USA > Texas > A pictorial history of Texas, from the earliest visits of European adventurers, to A.D. 1879. Embracing the periods of missions, colonization, the revolution the republic, and the state; also, a topographical description of the country together with its Indian tribes and their wars, and biographical sketches of hundreds of its leading historical characters. Also, a list of the countries, with historical and topical notes, and descriptions of the public institutions of the state > Part 16
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1 Mosely Baker, with a company of about one hundred men, was stationed on the east bank of the river, opposite San Felipe, to protect the ferry, and prevent the enemy from passing the stream. At Richmond, Wylie Martin, with forty- six men, was guarding the two ferries. On the day that Houston encamped on the west bank of the Brazos, Santa Anna started the bulk of his army from San Antonio; the central division following Sesma, and Gaona marching for Bastrop. The General himself did not leave the city until the last day of March, and arrived at Columbus on the 5th of April. Leaving his heavy guns and most of the infantry to follow, the President, with a division of cavalry, reached
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the neighborhood of San Felipe on the 7th. The town had been burnt. Baker showed so determined a resistance, that the Mexicans deflected down the river, camping at Cole's on the 9th and 10th, and sending a foraging party to the fine Mercer and Heard plantations, for provisions, sugar, etc. At Cole's a negro was captured and dispatched to Houston, with an insolent message to the General, in which Santa Anna told him that he knew where he was; and as soon as he had cleaned out the land of thieves at Harris- burg, he was coming back to smoke him-Houston-out. The negro delivered the message. On the 11th the Mexicans camped at Powell's, and reached Richmond on the 12th. Almonte, who knew the place, rode down to the lower ferry, kept by Mr. Morton, and in good English announced that the Mexicans were approaching, and he wanted to make his escape. The negro ferryman, deceived by the speech, took the boat over, and it was instantly seized by the Mexican soldiers. In the meantime, the Mexicans were firing their guns at Captain Martin's company, at the upper ferry ; while others were crossing below. When Martin ascer- tained the ruse that had been practiced, he immediately started up the river to report to Houston.
Houston seized the steamer Yellowstone, that had entered the Brazos to carry out cotton; and with this steamer, and a ferry boat, crossed the stream opposite Groce's on the same days-April 12th and 16th-that Santa Anna crossed the advance division of Mexicans at Richmond.
The pertinent question recurs, why did Houston remain so long in the bottom?
This hiding of himself, and so long period of inaction, have been severely criticised. He had stepped, so to speak, right out of the way of Santa Anna; but did not ascend the river far enough to intercept Gaona, who would cross at Washington or Tenoxticlan. Newell, in his history, says this was done for a secure position. If Houston wished to avoid a fight, this was a verv secure position. In his Sen-
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atorial speech, the commander assigns another reason. He says that the reason he did not fall upon Santa Anna was, that excessive rains had so swollen the streams that it was impossible for him to emerge from his island camp in the bottom. This is hardly satisfactory. Why did he go there ? While he was in that camp, Santa Anna had traversed the whole distance from San Antonio to the Brazos, and finding the crossing opposed by a few determined men, under Mosely Baker and John N. Seguin, had gone down the stream and crossed at Richmond. It is probable that the true reason for this strange strategetical movement was very different from the one assigned ; one that he was never willing to avow, In all his references to this trying period, the General complains of the insubordination of the sol- diers. He had ordered San Antonio evacuated. The order was not obeyed. Had ordered Fannin to evacuate Goliad. This was so tardily executed that his army was sacrificed. In the general army under Houston himself, men came and went, almost at will. He had the most unbounded confi- dence in the personal courage of his men, every one of whom was a hero. But he feared that in a hard-contested battle, this personal heroism might bring on a spirit of inde- pendence that would be uncontrollable, and might result in disorder and defeat. During the period in which they were in the bottom, they were isolated and he had an oppor- tunity to organize them, and establish his personal influ- ence and authority over them. At any rate he felt, when he crossed the river, that he could rely upon the obedience, as well as the valor of his troops. He had taught them that obedience which is said to be the first duty of a soldier.
