USA > Texas > A School History of Texas: From Its Discovery in 1685 to 1893. For the Use of Schools, Academies, Convents, Seminaries, and all Institutions of Learning > Part 16
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On the morning of the 19th three hundred men refused to obey this order. The remaining two hundred, sorely per- plexed as to duty, obeyed the order and returned. These last wandered about, lost in the chaparral for several days, nearly destitute of food ; several killed and ate their horses. At length, almost demented, they arrived in San Antonio, where, on the 7th of January, 1843, they received their discharges and returned to their homes. In explanation General Somer- vell reported that he became convinced the enemy was collect-
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ing a larger force, under Ampudia, than he could engage with any hope of a successful issue.
It was believed in government circles that the recent forays of the Mexicans had been made less with the view of regaining possession of the country than of unsettling the question of annexation, by appearing to claim Texas as an unconquered province in a state of rebellion. Mexico's domestic wars still occupied her armies, and no attempt was made to gain posses- sion of Texas. The United States, having friendly relations with Mexico, had, through her minister to that country, ex- pressed a strong desire for permanent peace, and urged upon their consideration the benefits to the three countries which would result from a speedy termination of the war. As a measure of redress, Texas had declared the ports of Mexico in a state of blockade ; but as her navy was not available, having gone to assist Yucatan in her rebellion against Mexico, and other complications with regard to it existing, nothing was accomplished in that direction.
QUESTIONS .- What was the state of feeling at this period of the history ? What was Houston's plan ? How was it received ? Why did the people finally yield ? What of the militia ? How many men were there ? When did they start ? Who were their officers ? What was their objective point ? How did they proceed ? What was the condition of the road to the Laredo road ? How did the march continue ? Describe the night. What was learned from scouts captured ? What was decided upon ? Give an account of the march to Laredo. Of the attack and its results. What was the condition of the men ? What did they expect ? What was the next step they wished to take ? What did Somer- vell do ? What was the state of feeling among the men over this move ? What was Somervell's talk to them on the morning of December 11th ? What number returned ? What was done by the remainder ? What had they previously discovered ? What did the alcalde propose ? Was the proposal accepted ? What of the night ? Was the promise of the Mexicans kept ? What were the occurrences of the 17th and 18th ? What was the result of Somervell's order ? What was the experience of those who returned ? What was General Somervell's report to the Secretary of War ? What was believed in govern- ment circles ? How was the Mexican army occupied at this time ? How had the United States shown her interest ? What had Texas done with regard to Mexican seaports ?
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CHAPTER LII.
THE MIER EXPEDITION.
THE three hundred men who refused to obey Somervell on the 19th of December, 1842, reorganized into companies and elected Wm. S. Fisher as their commanding colonel. The captains were Ervin Cameron, Chas. K. Reese, Wm. M. Ryon, Claudius Buster, Wm. M. Eastland, John G. W. Pierson, and John R. Baker. Captain Thomas A. Murray, a brave and gray-haired Irishman, was adjutant. Thomas J. Green filled special positions on special services, though in 1836 ranking as colonel or general.
While all yielded to the election of Captain Fisher, who had been much in Mexico, many would have preferred the chivalrous Scot, Captain Ervin Cameron, the " lion-hearted," who had been their leader in many Mexican and Indian forays.
On the 20th of December they took possession of some flat boats below Guerrero, and descended the river, the main body passing down on the Texas side, occupying three days in the descent, and encamped opposite the Mexican town of Mier, Colonel Thomas J. Green in command of the boats. The - small town of Mier lay in a curve of the Alcantra, a small, rapid stream with rugged bluff banks. The following day, December 23d, they crossed the Rio Grande, meeting with no opposi- tion, entered Mier, and, separating, marched in columns through the streets, into the main plaza, where they met a priest and the alcalde, who surrendered the town unconditionally. They made a formal requisition upon the town for supplies, and, taking the priest and alcalde as hostages, returned to the Texas side of the river, and camped three miles from Mier to await the promised supplies. Having moved from the first camp above, they waited three days in vain, when the scouts brought information that Ampudia was in Mier with two
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thousand soldiers. They resolved to cross over and give him battle. On the 25th of December, leaving their horses, with forty-two men as a guard, they crossed, and marched with the Alcantra between them and Mier. The night was dark, and a cold, drizzling rain was falling. To create a diversion from the ford where they wished to cross the creek, the Texians fired upon a picket guard two hundred yards to the left. It was found that the ford was guarded by a strong force of Mexican cavalry. In the darkness they groped their way down the bluff, and effected a crossing so near to a Mexican picket of twenty men as to create a mutual surprise. To their challenge "Quien vive ? " ("Who comes ?") the Texians shouted " Fire !" and about one hundred rifles were fired upon them. There was no response. Nothing could be heard but the voice of old Colonel Ramirez (Mexican) vainly urging his men to " charge !" In making their way to the plaza, where the Mexican cavalry was planted, they gained an entrance into a street that opened upon it. From this they commenced a sudden, rapid fire, which was promptly answered from the artillery, the Texians escaping the balls by retreating around the corners, forming and firing with deadly effect. They took possession of rows of houses, against which the artillery was turned.
