This is the story of a small group of Texan adventurers, Mier men, who invaded Mexico, fought a battle at Ciudad Mier, surrendered, walked to Mexico City in chains, and were imprisoned in Perote Castle. They had volunteered to invade Mexico because the Mexican army had captured Sam Maverick and other Texan officials. The volunteers aimed to bring them back. Their ordeal-especially having to draw beans in a lottery for their lives-has captured the imaginations of Texans through the years.