As the inhabitants of Texas are chiefly emigrants from the United

States, and have buckled on their armor in a contest for liberty

and independence, it is natural that Americans should feel a strong

sympathy in their behalf. The sons of freedom can never be indifferent

and unconcerned, in a struggle between liberty and despotic power,

however remote the theatre of action; but when such a war is waged by

their neighbors and friends, and Freedom the prize to be lost or won,

the deep feeling pervading American breasts, cannot be suppressed.

When Centralism was established, the State governments annihilated,

and Santa Anna, by aid of the priests and the army, proclaimed himself

monarch of Mexico, united Texas arose as one man, to oppose the

usurpation. Although an infant of but yesterday, and but slightly

armed for battle, yet she has a vigorous arm, and a heart that will

never quail before the minions of despotic power. Relying upon the

justice of her cause, and calling upon the friends of liberty for

aid, she goes forth undismayed, to meet the giant strength of Mexico

combined.--Her call for aid, has been heard throughout the Mississippi

valley, and along the whole Atlantic coast, and has been fully

answered. Soldiers, arms, ammunition and treasure have poured into

Texas from all quarters; and in number and quantity, equal to the

exigency of the case. Texas has gloriously triumphed. The invading foe

has been completely routed--her first campaign is ended, and not a

hostile band is found upon her soil.

In order to understand the situation of Texas, and the causes of the

present civil war, it is necessary briefly to advert to the history of

the Mexican Republic. It is well known, that the Province of Mexico had

a long and severe struggle to throw off the Spanish yoke, and to become

independent of Old Spain. At length, a constitution was formed, after

the model of that of the United States, and a Republican government

established. In 1824, Iturbide overthrew this Republican government,

established an Empire, and placed himself at its head.--His reign was

of but short duration. The army, under the lead and direction of three

military chieftains, named Victoria, Bravo and Santa Anna, the very

person who is now playing the game of Emperor, made a prisoner of

Iturbide, banished him with an annuity of twenty-five thousand dollars,

and restored the constitution. After passing a year in Europe, Iturbide

returned to Mexico to recover his Empire, but was taken prisoner and

shot.

The republic was continued with frequent commotions and revolutions.

On one occasion Pedrassa, a civilian, was fairly elected President,

in a contest with Gen. Guerrero. Guerrero denounced Pedrassa, placed

himself at the head of the army, succeeded in expelling Pedrassa from

the country, and was made President by the force of his bayonets.

The people soon became discontented, insurrection spread over the

country, Guerrero was in turn compelled to yield, and was finally taken

prisoner, condemned and shot as a traitor. The succeeding faction

of Bustamente was in turn put down, and after various commotions by

contending factions, Santa Anna contrived, with the aid of the Army and

Clergy to unite the interests of Church and State, and to place himself

at the head of the government. The old constitution was annulled, and

Santa Anna was acknowledged as Chief of a Central Government. The State

Governments were merged in Centralism, and Santa Anna is to all intents

and purposes Monarch of Mexico.

At this conjuncture of affairs, all the States and Territories

submitted to the overwhelming power of the Dictator, but Texas. This

province having been peopled by emigrants from the United States, by

a people accustomed to free institutions,--revolted at the idea of

despotism, and they nobly resolved not to come under the yoke, but to

establish an independent Government of their own. This is a simple

statement of the case, and their cause is one that is calculated

to enlist the sympathies of the people of this country. Since the

determination of the people of Texas has been known, it is understood

that several other Mexican States have shown disaffection to the

Central Government, and, judging from the vicissitudes of the past, it

may be safely predicted, that in the course of another year or two,

Santa Anna himself will be expelled, or shot, and the Constitution

restored.

But lest the cause in which the Texians are now engaged, may not be

fully understood, let us state a parallel case. Suppose that the

President and Congress should abrogate the constitution of the United

States, abolish all the State governments, and establish Romanism as

the religion of the country: and if the governor of any State attempted

to exercise any authority, send an armed force to arrest and imprison

him. What would the people of the several States say to this? Would

they tamely submit, as though they had no cause of complaint; or would

they not rather, rise _en masse_, assert their rights, and put down

these high-handed usurpers, at the point of the bayonet? Most assuredly

they would.

Many of the States have been thrown into violent commotion, and even

resorted to arms, for causes immeasurably less, than that of the

Texians. The State of Maine were aroused to a man, because the British

Government attempted to exercise jurisdiction over a strip of the

wilderness and a few log houses, on her eastern border. The State of

New-Hampshire called an army into the field, to support her doubtful

title, to the unimportant settlement of Indian Stream. The State of

Georgia rose to arms, because the Indians did not give up their lands,

quite so soon as they expected. The States of Ohio and Michigan have

long been in a feverish excitement, and have resorted to arms, on a

simply legal question, which State shall exercise jurisdiction over a

few thousand acres of land. And the people of the whole United States

were thrown into a violent commotion, on the question, whether slavery

should be tolerated in the State of Missouri.

And can it be thought strange by Americans, so jealous of their

own rights, that the Texians are alarmed to see their constitution

annulled, their State government subverted, and all the dearest rights

which civilized man holds dear, put in jeopardy? Is it a matter of

wonder, that they have appealed to arms, cast an anxious look to

American freemen, and sent forth their spirit-stirring appeals for aid?

To such an appeal, Americans cannot turn a deaf ear; nor will they

stand with folded arms, and see the battle rage.

Under the constitution of 1824, Mexico was a confederated republic,

after the model of the United States, having a President, Vice

President, Senate and House of Representatives, as a central

government, and separate governments for each State, and provincial

governments for certain Territories, in all material respects similar

to the institutions of this country.

Under this organization, Texas and Coahuila were formed into one State

of the Mexican Confederacy; but as the one was settled by Americans,

and the other by Spaniards, there never has been much harmony and good

feeling between them. It has long been an object of strong desire among

the people of Texas, to be disjoined from Coahuila, and formed into

a separate State. To accomplish this desirable object, Col. Austin

was appointed an agent to the Congress at Mexico, near the close of

1833. After spending some months at the seat of government, and making

various efforts to have Texas formed into an integral State, separate

from Coahuila, despairing of being able to accomplish it, in the then

distracted state of affairs, he started to return home. He had not

proceeded far, before he was arrested on a charge of high treason,

carried back to Mexico, and imprisoned. For a time, he was kept in

close confinement; and then, let out under bonds to keep within the

limits of the city. He had been a prisoner more than a year, being

unable to obtain either a trial or a release, when the government was

subverted, and Centralism established.

Santa Anna, becoming alarmed at the public meetings, and show of

opposition in Texas, concluded to release Col. Austin, and send him

as a special messenger, to allay the excitement. He requested him to

state to the Texians, that he felt deeply interested in their welfare;

and that in the new organization of the government, he would use his

influence to give to the people of Texas, such laws and regulations as

were suited to their habits and situation.

Col. Austin faithfully delivered this message to the people of Texas,

at a public dinner given to welcome his return, on the eighth of

October last. But it was now too late to listen to the fair promises of

Santa Anna. The country was in a state of extraordinary excitement, and

on the eve of a revolution. Santa Anna, it seems, could threaten and

punish, as well as conciliate and persuade. He arrested the Governor

of Coahuila and Texas,--threatened an invasion--the confiscation and

sale of a large tract of settled territory--and an imposition of heavy

taxes upon the commerce of the country. The people of Texas aroused to

the defence of their constitutional rights, and to resist oppression.

They held to the constitution of 1824, and refused to adopt Centralism.

Public meetings were held in all the principal towns and villages. At

Columbia, Harrisburg, Velasco, Brazoria and San Felipe, resolutions

were adopted, expressive of indignation at the proceedings of Santa

Anna and the General Government, and of a determination to resist

them. Committees of safety were appointed, and a general convention

called. By the aid of Col. Austin and Gen. Houston of St. Augustine,

forces were organized to repel the threatened invasion. Col. Austin by

the assistance of others, raised a regiment of six or seven hundred

riflemen; and Gen. Houston, by the aid of volunteers from the United

States, was soon enabled to take the field, at the head of as many more.

Santa Anna, in the mean time, was not idle.--He concentrated his forces

at Saltillo under the command of General Cos. After the army had become

organized and in sufficient force, Gen. Cos marched to San Antonio, and

took possession of the town. Another force was stationed at Goliad,

sixty miles south of San Antonio.

