Of the thirty-nine captains of the immigrant companies, two had been privates at San Jacinto, five had participated in earlier military operations of the Revolution, and the remaining thirty-two had arrived in Texas since April 21.[36] 

The volunteers did not yield patiently to discipline, subordination, or effective organization. They had sworn vengeance against the Mexicans, and on reaching Texas were disappointed to find that the fighting was over.

Here were gathered those indomitable men of battle whom Santa Anna pointedly characterized as the tumultuario of the Mississippi Valley; the ardent youth of the South, burning for glory and military enterprise. Here enthusiasts of constitutional freedom were mingled with adventurous soldiers from Europe; and souls as knightly, generous, and unstained as Bayard's with outlaws and men of broken and desperate fortunes. Some of the best and some of the worst people in the world were thrown into contact [with one another]; but in one quality all were alike, a hardihood that no danger could check.[37] 

Thus commented William P. Johnston, son of the renowned Confederate general Albert Sidney Johnston.

The Anglo-Americans in camp became impatient, and Green suggested to Rusk that, in view of the war talk, he should keep the ball rolling, since the expectation of immediate action against the enemy was the only adhesive force within the army.[38]  Four alternatives for the army seemed possible to Green: (1) retire eastward toward the settled area of Texas and go into summer quarters, but this he believed would be unsatisfactory because of the increased danger to the health of the army and because it would project the army into the politics of the country; (2) station the army at some point of advantage on Copano Bay and fortify there, but this would require the effective