USA > Texas > Tarrant County > Fort Worth > History of Texas : Fort Worth and the Texas northwest edition, Volume I > Part 32
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Col. Thomas J. Rusk, a former aide of General Austin's, was present and acquitted himself with his usual gallantry. His account of the affair is here inserted.
"For several days previous to the 26th of November, 1835, Col. Ugartechea was expected to return from Laredo with a reinforce- ment variously estimated from four hundred to eight hundred men. Deaf Smith had been for some days on the lookout in the direction of Laredo and on the morning of the 26th, he was seen coming across the field at full speed making his way to headquarters. He came in and stated that a body of Mexicans which he supposed were the reinforcements were about five miles west of town and coming
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in. General Burleson ordered out about forty cavalry under the command of Colonel Bowie to intercept and delay them until about one hundred and sixty infantry, which he ordered out, could come up, Smith said he thought the Mexican force was about five hundred strong. The men were immediately in motion, and in a rapid march Bowie dashed on with his horsemen and intercepted the enemy about a mile from town and about four miles from our camp. It turned out to be about one hundred and fifty Mexican cavalry who had been sent out of town for the purpose of procuring grass for their horses. Bowie immediately commenced an attack upon them and ordered his men to dismount and take a bank. The Mexicans also dismounted and took a ditch and sent back to town for a reinforcement. At this time, Bowie's guns commenced firing. The infantry had just arrived at a creek which was about waist deep and about a mile in a direct line from where Bowie commenced the fight but about two miles the way we had to march. Some cavalry had been seen a moment before Bowie's engagement commenced and something was said about taking a favorable position to fight them but on hearing the commencement of the firing the men jumped in and waded the creek and advanced at a run to reinforce Bowie. When we got in half a mile of him the firing ceased. We advanced rapidly but with very little expectations of getting into a fight. The grass party had retired and got into a ditch and were waiting for the reinforce- ment from town, which was then coming, consisting from the best in- formation I could gather, of about five hundred men and one piece of artillery. I think a six-pounder. We were not apprized of the position Bowie occupied and marched in between the grass party, and the rein- forcement, who were apprized of our situation and we not of theirs, They waited very quietly until we passed a little eminence that was between us and them and then gave us a general fire which threw our men into confusion. An order was given to lie down, followed im- mediately by an order from some one to retreat. It is due to Burleson to say that this order was not given by him, nor do I know by whom. At the same time an order was given to charge, and about fifty of our force did charge. In the charge we got in some forty yards of where the grass party were lying concealed on our right and the reinforcement gathered to our left. The grass party then opened a fire on us, which was repeated before we could discover where they were. Their force was about a hundred and thirty, Bowie having killed and wounded about twenty. Fifteen of our mess charged on them and routed them from the ditch, killing and wounding several of them. They ran entirely off the field and I do not believe that they again joined in the fight. Our forces were by this time scattered over about one hundred acres of ground, and in small parties, every man fighting pretty much on his own hook. We, however, kept advancing upon the enemy and they falling back. We got in about eighty yards of the cannon, when it was discharged on us with grape and cannister and run back a short distance, where they halted and fired again. They then attempted a charge with I think about a hundred and fifty cavalry on about forty of our men
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who were occupying a little eminence on the field to prevent the enemy bringing their cannon to that point, which would have given them an advantage. The cavalry came up at a beautiful charge until they got within about one hundred yards, when they broke their ranks and fell back. They twice repeated this attempt at a charge but failed to get any nearer us than about one hundred yards. About this time the Morales Battalion was brought up to drive our men from the eminence. These men advanced with great coolness and bravery under a destructive fire from our men, preserving all the time strict order and exhibiting no confusion. They got up in about twenty yards of our position ; all our guns and pistols had been fired off and we had no time to reload and must have tried the butts of our guns against their bayonets but for the fact that some of our men who were fighting in a different place, hearing the steady fire * *
