June 4 1836 to July 21 1836 - PTR, Vol. 7

Papers of the Texas Revolutions, Vol. 7

The Papers of the TEXAS REVOLUTION 1835-1836

John H. Jenkins general editor

Volume 7

Presidial Press Brig. Gen. Jay A. Matthews Publisher Austin l ':173

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Editorial Advisory Board

Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Bishop Dr. Donna·n H. Winfrey Dr. Malcolm D. McLean

Dr. Robert Cotner Dr. James M. Day Robert Weddle Charles Corkran Richard Santos John Kinney

The Interest and assistance of the National Guard Association of Texas in the publication of these works Is gratefully acknowledged.

(3278) [BLEDSOE to BURNET]

Geo. Durst's on Angelina River 18 miles from Nacogdoches June 4Lh 1836

Dr Sir

Although personally unknown to you, I take the liberty of addressing you by means of my Friend Mr. Hughs, who will probably hand you this. on the subject of the great interest of the people of the Republic over whom you at present preside, under the impression thay any hints I may give will be favorably received, and according lo their value be duly attended lo. I have a leller Lo you in my favor from Genl. Chambers or Majr. Lewis but have accidentally left it behind, with my pocket book-In which probably my zealous, bul humble, efforts in behalf of the cause of the Republic, for many months past, beginning at N Orleans with Lhe Commissioners at a public meeting of a numerous assembly of the Inhabitants, & another at Natchez convened by a public notice from myself; have without received more than just credit-I have come to Lhis Country, lo aid by all the little means in my power in the establishment of its independance in the rearing & consolidat- ing its yet unformed Government-and securing its rights, by organic, & Legislative institutions-and to write my destiny with il, for good or for ill-I seek no Office, and am ready to act whereever, & in whatever capacity I can do most good. Having long been conversant with State affairs-and juridical Subjects-and although like mosl men no doubt suffici- ently inclined to appreciate what little I know-I have, from my experience of the many errors commillecl by myself-and men much greater than I can pretend to be, sufficient reason, to urge with diffivence, any project or opinion of mine expecting public measures. Especially should the differ, from one of your known probity & intelligence. Most cheerfully should my feeble efforts be devoted lo the field, if I believe I was capable of dfccting near the proportion of

good, there, as by directing them to the same end through different means, more adopted lo my capacity and pursuits in life. The first grand object it will reac1ily be admitted by all, is the new provance of Texas. This has been, and as l sincerely believe, most wisely and opportunely declared, by the only Competent authority, "The Representative of the people.'' After the dictatorial occupation of St. Anna; the abolition of their Stale Government, and after the close of a regular & constitutional session of the last Legislature, held al Monclova for the state of Texas & Cohuila; the pursuit by an armed force, & apprehension, & confinement of all that could he laid hold of, being neraly all the members coming from the former merely because they had net & performed their duty under a federaJ constitution, which he had solemnly sworn to support; and after his demanding the surrender of some of the principal Citizens to be tried, or rather Executed at l\'Iexico, merely because they were opposed lo his usurpation; what remained to the miserabliand oppress did Citizens of Texas? To labor Lo restore the federal Constitution o.f 1824, when the other Seventeen States has submitted lo the usurpation, would have proved an vain task. It would have been lik laboring Lo retreive, a vain crop from the ocean. And what interest would the American people have felt in reestablishing the Catholic Religion, as the Exclusive Religion, of a people, deserving to be free, and of having the inherant right, & precious privilege, of worshipping God, according ·o the didates of their own counciences-the former being one of 1 he main articles of that Constitution Or who would bring an~, or ~dventure their money, in order to reestablish, the connexion, between the Supreme Cong.ress of Mexico, composer of men, who had thus tamely submitted to the most flagrant usurpation, upon all Lawful & Constitutional authority-by one Man?-No! as i have told the Commissioners at N. Orleans, a declaration of Independance, is the only thing that can save Texas-unless indeed you choose to lay down your arms, surrender at discretion, and wait the tardy & uncertain movement of a new & counter Revolution. J mention these as some of the leading motives which must have urged the declaration of Independance because there are many, and still are some, who honestly think, that this country would have stood a helter chance for success, by enlisting a party amongst the Mexicans, themselves if the controversy had turned

