss the flag as a sign of loyalty.
In Coahuila was attacked Antonio Zapata in prison "Agua Verde" and captured on March 15 near Santa Rita de Morelos.
They traveled through Texas for help, was in Austin, Houston and San Patricio, where he reorganized his army, composed at that time by 300 Mexicans, 140 Americans and 80 Indians, although their number was increasing daily.
They moved down the inside of Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria without taking a single battle, minions of Jordania treacherous driving to San Luis Potosi, but Colonel suspecting treachery, changed direction and marched towards Saltillo.
There, on October 25, 1840 were attacked by the troops of the centralist General Rafael Vásquez and although many of his men deserted, managed to fight back and return to Texas.