* at that point attempted to come to them and in com- ing across the field ran nearly upon the enemy's cannon. The Mexi- cans took it for granted that it was an attempt to take their cannon and ordered the Morales Battalion to reinforce the cannon. They soon after retreated until they came under cover of the guns of the town. Col. Bowie joined us soon after the fight commenced and acted with his usual coolness and bravery. During the engagement a little boy was sitting down behind a bunch of small thorn bushes loading his gun. The cannon was fired and the whole charge of grape and cannister struck the bushes and tore them literally to pieces, but the boy escaped unhurt. During the engagement a Mexi- can officer who had acted with great bravery charged alone in the midst of our men and was shot off his horse by one of our men. The fight I think lasted about an hour and a half. The number of the enemy killed has been variously estimated from forty to upwards of a hundred. I think the latter the most accurate. They carried off .during the engagement a number of the dead, as I saw myself several dead men carried off on horseback. During the fight Genl. Burleson, Col. Jack, Col. Sublett, Col. Somervill, Col. Johnson, and Adjutant Brister were all on the field. Adjutant Brister, who has since been killed, acted with great bravery during the whole of the fight, and old Mr. Burleson, the father of Genl. Burleson, particu- larly distinguished himself. After the battle was over we formed and waited about an hour, and marched back to camp, where we arrived a little after dark. We had four men slightly wounded and one of our men ran away and was never heard of until he got to Gonzales, about seventy five miles."
These little affairs not only served to break the monotony of camp life but to keep the volunteers in good spirits, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, want of proper clothing, blankets, and tents. The Provisional Government did what it could to supply the wants of the army. Texas was without a treasury, and without credit. Of this the volunteers were aware and they made no complaints, but performed their duty on all occasions with alacrity. They were gov- erned by no law except their own sense of right and duty; their patriotism and love of country predominated and imbued every heart !
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I will notice an error into which Yoakum was drawn, in which he does the volunteers great injustice. He says :
"After the departure of General Austin, the besieging army before San Antonio came very near being broken up. This threat- ened dissolution originated from a projected enterprize against Matamoras, with the hope of obtaining the co-operation of a large force of Mexican liberals. Dr. James Grant, an Englishman, some time before domiciliated about Monclova, and one of the legis- lators dispersed by General Cos, was the cause of this movement. He published an account of the exposed condition of the interior of Mexico-representing that Alvarez was active in the South, and had taken Acapulco; that Guzman and Montenegro had an army of twenty-one hundred liberals in the State of Guadalajara ; that Puebla, with the governor at its head, had refused to publish the centralizing decree of the 3rd of October, and the people were rising en masse to defend their liberties; that Valladolid had protested in the strongest terms, and was raising her civic militia ; that Oajaxa had made a like protest and was also preparing for defence; that Zacatecas was ready to take the first opportunity to avenge her wrongs; so also was Durango; and that Tamaulipas and New Leon would rise the moment an attack was made on Matamoras, and San Luis Potosi would instantly follow. These, with the further representations-made, no doubt, honestly by Grant-that Santa Anna was sadly distressed for want of funds to carry on his despotic plans, and that his army was scattered and could not be safely united, served to turn the heads of many of the leading men of Texas. It was supposed that they had only to show themselves on the right bank of the Rio Grande, when the whole of Mexico would rally around them! They never reflected that since 1832 the Texans had been a by-word of reproach in Mexico, and that all parties then denounced them as 'perfidious, ungrateful disturbers'."
The facts upon which this fine-wrought story is based are these : Dr. James Grant was a Scotchman, not "Englishman," a gentleman of literary attainments, urbane and social, and possessed of fine con- versational powers. He resided at Parras, not "about Monclova," Coahuila, and owned a hacienda there, on which he was erecting mills for the manufacture of woolen and cotton fabrics; there was, also, on the estate a good vineyard from which he manufactured wine and brandy.
It is true that Doctor Grant suggested the idea of taking Mata- moras, by which the government of Mexico would be deprived of a source of considerable revenue. He believed the project to be not only practicable, but of great public advantage to Texas, believing, as he did, that once in possession of that town the Texans would be , joined by large numbers of Mexican liberals. This project was freely discussed by the volunteers of the army, but neither Grant nor the volunteers thought, much less intended, to break up the army. For, in the latter part of November, Grant was superintending the building
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of a furnace to cast cannon balls and a number of balls had been brought up from the missions below town for that purpose.