upon the reesla I ,I ish men L of the Federal ConstiLulion of 1824.-Bul Lhe main question now is, what arc the liesl means of securing the indcpendance thus declared. The late memorable and glourious Victory, ohlain hy Genl. Houston and the Officers, and Army under his Command together with the capture of the Arch En Enemy Santa Anna himsclf,-Which has given, its is lo he hoped, a mortal blow to the assailing Army, ancl given a mosl promising earnest, Lhat Texas -is able to maintain her in<!ependa11ce must neverlhlcss he regarded in a conjunel view, of the enemy's remaining force; and the refusal of Lhe two Generals, Filisola, & Scerma to obey the orders of Santa Anna, (and although retreating from Lhe last account we have had here,) still remaining in an imposing attitude, and leaving it uncertain whether they even mean to retire from Texas TerriLory- and who from appearances seem to be awaiting orders from .Mexico, or watching ru1 opportunity lo strike back upon the Texian Army, in order lo relreive their late cliscomfulure and loss. Santa Anna it is said prossesser a Military need lo lreat & Lo acknowledge the Inclependance of Texas.- And most probably tho we have nol received information of that focl, he may have alre,1dy signccl a treaty lo that effect. Can you certainly keep Santa in safe custody, until the rnlification or not of the Treaty is known? This itself seems somewhat doubtful. With all the vigilance that can Le used, Philip of Macedon said he could take any town, where a mule had wilh gold could enter. Santa Anna has the Gold, in Orleans & England for, the best account to the amount of a Million of dollars; with a Lithe of this, could he not find a mule? Is the virtue of his guards super human? I have not found much virtue of that quaJity in this Country, with all my partially for it.-To make us of a Hibernianision if he is kept long, I helieve sincerely he will not be kepl at all i & he will no <loubl avail himself, not only of his Gold, but of any and every opportunity of excape. He says, I am informed, tltat he cannot insure the al'ification of any treaty with him, by the Mexican Congress, unless he is set al Liberty This I lielieve, but the doubt is strong, whether if he were let loose, he could or would then do it.-1 am strongly inclined Lo the Lelcif, that he could not if he would have any influence, shown of his army, in producing such conformation, for l 1,clieve he has

''fallenn like Lusifer to use not more."-But if the remnant of the Mexican-Army make a stand, the strong probability is the war is intended lo be continued, and even that reinforcements are expected-& probably some orders received to that effect from the acting Executive al !Vlexico. And the certainty of the intention on their part to Continue the War, will be fairly well ascertained, if the treaty, if one is concluded by Santa Anna, is rejected by the Congress there, without some friendly explanation, leaving to interior hopes of such an event.-And in the former case, what does good policy dictale should be done·with Snn la Anna, & even the prisoners taken with him? I have thot1ght much of it, and am compelled to the conclusion that this in case of the continuance of the War by the Liberals, now in power, & who are Santa Annas known decided Enemies, as Texas, will have nothing to hope from them that on bending the former by all, that he and all civilized men hold sacred, & taking alert of the prisoners, & binding them in like manner not to make war up on her, unless duly ex~hanged, you should uncasse the & oi:i this helps, and let him go & fight his own Enemies & the enemies of Texas. For if he escapes, he gets clear of all obligation towards here whatever. If it is not asking too much I should be gratefied to hear from you, & to learn the State of affairs-and especia11y especting a treaty if formed and its term-any thine you desire to be considered If it is not asking too much J should be gratefied to hear from you, & to learn the State of affairs-and especially expecting a treaty if formed, and its terms-any thine your desire to be considered confidential shall be so. From the best information, Volunteers from Keny. Ohio and Indiana are coming or have gone down the River in considerable force-I believe the Texian Army will be near 400 in a month. A draft has taken place here-and in the [torn] town about which I think will send several hundred. If the Genl. has patience, if the Enemy determine to fight he will be able to cut them up. I want to gel from amongst the Captives a smart Mexican boy, who can read Spanish he would suit me better, about 15 or 16 year old-I have him bound to men until he becomes of age, if he is wiUing to com; which I think is hardly to be doubted. Jf your Excelly. should have no objection & give my

Friend Hughs an order lo that effect. He would bring him to me, & he would be of main service in many repects. J. Bledsoe [Addressed:] 1-Jis Excelly David G. Burnel President of the Republic of Texas. [3279) [DONNELL to GAINESl Fort Jesup, June 4, 1836. Sir: I returned last evening from Squire McDonald's, from wl10m I learned that Manuel Flores, in company with Jose Maria Medrano and his servant, were at a marriage festival near the Adyes village (Spanish town) on the evening of the 6th of February last. While there, Mr. l\fonson, a citizen, said that Manuel Flores had shown him a commission from Santa Anna, the purport of which was that he, Manuel Flores, was .lo come lo the United Slates, imbody the Indians, and take them into Texas for the purpose of fighting against the white inhabitants thereof. Mr. Munson also stated that he had advised Mr. Flores to destroy the commission, as the Americans on this side would kill him if he attempted to put it into execution. M. Flores would not destroy it. The citizens present, l\Iexican Spaniards, a8 ,yell as American, were for seizing M. Flores, when he made his escape from the house; they pursued him lo another, and found the bed still warm from which he had just arisen; he had escaped. A day or two afterwards a Mexican citizen, named John l\loore, reported to Squire McDonald that Manuel Flores had asked him if there was any legal paper for his arrest, and that he had replied that the squire's presence was sufficient authority for his arrest. M. Flores said that they could nol have taken him; that he would have killed some of them; and tlial, before this time, he had not intended that tbc Indians should have fought the whiles on this side of the line, but now he would make them kill aJI the whites (Americans) he could every where. Two or three days afterwards, M. Flores, J.M. l\'ledrano, and his servant, left for the Caddo villages. Medrano slated that the Americans would not let him stay at home, (Nacogdoches;) and that, in conscqucnct\ he had come lo slay with M. Flores, with whom he was well acqtwintcd.

