PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR 55 government at a proper time, would have to assert its claims. As- tounded at this intelligence, and disappointed in the results of his mission, he retraced his steps to New-Orleans and Natchitoches; and planting his banner on the banks of the Sabine, invoked the chivalry of the American people for that aid and support which he had failed to obtain from the government.- The appeal was not in vain. In brief space, the still determined and untiring Bernardo, found himself surrounded by a little band cxf heroes, as high-spirited and devoted as ever rallied to the call of freedom. Not exceeding three hundred and fifty in number, they took ·up the line of march about the middle of August 1812, with Berdardo himself as their nominal and McGehee as their actual leader. The most prominent actors in the scene were Kemper, Lucket, Perry, Ross McGhee, and others. Their destination was, Sanantonio de Bexar, but being notified on their arrival at the river St l\farks, that an overwhelming force was on the road waiting their approach, they diverged from the direct route, and moved upon the ancient town of La Bahia, now Goliad, which they reached without opposition and captured witnout difficulty. Very soon after taking possession of this place, the Royal forces made their appearance, three thousand strong, under the command of Herrera and Solcedo. The battle commenced at once; and for four months, there was scarcely a day's repose from sanguinary conflict; during which time the Americans were reduced to the greatest possible extremities from fatigue, hun- ger, thirst and frightful disease. Nevertheless they continued stout of heart and firm of purpose, without quailing in a single instance before the foe, or losing a solitary victory.-We will not enter into the particulars of that wonderful contest; it is not necessary to our present purpose; but when the amost superhuman exploits of that little band, shall be properly set forth, it will form one of the most thrilling and spirit-stirring episodes in the history of Texas. Perhaps there is nothing compa,rable in modern chivalry, to their unflaging valor, lofty daring and astounding triumphs. ,v e have only to lament that a career so brilliant, should have closed so darkly.-After being victorious in an hundred fights; and having vanquished in equitable combat, three of the best armies of Spain, these astonishing heroes, were doomed at last to seal their devotion to the cause of liberty by the blood of martyrdom. This happened at the memorable bat-, tle of Medina.- The town of Sanantonio, having capitulated to the victorious Liberators, the Generals Herrera and Solcedo, together with twelve of the most prominent Royalists of the place, surrendered them- !H'lYes to the American portion of the little army. These men, in their days of triumph, had been very unsparing to the patriot prisoners. They had executed Aldama, Delgado, Cassa Monchaca' and many others. Indeed there was scarcely a Mexican in the con- quering army whose family had not been made to feel the weight of their cruelty and wrath. They, therefore, now dreaded the vindictive retaliation of Bernardo; and hoped to escape it by de- livering themselves up to the Americans and not to the Mexicans.; This, however, availed them nothing. The Americans protected
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