From the time when the Texas army took, position before San Antonio de Bexar there had been a want of suitable ammunition for the three pieces of artillery, one of which was taken at Concepción, nor, was either of them, except the last, properly mounted. True, exertions had been made to procure and forward heavier guns and a supply of ammunition, but so far without success. Indeed there was scarcely a musket and bayonet in the army ; the principal arms were rifles with a few double-barreled shot-guns. The army was indebted to the enemy for a number of cannon balls which they fired at the Texan position, about one half of which fell short, struck the ground, and rolled forward. On these occasions, it was quite amusing to see two or three or a half a dozen in chase of the balls, which, when recovered, were from time to time returned in compliment to the enemy.
In the last days of November, by way of breaking the monotony of camp life and to annoy the enemy, a trench was opened between the Old Mill and the Alamo, near the San Antonio River, and in point blank shot of the Alamo. The trench formed two sides of a right angled triangle, in which was placed at night the cannon, taken at Concepción. Early the next morning the Texans opened fire, alter- nately on the Alamo and the town, which was kept up the greater part of the day. The effect of the fire is not known but it was reported by citizens of the town that one or two in the Alamo were killed and wounded and that it produced great excitement in the town. It was, however, an unfortunate waste of ammunition on the part of the Texans, as will be seen in the sequel. The gun was withdrawn at night, and the party returned to their quarters.
The question of raising the siege, and going into winter quarters, either at Goliad or Gonzales, or at both places, was being discussed at headquarters in the first days of December. However, on the 3rd of December a council of war was held at headquarters of the com- manding general, when it was resolved that the army should retire, and go into winter quarters at Goliad or Gonzales. This action, though approved by a majority of the officers and men composing the army, was regarded by others as fatal to the campaign, and would result in breaking up the volunteer force, which was then the last hope of Texas. It was urged that an evacuation of the Texans and the certain dissolution of the army would open up the whole country to the mili- tary, who would not be slow in following up the advantage thus afforded them.
On the 4th, marching orders were issued, and the quartermaster was directed to have the trains loaded and ready to move with the army on the 5th. About the middle of the afternoon, when most of the baggage wagons were loaded, and everything in readiness for the march on the next day, a lieutenant of the Mexican army, a deserter. entered our camp, and was taken to General Burleson's quarters. He reported the defences of the town weak, and that the place could be taken easily. After hearing his report, Colonel Johnson suggested to Colonel Milam to call for volunteers, that "now is the time." Most
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of the army had gathered at the headquarters of General Burleson. Milam called in a clear, loud voice "who will go with Old Ben Milam into San Antonio?" Many answered "I will," whereupon they were requested to fall into line. After a respectable number had formed in line, they were requested by Milam to assemble at the Old Mill, at dark, and there organize. It was first intended to enter the town in three divisions-one by Colonel Milam, one by Colonel William T. Austin, and one by Colonel Johnson. However, on assembling at the mill it was found that we had but three hundred and one men. Hence, it was decided that the force should be divided into two divisions, the first, under Colonel Milam, aided by Major Morris; the second, led by Colonel Johnson, aided by Colonels Austin and Grant.
The first division was composed of Captains York, Patton, Llewel- lyn, Crane, English and Landrum's companies, with two pieces and fifteen artillerymen, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Franks. The second, composed of the companies of Captains Cook, Swisher, Edwards, Ally, Duncan, Peacock, Breece, and Placido Venavides. The first division was to enter the town by the first street running north from the public square, and occupy the De la Garza house, within musket range of the square; the second division was to march near the river and take possession of the Veramendi house.
Thus organized and with the place of attack arranged, the two divisions took up the line of march just before day on the morning of the 5th of December. Erastus, or Deaf Smith and Norwich were guides of the second division, and H. Arnold and John W. Smith, guides of the first division.