Squire McDonald informcd me thal the citizens were all 011 the alert, and on the lookout for .M. Flores; and that, should he make his appearance, they would either arrest or kill him, some persons having sworn to kill him on account of having relations or friends killed in Texas by the Mexicans. Squire McDonald regrets very much that he did not arrest M. Flores on the night of the 6th of February; but he was not then aware of that article in the treaty between the United States and Mexico, by which wP. are bound to prevent our Indians from entering the Mexican territory for a hostile purpose. I directed Squire McDonald to summon the Mexican (John Moore) and :Mr. Munson, in order that I might take their oaths: this wiU take place to-morrow, at Squire McDonald's office. I will then take the necessary steps to have him arrested legally, should he venture to make his appearance, or wherever he may be found. I think there is not much probability of M. Flores making his appearance when he is so well known as he is between this place and Natchitoches, as he would be arrested for swindling: he having first mortgaged his farm for near its full value, and then having sold it to another person, without mentioning Lhat cfrcumstance. Squire McDonald says that the description given me by the Caddo Indians of the companion of Flores, was as correclly drawn as he could have done it himself. I shaU collect all the information relative to the subject that! possibly can. I think the only way to arrest M. Flores, would be to send an armed force into the Caddo country, when, if I do not greatly err, the lndians, either through fear or the hope of reward, would produce him. I think there is little doubt but that M. Flores, as well as J. M. .\tedrano, are still with the Caddoes, and will remain with them, unlcs8 they can find an opportunity of joining some division of the Mexican army in Texas. I have the honor lo be, sir, with g-reat respect, your obedicn t servant, J. I3onnel1 First lieutenant, 3d infantry. Major GcncraJ E. P. Gaines, ' c,,mmanding Western department, Camp Sahinc, Louisiana.

(3280) [ BRENAN Lo BURNETl

Oak Land J unc 4th 1836

Dear Major

I started from Trinity a few days since Lo sec on business of importance lo me, but have been stopped in conse'lucnce of my Horse, he became sick and died here last night. A gentlcman has promised lo hand you this, and I hope you will favour ~c with an answer as soon as possible. I will slate our case lo you hope you will comply with my request. Mr. Mcferron and myself ran when the country broke up, and carried only what a small cart could hold and on my return l found that our house had been robed of every thing, the families arc now in the U. States, I had collected some cattle for the purpose of driving lo Louisiana to sell and purchase such articles as we wanted but we have been told that cattle cannot be driven out without a permit from the Cabinet. It was to obtain this permit I was coming to Vallasco, also to get a pasport for myself. My wife ii; in Oppalusas, and will be confined in a short time she is improvided with those necessaries so essential to a woman in her situation and it is to furnish her that J want to drive cattle. I did not doubt but I should receive a permit on stating my situation and I hope I shall not be disappointed in yet receiving boath the permit and pasport, the gentleman is waiting for this letter, Mr Este is we11, my respects to your family, let me again request your attention to this letter and an early answer. Respectfully your &c Thomas H Brenan [3281) [BURNET to OFFICERS] Velasco, June 4th, 1836. To Colonel-Ami Others, Officers Of The Army Of Texas. Gentlemen: Your communication, addressed to me from the encampment al Victoria, on the 26th of May, was received this afternoon. I should he wanting in duty to myself, were I to refrain from expressing my profound regret that lhe victors in the

glorious ballle of San Jacinto should "conceive that great injury has been done them" by the newly-formed government-over which I have the honor to preside. But I derive much consolation from the belief that the conception will be discharged from your minds and those of the .army whom you represent, when even a succinct narrative of plain facts shall be presented lo you and lo them. It will not be controverted, I presume, that when the prese11t administration came into office, the country was destitute of almost every thing necessary to sustain an army in the field. lt is equa!Jy true that Texas was without funds at home or credit abroad. And you, gentlemen, will recollect that the army was already retreating before the enemy~ that the news of the fall of Lhe Alamo had spread dismay through the land; and that citizens were flying in all directions before the approaching desolation. These, gentlemen, are facts that run through every one's recollec- tion, and which are painfully impressed upon my memory. In this destitute and deplorable condition was the country when I and my associates in the Government consented to discharge the arduous duties; lo assume the tremendous responsi- bility; and lo encounter the inevitable calumnies incident to the administration of public affairs. Our first efforts were directed lo an increase of the physical forces of the country, by drafts at home, and enlistments from abroad, and the very first opportunity that presented itself was seized upon with avidity and not without a considerable sacrifice too, to augment the fiscal resources of the country, and provide the means of sustaining the army, the then only hope of Texas. But our efforts were not as successful as they were zealous. The credit of Texas was sunk; the gloom that overshadowed the land had spread wilh still deeper intensity over the minds of our friends in the United Stales, and capitalists there withdrew their confidence and their contributions. Orders were sent for provisions, for clothing, and for munitions of war; but the appointed agents replied in urgent demands for protection against responsibilities already incurred on account of Texas. Notwith- standing these discouragements, some supplies were obtained by captures on sea and by the generous exertions of friends in the United Slates. And here, gentlemen, I must remark that you have heen betrayed, by misrepresentations I doubt not, into an imputation on your Government and your fellow-citizens which facts ,Jo not warrant. ·

