The failure of reinforcements to reach the Alamo in 1836 was due to a combination of political instability, poor communication, and strategic hesitation. While Colonel William B. Travis sent numerous couriers with pleas for "Victory or Death," the provisional Texas government was paralyzed by infighting and a lack of resources. Colonel James Fannin, stationed at Goliad with nearly 400 men, attempted to march to San Antonio but turned back after just two days due to broken wagons, a lack of food, and news of approaching Mexican forces. Additionally, General Sam Houston, the commander of the Texan Army, believed the Alamo was strategically indefensible and refused to send his main force, as he was focused on retreating eastward to train a larger army for a decisive battle later. Ultimately, only 32 men from Gonzales managed to slip through Mexican lines to join the defenders, leaving the remaining garrison of roughly 189 men to face General Santa Anna’s army of thousands alone.