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Jose Enrique De la PenaLieutenant Colonel of the Mexican Army
Date of Birth: 01.01.1807
Country:  Mexico |
Content:
- José Enrique de la Peña
- Writing and Criticism
- Military Service
- Training and Illness
- Diplomatic and Military Ambitions
- Texas Revolution and Battle of the Alamo
José Enrique de la Peña
Early Life and CareerJosé Enrique de la Peña was born in the Mexican state of Jalisco in 1807. After studying mining engineering, he joined the Mexican Navy as a cadet in 1825. He was promoted to second lieutenant two years later and applied for a diplomatic post in Europe in 1827, which was denied.
Writing and Criticism
Under the pseudonym "Moreman," de la Peña wrote articles for the newspaper "El Sol" from July to November 1828. These articles were harshly criticized by the American-born commander of the Mexican Navy, David Porter. De la Peña was sent to Veracruz later that year, where he met General Antonio López de Santa Anna and received orders to stay in Jalapa.
Military Service
Under Santa Anna's command, de la Peña participated in the Battle of Tampico, repelling a Spanish invasion of Mexico. He wrote more articles criticizing the Mexican Navy in September 1829, this time using his initials "JEP" as a signature. He was reportedly transferred to the command of General Melchor Múzquiz around that time.
Training and Illness
After suffering from smallpox in 1830, de la Peña entered the military college in 1831 to study mathematics and trigonometry. He was sent to Acapulco in October to join a ship, but cited ill health and did not go. He eventually joined the corvette "Morales" later that year.
Diplomatic and Military Ambitions
When Santa Anna came to power in 1833, de la Peña requested a transfer to the Mexican Army. He was allowed to lead a cavalry unit but as a captain. He was appointed to a diplomatic mission in London in May 1833, but he disliked the English climate and language. He unsuccessfully sought a transfer to the French diplomatic mission before withdrawing his request and transferring to the Presidential Division.
Texas Revolution and Battle of the Alamo
By the start of the Texas Revolution, de la Peña had been demoted to lieutenant and assigned to the elite Zapadores battalion as a staff officer. However, by January 1836, he was an adjutant to Colonel Francisco Duque in the Toluca battalion. The Toluca battalion joined Santa Anna's Army of Operations as it entered Texas to quell the rebellion.
On March 6, 1836, the Mexican Army stormed the Alamo mission in San Antonio de Béxar. Duque led one of the four assault columns, with de la Peña accompanying him. De la Peña remained on the front lines until Duque was wounded, after which he returned to find General Manuel Fernández Castrillón and transfer command. He returned to the front lines at least twice more to deliver reports. His only injury was a painful bruise. He did not participate in further combat after the Battle of the Alamo.