•

You say: "You were permitted to remain al Buffalo bayou, eating beef without bread, while Lhose who had jgnobly fled before the enemy, were rioting in the abundance of the public stores.'' I very distinctly recollect it was on the aflernoon of the 26th April when we heard at Gafveston of the signal and illustrious victory of 21st. One steamboat was then on its way to you with supplies,but she was crippled by some acciclenl Lo her boiler and compelled lo anchor al Redfish bar. So soon as il was practicable another was sent, and did convey some necessaries, including sugar and coffee, to the camp of Buffalo bayou. At this Lime there were very many souls of the Island, and among them many familes of women and children, who required sustenance, and many of whom were afflicted with disease. But gentlemen, there was little "rioting" necessaries of life, That some abuses may have occurred in the distribution of the public stores, I will not deny; buL I do assert that the members of the Government, so far as my knowledge extended, did endeavor to prevent all prodigality in the use of thos stores. Shorlly after the army moved from Buffalo bayou, the Government was transferred to this place. On the first opportunity that presented itself, arrangements were made with the owners of the steamboat Laura to take in a cargo at the Island, and carry it up this river (the Brazos) to Fort Bend. At this time-for the anxiety we felt for our gallant army has deeply impressed every little incident on my mind-the wind blew high for several days and to this untoward circumstance we attributed the delay of the boat. Afler some days had elapsed, during which hourly expecta- tions of her arrival were disappointed, a messenger came from the Island, and reported that owing to a leak in her boiler she had not reached the eastern encl, and probably would nol be able to retttrn for some time. We immediately prepared the schooner Express, and dispatched her forthwith, with such cargo as she could carry. I presume that small supply has reached you from Coxe's Point before this time. We then hired the schooner Columbus and the Commissary-General is now on board of her and preparinf! to depart for Copano. And now, gentlemen, I ask you jn the spirit of kindness and without "Irritation," to review these facts: and I am persuaded, inasmuch as I believe the brave are usually generous, thal you will feel you have done injustice in ch<lrging your being

disappointed at the Brazos "entirely to the shameful inallenlion of the officers of the Government." Conscious as I am that the charge itself is unjust, I shall forl>ear to descant on the decorum of the terms in which it is conveyed. In regard to the other subject of your somewhat novel communication, I feel a lillle difficulty in finding appropriate terms to answer you, gentlemen. When the civil government of a country is compelled to receive a prescription of its duties from an armed force, that government, if not virtually dissolved, is in great danger of being lost in the blazonry of military misrule. And gentlemen, the time may come, when you shall have retired from Lhe field of your peculiar glory and returned to the walks of civil life, that you will be heller enabled, than under you present excited feelings, to appreciate the painful forebodings and the undissembled sentiments with which I subscribe myself.

Your obedient servant, David G. Burnet.

[3282] [CHRISTY to BROOKS]

New Orleans, 4th June, 1836.

Mr. N. C. Brooks:-

Sir., Your letter of the 13th ult. came to hand this morn- ing; I showed it to General Houston, who is now at my house, confined by a very severe wound, and I very much regret to be compelled in candor to inform you that he has no doubt of the fact of your brother's having fallen. The Brooks, who made an application before me, cannot be your brother, his name is differ• ent, and he is quite an illiterate man. With the hope that you will excuse the laconic style of a business man, who has to answer some half-dozen letters similar to your every day.

I am respectfully Your mo ob Sr Wm. Christy.

(3283J [FICKLIN to AUSTIN]

Lexington Ky 4th June 1836

Dear Sir,

Mr. Harris and Mr. Davis brother of Lhe I-lonbl. Judge Davis of this city is of the number of emil!fants from this place under Col. Wilson & I heg that you will consider him one of my particular friends in whose conduct I have the most perfect confidence. When your wars are over which I trust will not be long Mr. Davis will no doubt wish lo remain in Texas & I assure you there is every reason for believing he will become a valuable citizen of your country - he is young and ardent in the cause of Texas and will be appointed to an office in the Command from this state by the committee without a single objection. My acquaintance in your country is very limited & trust by you to give Mr. Davis letters to your friends in the quarter of your country where he may be located. Very respectfully I remain Dr Sir yr frd & ob t servt Joseph Ficklin We enjoyed a very imposjng spectacle yesterday on the lawn before Miss Harts house. The military of this city with the Texan emigrants & a vast body of our fellow citizens were assembled to witness the delivery of a suit of colours by Miss Austin who done great credit to herself & the cause. J. Ficklin [3284] [ HOUSTON to LAMAR j

New Orleans, June 4th, 1836

To Colonel I\J. B. Lamar:

My wound has improved. Some twenty or more pieces of bone have been taken out of it. My general hr.alth seems to improve slowly. It is only within the last four or five days that I have been able to sit up any portion of tl,c day. Sam llouston

(3285) [HUBBELL lo -----J

Velasco June 4, 1836. 1 have but a few moments to inform you and others of the state of things here. We arrived al Galveston on the 30th May, and on the 2nd were ordered lo repair to this place where we arrived on the same evening on board the Ocean. We found the place in great confusion in consequence of lhe Cabinet having sent Santa Anna on board of a vessel to send him home, for the purpose of having a treaty ratified wruch was made by them. The people were opposed to his going, but l1ad not an individual commissioned to he their leader. On the morning of the 3rd instant, I came forward as their leader and formed my company equipped for service and sent to the Cabinet to have him (Santa Anna) and his suite brought to shore. - There was at first some objection, but they at last complied, and I now have him and suite in my charge. He was delivered over to me to night, and I am at this time on duty with a strong guard under my command. Gen. Cos, and four or five hundred Mexicans, are still on Galveston Island as prisoners. H. A. Hubbell. [3286) [JACK to HOLZENGER]