To enforce the revenue laws, Santa Anna sent an armed schooner,

called the Correo, under the command of Capt. Thompson, to the mouth

of the Brazos river. This schooner, joined by a small armed sloop,

attacked the schooner San Felipe, a regular trader between the Brazos

and New-Orleans commanded by Capt. Hurd. This was about the first of

September. It appears from a statement signed by the passengers of the

San Felipe, that the Correo had fired at a steamboat while engaged

in lighting the American brig Tremont, lying at anchor off the bar,

previously to her attack on the San Felipe.

As soon as the steamboat had gone inside the bar, the Correo was joined

by a small armed sloop, and both stood for the San Felipe, and opened

fire upon her without ceremony, the moment they arrived within shot.

But Captain Hurd, suspecting their intention to be of a hostile nature,

from their first appearance, and having arms on board, gallantly gave

battle and put them to flight, after a combat which lasted nearly an

hour.

The next morning, the Correo was discovered about five miles distant,

upon which she was chased by the San Felipe, (towed by the steamboat,)

and overtaken and obliged to surrender.

The first battle fought on the land was on the second day of October

1835, near the town of Gonzales; and from this circumstance, it has

obtained the enviable distinction, of being the Lexington of Texas. The

circumstances attending the commencement of hostilities, ought to be

stated with some minuteness.

Some years since, when Gonzales, the capital of De Witt's Colony,

was exposed to the depredations of the Indians, the people there

applied to the authorities of San Antonio for a piece of artillery to

protect that frontier. The application was granted; and they obtained

a brass six pounder. This was kept for defence until the settlement

became strong--and afterwards it lay about the streets upon the

ground, (unmounted) and served to make a noise whenever the people got

into a merry frolic. The military commandant of San Antonio, (Col.

Ugartechea,) two or three weeks previous, feeling sufficiently strong

to make an attack upon the Colonies, demanded the gun. The people took

the matter into consideration. The gun was once the property of the

King of Spain; and he lost it with the sovereignty of the country. The

Federal Republic of Mexico became the owner. The people of Gonzales

returned for answer, in substance, that the gun was the property of

the Confederation which they acknowledged, and not of the Central

government, which they did not acknowledge; and they would not give it

up to any officer of the Central Government.

Ugartechea ordered a detachment of his troops to march seventy-six

miles, and take the gun by force. The colonies assembled to oppose him.

Expresses were despatched to all parts of the country. The news flew

with the speed of the race horse. The people rose to arms--and marched

for the battle field.

Gonzales is situated on the eastern bank of the river Gaudaloupe,

150 miles west of San Felipe; and on the twentieth of September, the

detachment of troops from San Antonio, about two hundred in number,

made their appearance on the western bank of the river, opposite the

town. They attempted the passage of the river, but after a sharp

skirmish, were repulsed by eighteen men, the whole force then at

Gonzales. The enemy retired a short distance, and encamped on the mound

at De Witt's. On the first of October, about 12 o'clock, they took

up their march and encamped about seven miles above this place, in a

very strong position. Suspecting that their object in this movement

was either to wait for a reinforcement from San Antonio, or to cross

at the upper crossing, about fifteen miles above, it was determined

to attack them before their plans could be carried into execution.

Accordingly, on the same night, the whole force on foot, amounting then

to about one hundred and sixty men, from the Gaudaloupe, Colorado, and

La Baca, commanded by Col. J.H. Moore, crossed the river, attacked the

enemy about day break, and put them to flight without the loss of a

single man.--Thirty or forty of the enemy were reported to have been

killed and wounded. This was a brilliant commencement of the Texian

Revolutionary War.

The next, and more important battle, took place on the ninth of

October, and resulted in the capture of the fort and town of Goliad.

The attacking party were a company of volunteers, from the fertile

banks of the Caney, and from the town of Matagorda--a place destined to

become an important city, situated at the mouth of the Colorado river.

Before this party entered the field, most of the volunteers were at

Gonzales--and fearing that the harvest of honors would be reaped before

they could arrive there--they struck off from La Baca with the daring

determination of taking Goliad by surprise.

Goliad is situated on the southwest side of the San Antonio river,

thirty leagues below Bexar, and it is fifteen leagues from Copano, the

landing place of Aransas bay, and about the same distance from the La

Baca and of Matagorda bay. The fort is built upon the point of a very

steep hill, formed of rocks, with a deep ravine upon one side and a

low prairie upon the opposite--while a broad elevated prairie extends

towards the southwest.

The walls of the fort are of stone and lime, and bear in many places

the marks of the storms of an hundred winters, but are still proof

against any thing less than the batterings of heavy artillery.

A long forced march brought the van guard of the colonists to the San

Antonio river ford, below the town, at 11 o'clock on the night of the

ninth of October. Here they halted for the main body, and to make

arrangements for the attack. A very small party were sent into the

town, and they brought out, with the utmost secrecy, a worthy citizen

friendly to the constitution of 1824. And by his assistance guides were

produced perfectly acquainted with the place.

The main body of the colonists missed their road in the night,

and before they found out their mistake, were at the upper ford,

immediately opposite the town. They then struck across, for a short

cut, to the position occupied by the van guard. The route lay through

a muskeet thicket. The muskeet is a tree of the locust family, full

of thorns, and at a short distance resembles the common peach tree in

size and appearance. While the parties were treading their way in this

thicket, the horse of one of them started in affright at an object

beneath a bush. The rider checked his horse and said, who's there? A

voice answered in Spanish. One of the party supposed that he recognized

in the voice an old acquaintance of Goliad, asked if it was not he,

mentioning his name. "No," was the reply, "my name is Milam."

Col. Milam is a native of Kentucky. At the commencement of the

Mexican war of independence, he engaged in the cause, and assisted in

establishing the independence of the country. When Iturbide assumed the

purple, Milam's republican principles placed him in fetters--dragged

him to the city of Mexico, and confined him in prison until the usurper

was dethroned. When Santa Anna assumed the dictatorship, the republican

Milam was again thrust into the prison at Monterry. But his past

services and sufferings wrought upon the sympathies of his hard-hearted

jailors.

They allowed him the luxury of the bath. He profited by the indulgence

and made arrangements with an old compatriot, to place a fleet horse

suitably equipped upon the bank of the stream, at a time appointed.

The colonel passed the sentinel as he was wont to go into the

water--walked quietly on--mounted the horse and fled.

Four hundred miles would place him in safety. The noble horse did his

duty, and bore the colonel clear of all pursuit to the place where the

party surprised him. At first he supposed himself in the power of his

enemy--but the English language soon convinced him, that he was in the

midst of his countrymen.

He had never heard that Texas was making an effort to save herself.

No whisper of the kind had been allowed to pass the grates of his

prison.--When he learned the object of the party, his heart was full.

He could not speak for joy.

When the company arrived at the lower ford, they divided themselves

into four parties of twelve men each. One party remained as a guard

with the horses. The other three, each with a guide, marched by

different routes to the assault.

Their axes hewed down the door where the colonel commanding the place

slept--and he was taken a prisoner from his bed. A sentinel hailed,

and fired. A rifle ball laid him dead upon the spot.--The discharge of

fire arms and the noise of human voices now became blended. The Mexican

soldiers fired from their quarters, and the blaze of their guns served

as targets for the colonist riflemen.

The garrison were called to surrender, and the call was translated by a

gentleman present, who spoke the language. They asked for terms.

The interpreter now became the chief speaker. 'No,' answered he.

'They say they will massacre every one of you, unless you come out

immediately and surrender. Come out--come out quick--I cannot keep

them back--come out, if you wish to save your lives--I can keep them

back no longer.' 'O, do for God's sake keep them back,' answered

the Mexicans in their own language. 'We will come out and surrender

immediately,'--and they rushed out with all possible speed and laid

down their arms.

And thus was the fort of Goliad taken--a fort which, with a garrison of

three hundred and fifty patriots in the war of 1812-13, withstood the

siege of an army of more than two thousand Spanish troops, and forced

them to retire, discomfited.

At the capture of the fort, three Mexican soldiers were killed and

seven wounded; and one colonel, one captain, one lieutenant, with

twenty-one petty officers and privates were made prisoners--others of

the garrison escaped in the dark and fled.

In the fort were found two pieces of brass cannon, five hundred muskets

and carbines, six hundred spears, with ammunition and provisions.

One of the colonists, only, was wounded in the shoulder.