At daylight the Mexican artillery was three times manned and as often silenced. The last time sixteen of the seventeen artillerymen were killed. Fifty-five of a choice company of sixty were killed. The Texians lost one man killed, John E. Jones, and two wounded.
The Mexicans charged upon one of the houses held by the Texians, when Colonel Fisher, with twenty men, suddenly threw himself into the street and. received their fire, returning it with such fury that the whole column turned and fled. Several Texians were wounded, Colonel Fisher having the ball of his right thumb shot off.
The Mexicans took possession of the flat, tile roofs of the houses, and with their muskets poured down the most damag-
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ing fire of the battle ; but so sure was the aim of the Texas riflemen, that wherever a Mexican showed his head he was shot. Blood flowed from the tile guttering, and their dead bodies lay in piles.
Captain Cameron and his gallant company occupied a yard outside the houses, surrounded by a stone wall, from which they kept up an effectual fire, but lost three men killed and seven wounded. On the night of the crossing, in the dark- ness, Mr. Joseph Berry was so badly injured by a fall, that a detail of seven men, including Dr. Sinnickson, was made to remain with him in a hut outside the town. They had watched the battle seventeen hours, when a troop of sixty Mexican cavalry dashed past the door. Their rifles were instantly brought to bear, killing the commander and ten men. In a short time a larger force of cavalry appeared with a can- non, when the Texians rushed from the house to make their way to the main body. Three, including Dr. Sinnickson, were taken prisoners. The remainder were killed.
After a desertion of their cannon for six hours the Mexi- cans, fearing to come in sight of the Texians, resorted to the lasso, dragging them off by main strength. Bugles sounding the charge could now be heard in various directions.
About two o'clock, P.M., of December 26th Dr. Sinnickson, prisoner, came to Colonel Fisher with a white flag, and com- municated to him, verbally; proposals from Ampudia for surrender of the Texians. This was followed by a private interview between the two officers, Ampudia and Fisher, who had formerly been on friendly terms. When Colonel Fisher returned he repeated Ampudia's proposals and pledges, and assured the Texians that from his own personal knowledge of that officer they need have no doubt that these pledges would be faithfully kept. All who would surrender and give up their arms should be " treated with the consideration which is in accordance with the magnanimous Mexican nation ; that they should not be sent to Mexico, but retained on the frontier
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until they could be exchanged ; but if they did not surrender no quarter should be given." Many of the Texian officers and men regarded themselves as the conquerors, having fought for eighteen hours nine times their own number with the loss of but twelve killed, and having killed or wounded between six and seven hundred Mexicans.
Colonel Fisher urged the consideration of the already great disparity of numbers, which he had been informed would immediately be greatly increased, and of the impossibility of retreating with their twenty-three wounded men without great loss of life. He informed them that only five minutes were allowed in which to make their decision, but if they chose to continue the fight he would remain with them, and they would sell their lives as dearly as possible.
The surrender which followed was not by unanimous con- sent. A few, at first, worn out with hunger and fatigue, stepped forward and laid down their arms. Others, seeing their numbers diminished, did the same. A few who had been Santa Fe prisoners, and at last all, stacked their faithful rifles and surrendered "prisoners of war."