The Fabian policy of General Houston was not generally approved by the civillians. Nor was there a cordial feel- ing between the commander of the army and the newly- inaugurated President. Soon after the adjournment of the Convention, the President and his Cabinet removed from
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Washington to Harrisburg, to be nearer the coast, and at a point where supplies for the army could be collected and forwarded to headquarters. Houston severely condemned this movement, as increasing the excitement and panic in the country. President Burnet remained at Harrisburg until the armies crossed the Brazos, when he descended the bayou to Lynchburg to secure the safety of his family and other families on the San Jacinto river. But before leav- ing Harrisburg, General Rusk, Secretary of War, was dispatched to army headquarters to arrest the retrograde movement of the army. In an order to Houston, Burnet rather curtly told the General: "The enemy are laughing you to scorn. You must fight them. You must retreat no farther. The country expects you to fight. The salvation of the country depends on your doing so." General Hous- ton's response to this executive missive was the Battle of San Jacinto.
CHAPTER VI.
THE HOSTILE ARMIES APPROACH EACH OTHER-SKIRMISH ON THE 20TH-BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO, APRIL 21ST-HOUSTON'S OFFICIAL REPORT-REFLECTIONS.
HE Texans were without artillery ; but some friends in Cincinnati had procured a couple of guns named the "Twin Sisters," and had shipped them to Texas as hollow ware. These guns arrived at Galveston in due time and were shipped up to Harrisburg on the schooner Kosciusko, Captain Aaron Burns, and reached the army at the Brazos. They made a telling report in the subse- quent battle.
While encamped at Donoho's, three miles from the river, on the 15th, Captain Martin reached headquarters and reported the crossing of the Mexicans at Richmond. Mr. Yoakum states that "Martin's command being worn out and exhausted with fatigue, was directed to conduct the families that were flying from the seat of war, to Robbins' Ferry on the Trinity." Other accounts state that Martin was so disgusted with the conduct of the campaign, espe- cially in leaving so inadequate a force at Richmond, that he gave up his sword and absolutely refused to remain in the ranks. Other brave men took the route to the Trinity. Such were some of the difficulties of the commander in this trying period. However, he found a true friend and safe counsellor in Colonel Rusk, the Secretary of War, and the two cordially co-operated in the future conduct of the campaign. The prairies were boggy from recent rains, and the streams swollen; but, by great exertions, the Texans reached Roberts, on the 16th ; Mrs. M'Curley's, on Spring creek, on the 17th, and the banks of Buffalo bayou, opposite Harrisburg, on the 18th.
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On the 15th of April, Santa Anna left the banks of Oyster creek, near Richmond, dining at Stafford's, and reaching Harrisburg late that night. After two days spent at that place, he went down to New Washington for fresh supplies. In their march the Mexicans had burned Harrisburg and Stafford's gin-house; and before leaving, burnt New Washington. The Texans had burned Gon- zales, San Felipe and the houses of Burnham and Dewees, on the Colorado.
While the Texans were at Harrisburg, an extraordinary Mexican courier with a mail, was captured by Deaf Smith. From the dispatches from Filisola, the Texans learned that Santa Anna was with the advance column, then at New Washington. This intelligence thrilled the Texans with delight. They felt sure that they could gain a victory over the very small force with the President General. The Tex- ans were paraded, and patriotic addresses delivered by Houston and Rusk. The sick and baggage were left; the army crossed the bayou and hurried down to the mouth of the San Jacinto, where they expected to encounter the enemy. Early on the morning of the 20th, they encamped on the right bank of the bayou, in a skirt of timber. Early that morning, Santa Anna had dispatched a boat-load of provisions, procured from Colonel Morgan's warehouse, up to Lynchburg, for his own troops. The boat fell into the hands of the Texans, and furnished a grateful supply to men who had been marching on short rations.
Santa Anna was preparing to leave New Washington for Anahuac, via Lynchburg. The place had been burned, and about 9 o'clock in the morning, his scouts arrived, and reported the Texans already at the ferry, prepared to resist his further march to the East. This was a complete sur- prise to the General. He considered the country already subjugated, and supposed the Texans would be careful to keep out of reach. He, however, ordered his men to parade
HELFALAT
AMA
Brass
HOUSTON DICTATING ORDERS TO ADJUTANT HOCKLEY.
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OFFICIAL REPORT.
and march in order of battle to the designated spot, where he encamped about the middle of the afternoon. *
We subjoin General Houston's official report of the battle :
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, SAN JACINTO, April 25, 1836.