State Dept. velasco 4 June 1836

'fo Colo Juan Jose Holzenger Sir

In reply to Your note of this morning I am instructed by the President to say to You that an order will be given for the restoration of Your baggage by forwarding it to any point which you may designate As to the piece of Artillery and the six men spoken of in Your note I am instructed to inform You that this government will be responsible to Yours for them, and their return cannot at this time be expected

With the highest consideration I have the honor to be

Very Respectfully Your obt Sevt W H Jack Sec of State

(3287] [JACK to WEST]

Department of Slate Velasco 4th June 1836

John K West Esq. Pres. La. Stale Ma. & Fr. In. Co. Sir

1 am instructed, by his Excellency the President Lo ac- knowledge Lhe receipt of your communication under dale of 16th ultimo. In reply to which I am instructed to say, that owing lo unavoidable accidents it has, up to this period, been absolutely impracticable Lo have a trial as to the prize Pocket. The case is now likely to be determined in a short time, and so soon as that event occurs, you shall be furnished with a copy of this record, on application to the proper officer. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Obt Servant Wm H Jack Seery. of State (3288) [RUSK and DEXTER REPORT) La Bnhia June 4th 1836 On our arrival at this place we found no difriculity in discovering the ground where Fam1in and his gallant Band were shot hy order of Santa Anna. l\fost of their Loclies were burned, yet there were many hones and some entire skeletons scattered over the plains for some distance. It had long been determined that as soon as practicable after the arrival of our army here, their remains should be collected and a clay set aparl for their burial with all the honors of War. Accordingly on Wednesday the 1st inst Gen. Rusk issued the following order As a token of respect as well to the memory of the men who feJI here a sacrafice Lo the treachery and Lad faith of our enemy, as a duty which we owe to the relations of the unfortunak deceased and ourselves. IL is ordered, Thal the Skelton$ ,mcl bones

of our murdere<l CounLrymen he collected inlo one place in front of lhe Fort and buried wilh nil the honors of War. Thos J Rusk Brig Genl. Corn'g On the evening of !he ensuing day, lhe hones ha,~ng hee11 collected. The following order was given. At general parade of Lhe Army will take place lo morrow morning at ½ past 8 OClock AM. The funeral will lake al 9 OCiock AM. Col. Sidney Sherman will take commancl and conducl the procession in the following order. 1st Artillery 2 Music 3 Major Morehouse's Command 4th 6 Come!. Officers 6 Comd. Officers 5 Mourners Those of Fannins Command who are in the Army and who have so miraculously escaped will altend as mourners. 6 Commanding General and Staff 7 Medical Staff 8 2nd Regiment 9 1st Regiment 10 Regulars Major Poe will order a minute gun fired from the fort commencing at the time the procession moves and until iL arrives at the Grave. Major Morehouse's Command will fire the usual rounds of hlank cartridges at the Grnve. Signed Thos J Rusk Brig. Genl. Com'g The following morning hcing friday June 3rd The army was paraded within the walls of the Fort at the hour appointed. An al nine OClock with arms reversed the procession moved slowly towards the place of burial. On reaching the Grave Genl Rusk delivered a short but feeling and eloguent address. Fellow Soliders: In the order of Providence we are this clay calle<l upon to pay, Lhe last sad offices of respect Lo the remains of the nohie and heroic Band, who battling for our sacrne rights have fallen beneath the ruthless hand of a Tyrant.

Their chivalrous condunl entitle them lo the heartfult gratitude of Lhe people of Tex:1s. Withoul auy further interesl in the Country than thal which all noble hearts feel al lhe hare mention of Lil,erly, they ralliccl to our slandard. Relinguishing the ease, peace and comfort of their homes; le.iving behind them all they held clear their l\lolhers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives. They subjectecl themselves lo fatigue and prevalion and nol,ly threw .themselves between the people of Texas ancl the Legio1J of Sanla Anaa. Here unaided by reinforcemenls and far from help ancl hope they battled bravely with the minions of a Tyrant Len lo one. Surrounded in the open Praire by this fearful and cut off from provisions and even watter, they were in desccdanls the sacred promise of receiving the treatment usual lo prisoners of War to surrender. They were marched back, and for a week treated with the utmosl inhumanity and barl>arily. They were marched out of yonder Fort- under the pretence of gelling provisions, and it was not unlil tl1e firing of l\luskelry, and the shrieks of the dying. That they were notified of their approaching fate. Some endeavored lo make their escape, I.ml they were pul'sued by the ruthless Cavalry and most of them cut clown with Lhcir Swords. A small number of them now stand l>y the grave, a hare remnant of LhaL noble Band. Our tribute of respect is clue lo them. IL is clue to the Mothers, Sister, and Wives who weep their untimely end, thal we should mingle our lcars with theirs. In thal mass of Bones and fragment of Bones, many a Wire her once beloved nnd affectionate Husband. But we have a consolation yet lo offer them. Their murderers sunk in dealh on the plains of San Jacinlo under the appalling words. Remember La Bahia. Many a lender affeclionate Woman ,viii tememLer wilh tearful Eye, La Bahia. But we have another consolation lo offer. IL is. Thal while liberty has a hal,ital'ion and a mune, their chivalrous deeds will be handed down upon the bright pages of History. We can still offer another consolation, Santa Anna, the moek Hero, the black hearted murderer, is within our grasp. Yea-And Lher he must remain tortured with the keen pains of a corroding conscience. He must oflcn remember La l3ahia. And while lhe names of those whom he murdered shall soar lo the highest pinnacle of Fame, his shall sink down into the lowest depths of infamy anti <lisgrace.