It is proper to remark in this connection that after organizing and settling our plan of attack I suggested to Colonel Milam the propriety and necessity of waiting upon General Burleson, and requested him to hold his position until the result of the assailing party on Bexar was known. This I held to be a measure of not only prudence but of safety and would greatly increase our chances of success. Milam had taken offence at Burleson, supposing Burleson had favored going into winter quarters without making an attempt to take Bexar. In this opinion, Milam was mistaken. Burleson was overruled in the council of war. The field officers comprising the council, almost to a man, voted to go into winter quarters.
I waited upon General Burleson at his quarters, and requested a private interview, which he readily granted. I informed him of the object of my visit, and explained how much both our safety and success depended upon his maintaining his position. He at once saw the wisdom and importance of pursuing the course I requested, and readily and cheerfully consented to do so, and assist in every way he could. This settled, and satisfied that General Burleson would per- form all that he had promised, I left and reported success to Milam.
Before following up the advancing columns, we will state the division of General Cos's force, and the defences of the town. The first consisted of two divisions, one of which occupied the town, and the other the Alamo, with headquarters in the Hall of Justice, Con- stitutional Plaza. Of the armament of the Alamo, it is sufficient to
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say that it was well supplied with artillery, but of small calibre-four and six pounders. Of the defences in town, a breastwork, and one gun was thrown up at the northeast angle of Constitutional Plaza, also a breastwork and gun at the entrance of the street from the Alamo, in Constitutional Plaza. At the southeast angle of the same plaza was another work and one gun. At the southwest angle of Military Plaza was another breastwork and at the northwest angle was erected a breastwork with one gun, and a furnace for heating shot. About mid- way of this plaza, north boundary, was a redoubt with three guns. The church is situated about the center of the two plazas. The priest's house in the northern boundary is nearly opposite to the church. The Navarro house on the same line further west. The Zambrano Row is in the street entering the Military Plaza at its northwest angle.
From the foregoing, an idea may be formed of the strength of the town, and the work the Texans had before them. The Old Mill, the encampment of the Texas army, was eight hundred or a thousand yards north of the town and Alamo. We will now return to the assailing parties and follow them into town.
While we were engaged in town, Cos ordered out a squadron of his cavalry to attack General Burleson's camp. The attack was met and repulsed by a few rounds of canister and round shot from a six pounder. For full particulars and result, see the subjoined report by General Burleson to the government.
The first division did not enter the town quite as soon as the sec- ond, on account of having to march a greater distance ; however, there was not more than five minutes' difference of time in their arrival.
Colonel James C. Neill was ordered, with one gun and a suitable force, to cross the San Antonio River before day and take a position, within range, and open a brisk fire on the Alamo, and thereby create a diversion in favor of the assaulting columns, and then return to camp.
The second division on its march, near the town, was fired on by the enemy's picket ; the shot was returned by our guard, Smith, though contrary to orders, and wounded the guard. With this interruption only we entered and took possession of the Veramendi house, and without a shot from the enemy. This house formed an L or two sides of a square, the other two sides of stone or adobe, pickets, and earth thrown up. The De la Garza house is a large building, but without any enclosure. It is proper to say that these, and all the better houses of the town, have very thick walls-proof against small arms and light artillery.
The second division had barely time to make proper disposition of the several companies when the town and Alamo opened upon it with artillery and small arms which were soon after directed against the first division also. The fire of the enemy was so heavy that we could do but little more than strengthen our outer walls, secure the doors and windows with timber and sand-bags, cut loop-holes in the walls of the building, and use our rifles whenever a Mexican showed him- self. The Mexican houses have flat roofs and, generally, a parapet of some two or more feet above the roof. Believing this house to be no
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exception, a small detachment of men ascended to the roof by means of a ladder. However, on getting up they found the parapet wall too low to afford any protection. Most of the men were wounded, and we had to break a hole in the roof and let the men down by means of a rope, into one of the rooms below. The enemy kept up a pretty constant fire during the day and night. Our casualties were one man killed and some half dozen wounded, among them Colonel James Grant. In the first division there were but three or four wounded, among whom was Thomas William Ward, of the artillery. One of the two pieces-a twelve pounder-was dismounted by a shot of the enemy, and the other was but little used for want of cover.