To His Excellency D. G. Burnet, President of the Republic of Texas :
SIR :- I regret extremely that my situation since the battle of the 21st has been such as to prevent my rendering you my official report of the same previous to this time.
I have the honor to inform you, that on the evening of the eighteenth instant, after a forced march of fifty-five miles, which was effected in two days and a half, the army arrived opposite Harrisburg. That evening a courier of the enemy was taken, from whom I learned that General Santa Anna, with one division of his choice troops, had marched in the direction of Lynch's Ferry, on the San Jacinto, burning Harrisburg as he passed down. The army was ordered to be in readiness to march early on the
* The official report of General Houston gives the best account of the skirmish of the 20th, and also the most reliable account of the decisive battle. A good deal of controversy has existed as to the destruction of Vince's Bridge on Simm's Bayou. Houston says it was cut down. Others say it was burned. It was probably burned, though Houston may have ordered it cut down. Houston says it was by his order, and solely at his sugges- tion. Other parties affirm that the suggestion originated with Deaf Smith. The parties burning the bridge were from Karnes' cavalry company. They were Deaf Smith, D. W. Rives, John Coker, Y. P. Alsbury, E. R. Rain water, John Garner and Moses Lapham. The burning of the bridge arrested the progress of many of the flying Mexicans, though a few succeeded in crossing the stream. Santa Anna, after reaching the bayou, turned down and spent the night in a thicket. The next day, some of Burleson's men were out hunting the fugitives, when one of thein saw a deer on the prairie looking intently at some object in the tall grass. The man approached the spot and found lying on the grass a Mexican in common garb, but discovered a gold button in his sleeves. He took him to his companions, who conducted him back to camp; having no idea of the rank of their prisoner. He complained of his feet hurting him, and he was permitted to get on behind Joel W. Robinson and ride into camp. As the company passed in, the Mexican prisoners exclaimed, " El Presidente." Inquiry was made of General Almonte, who announced that the one just brought in was no less a personage than Santa Anna himself. He was conducted to Houston's camp, and his own officers allowed to remain with him, and his personal baggage restored. The com- pany who found him were James A. Sylvester (a printer, who had been taken a prisoner at Harrisburg, when the town was entered by the Mex- cans ; but who, being detailed to drive a cart, drove into the Mexican camp, on the morning of the 20th,) Joel W. Robinson, A. H. Miles and David Cole.
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next morning. The main body effected a crossing over Buffalo Bayou, be- low Harrisburgh, on the morning of the 19th, having left the baggage, the sick, and a sufficient camp guard, in the rear. We continued the march throughout the night, making but one halt in the prairie for a short time, and without refreshment. At daylight we resumed the line of march, and in a short distance our scouts encountered those of the enemy, and we received information that General Santa Anna was at New Washington, and would that day take up the line of march for Anahuac, crossing at Lynch's Ferry. The Texian army halted within half a mile of the ferry in some timber, and were engaged in slaughtering beeves, when the army of Santa Anna was discovered to be approaching in battle array, having been encamped at Clopper's Point, eight miles below. Disposition was immediately made of our forces, and preparation for his reception. He took a position with his Infantry and Artillery in the centre, occupying an island of timber, his Cavalry covering the left flank. The Artillery, con . sisting of one double-fortified medium brass twelve-pounder, then opened on our encampment. The Infantry in column advanced with the design of charging our lines, but were repulsed by a discharge of grape and canister from our Artillery, consisting of two six-pounders. The enemy had occu- pied a piece of timber within rifle-shot of the left wing of our army, from which an occasional interchange of small arms took place between the troops, until the enemy withdrew to a position on the bank of the San Jacinto, about three-quarters of a mile from our encampment, and com- menced fortification. A short time before sunset, our mounted men, about eighty-five in number, under the special command of Colonel Sherman, marched out for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy. Whilst advanc- ing they received a volley from the left of the enemy's Infantry, and after a sharp rencontre with their Cavalry, in which ours acted extremely well, and performed some feats of daring chivalry, they retired in good order, having had two men severely wounded and several horses killed. In the meantime the Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Millard, and Colonel Burleson's regiment, with the Artillery, had marched out for the purpose of covering the retreat of the Cavalry if necessary. All then fell back in good order to our encampment, about sunset, and remained without any ostensible action until the 21st, at half-past three o'clock, taking the first refreshment which they had enjoyed for two days. The enemy in the meantime extended the right flank of their Infantry so as to occupy the extreme point of a skirt of timber on the bank of the San Jacinto, and secured their left by a fortification about five feet high, con- structed of packs and baggage, leaving an opening in the centre of the breast- work, in which their Artillery was placed, their Cavalry upon their left wing.