During the delivery of this nddress, the General had the undivided allention of the whole Army. When he spoke of l he suffering of these Martyrs in the cause of Liberty, I observed Lhe tear-drop, fall from the eye of more than one brave l\lan. ln ils conclusion I observed several compress their lips and involuntary grasp their weapons more firmly as if the scenes of San Jacinto had not compensated Lhe brutal murder of their friends at La Bahia. The Army then marched back lo their Quarters.

Samuel Dexter Aid De Camp

(3289] [SANTA ANNA to BURNET]

Excellent Sir,

When the cahinet of Texas has ralified with me a solemn treaty which I have complied with on my part as far as my situation allows, When protests have been made by your Excel- lency 1 that you would perish with all your family rather than fail in what has been promised me;-and when General Filisola has replied that on his part the whole treaty shall he religiously fulfilled, having perviously obeyed whatever orders I have com- municated lo him;-then you Excellency, hearing the clamors of certain individuals just arrivedfrom NewOrleans, issues a decree to the commander of this vessel, that he should set me on shore in order to continue the close confinement in which I have so long languished-I cannot conceal from your Excellency the surprise which such conduct has produced when the members of the Cabinet inspired me with so much confidence, and as I cannot hut believe that my personal enemies have triumphed and are going lo enjoy the barbarous pleasure of executing their vengeance. I beseech your Excellency at least, that l may he shot on board this vessel, because there are soldiers here who can execute it, and I cannot leave it alive. I hope your Excellency will he pleased to answer me, and recive my highest consideration. God and Liberty. On board the schooner of war Invincible, in the port of Velasco June 4th 1836.

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

To his Excellency the Prest David G. Burnet

(3290) [URREA to TORNELJ

Exmo. Sor. Con: esta fecha cligo al S. Coro11el D. Frnnco. de Garay lo quc copio. "1-lahiendo nombraclo a V. S. para que pase serca del Supremo Gno. y le informe la presenle ciluacion del Ejercito en Texas, lo ocurrido en la campana y sus resulla<los, asi como lo que dice relacion en las adjunlas inslrucciones, mMchara V.S. para la Capital de la Fedcracion embarcandose en el Ilerganlin de Crra. Venceclor de) Alamo. La confianza que tengo en V .S., su honraclez y conocimien- tos que ha leniclo en cuanlo ha pasaclo en el Ejercil.o me hacen esperar que el Supremo Gno. se pondra al alcanse de cuanto combenga, asi como que V. S. sabra clesaser cualesquicra siniestras informes que se hayan dado respeclo de lo ocurrido. Recomiendo a V .S. q11e haga un esfuerzo para regresar pronto a esla Divicion despues de dejar al Supremo Cno. v.ien impueslo de cuanlo combenga y dehe saber." Tengo el honor de i nserlarlo a V. E. con el placer cle manifcstarle que el refcrido S. Coronel Garay pondra esta comuni- cacion en manos de V. E. y a el puede el Supremo Cno. peclirle cuanlas noticias crea oporlunas en caso de que por sus informes no llenen sus deceos. El Sr. Coronel Garay esla al alcanse de loclo cuanlo ha ocLlrrido, tiene talerHos v conocimienlos; su amor Patrio es bien conocido y asi lo ha mosl;ado en la ullima campana que la ha hecho en esla Division y a mi inme<liacion; lodo lo que me hace esperar que no dejara que desear el Supremo Gno. en este asunto. Me es grato renovar a V. E. las seguridadcs de mi a.precio y respeto. Dios y Livertad Matamoros Junio 4. de 1836.

Jose Urrea.

E.S. Ministro de Grra. y Marina.

[3291] [DR YANT Lo AUSTIN]

Lexington June 5 1836

Dear Sir,

I take the liberty of addressing you by the bearer Col. Edward J. Wilson the commander or the Kentucky volunleers from Lexington, and the northern counties or Kentucky, who with his command will leave for Texas this evening l\·Iany or the volunteers have already left for Louisville and from what I can judge of them from their appearance, and an acquaintance with some of them, I can assure you that you will find Col Wilson, his officers, and men a most valuable acquisition to your army; and in the event of peace, citizens that will be equally useful in civil employments. The Executive committee of arrangements for Texas, in Lexington, at an expense of several thousand dollars, have fitted out Col Wilson's regiment, and they feel a deep in tercst in their welfare. As one of this committee, I deisire you, therefore, on their arrival in Texas, to use your personal exertions in their behalf. They embarked in the cause of Texas during the g]oomiest period of its affairs, under feelings of the strongest excitement and sympathy in behalf of the struggling patriots of that country, and they go there now, with a firm determination to risk their lives-their aJl, in establishing its independence. I am very respectfully Your Obedl Servt Edwin Bryant Gen. S. F. Austin