Col. Milam assisted in the capture of the fort, and then he spoke:--"I

assisted Mexico to gain her independence; I have spent more than twenty

years of my life in her service; I have endured heat and cold, hunger

and thirst; I have borne losses and suffered persecutions; I have been

a tenant of every prison between this and Mexico--but the events of

this night have compensated me for all my losses and all my sufferings."

The colonists were commanded by Gen. M. Collingsworth--but it would be

difficult to find in the company, a man not qualified for the command.

Goliad is of vastly more importance in a military point of view, than

San Antonio, as the latter is in a valley upon the banks of the river,

and commanded by the hills on each side, and is therefore indefensible.

The news of the capture of Goliad was hailed with enthusiastic joy

throughout Texas. A general enthusiasm prevailed. Col. Austin, elected

General of the volunteer forces, made his head quarters at Gonzales,

one hundred and fifty miles west of San Felipe, and seventy-five miles

east of San Antonio. A declaration of rights under the constitution of

1824 was published, and circulated throughout the country.

On the thirteenth of October, Gen. Austin, as commander-in-chief, left

Gonzales with the main army, for San Antonio. On the twentieth, a

division arrived at Salada, within five miles of San Antonio. On their

march, they came in contact with the advanced guard of the enemy, who

retired at their approach. On the twenty-seventh, a detachment of Gen.

Cos' cavalry, out on a foraging expedition, were attacked by a party

of Texians, and by them defeated with the loss of thirty-five horses,

and suffering in killed and wounded to the number of fifty men. The

loss of the Texians, three men slightly wounded.

Cos' detachment of cavalry consisted of about one hundred and fifty

men, which, before the engagement was concluded, were re-inforced by

one hundred and fifty infantry; the party of Texians employed in the

assault amounting to about the same number.

On the twenty-eighth, a detachment of ninety men, under the command of

Col. Jas. Bowie and Capt. Fanning, advanced and took possession of a

church, within a mile and a half of San Antonio. The Mexicans to the

number of three hundred cavalry and one hundred infantry, under the

command of Col. Utartacher, sallying out from the city, made an attack

upon Bowie's forces, and after an engagement of three hours duration,

were repulsed with the loss of one piece of artillery and forty

muskets, leaving eighteen men dead upon the field. The only loss on the

side of the Texians, was one man mortally wounded, and a few horses.

The main body of the army came up soon after the enemy had retired.

Gen. Austin, that there might be no mistake respecting the principles

upon which he acted, sent a communication to Gen. Cos, by a Mexican,

stating that he was supporting the principles of the constitution of

1824, and inquiring how his flag would be received? His reply was,

"disband your forces, return home peaceably, and then perhaps I will

listen to your petitions; at present I can only regard you as rebels

and traitors."

In the mean time, something like a regular army, composed of Texians

and volunteer companies from the United States, was organized, and Gen.

Houston, formerly Governor of Tennessee, and for some years a resident

in Texas, was appointed the commander. On his arrival at Gonzales, the

force under his command amounted to about a thousand men.

The Texian army, at length, concentrated their forces, and besieged

the town of San Antonio.--This is a walled town, containing three

thousand five hundred inhabitants. Gen. Cos found himself in a critical

situation. His army amounted to about a thousand men, but the besieging

army pressed him so close, he was obliged to keep within the walls of

the town. He soon became in want of provisions, but he was too closely

watched to obtain a supply. The besiegers believing he would be forced

to surrender without a battle, concluded patiently to wait the event.

In this state of the case, it was thought advisable to send

commissioners to the United States, with plenary power to negotiate

loans, &c., in preparation for another campaign. Gen. Austin and

Messrs. Archer and Wharton were accordingly appointed. Edward

Burlisson was elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation

of Gen. Austin, and W.H. Jack was promoted to the second in command.

The commissioners immediately left the army, and proceeded to the

United States. They arrived at New-Orleans on the third day of January,

and succeeded in effecting a loan there of two hundred thousand

dollars. They then started up the Mississippi river, intending to visit

the seat of government at Washington.

The Texian army besieged San Antonio more than a month; during which

time, the Mexican forces were confined strictly within the walls of the

city. The moment a sentinel ventured without, he was shot by some of

the riflemen. The garrison became almost destitute of provisions, and

the surrender of the place was anticipated daily.

At this juncture, news arrived, that a large reinforcement of Mexican

troops were near at hand, to relieve the garrison. This determined the

besieging army to storm the city immediately. It was on the sixth day

of December last, when the assault commenced. The brave Col. Milam,

at the head of three hundred choice troops, led the attack.--The

assault was so sudden and vehement, that neither walls nor men could

successfully oppose it. After a sharp conflict, in which the assailants

performed wonders, the city was gallantly taken, and the garrison

made prisoners. This had hardly been accomplished, when the Mexican

reinforcement came up, just in time to lay down their arms to the

victors. By this victory, twelve hundred men were made prisoners; and

the Texians obtained two thousand stands of arms, thirty pieces of

cannon, and a large amount of military stores, camp-equipments and

horses, estimated to be worth five hundred thousand dollars. The loss

of the enemy in killed and wounded, we have never seen stated;--on the

part of the Texians, fifteen were wounded, and the brave Col. Milam

and four others, killed. Col. Milam was mainly instrumental in the

complete success of the assault, and fell a victim to his own zeal and

intrepidity. The death of this estimable man, turned the joy of victory

into sadness. Like the lamented Warren of Bunker Hill, he fell early in

his country's struggle for independence;--and like him, his untimely

exit was deeply deplored.

A native of Kentucky, he possessed in an eminent degree, the chivalry

and noble bearing, so conspicuous in the land of his birth. In early

life, he left his native State. He was the intrepid commander of the

steamboat, that first threaded the mazes of Red river, beyond the

great raft. At the commencement of the severe contest in Mexico, to

throw off the Spanish yoke, he was engaged in her cause. In the many

sanguinary battles with the armies of Spain and savage Indians, during

that long and bloody war, he was engaged, and shone conspicuous. A

noble spirited and an unyielding patriot himself, he found at last,

to his sorrow and regret, that the people, whom he aided to establish

independence, were unworthy of the cause in which they were engaged.

They did not understand the true principles of liberty, and knew not

the value of its blessings. No sooner were they freed from foreign

oppression, than anarchy and confusion reigned at home. Revolutions and

counter-revolutions rapidly succeeded each other; and the unyielding

Milam, alternately became a favorite and a prisoner. He had so many

times been arrested and released, that he had been a tenant of every

prison, from Texas to the city of Mexico. When restored to favor, by a

fortunate turn of the revolutionary wheel, rewards were offered him.

But his sufferings only were real; his rewards but mocked his vision.

Like the rainbow in the heavens, they fled at his approach.

Years ago, he obtained a grant for a colony, on the south bank of the

beautiful Colorado, a hundred miles from its mouth; but before he could

make arrangements for its settlement, the grant was annulled, and he

imprisoned. Misfortune seems to have marked him for her game. For a

series of years, as if the intention were to mock and tantalize him,

his grant would be alternately cancelled and confirmed.

Near the close of the year 1834, when the writer of this sketch saw him

in Texas, his grant had been renewed under favorable auspices, and the

prospect before him appeared unusually flattering. But it was only the

calm, bright sunshine, that precedes the tempest. He had hardly made

arrangements to people his colony, and settle down in quiet repose,

after so many years of disappointment, toil and suffering, when another

revolution brought Santa Anna into power, and the patriot Milam was

again arrested and thrust into the prison of Monterry!

But in all the changes of fortune, whether favorable or adverse, he

never abjured his principles.--The unconquerable love of liberty, that

animated him throughout his whole career, never once forsook him. His

spirit never quailed before the minions of power--his courage never

abated--and his vigorous arm never tired.

By stratagem, he escaped from his prison, just in time to render

efficient aid in the capture of Goliad; and then, he hastened on to

San Antonio, where he gloriously fell in the arms of victory--a martyr

to the cause he had, with a steady aim, so nobly espoused and ably

defended. But his memory will live in the hearts of a gallant people;

and, in after times, his name will be duly honored in the celebration

of their victories, and in their songs of triumph.

The capture of San Antonio completed the triumph of the Texian

arms. Not an armed Mexican soldier could then be found in her

territory.--Gen. Cos was released on his parole of honor, not to serve

during the war, unless regularly exchanged; the other officers and

soldiers were retained prisoners of war.

