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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
Such was the state of affairs, when Genl. Long arrived in the city of .l\fexico. Avoiding' a participation in the quarrell between these alienated friends, he endeavored to bring about a reconciliation; but failing in his efforts, he continued his kind considerations towards them both. Trespelacios was equally unsuccessful in his attempts to reconcile the General to Iturbede. N'o efforts were unassayed on the part of this intriguing and sanguinary despot, to secure the friend- ship of General Long. For this purpose he solicited a personal inter- view with the General, and proffered to retain him in the servise with the same rank & pay which he had hitherto enjoyed; but no flattery could prevail with our hero to pay him a visit either Q.f formality or friendship. and no allurements of glory and aggrandize- ment could seduce him into the acceptance of a commission from one who had not only persecuted him & his companions in arms, but who had proven himself a traitor to the liberty which he had sworn to establish. This indomitable spirit of Independence and heroic patri- otism cost him his life. It awakened the vengeance of a foe who had the power and the will to murder whom he feared. 'l'he eye of the tyrant rested on him; he was a doomed victim; and accordingly in a few days the whole city of Mexico was throw1i into mourning & lamentation for the dealth of one who was regarded as the brightest .ornament of chivalry, and whose lofty demeanor had attracted the admiration and the love of thousands. Of the circumstances attending the death of General Long we can- not give a better account than we find in a letter from an American gentleman who was in the city of l\Iexico at the time, and whose communication is dated the day after the horrible tragedy. He writes as follows. "I believe the columns of our news papers have occasionally given some details of the operations of General Long, who conducted an expedition in this country in favor of the patriots. Since the adoption of the present Government, which is decidedly :Monarchical, and intolerant in religion, this gentleman, with his officers and soldiers, have declined further .service- and admitting the undoubted right of the people to frame their government, have demanded remuneration for their services, & permission to leave the country. I found General Long in this city, with a few of his officers, engaged in settling their claims. The General had brought them, with great perseverance, nearly to a close, and a favorable issue- when, yeste_rday morning about 8, he proceeded to the quarters of ,Col. 0 Riley {which are in the inquisition) to consult with him on the subject. The General was alone, and as he entered the gate, the Cadet on sentry there, shot him through the lungs, and he expired immediately. A vail of mistry hangs this black transaction which -time alone can unmask.''-,- 77Extract Letter from Abil Terrill. Dated Ref1tgio 8th July 1822 (pronounced Ra-fo6-e-o) Painful as it may be to your feelings, I conceive it my duty to give you a plain & ~trait account of the untimely death of Genl. Long- He had been but ten days in l\Iexico when the circumstance took ·place 11This letter is in "X", p. 10.
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