QUESTIONS .-- What did the three hundred men who refused to obey Somervell do ? Whom did they elect officers ? What brave man would many have preferred as com- mander ? How did they commence operations ? How was Mier situated ? . What occurred on December 23d ? How did the Americans next procced ? What did they learn from scouts ? What occurred on the 25th ? What advantage did the Texans gain ? How did they take advantage of it ? What occurred at daylight on the 26th ? How many Mexicans were killed ? How many Americans ? How did Fisher meet one of the charges ? What position did the Mexicans then take ? What of Cameron and his com- pany ? Describe what occurred outside the town. How did the remaining artillerymen rescue their cannon ? What could now be heard ? What occurred about two o'clock P.M .? What were the pledges ? In what light did many of the Texians regard them- selves ? What motives did Fisher urge for surrendering ? What can you tell of the surrender ?
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CHAPTER LIII.
MIER PRISONERS DRAWING THE BEANS AT SALADO MASSACRE.
THE pledges of Ampudia, reduced to writing after the surrender, were redeemed by putting the men in irons and marching them, tied in pairs, as prisoners to Matamoras. The wounded were left at Mier with Dr. Sinnickson ; the forty-two who were left with the horses on the Texas side of the river returned home.
Sixty-six Mexican officers received "the grand cross of honor," and an advance of one grade for achieving this " bril- liant victory."
The prisoners were marched through the principal streets of Matamoras, which was decorated for the occasion. Flags were floating, bands of music played most triumphant marches, bells rang, guns were fired, and the populace shouted and jeered ; but some of the citizens, moved to pity, afterwards contributed clothing and money for their most pressing neces- sities. After starting a small company two days in advance, including Colonels Fisher and Green, the prisoners left Mata- moras, January 14, 1843, under a guard of one hundred cav- alry, four hundred infantry, and two pieces of artillery, under command of Colonel Savriego, for Monterey. Six men and two boys remained in Matamoras.
Averaging eighteen or twenty miles a day, corralled at night in the open air, they reached Monterey on the 29th of Janu- ary. Here they were made more comfortable, and rested until the 2d of February. Arriving at Saltillo they were joined by five of the prisoners taken from San Antonio by General Woll in the previous September. Under command of Colonel Bar- ragan they left Saltillo for San Luis Potosi, taking the haci- enda of Salado in their way, which they reached February 10, 1843.
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On the morning of the 11th of February, at a preconcerted signal, led by Captain Cameron, the prisoners rushed upon their guard, then eating breakfast, disarmed them and made their way into the courtyard, where they overcame one hun- dred and fifty infantry. Here they armed themselves and dashed for the gate, overcame the guard stationed there, and scattered the cavalry on the outside. They had four men killed, three of whom were to have been their guides through the mountains on their homeward march ; secured about one hundred and seventy stand of arms and one hundred horses ; and, at ten o'clock A. M., they left the hacienda. They trav- elled rapidly the first day, keeping the Saltillo road. On the night of the 13th of February, in the darkness, they became separated, and during the five succeeding days, suffering from hunger, thirst, and the cold air of the mountains, they wandered about, searching for water. Their tongues were swollen, and several became insane. They killed horses and ate their flesh.
About twelve o'clock on the 18th they discovered smoke, the signal which was to be given if any of the stragglers found water. In eager expectation of quenching their thirst they went to the place and discovered the camp-fires of a body of Mexican cavalry under command of General Mexia. Most of them, through exhaustion, had thrown away their guns, and were in no condition for resistance. They again surrendered, and, during the day, other stragglers came to the camp or were found and brought in by the soldiers. On the 19th Cap- tain Cameron came in with quite a number and surrendered. General Mexia treated them with great consideration, giving to them of food and water such quantities as they could take in safety. Notwithstanding these precautions several drank too freely and died.
On the 22d of February they began their return march on foot, tied in pairs and closely guarded, picking up their com- rades in a perishing condition on the way. Some of the sick
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were allowed to ride on donkeys. They arrived at Saltillo on the 1st of March, and on the 22d left for the hacienda of Salado, one hundred and ten miles distant, which they reached on Saturday, the 25th, about one o'clock, P.M.
