Mina fully engaged in the struggle for Mexican independence. On May 24, 1817, Mina left his base with 300 men, moving to several villages on his way to Fuerte del Sombrero, a fortification defended by Pedro Moreno. Mina published a letter stating that he was fighting the King's tyranny and not the Spanish empire. On August 1, marshal Pascual Liñán arrived at the fort with a powerful army. Mina escaped to Fuerte de los Remedios to help José Antonio Torres.