About nine o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were rein- forced by 500 choice troops, under the command of General Cos, increasing their effective force to upwards of 1500 men, whilst our aggregate force for the field numbered 783. At half-past three o'clock, in the evening, I order- ed the officers of the Texian army to parade their respective commands, having in the meantime ordered the bridge on the only road communicating with the Brazos, distant eight miles from our encampment, to be destroyed,
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thus cutting off all possibility of escape. Our troops paraded with alacrity and spirit, and were anxious for the contest. Their conscious disparity in numbers seemed only to increase their enthusiasm and confidence, and heightened their anxiety for the conflict. Our situation afforded me an opportunity of making the arrangements preparatory to the attack, with- out exposing our designs to the enemy. The 1st Regiment, commanded by Colonel Burleson, was assigned the center. The 2d Regiment, under the command of Colonel Sherman, formed the left wing of the ariny. The Artillery, under the special command of Colonel George W. Hockley, Inspector General, was placed on the right of the 1st Regiment; and four companies of Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Millard, sustained the Artillery upon the right. Our Cavalry, 61 in num- ber, commanded by Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar (whose gallant and daring conduct on the previous day had attracted the admiration of his comrades, and called him to that station), placed on our extreme right, completed our line. Our Cavalry was first dispatched to the front of the enemy's left, for the purpose of attracting their notice, whilst an extensive island of timber afforded us an opportunity of concentrating our forces and displaying from that point, agreeably to the previous design of the troops. Every evolution was performed with alacrity, the whole advancing rapidly in line, and through an open prairie, without any protection whatever for our men. The Artillery advanced and took station within two hundred yards of the enemy's breastwork, and commenced an effective fire with grape and can- nister.
Colonel Sherman, with his regiment, having commenced the action upon . our left wing, the whole line, at the center and on the right, advancing in double quick time, rung the war cry, "Remember the Alamo," received the enemy's fire, and advanced within point-blank shot before a piece was discharged from our lines. Our line advanced without a halt, until they were in possession of the woodland and the enemy's breastwork, the right wing of Burleson's and the left of Millard's taking possion of the breast- work; our Artillery having gallantly charged up within seventy yards of the enemy's cannon, when it was taken by our troops. The conflict lasted about eighteen minutes from the time of close action until we were in pos- session of the enemy's encampment, taking one piece of cannon (loaded), four stand of colors, all their camp equipage, stores, and baggage. Our Cavalry had charged and routed that of the enemy upon the right, and given pursuit to the fugitives, which did not cease until they arrived at the bridge which I have mentioned before-Captain Karnes, always among the foremost in danger, commanding the pursuers. The conflict in the breast- work lasted but a few moments; many of the troops encountered hand to hand, and not having the advantage of bayonets on our side, our riflemen used their pieces as war clubs, breaking many of them off at the breech. The rout commenced at half-past four, and the pursuit by the main army continued until twilight. A guard was then left in charge of the enemy's encampment, and our army returned with their killed and wounded. In the battle, our loss was 2 killed, and 23 wounded, G of whom mortally. The enemy's loss was 630 killed; among whom were 1 General officer, 4 Colonels, 2 Lieutenant-Colonels, 5 Captains, 12 Lieutenants ; wounded, 208;
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of which were 5 Colonels, 3 Lieutenant-Colonels, 2 Second Lieutenant- Colonels, 7 Captains, 1 Cadet; prisoners, 730; President-General Santa Anna, General Cos, 4 Colonels, (Aids to General Santa Anna), and the Colonel of the Guerrero Battallion, are included in the number. General Santa Anna was not taken until the 22d, and General Cos on yesterday, very few having escaped. About 600 muskets, 300 sabres, and 200 pistols, have been collected since the action; several hundred mules and horses were taken, and near twelve thousand dollars in specie. For several days previous to the action, our troops were engaged in forced marches, exposed to excessive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad roads, illy supplied with rations and clothing; yet, amid every difficulty, they bore up with cheerfulness and fortitude, and performed their marches with spirit and alacrity. There was no murmuring.