[3292) [RUSK lo LAMAR)

Head Quarters La Bahia Slh June 1836

Dear Sir

The Communilions and intelligence this day received from Velasco has been a subject matter of aslonishmenl to me and has produced great excitement in the Army 1 allude to the fact that Santa Anna is lo be immediately lo Vera Cruz- My march to this point has been under rnuch embarrassment from the fact that so far as 1 am cognizant of the facts not one effort has hecn made by the Govt to encrcasc my force I however marched on without Bread Coffee Sugar Cloths & frequently without Sall or Beef the Mexican Army arc now beyond the Neueccs they marched out of the Country over five Thousand strong one Thousand of them from Bejar passed hy here three days ago and encamped two miles & a half from here while we were in the occupation of the Fort- l have determined not to occupy either this place or San Antonio but Lo take my stand for the present on the Guadalupe Are you going to send Santa Anna away!!! Is il deemed proper to damn the Country lo Sacrifice all we have gained to hold ourselves up to the world in the attitude of supplicating a prisoner for his tender mercies- We have some evidence of them here the Skeletons we have buried will be a lasting monument to show how far the Tyrant will respect his word and Sacred Treaties l ask you lo abstain from this act for Lhe Sake of yourselves and your Country let the News once reach this Army that he is liberated and an infurriatcd Mass will break the slight bonds which now bind them together--1 say these things not because l have an unkind feeling for one man in that Cabinet nor because 1 desire to enter into Controversy with any one but because I feel it 1uy duty the Cabinet are unappraised of the feelings here I have been requested by a field officer of cool and dcliheratc reflection lo head the Cavalry of the Army and march forthwith to Velasco Lo see that Santa Anna was not released I have had the misfortune to differ with other Departments in relation to the policy which ought to-lie pursued I have taken a course which my conscience has approved & which ( think time will show was best for this Country I will in a few days render lo Lhe Government an account of my

Stewardship and afford them an opportunity of producing more harmony With none other than feelings of kindness and the most anxious desire for the health & happiness of each member of Lhe Cabinet

I have the honor lo be with great Respect your obedient Servant Tho J Rusk

I have dispatched Captain Patton to Velasco -to supply the place of Captain Wood Whom I desire shall be sent on to Guadalu pc Vicloria Tho J Rusk

[Endorsed;]

To Honl. M B. Lamar June 5- 1836 From Gen. Rusk. Complains of want of supplies for the Army- The release of Santa Ana will break it up. Will resign his position- &c. Santa Ana should not be released-

[3293] [SUTHERLAND to SISTER]

June 5, 1836

[Dear Sister,]

I received your kind letter of some time in March but never has it been my power to answer it till now, and now what must I say (0 God support me). Yes sister 1 I must say it lo you, I have lost my William. 0, yes he is gone. My poor boy is gone, gone from me. The sixth day of March in the morning he was slain in the Alamo, in San Antonio, Then his poor body committed lo the flames. Oh, Sally, can you sympathise with and pray for me that I may have grace to help in this great time of trouble. He was there a volunteer, when Lhe Mexican army came there. At the approach of thousands of enemies they had to retreat into the Alamo where they were quickly surrounded by the enemy. Poor Fellows! The Mexican kept nearly continual firing on them for thirleen days. Then scaled the walls and killed every man in the fort but two black men. Dear Sister, I think the situation a sufficient excuse for

nol answering your leller sooner. When I received your leller I had been away from home wilh a distracled mind and had been wandering about every since Lill lhree weeks ago this day we got back lo our home where we found nothing in the world worth speaking of not one mouthful of anything Lo eat, but a liltle we brought home with us. God only knows how we will make oul. I will try lo compose my mind while I give you a short history of a few months back. The American army was on our frontier. We thought prudent to stay at home and did so until Lhe General thought proper to retreat. We, being on the frontier, were compelled to go. (l speak for all) We went lo the Colorado, forty miles, there we expected Lo slay. The army camping on the same river, but after some time the General thought proper to retreat farther and of course we had lo go loo. We proceeded to Lhe Brazos River. There slopped a few days but dread and fear caused anolher start, there Mr. Sutherland quit us and joined the army. William Heard was in also with a good many more of our citizens, however, we went on for several miles and again stopped, hoping we would not have to go farther but something [one] over there that week brought in the news that the Mexican army was crossing the Brazos not more than forty miles behind us. Again we started and travelled two days then heard the army was twenly miles behind. (I wish you could know how the people aU did as Lhey kept going about trying lo get somewhere, but no person knew where he was trying to get too). Several weeks passed on without any certain account from Lhe army. All this time you could hardly guess my feelings. My poor William gone, Sutherland in the army. Me with my three little daughters and my poor Thomas wondering about, not knowing what lo do or where to go. You will guess my feelings were dreadful but even the Lord supported me and was on our side for I think 1 may boldly say the Lord fought our battles. Only to think how many thousands of musket and cannon balls were flying there over our army and so few touched. I think that seven was all that died of their wounds. Some say our army fought double their number and who dares say that the Lord was not on our side. Mr. Sutherland's horse was killed under him but Lhe Lord preserved his life and brought him back to his family. He found me al the mouth of the Sabine from

there we all returned home. I pray that God will still continue our friend and bless us with peace again. I will now say lhal our relations are only in tolerable hcallh, tho' none very sick. Poor Mother wcnl the rounds, not very well all the lime. I was afraid that she would nol hold out lo get back again but she is much better. She slopped at Brother Williams and I expect lhal she will stay there all summer. Sister Martha lives there. We arc still trying to raise something to eat but l fear we will miss it. Brother Thomas's house was burnl with stable and corn crib. Mr. Sutherland's ware house was burnt also his house at the bay but if we can have peace and can have preaching 1 wonl care for the loss of what property is gone. [Mrs. George Sutherland J