We have now given an account of all the battles fought within the

limits of Texas; but it may be proper to add some account of Gen.

Mexia's expedition against Tampico.

On the sixth day of November last, one hundred and thirty men, chiefly

Americans, embarked at New-Orleans on board the schooner Mary Jane for

Texas. It was understood, that this vessel had been chartered by a

committee, to convey emigrants to that country; and on their arrival,

it was to be optional with them, whether they joined the Texian army,

or not. Gen. Mexia and his staff were on board this vessel: but no

intimation was given to the passengers, that the vessel had any other

destination than Texas, until they arrived off the port of Tampico.

They were then told, by Capt. Hawkins, one of Gen. Mexia's aids, that

the object was to capture Tampico--and the passengers were urged to

join the General's standard. About fifty only, most of whom were

French and Creoles of New-Orleans, were induced to join his standard.

A steamboat took the vessel in tow, but, in attempting to run into

the port in the night, they both struck the north breakers. In this

critical situation, efforts were made to land the passengers, which

at much risk was at length effected, during the latter part of the

night and early in the morning. The fort, at the mouth of the harbor,

surrendered without an attack. Arms and ammunition were then tendered

to the party. Some took them from curiosity, some from necessity,

and others on compulsion. Most of the Americans, on account of the

deception practiced upon them, in landing at Tampico instead of Texas,

were determined not to fight, but to surrender themselves prisoners the

first opportunity.

The next day, the party, to the number of one hundred and eighty,

marched to attack the town; but meeting with a warmer reception than

they expected, they retreated to the fort. Here they found about thirty

missing--all but two or three having deserted on the retreat. The

General, deeming it advisable to leave the place, embarked with his men

on board the schooner Halcyon, bound to Brazoria in Texas.

The deserters were taken prisoners the next day, by a company of

horse, and imprisoned. After remaining in prison about a month, they

were tried by a court martial; and although all these facts appeared

at the trial, they were all condemned to be shot! Some attempts were

made to avert their fate. A petition, signed by the prisoners and a

number of Mexicans, was sent to the Commandant of the place, but it

availed nothing. The sentence of death was promulgated to these hapless

victims of treachery, on the afternoon of Saturday; and at sunrise the

succeeding Monday, which was the fourteenth day of December, they were

all brought out of prison, and shot! Twenty-eight men, many of them

mere youths, in a distant land, far away from friends, at a few hours

notice, butchered in cold blood! Humanity recoils at the perpetration

of such barbarous deeds as this. Such summary proceedings, dictated by

savage vengeance, cannot, on any ground, be either justified or excused.

But such has been the character of the wars in South America, ever

since the Spanish Colonies strove to shake off the yoke of dependence,

for more than a quarter of a century. A war of extermination was

carried on by the Spaniards and the Patriots--no quarter was granted in

the field--the blood of prisoners was shed like water--and a recital

of the wanton cruelties and barbarities committed by both parties,

during this state of protracted hostility, would cause even the savage

to shudder with horror. These circumstances, as well as the whole

course of conduct of the Spaniards, in relation to the inhabitants of

the Leeward Islands, Mexico and Peru, are enough to establish their

character as the most cruel and sanguinary people on earth.

We have mentioned that a large number of volunteers from the United

States had gone to Texas, to aid the people in their struggle for

independence. Three companies, numbering more than five hundred men,

went from New-Orleans. Cincinnati, Natchez and Mobile, each furnished

a company.--And travellers state that they met small parties of

volunteers, continually on the road, hurrying on to assist the

Texians. Many of these arrived in time to be of much service in the

last campaign; but one company, from the city of New-York, owing to

the misconduct of a portion of them, were detained on the way; and,

probably, have not arrived in Texas.

This party was Col. Stanly's regiment of volunteers, amounting to about

two hundred men. They started from New-York in the brig Madawaska,

about the middle of November. After ten day's sail, they found

themselves among the Bahama banks and islands. The Captain of the

brig, never having sailed the route before, became bewildered among

the islands. At length he made a harbor at the island of Eleuthera,

and sent a boat on shore containing seventeen men. On the island, they

found the inhabitants to consist principally of blacks. Having indulged

themselves pretty freely in spirits, and finding the inhabitants rather

weak and ignorant, they commenced hostilities upon their effects, such

as fowls, pigs, Indian meal, &c., and so terrified the people, that

they would do whatever they required. They commanded them with loaded

pistols at their heads, and threatened them with instant death if they

disobeyed.

This indiscreet conduct of course occasioned an excited feeling, on

being made known at the English naval station at Nassau, and two gun

ships were immediately sent in pursuit, with strict orders to board

and put all to death, if any resistance was made. After cruising about

a week, one of the ships came up with the Madawaska, and made them

all prisoners, on a charge of piracy. They were carried into the port

of Nassau in New-Providence, and there put in prison. In the course

of a week, the matter was fully investigated, which resulted in the

discharge of all but Col. Stanley and ten others, who were detained

to await their trial for felony. The result of this trial is not now

known; but if found guilty, the punishment by the English laws is known

to be severe.

The remaining incidents worthy of note, connected with the Texian

Revolution, may be stated in a few words. The General Consultation

convened at San Felipe on the fifteenth of October.--An address to the

people of the United States was adopted, appealing to our citizens for

aid. Strong appeals were also made by the Council to the patriotism

of the people of Texas. The Council then adjourned to the first of

November; but the people were so much engaged on the frontier, that no

meeting was held at that time.

On the twenty-second day of December, a document was published at

Goliad, signed by a great number of persons, chiefly Americans,

declaring Texas "_a free, sovereign and independent State_." The

declaration enters somewhat at length into the condition of Texas,

deplores the leniency of the Texian government in permitting Cos to

capitulate, and affirms that many of the officers, civil and military,

are more ambitious of emoluments, than the good of the country. It

is furthermore stated, that there is more danger from the corrupting

influence of Santa Anna's gold, than from his bayonets. The necessity

of forming an independent sovereign State immediately, in order that

all her energies may be concentrated, is pointed out with great force.

On the twenty-sixth of December, a decree of the provincial

Government was published, calling a Convention of Delegates from each

municipality, clothed with ample powers to adopt a permanent form of

government. The Delegates to be elected by the people; all free white

males, and Mexicans opposed to a central government, being entitled to

vote; and the volunteers in the army being allowed to vote by proxy.

The whole number of Delegates to be fifty-six, and the Convention to be

held at the town of Washington on the first of March.

The Texians have been very active in raising an army to commence

another campaign; and it is believed, Gen. Houston was able to take

the field on the first of March, at the head of five or six thousand

men. The Texians, it is said, are in regular correspondence with

the large party in Mexico opposed to centralism. The whole republic

seems to be in a ferment. Gen. Mexia, who set out for Matamoras some

weeks ago, at the head of a considerable force, intending to invade

the Mexican territory, was believed to have made himself master of

Tampico, whence he would act in concert with the Texians on the north,

and the revolting Mexicans on the south. It was currently reported at

Metamoras, that several of the most influential officers in the Mexican

army, had openly denounced centralism, and the state of things in the

republic was such, that Santa Anna would either be obliged to return to

the federal system, or abandon all hopes of power in Mexico.

The true state of affairs in Mexico, however, it is difficult to

ascertain. There are only twenty-seven newspapers in the country, all

of which are in a state of subjection to Santa Anna. The only two

opposition journals were suppressed: the editor of one was banished to

California, to enjoy "the wolf's loud howl on Onolaska's shore;" the

other, Santangele, in spite of his name, was sent to the United States.

The Supreme Government, under date of the thirtieth of December, caused

the following decree to be published and circulated in every district

of the Republic.

"ART. 1. All foreigners that may land in any port of the Republic, or

shall make their way into the interior, armed and with the intention

of attacking her territory, shall be regarded and punished as pirates,

considering that they do not belong to any nation at war with the

Republic, and that they do not act under any recognized flag.

"ART. 2. Foreigners that land in any of our ports, or seek to introduce

arms and ammunition by land through any channel in a state of

insurrection against the government of the nation, and with the avowed

object of placing such implements of war in the hands of her enemies,

shall be treated and punished in the same manner."

This decree will not be worth, to Santa Anna, the paper on which it is

written. It will not deter a single individual from carrying arms and

ammunition into Texas, or of joining its army. The sanguinary character

of the Spaniards is too well known and established, to ask or expect

any thing like clemency at their hands. The Americans needed not a

decree under hand and seal, to apprise them of the true character of

the Mexicans, when the history of the last twenty-five years is fresh

in remembrance.