Soon after their arrival they were informed of a decree from Santa Anna, ordering them all to be shot ; but, that, yielding to remonstrances from General Mexia and some of his officers, the sentence had been commuted to diezmo (one in ten). General Mexia tendered his resignation, refusing to officiate at so " cruel and unmartial " a ceremony. The cere- mony was performed under command of Colonel Juan de Dios Ortiz.
The Texians were drawn up in line, and an interpreter, Alfred S. Thurmond, himself a prisoner, read the sentence. A subaltern brought forward a jar containing one hundred and seventy beans, seventeen of which were black, the remain- der white. The roll was called, and as each man answered to his name he stepped forward, and thrust his hand into the jar held above his head. If he drew out a black bean it meant death.
The doomed seventeen resolved to "die like soldiers." Many tender messages were intrusted to those more fortunate ; fervent prayers and expressions of loyalty to Texas filled the half hour that closed the gloomy day. Their companions were separated from them in an adjoining enclosure, from which they heard the order to "fire !" and the cries and groans of the dying .*
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* During the war between the United States and Mexico, following the annexation of Texas, General Walter P. Lane of Marshall, Texas, while on a scouting expedition towards San Luis Potosi, made a detour across the moun- tains, to the hacienda of Salado, surprised and arrested the major domo, of whom he made demand for the bones of the seventeen murdered men of Mier. Without delay they were exhumed, all having been thrown into one excava- tion, the bones placed in sacks, and on mules which the startled chief gladly furnished ; and under care of Captain Quisenbury, a Texian, with an escort, they were brought to Lagrange, Texas, and, in the presence of thousands,
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The next morning, March 26th, tied in pairs, they started early on their march to the City of Mexico, passing the dead bodies of their comrades, lying as they fell.
Their commander, Juan Orteaga, a full-blooded Indian, showed them all the kindness in his power when untrammelled by the presence of any other officer. They were occasionally halted for a day to rest, and the sick were taken to hospitals.
On the 23d of April an additional guard met them from the City of Mexico. They brought an order from Santa Anna for the immediate execution of Captain Ervin Cameron. At nine o'clock on the morning of the 25th he was separated from his companion, Alfred S. Thurmond, taken from his cell, and received fifteen shots in his breast which he bared, and died instantly .*
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The prisoners arrived in the City of Mexico April 26th, four months from the day of their capture. Here they were fur- nished suits of clothing made of striped blanketing, and made to transport sand to the grounds of Santa Anna's palace in Tacubaya. They remained in the City of Mexico until March 12, 1844, when they were removed to and incarcerated in the fortified castle of San Carlos, at Perote, on the road to Vera Cruz. Nine had previously died.
The prisoners captured in San Antonio by General Woll,
gathered on the rare and solemn occasion, were buried with the honors of war on Monument Hill. Their names are as follows :
JAMES D. COCKE, C. ROBERTS,
ROBERT H. DURHAM, EDWARD ESTY (or ESTE),
JAMES M. OGDEN,
J. TRUMBULL,
WILLIAM M. EASTLAND. R. H. HARRIS,
THOMAS L. JONES, MARTIN CARROL WING,
J. M. THOMPSON, P. MAHONEY,
HENRY WHALING, W. N. COWAN, JAMES TORREY.
J. L. CASH,
* Captain Ervin Cameron was a native of Scotland. He had been the loved and trusted leader of his company of rangers for several years, they never fearing to follow where he led. He was the embodiment of the youthful idea of the old Scottish chiefs.
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had been confined with the Mier prisoners, numbering in all one hundred and twenty-six in the castle of Perote, which was not far removed from the hacienda of Mango de Clavo, Santa Anna's private residence.
On the 16th of September, 1844, their number diminished by an occasional release or escape and the death of fourteen, the remaining one hundred and four were released by order of Santa Anna .*
QUESTIONS .- How were the pledges of Ampudia redeemed ? How were the Mexican officers rewarded for this victory ? Describe their entrance into Matamoras. How did some of the citizens treat them ? What took place on the 14th of January, 1843 ? What of the march ? What occurred on February 11th ? How many were killed ? What did they secure ? How did they travel ? What occurred on the 18th of February ? Give an account of what occurred on the 19th. When did they leave the camp for the return to Saltillo and Salado ? How were they treated ? Of what were they soon informed ? What was done by General Mexia ? Who took his place ? How was the order executed ? How did the men meet their fate ? What was done on the morning of the 26th of March ? How were they treated by the commander Ortega ? When did the prisoners arrive in the City of Mexico ? How long did they remain there ? How many prisoners were at Perote ? Where was Perote situated ? What occurred on the 16th of September, 1844 ?
