The Goliad Massacre, set in the town of Goliad on March 27, 1836, was a killing of Republic of Texas soldier-prisoners and their commander, James Fannin, during the Texas Revolution by the Mexican Army under orders from General and President of Mexico Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Despite the protests for clemency by General José de Urrea, the massacre was reluctantly carried out by Lt. Colonel José Nicolás de la Portilla under orders from Santa Anna.