An embargo has also been laid, by order of the Mexican government, on

the ports of Tampico and Metamoras, against Mexican vessels; and on all

the ports of Mexico against American ships. No ingress nor egress from

the ports is now permitted. The foolish expedition planned by Mexia may

have led to this resort, as well as the state of affairs in Texas.

Santa Anna, believing that the permanency of his own power depends

upon the subjugation of Texas, is actively engaged in raising troops

for another campaign. It is reported that three or four thousand men,

under the command of Gen. Urrea, are on their way to the frontier. It

is also reported, that he has called to his aid the Comanches and other

tribes of Indians; and persuaded them to declare war against Texas; and

has promised them the territory of Texas as a reward. The Indians have

known the Spaniards too long to place any reliance upon their promises.

They may, indeed, excite them to a war; but it is as likely to prove

as disastrous to themselves, as to the Texians. The Indians are unsafe

allies. Like the war-elephants of ancient times, they often injure

friends more than foes. It is certain, that a deadly hatred has existed

for a long series of years, between the Spaniards and Indians; and it

is believed, no permanent friendship or alliance can be formed between

them. They have much more friendship for the Americans, than for the

Spaniards; and if they call them into action, it may prove disastrous

only to themselves. The Indians are as hard to direct and control, as

a fire on their own boundless prairies. The fire, uncontrolled by him

who kindles it, sweeps over the plain, where the wind happens to drive;

so the wild Indian, regardless of friend or foe, hurries on to kill and

plunder, where his savage fury happens to impel him. But on another

ground, Santa Anna had better take heed. Exciting the Indians to kill

and plunder, is a game that two can play at. The Texians have greater

rewards to offer. They can promise them _all Mexico_, with its many

victims and much plunder.

In conformity to the custom of nations, the Texians have adopted a

flag. It contains a number of stripes, and but a single star; and

has inscribed upon it the significant word, 'INDEPENDENCE.' On the

twenty-second day of January, the New-Orleans Greys paraded at their

encampment, near the mouth of the Brazos river, to display and honor

their flag. At the discharge of a signal gun, William Walker, of

Portsmouth, N.H., who signalized himself at the capture of San Antonio,

had the honor of running it up, for the first time, on a stately

flag-staff. The company presented arms, and fired a salute. Just at

this time, a volunteer company, on board the steamboat Yellow Stone,

from New-Orleans, came up the river, hailed the waving banner, fired

a salute, and gave three cheers as they passed. The arrival of such

efficient aid, at the moment the national flag was first unfurled,

was deemed a happy omen; and that it may continue to wave over Texas,

_independent_ and _free_, is the fervent wish of every true son of

freedom.

Post offices and mail routes have been established, and a Post Master

General appointed. The length of all these mail routes, taken together,

amount to about eight hundred miles. For a number of years, there has

been no mail connection between the United States and Texas; but as

the communication is now so great, regular mails will be established

between them.

Texas is in a critical situation; but it is believed, her cause is far

from being desperate. Were Mexico united, and could she bring all her

force to bear upon the contest, with the activity and zeal of American

freemen, Texas would be crushed at a blow. Santa Anna's journals do

indeed say, that the whole country is united in the present form of

government, and perfect tranquillity prevails; but private letters

contradict this statement altogether. They inform us, that Generals

Bravo and Alvarez had united, taken the important town of Acapulco, on

the Pacific, denounced Santa Anna, and declared for the constitution.

In consequence of this movement, one hundred and fifty mules loaded

with money and ammunition, and five hundred men left the city of Mexico

for that quarter, about the last of January. It was believed, this news

would bring Santa Anna from Saltillo to the seat of government.

From all accounts, it appears certain, that the Mexican army, three

thousand strong, have left their encampment at Saltillo, for the

frontier of Texas. It is formed into two divisions, the one commanded

by Sesma; the other, by Cos, and the chief in command is Gen. Urrea. It

is reported that a simultaneous attack upon Goliad and San Antonio, is

meditated. It is highly probable, the Texians are fully prepared for

their reception, and will be able to give a good account of them.

The thin settled State of Texas, with a population of some fifty

thousand, comparatively, without arms and resources, and having no

organized government, engaging in a war with sixteen States, with a

population of eight millions, reminds one of the stripling David, going

out in the valley of Elah, to give battle to the Philistine of Gath.

It requires an unusual degree of boldness and daring, to form the

resolution, and to commence a war, with such an immense disparity of

force. But the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the

strong.

The Texians, and the gallant spirits that have hastened to their aid

and rescue, compared in number with their enemy, are indeed but a

handful of men; but, like the Spartan band of former times, they have

lion-hearts and vigorous arms. What men dare, they dare! They have

staked their all upon the issue. They have drawn the sword, and thrown

away the scabbard. Exterminated they may be, but not subdued. Before

such a band, numbers are of no avail; before such opponents, well may

tyrants tremble.

The first campaign has ended in the complete overthrow of the Mexican

force, in Texas. The whole course of the campaign has been signally

marked by a series of battles, and almost bloodless victories, on the

part of the Texians; and by continued defeat, loss and discomfiture on

the part of their enemy. The Mexicans have lost much, in men, arms and

treasure; and have won nothing but disgrace. Of honor, they had none to

lose.

Santa Anna has thousands of men at his command, but they do not possess

the chivalrous spirit of the sons of freedom. Judging from the past,

_his_ career may be short; but as his subjects know not the value of

liberty, and are not sufficiently educated for its rational enjoyment,

a long list of tyrants may rapidly succeed him. But light begins to

break in upon that benighted corner of the earth. The goddess of

liberty, who in former times tried her infant voice in the halls and

on the hills of New-England, utters it now, with a power that seems

to wake the dead, on the plains of Mexico, and along the sides of the

Andes.

On the part of the Texians, the struggle may be long and severe. They

may be compelled to fight battle after battle, and obtain victory after

victory; and suffer also, many reverses and defeats, before the scene

of this awful tragedy closes. But it is confidently believed, that they

will finally succeed in their effort, to become an independent nation,

and to establish a free, elective government, based upon the equal

rights of the people.

Second Campaign.

The second campaign commenced much sooner than was generally expected.

It was believed by the Texians, that after the complete and signal

overthrow of the Mexican forces in the first campaign, Santa Anna would

not be able to raise another invading army, and make his appearance

in Texas, before midsummer. In this, they were mistaken. Santa Anna,

believing that the stability of his own government depended upon a

vigorous prosecution of the war, by extraordinary exertions, raised an

army of five thousand men, and by forced marches was enabled to make

his appearance in Texas about the twentieth of February. This early and

unexpected appearance of an invading army, accounts for the fact, that

the Texians were so illy prepared for their reception.

On the twenty third of February, Santa Anna, who, contrary to general

expectation, commanded in person, appeared before the town of San

Antonio, at the head of the advanced division of his army, amounting

to a thousand men. At this time, less than two thousand Texians were

in arms in the whole province. Of these, only a hundred and fifty

men, under the command of Col. W.B. Travis, were stationed at San

Antonio--five hundred men, under Col. Fanning, were at Goliad, a

hundred and twenty-five miles to the south; and one thousand men, under

Gen. Houston, at Gonzales, sixty miles to the east of this position.

San Antonio de Bexar is situated on a branch of the San Antonio river,

which is here but a small stream, that can easily be crossed by slight

wooden bridges. Most of the dwelling houses are on the west side of the

river, but the fort is on the east side. This fort, called the Alamo,

or Elm Tree fort, covers two acres of ground, and is surrounded by a

thick stone wall, twenty feet high. Its position was injudiciously

selected. It is situated in a valley, having elevated positions in the

rear, from which balls may be thrown directly into the fort. It may

therefore, be deemed an indefensible fortress.

On the arrival of this division, Santa Anna took possession of the

town, and demanded an unconditional surrender of the fort, or the whole

garrison would indiscriminately be put to the sword. The intrepid

Col. Travis answered this demand by a cannon shot. Immediately, a

bombardment from a five inch howitzer, and a heavy cannonade commenced,

which was continued for twenty-four hours. This was sustained by the

Texians without the loss of a single man, while they made a terrible

slaughter in the ranks of their besiegers. From five to six hundred of

the enemy are reported to have been killed and wounded.