Previous to and during the action, my staff evinced every disposition to be useful, and were actively engaged in their duties. In the conflict, I am assured that they demeaned themselves in such a manner as proved them worthy members of the army of San Jacinto. Colonel T. J. Rusk, Secre- tary of War, was on the field. For weeks his services had been highly beneficial to the army ; in battle he was on the left wing, where Colonel Sherman's command first encountered and drove the enemy; he bore him- self gallantly, and continued his efforts and activity, remaining with the pursuers until resistance ceased.
I have the honor of transmitting herewith a list of all the officers and men who were engaged in the action, which I respectfully request may be published, as an act of justice to the individuals. For the Commanding General to attempt discrimination as to the conduct of those who command- ed in the action, or those who were commanded, would be impossible. Our success in the action is conclusive proof of their daring intrepidity and courage; every officer and man proved himself worthy of the cause in which he battled, while the triumph received a lustre from the humanity which characterized their conduct after victory, and richly entitles them to the admiration and gratitude of their General. Nor should we withhold the tribute of our grateful thanks from that Being who rules the destinies of nations, and has in the time of greatest need enabled us to arrest a pow- erful invader whilst devastating our country.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your obedient servant,
SAM. HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief.
The Texas campaign of 1836 furnishes one of the most interesting and remarkable chapters in American history. The population of the province amounted to only a little over 30,000; that of Mexico to over 7,000,000. Texas could hardly be said to have an organized government. It was disturbed by divided counsels, and under the control of distrusted leaders, and was destitute of money and credit,
Buffalo Bayou
San Jacinto R
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small rill
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SAN JACINTO
BATTLE GROUND
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AA. Houston's Camp. BB. Burleson's Regiment. CC. Artillery and Regulars. DD. Sherman's Regiment. FF. Islands of Timber. GG. Santa Anna's Camp. H. 400 men under Almonte. 1111. 1400, Main Army under Santa Anna.
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and of quartermasters' or commissary stores. The Gov- ernment of Mexico was a centralized despotism ; complete- ly controlled by the brave and experienced Santa Anna. The opening of the campaign was fearfully disastrous to the Texan cause. San Antonio and Goliad had been cap- tured, and the massacre of all the men engaged in the defense of these posts furnished an index of the character of Santa Anna; and it was such as might appall the bravest, and dishearten the most hopeful. Successfully, and without serious resistance, the victorious Mexicans marched from San Antonio and Goliad, to the extreme eastern borders of Austin's colony, crossing the Guadalupe, the Colorado, and the Brazos rivers, leaving the finest por -. tions of Texas without inhabitants, and its principal towns smouldering ruins.
Notwithstanding these disheartening events, a few brave men, under Houston, Sherman, Burleson, Rusk and other heroic leaders, rallied around the flag of the Lone Star Republic, fully resolved to keep it afloat or perish beneath its folds. By forced marches they threw themselves on the flank of the foe, burned the bridge, and left themselves no alternative but victory or death. The remark has often been made that the soldiers of San Jacinto never jest about the events of that decisive day. The work was too serious. The fate of Texas and the Texans hung in too uncertain balance; and then and there they resolved to decide it at the cost of their blood and lives. According to all human calculations their cause was all but hopeless. Santa Anna had the heavy battallions, the overwhelming numbers, the veteran commanders and troops. To him the victory ought to have been easy. But his opponents, though few in number, and but poorly supplied with the munitions of war, were simply invincible.
The student of history is often led to the conclusion that a superintending Providence guides the affairs of nations. It was manifestly the design of that Providence that Amer-
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ican ideas, and institutions, and people, should possess and develop the resources of this splendid country.
Though the numbers engaged in the battle of San Jacin- to were insignificant when compared with other great bat- tles, the result was important. It secured immediately the establishment of the Republic of Texas ; and ultimate- ly its annexation to the United States. Upon this follow- ed the war with Mexico, and the transfer of the vast inte- rior region, from the Rio Grande to the Pacific ocean, from the Mexican to the American flag, thus changing the map of North America.
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