Night having come on, we collected all the mining tools we had- one shovel, two crow-bars, and one pick-and having prepared sand- bags during the day, made details of men to open a communication between the two divisions. This, however, was a work of both time and labor on account of our want of tools, and was not completed until the second night. General Burleson visited the second division at night of the first day, and brought with him the first beef that we had had since leaving camp. Colonel Johnson crossed over to the first division and reported success and casualties to Colonel Milam. The troops of both divisions were not only cheerful but enthusiastic.
The second day, we further strengthened our lines, and opened a more effective force against the enemy as our lines were now well covered. We also took two advanced positions, one in front, and the other in advance of and on the right flank of the first division. The first was effected by Henry Carnes, who, crow-bar in hand, broke down the door, and was soon followed by the whole company- Captain York's-the second was effected by Lieutenant McDonald. of Captain Crane's company, with a few followers, who took posses- sion of a strong house, and held it. Having got our artillery under cover, we opened a well directed fire on the town. Our casualties were three privates severely wounded, and two slightly. Fortunately for us, the house occupied by the second division contained a con- siderable quantity of dry goods, which we found useful in converting into sand-bags.
On the morning of the third day, at daylight, it was discovered that the enemy had thrown up an embankment on the Alamo side of the river, and opposite our left flank, from which they opened a brisk fire of small arms, which was seconded by the guns of the Alamo ; however, they were soon silenced by our rifles and driven from their position. It was on this day, instead of the second, that Carnes found the house in front and in advance of the first division.
The enemy during the night of the second had strengthened a house situated on the street leading from the town to the Alamo, and in front of the second division, from which they opened in the morning a brisk fire of artillery and small arms. The second division had from the first suffered most from this house. However, our six pounder was brought over from the first division, placed in battery, and opened
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fire on the Mexican house in front. This fire, together with that of our rifle men, soon caused the enemy to withdraw their artillery, and the fire from their small arms slackened.
In the morning the enemy opened a heavy fire from all their posi- tions that would bear upon us, and at half past three o'clock, as our gallant commander, Colonel Milam, had entered the yard of the house occupied by the second division, he received a rifle shot in the head, which caused his instant death. The death of this gallant leader cast a gloom over the entire command. Our casualties, otherwise, were two privates, slightly wounded.
Benjamin R. Milam, whose name will and ought ever to be held in grateful and honored remembrance by Texans, was born of humble parents in the state of Kentucky, and received but an imperfect educa- tion. He was six feet high, of fine form and commanding appearance. "Endowed by nature with a strength of mind and spirit of enterprise almost peculiar to the inhabitants of the Western States," fortified by habits of independence, he associated with the Indian tribes, in order to explore the more southerly portions of Texas. In the war with Great Britain, in 1812-15, he acquired a high reputation among his countrymen ; but, dissatisfied with the prospects there before him, at the close of the war, he engaged in the struggle then going on in Mexico for independence, and soon distinguished himself by his cour- age, zeal, and love of freedom. Opposed to the usurpation of Iturbide, he was arrested and imprisoned ; but subsequently released in con- sequence of a pronunciamiento for a republic. He assisted in the expulsion of Iturbide. He obtained, in 1828, a colonization contract. Escaping from Monterey, where he had been imprisoned with Gov- ernor Viesca and others, in 1835, he made his way to Texas. He had crossed the San Antonio river near Goliad. Faint and tired, he took shelter in a bunch of bushes. The approach of Captain Collinsworth's company attracted his attention. Naturally supposing them to be a squad of Mexican soldiers, he determined to defend himself to the death. To his astonishment and joy, the advancing force proved to be his fellow-colonists of Texas, who were marching against Goliad. He, at once, decided to join the volunteers as a private, although accustomed and well qualified to command. He was among the fore- most in the assault. He remained a few days after the capture of the fort and then joined the army of General Austin near San Antonio.
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