About this time, a party of seventy men, under the command of Col.

Johnson, while reconnoitering to the westward of San Patricio, were

surrounded in the night, by a large body of Mexican troops. In the

morning, the commander sent in a summons to surrender at discretion,

which was refused; but an offer was made to surrender as prisoners of

war. This was acceded to by the Mexican officer; but no sooner had

the party marched out of their encampment, and stacked their arms,

than the mean, cowardly, blood-thirsty Mexicans commenced a general

fire upon the defenceless prisoners! An attempt was made to escape by

flight--three only effected it, among whom was Col. Johnson--the others

were shot down and basely murdered.

On the twenty-fifth of February, an assault was made upon the fort, an

account of which, we give in the words of Col. Travis' despatch to Gen.

Houston:--

"To-day at ten o'clock, A.M. some two or three hundred crossed the

river below, and came up under cover of the houses, until they arrived

within point blank shot, when we opened a heavy discharge of grape and

canister on them, together with a well directed fire from small arms,

which forced them to halt and take shelter in the houses about eighty

or a hundred rods from our batteries. The action continued to rage for

about two hours, when the enemy retreated in confusion, dragging off

their dead and wounded.

During the action, the enemy kept up a continual bombardment, and

discharge of balls, grape and canister. We know from observation, that

many of the enemy were killed and wounded--while we, on our part, have

not lost a man. Two or three of our men have been slightly scratched

by pieces of rock, but not disabled. I take great pleasure in stating,

that both officers and men, conducted themselves with firmness and

bravery.--Lieut. Simmons of the Cavalry, acting as Infantry, and

Captains Carey and Dickerson and Blair of the Artillery, rendered

essential services, and Chas. Despallier and Robert Brown, gallantly

sallied out and set fire to the houses, which afforded the enemy

shelter, in the face of the enemy's fire. Indeed the whole of the men,

who were brought into action, conducted themselves with such undaunted

heroism, that it would be injustice to discriminate. The Hon. David

Crockett was seen at all points, animating the men to do their duty.

Our numbers are few, and the enemy still continues to approximate his

works to ours. I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his

whole force very soon. But I shall hold out to the last extremity."

On the first of March, thirty-two men from Gonzales, forced their way

through the enemy's lines, and entered the fort--increasing the number

to one hundred and eighty-two. Between the twenty-fifth of February and

the fifth of March, the Mexicans were employed in erecting breastworks

around the fort, bombarding the place and battering the walls. On the

second of March, Col. Travis wrote, that more than two hundred shells

had been thrown into the fort without injuring a man.

In the mean time, the Mexicans continued to receive re-enforcements.

The whole force amounted to about forty-five hundred men. It consisted

of forty companies of Infantry, numbering about seventy men each,

under Generals Sesma and Cos; and fifteen hundred Cavalry, under Gen.

Felisolas; and the whole commanded by Santa Anna in person.

On the sixth of March, about midnight, a general assault was made upon

the fort by the entire Mexican force. The walls were weak, the balls

from the batteries had passed through them, and, in some places, had

become somewhat dilapidated. The cavalry surrounded the fort, and the

infantry, well supplied with scaling ladders attempted to enter the

fort on all sides at the same time.

The Texians fought desperately until daylight, when seven only of

the garrison were found alive. We regret to say, that Col. David

Crockett and his companion Mr. Benton, also the gallant Col. Benham

of South-Carolina, were of the number who cried for quarter, but

they were told that there was no mercy for them. They then continued

fighting until the whole were butchered. One woman (Mrs. Dickinson)

and a wounded negro servant of Col. Travis, were the only persons in

the Alamo whose lives were spared. Col. Bowie was murdered in his bed,

sick and helpless. Gen. Cos, on entering the fort ordered Col. Travis'

servant to point out to him the body of his master; he did so, when

Cos drew his sword and mangled his face and limbs with the malignant

feeling of a savage.

The bodies of the slain were thrown into a heap in the centre of the

Alamo and burned. On Col. Bowie's body being brought out, Gen. Cos said

that he was too brave a man to be burned like a dog; then added,--never

mind, throw him in. The loss of the Mexicans in storming the place

was estimated at no less than one thousand men killed and mortally

wounded, and as many more disabled--making, with their loss in the

first assault, between two and three thousand killed and wounded. It

is worthy of remark that the flag of Santa Anna's army at Bexar was a

_blood red one_, in place of the old constitutional tri-colored flag.

Immediately after the capture of the place, Gen. Santa Anna sent Mrs.

Dickinson and Col. Travis' servant to Gen. Houston's camp, accompanied

by a Mexican with a flag, who was bearer of a note from Santa Anna,

offering the Texians peace and a general amnesty, if they would lay

down their arms and submit to his government. Gen. Houston's reply was,

"True sir, you have succeeded in killing some of our brave men, but the

Texians are not yet conquered."

Thus fell the brave defenders of San Antonio. Among the heroes, who

perished in the unequal conflict, were Col. W.B. Travis, Col. Jas.

Bowie and Col. David Crockett, formerly a member of Congress from

the State of Tennessee--every one of whom was himself a host. By a

comparison of dates, it appears that this little garrison of one

hundred and eighty-two men, held out eleven days against the repeated

attacks of an army amounting at last, by constant re-enforcements, to

five thousand men. All that the most determined bravery could achieve,

was accomplished by the besieged. Although worn down by fatigue and

want of sleep, which the continual alarms and discharges of artillery

rendered nearly impossible, while the more numerous besiegers could

relieve each other, the brave band in the fort did not die unavenged.

In the various attacks from first to last, it is probable that they

destroyed of the enemy, eight or ten times their own number. The

history of their achievements and sufferings, in this memorable siege,

may never be known in detail; but enough is revealed to immortalize

the names of these martyrs in the cause of liberty, and to stamp with

eternal infamy and disgrace their remorseless besiegers. Something of

the chivalrous spirit that animated and sustained this truly Spartan

band during this trying occasion, may be seen by the despatch of Col.

Travis, addressed to his fellow citizens and compatriots, during the

siege. He says, "I shall defend myself to the last extremity, and die

as becomes a soldier. I never intend to retreat or surrender. VICTORY

OR DEATH."

This was the first victory obtained by the Mexicans; and the slaughter

of the whole garrison confirmed, what was before suspected, that the

contest on their part, was to be a war of extermination. No quarter is

to be given, or only granted to be violated. The bloody butcheries of

defenceless prisoners, as might have been expected, had the opposite

effect intended. Instead of striking terror and dismay into the ranks

of the Texians, and palsying their efforts, it only served to arouse

and awaken them into more vigorous action. Every man, capable of

bearing arms, shouldered his rifle, and marched in double quick time

to the theatre of war. The news caused a general excitement throughout

the United States. New-Orleans exhibited all the hurry and bustle of a

camp; and the western and southern riflemen, by hundreds and fifties,

hurried on to the scene of slaughter, to avenge the death of their

murdered countrymen.

The character of Gen. Cos stands out in bold relief, as the meanest

of the mean. When he and his command were made prisoners of war by

the Texians on this very spot of his present savage triumphs, they

were humanely treated, and suffered to return home on their parole of

honor. This solemn pledge, universally acknowledged and observed by

all civilized nations, and all honorable men, Cos has seen fit to

disregard. He again appears in arms, and has forfeited his parole of

honor. He now stands before the world, in the character of an outlaw.

But, as if this were not sufficient to brand his name with infamy,

he seemed determined that his actions should be in perfect keeping

with his degraded sense of honor; so as to exhibit to the world, the

humiliating spectacle of a character entirely perfect in treachery

and baseness. Therefore, instead of waging war according to the rules

of civilized nations, he basely murdered the sick in their beds, and

mutilated the bodies of the slain; and instead of decently burying

the dead, he threw their bodies into a heap and burnt them like dogs!

A fit instrument, in the hands of Santa Anna, to teach the people

of Texas, the blessings of Centralism! But it does not require much

forecast to predict, that the Mexicans have kindled a flame at St.

Antonio, that many waters will not be able to quench,--that the day

of severe retribution and bloody vengeance is nigh. And when it shall

have arrived, where will be the voice to plead for such remorseless

murderers as these!

