Page "Battle of San Jacinto" Paragraph 16

Houston, however, decided in favor of his own surprise attack that afternoon, concerned that Santa Anna might use the extra time to concentrate his scattered army.

Most of the assault would come over open ground, where the Texan infantry would be vulnerable to Mexican gunfire.

Even riskier, Houston decided to outflank the Mexicans with his cavalry, stretching his troops even thinner.

However, Santa Anna made a crucial mistake — during his army's afternoon siesta, he failed to post sentries or skirmishers around his camp.