CHAPTER LIV.
SNIVELY EXPEDITION, APRIL, 1843-FOREIGN IMMIGRATION.
THE Texians wished to retaliate for Mexican insults and outrages, especially for the treatment of the prisoners then held in Mexico. An opportunity for partial redress occurred in 1843. The road from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Inde- pendence, Missouri, over which a considerable trade passed annually, led through a portion of Texas, beginning at the one hundredth degree of west longitude, and, from that, fol- lowing the Arkansas River to its source. In the spring of
* It was said and generally credited, that the loss of his amiable and lovely wife, who had shown much concern for the condition of the prisoners, and had asked for their release as a dying request, so softened his heart that he consented.
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the year a train of valuable goods belonging to Armijo and other Mexican merchants of Santa Fe was expected to pass over this road, and it was proposed to intercept them on Texas soil.
The Texians applied to their government for permission to attack this train on the Texian portion of the road, and, if possible, capture it. The government decided it to be legiti- mate warfare, and, on the 16th of February, the Secretary of War, George W. Hill, issued the necessary papers, one pro- viso of which was that one half the spoils taken in honorable warfare should go to the treasury of the Republic.
One hundred and ninety men organized for this enterprise near the present town of Denison, electing Jacob Snively commander. Starting on the 25th of April, they followed the old Chihuahua trail until they were sure of being west of the one hundredth meridian, and, on the 26th of May, after many adventures, pitched their camp about eight miles below the Santa Fe-Independence road. Their scouts learned that the train was expected in eighteen days, and that a force of five hundred Mexican soldiers were waiting in the vicinity, to guard it through Texas. On the 9th of June they learned, further, that having been informed of the presence of the Texians they had procured a guard of two hundred mounted United States troops across the boundary, under command of Captain Philip St. George Cooke. On the 17th it was an- nounced the caravan was approaching, and that it was com- posed of sixty wagons loaded with merchandise and guarded by five hundred Mexicans and two hundred United States troops.
On the 20th of June they met a detachment of Mexicans who held a secure position in a ravine. The Texians charged upon them; after a slight resistance they surrendered, having had seventeen killed, eighteen wounded, and eighty taken prisoners, besides the loss of their horses and ammunition. The Texians met with no losses.
The men became impatient of the delay. They had
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been surprised by about three hundred Indians dashing into camp, professing friendship, but creating a feeling of appre- hension. The dissatisfaction increased when, on the 28th of June, the scouts came in and reported no news of the caravan. About seventy of the men elected Captain Chan- dler to take them home. They started on the 29th, and Cap- tain Snively, after having dismissed his prisoners with mules for the wounded and sick, and guns for hunting, passed up the Arkansas. The next day, with a hunting party, he crossed the Arkansas, when they were chased back to camp by the United States soldiers with two pieces of artillery.
Captain Cooke now demanded an interview with Snively, which was granted on the United States side of the river ; having examined his papers he, his officers concurring, de- clared them a body of foreign trespassers on United States territory. Cooke and his whole command crossed the river to the Texas camp, which he surrounded, placing his cannon in range with the camp, and standing with lighted matches. He then commanded the Texians to stack their arms, which they did under protest, declaring that they were on Texas territory. Cooke and his men then left, taking all their muskets but ten, fifty-seven Texians accompanying him .*
On the 4th of July they were attacked by Indians, who drove off sixty of their horses. They pursued and killed fifteen of the Indians; one Texian was killed and one wounded. On the 8th the scouts reported the caravan on Texas terri- tory. Sixty-five of the men went in pursuit, coming upon their trail on the 13th ; but the presence of Armijo with a large body of Mexican troops warned them of the folly of a further pursuit, and they returned, all willing to abandon the fruitless expedition and go home. They reached Bird's Fort, on the Trinity, in Tarrant County, on the 6th of August.
* Captain Cooke was less cruel than he intended. The Texians stacked the escopetas which they had captured from the Mexicans, while their own rifles lay buried in the friendly sand-hills in the vicinity.
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