On the second day of March, the people of Texas, by their delegates,

made a declaration of Independence. It is called, "the unanimous

declaration of Independence, made by the Delegates of the People of

Texas, in General Convention, made at the town of Washington, on the

second day of March, 1836." It is an able state paper, written with

much spirit and vigor; but, in gracefulness of style and force of

expression, it does not equal its model--the celebrated Declaration

of Independence of the United States, from the polished pen of a

Jefferson. It contains a statement of grievances, which is submitted to

an impartial world, in justification of the hazardous but unavoidable

step, of severing their connection with the Mexican people, and of

assuming an independent attitude among the nations of the earth. As it

is too long to be inserted in this sketch, the following extract, which

of itself contains a sufficient reason for the 'hazardous step' taken,

must suffice.

"The Mexican government, by its colonization laws, invited and induced

the Anglo-American population of Texas, to colonize the wilderness,

under the pledged faith of a written constitution, that they should

continue to enjoy that constitutional liberty and republican government

to which they had been habituated in the land of their birth, the

United States of America. In this expectation, they have been cruelly

disappointed--as the Mexican nation has acquiesced in the late changes

made in the government by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna; who,

having overturned the constitution of this country, now offers us the

cruel alternative, either to abandon our own homes, acquired by so

many privations, or submit to the most intolerable of all tyranny, the

combined despotism of the sword and the priesthood."

Of this convention, Richard Ellis was President, and W.S. Kimball,

Secretary. When the news of the fall of San Antonio arrived at the

Convention, a powerful appeal to the people of the United States, was

immediately adopted, and sent to New-Orleans to be published in the

newspapers. A constitution was formed, and the officers of government

appointed as follows:--

DAVID G. BURNET, Pres. of the Republic of Texas.

LORENZO D. ZAVALLA, Vice President.

SAMUEL P. CARSON, Secretary of State.

THOMAS I. RUSH, Secretary of War.

BAILEY HARDMAN, Secretary of the Treasury.

ROBERT POTTER, Secretary of the Navy.

DAVID THOMAS, Attorney General.

I.R. JONES, Postmaster General.

President Burnet is a native of Newark in New-Jersey, by profession

a lawyer--a gentleman of education, accomplished manners and of the

purest integrity.

Immediately after the capture of San Antonio, Goliad was besieged by

the enemy under the command of Gen. Urrea. Colonel Fanning, contrary to

his own judgment, but in obedience to positive instructions from Gen.

Houston, blew up the fort and commenced a retreat to the main army. His

force amounted to about three hundred and fifty men, and seven pieces

of artillery. They had proceeded about eight miles to the eastward of

the fort, when they were surrounded in a large prairie, by two thousand

Mexicans, consisting of infantry and cavalry. The advance guard of

twenty-five men under Col. Wharton were, by this movement cut off from

the main force; and believing it to be a mere waste of life to return,

they continued on, and escaped.

Col. Fanning evacuated the fort on the nineteenth of March; and it was

about four o'clock, in the afternoon of the same day, that the attack

commenced, and lasted until sometime into night. The cavalry made many

charges upon them in rapid succession, but were repulsed with great

slaughter. Col. Fanning continued fighting and retreating, until he

gained a small grove of post-oaks in the midst of the prairie. This

afforded him a sufficient protection from the charges of the cavalry,

and the battle ceased. Col. Fanning's loss was inconsiderable, but one

hundred and ninety of the enemy were ascertained to have been slain,

and as many more wounded.

This grove was immediately surrounded by the enemy, and a renewal of

the battle was expected in the morning. Col. Fanning, well knowing

escape to be impossible, entrenched himself during the night and was

resolved not to die unavenged. In the morning, however, the enemy

showed a white flag, and Col. Fanning went out to meet the Mexican

General. A capitulation was made with the usual forms of honorable

warfare; Col. Fanning was to lay down his arms, and march back to

Goliad, where they were to remain six or eight days as prisoners of

war, to be shipped to New-Orleans from Copano. They surrendered on

these conditions; on the sixth day after their arrival at Goliad,

they were assured that a vessel was ready to receive them at Copano,

to embark for New-Orleans, and Col. Fanning marched out in file, the

Mexicans each side of him. They were marched down about five miles,

when the order was given to fire upon them. At the first fire, nearly

every man fell--a Mr. Haddin of Texas and three others succeeded in

reaching some bushes about one hundred yards distant. They were pursued

by the enemy into the high grass, where they lost sight of them. Haddin

remained in the grass all night; in the morning he succeeded in making

his escape.

It is difficult to speak of such cowardly and more than savage

massacres, with any tolerable degree of composure. The deeds of Santa

Anna are written in blood, and every triumph but deepens the stain.

If the first campaign was all victory, the second has hitherto been

all defeat. The affairs of Texas appear to have been badly managed.

San Antonio, being an indefensible position, ought to have been

abandoned at once; but Goliad, the strongest fortress in Texas, ought

to have been maintained to the last. It would have kept the southern

division in check, and given time to the Texians to have received

re-enforcements, so that they could have prosecuted the war with vigor

and success.

Gen. Houston, after the capture of San Antonio, retreated from Gonzales

to the Colorado, and then, to the Brazos river. The southern half of

Texas, being thus left destitute of any armed force, the invading

army had nothing to do but to march forward into the interior, and to

make war upon unarmed citizens and travellers, and defenceless women

and children. The Mexican army proceeded in two divisions of about

two thousand men each; the one, on the line of the sea coast; the

other, about one hundred miles in the interior towards San Felipe;

and troops of horse scoured the country in various directions between

them. A general alarm and dismay seized the inhabitants. On the north

the Indians, incited by Santa Anna, were reported to have embodied in

force, and were proceeding into the country, to plunder and slaughter;

from the south, approached the Mexican army, more savage than the

Indians, waging a war of extermination! Before such merciless foes,

the inhabitants fled, like clouds of dust before the storm. The

peril was so imminent, that they were obliged to abandon all their

possessions and flee for life. Some went to the sea coast and embarked

on board vessels for New-Orleans; others crossed the Sabine river

into Louisiana. The settlements of Texas, to the south of the Brazos,

were entirely broken up, and the whole country became the theatre of

armies, battles, murders and massacres.

Among the inhuman massacres committed, we shall notice two only. The

first is that of seventy-three emigrants, who left New-Orleans in a

schooner, for Copano. They were landed unarmed at that port, trusting

themselves to the power of the Mexicans; but in less than two hours,

they were all butchered by the soldiers in sight of the vessel! The

schooner escaped to Matagorda. The other case is that of Dr. Harrison,

the son of Gen. Harrison of Ohio. He was travelling with three other

American gentlemen, when they were all taken, their bodies horridly

mutilated, their bowels torn out, and then left in that situation a

prey to the vultures!

Some small skirmishes took place at sea, in which the Texians were

successful. They captured one schooner loaded with ammunition and

supplies for the Mexican army; and sunk another, after a running fight

with the Invincible. But neither party have much of a naval force.

At this critical juncture of alarm and distress, Gen. Gaines, the

commander of the United States troops at fort Jessup, marched to the

line of Texas to keep the Indians in check, and to prevent their

joining the Mexican forces; and for the purpose of carrying his plans

into complete effect, he called upon the Governors of the adjacent

States for a number of regiments of mounted men. This was a wise

and humane movement. The Indians in the upper regions of Texas and

on the frontiers of the United States, are numerous and warlike; and

when engaged in war, they neither respect territorial lines, nor the

rules of civilized nations. They inhabit the country from latitude

thirty-four degrees north on Red River, to the Rio del Norte, extending

to the road that leads from St. Louis (Mo.) to Santa Fe; south to the

head waters of Trinity, Guadaloupe, Brazos and Colorado rivers of

Texas--a country in length six hundred miles, and breadth from two

hundred and fifty to four hundred miles, mostly prairie. The different

tribes are Camanches, Kyawas, Towash or Southern Pawnees, Caddoes,

Wacoes and Skiddies. They number about thirty-five thousand in all, and

can muster from seven to eight thousand restless warriors in this great

Western Prairie.

The reported movements of the Indians, however, proved to be greatly

exaggerated. Some small parties started for the theatre of the war,

but were induced by the prompt action and warning of Gen. Gaines, to

return home and be quiet. Being assured that the Indians would remain

peaceable, Gen. Gaines countermanded his call upon the States for

mounted volunteers, and marched his forces back to fort Jessup and

Nachitoches.

The affairs of Texas, at this time wore a gloomy aspect. All the

expeditions into Mexico, beyond the limits of Texas, proved disastrous

and unsuccessful. The people of the Mexican States proved to be

more united in Centralism than was expected. The aid, which many so

sanguinely anticipated from that quarter, proved a mere illusion. It

now became manifest, that the Texians, with such aid as they could

obtain from the United States, must fight her own battles single

handed, against the combined forces of all the Mexican provinces.

Gen. Houston, after remaining sometime at his encampment on the

Brazos river, retreated about thirty miles further, and crossed the

San Jacinta. Santa Anna, with one division of his army, crossed the

Brazos fifteen miles below San Felipe, and took the road to Harrisburg.

The object of Gen. Houston seems to have been, to retire before the

invading army, until it arrived into the centre of the country, and

then, give them battle. Although by this course, he left half of the

State to the ravages of the enemy, yet he deemed this step unavoidable.

His force was too small to hazard _all_, upon the issue of a battle,

far away from reinforcements and supplies.

On the nineteenth of April, General Houston's scouts took a courier,

who gave information that the Mexican Army were near at hand, on the

west side of the San Jacinta river. Immediately, General Houston,

at the head of about seven hundred effective men, took up the line

of march and arrived in sight of the enemy on the morning of the

twentieth. The day was spent in reconnoitering the enemy, and

exchanging a few shots between the artillery without much effect on

either side. But the particulars of this battle and glorious victory,

which resulted in the

CAPTURE OF SANTA ANNA,

and the entire division under his command, we shall give in the words

of a number of individuals who were in the contest.

"On the morning of the twenty-first, the enemy commenced manoeuvering,

and we expected to be attacked in our camp, as they had received a

reinforcement of five hundred men, which made them twelve hundred

strong; but they settled down and continued throwing up a breast

work, which they had commenced at the first news of our approach. We

commenced the attack upon them at half past four o'clock, P.M. by a hot

fire from our artillery, consisting of two ordinary four pounders. The

enemy returned our fire with a long brass nine pounder. The contest was

a regular battle. The Texians, notwithstanding the great disparity of

force, positively demanded of Gen. Houston to fight. Consequently, he

ordered an advanced guard against the Mexican; yet enjoined them not

to attack, but retreat, to bring the enemy into a defile. This being

accomplished, Houston immediately flanked and attacked him in front and

on both sides--opening first with artillery, which, on the second fire,

dispersed to atoms the powder boxes of the Mexicans; and then with

rifles. The Texians then rushed in from their ambuscade, with pistols,

knives and hatchets, and completed the work of destruction. The fight

lasted about fifteen minutes, when Santa Anna ordered a retreat. The

Mexican soldiers then threw down their arms, most of them without

firing! and begged for quarters. The officers broke and endeavored to

escape. The mounted riflemen, however, soon overtook all but one, who

distanced the rest; him they ran fifteen miles, when his horse bogged

down in the prairie near the Brazos timber; he then made for the timber

on foot. His pursuers in the eagerness of the chase, dashed into the

same bog, and continued the pursuit on foot, following the trail of

the fugitive, which was very plain, owing to the recent rains, until

they reached the timber, where it was lost. The pursuers then spread

themselves and searched the woods for a long time in vain, when it

occurred to an _old Hunter_ that the chase might, like a hard pressed

bear, have taken a tree. The tree tops were then examined, when lo,

the game was discovered snugly ensconced in the forks of a large live

oak. The captors did not know who the prisoner was, until they reached

the camp, when the Mexican soldiers exclaimed, "El General, El General

Santa Anna!""

Never was a victory more decisive and complete. Six hundred of the

enemy were left dead upon the field, and as many more taken prisoners.

Among the killed were, Gen. Cos, who was recognized by a soldier after

the battle, and immediately shot; Gen. Castrillion, Col. Batnes, Col.

Trivino, Col. Don Jose Maria Remero, Lieut. Col. Castillo.

Among the prisoners were Gen. ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA, his five

aids, six Colonels, five Captains, and twelve Lieutenants.

Houston was wounded in the ancle by a musket ball in the early part of

the engagement; but remained on his horse until it terminated.

On the part of the Texians, only six men were killed and twenty

wounded! The history of war does not furnish a parallel to this

splendid victory; but Gen. Houston did not tarnish the laurels so

gallantly won, by following the example of the Mexicans, in shooting

his prisoners of war. They were removed to Galveston Island; and Gen.

Santa Anna and his officers were put on board of an armed schooner,

and anchored off the shore. Gen. Santa Anna made a proposition that

all his army in Texas should lay down their arms--the Independence of

Texas acknowledged--the expense of the war to be paid by Mexico, and

himself to remain as a hostage. These were to be the terms of peace;

but, unfortunately, he does not possess the power to fulfil them.

Mexico will not probably, either agree to pay the expense of the war,

or to acknowledge the Independence of Texas. The Texian war is national

in Mexico; and Santa Anna continued his power solely by directing the

popular fury against Texas. His death would give general satisfaction

through the Mexican republic; and the Texian war will enable some other

brave to rise into power in Mexico.

Although this signal victory may not terminate the war in Texas, as

there are still nearly three thousand Mexicans there, under Generals

Ardrade, Urrea and Sesma; and about five thousand more at Saltillo,

ready to enter; yet we believe, it fully settles the question of Texian

Independence. The capture of Santa Anna will cause a new revolution in

Mexico, and a new organization of government. The Texians will gain

time to prepare for the contest. Aid, effective and sufficient, will be

received from the United States; and it is not probable that another

general will be found, to prosecute the war with the experience and

vigor of Santa Anna.

The question respecting the acknowledgement of the independence of

Texas by the United States, has been moved and discussed in Congress.

There seems to be a diversity of opinion among our citizens, whether

it would be preferable to acknowledge its independence, or to have it

annexed to the United States. Our opinion is, that for all the useful

purposes of a good government, the territorial limits of the United

States are already sufficiently extensive. If more territory were

added, the nation would become too unwieldly to be well managed, and in

time would fall to pieces. Texas, of itself, has larger territorial

limits than many of the nations of Europe; and when it shall have

gained its independence, if wise heads and pure hearts take the lead in

its government, it will soon be settled and become a powerful nation.

San Felipe is the head quarters of Austin's Colony. It is situated

on the south bank of the Brazos river, a hundred miles from the

sea. It is three hundred miles southwest from Natchitoches, and

five hundred miles west of New-Orleans. The following table shows

the distance and bearing of the principal towns in Texas from

San Felipe, the names of the rivers and bays upon which they are

situated, and their distance from the sea coast. Those accessable

to sea vessels, have a star prefixed.

+-------------+-------------+----------+---------------------+-----------+

|Distance from| |River or Bay on |Distance from

Towns. |San Felipe. |Direction.|which it is situated.|the sea.

+-------------+-------------+----------+---------------------+-----------+

San Antonio, 170 W. San Antonio, 200

St. Augustine, 250 N.E. Ayish Bayou, 150

*Anahuac, 120 E. Galveston Bay, 50

*Brazoria, 75 S.E. Brazos, 30

*Bolivar, 50 S.E. Brazos, 55

Bastrap, 100 N.W. Colorado, 180

*Columbia, 65 S.E. Brazos, 40

Cole's Settlement, 40 N. Prairie, 140

*Copano, 150 S.W. Aransaso, 25

Electra, 45 N.W. Colorado, 150

Goliad, 125 S.W. San Antonio, 75

Gonzales, 125 W. Guadalupe, 180

*Harrisburg, 65 E. Galveston Bay, 75

Liberty, 125 N.E. Trinity, 55

*Linchburg, 75 N.E. Galveston Bay, 75

*Matagorda, 100 S. Colorado, 20

Montezuma, 35 W. Colorado, 130

*Matamoras, 280 S.W. Rio del Norte, 45

Monclova, 390 S.W. On Prairie, 280

Nacogdoches, 245 N.E. On Prairie, 150

*Orazimba, 55 S.E. Brazos, 50

*Refugio, 290 S. Rio del Norte, 1

San Patrick, 180 S.W. Neuces, 50

Tinoxtitlan, 100 N.W. Brazos, 200

*Velasco, 100 S.E. Brazos, O

Victoria, 100 S.W. Guadalupe, 75

Zavallas, 200 N.E. Neches, 80

Transcribers note:

Apart from a few obvious printers errors original spelling has

been retained.

End of Project Gutenberg's Trip to the West and Texas, by A. A. Parker