[3294) (THORN to RUSK J

Nacog. 5 June 1836

Dear Sir,

Your favor by Mr. Finch was duly teed. with a furlough for Six Months for your prompt atlention & please accept my thanks. I leave in 5 Minutes with Mrs. Thorn for the Warm Springs of virginia & expect to extend my visit to New York. If l can serve you there, do call on me, by Letter to Maden. When 1 return my wish is to continue to be as usefuU to my Country as possible & I hope my Health will allow me lo be more active than heretofore. We will with pleasure extend to your Family every assistance they may require. Yr friend F. Thorn P. S. J have sent a good fellow as a substitute his name is Adams, he marched yesterday. Gen. Rusk. [Addrcs.sed:] Genl. T. J. Rusk

Headquarters Texas Army

[3295 l [TRIPLET Lo TOBY]

Ne,\1 Orleans June 5th 1836

To Mr Thomas Tohy Sir

As General Agent for the Government of Texas, it has become my duly lo ascertain the condition of her resources and liabilities. With that view J have desired information of you verbally as well as I can recollect, to the following amount. lsl. What is the total amount of dehls which have been incured by you on account of the Government of Texas? 2nd. Whal amount of funds have you received towards to payment of the said debt? 3rd. After deducting the one from lhe other, what part of the balance had been paid by you in cash, and where paid otherwise than in cash, how has it been paid, and of tJ1e remajnder, al what time is it due? In answer, I have received the following memorandum: Amt. in. per Flora & Good Hope clue as follows $ 18,971

Amt. in. per Flora & Good Hope due as follows

$ 18,971 3,846.94 5,211.15 4,907.99 5,005.00 S 300.00 150.00 1,200.00

8/l00c

Cash on 8th April Cash on 10 June Cash on 11 August Cash on 10 September

18,971.08

8 April a/c Charter Sehr Flora 8 April pass. 15 Volunteers Flora 6 June Bal due on Charter Flora

20,621.08

3,500.00 200.00

10 May Brig Pocket & Charter 16 May R Potter Sec. Navy

$24,321.08 I remarked to you, that the information was nol in the distinct shape in which I wished it, and I would be glad to have it in a shape in which the Cabinet of Texas could understand it, setting forth lhe manner in which I wished it done-that such .,- _,

information was indispensable to my operations, and lhe Exhibit which I desire<l to make to the Government of Texas. You replied that you did nol know that you were bound lo furnish any thing more than you hacl done-I answered, if not hound to do it, as the interest of the Government required that it sould do done, I presumed it ought not lo be refused. You said you had sent a statement of yom account lo Mr McKinney, and you would furnish nothing more-1 slated then that it would be necessary for me to shew that I had done my duty-that I should accordingly aclclress you a Note, asking the informalion which I had done verbally, and wish you to answer in writing, to which you replied that you did not know that you should answer iL-1 remarked that I presumed you would say on the letter that you would not answer it, which would satisfy the Cabinet of Texas, thal I had al least done my duty. The foregoing are I believe, almost literally tl1e remarks which passed between us on that subject-I remarked then, that I had seen at Mr Christy's Office a paper authorizing scrip lo issue upon a loan and for Lands to be contributed to the Government of Texas, and asked if it w was so, and Lhe circumslances. You replied it was so, and that you had sold a part, had authority to sell 300,000 acres, and would do it if you could you that you expected authority to sell Two Millions of Acres. I a:;ked if you had lately received any orders on the suhjecl from the Government. You answered you heard from Velasco the I6th May. J asked was it instructing you to sell those lands? You said the Government were in want of provisions, supplies, and funds; that you should sell the lands, and send them down. I told you I saw no need for my appointment if I could nol know what was doing, nor have any control over such matters, and if that was lo be the course of tirings, I should throw up my Commission-I asked then, if you could not delay your sales, until you could hear from the Cabinet-You said No-You had written to them. I then desired you to sell only enough to pay yourself, and meet indispensable demands until you could hear from them. You answered "No"-You would sell all if you could-I spoke of the injury which would result. and that such a course would prevent the taking of the remainder of the $200,000 Loan, for if Land was lo he so thrown into Lhe Markel, ours would be worth nothing. You said your lands being already localed, were worth the most.

l unclt~rstood from you, i"n relation to the $.10,000 you could on no account surrender it, or arbilTate it. As two Agents of the Government selling Land in the Market in competition with each other, arc doing an injury lo lhe Government, I deem it my duly to resign immediately, and I furthermore deem il my duty lo inform you, that in relation to the claims which you propose selling, the President informed me distinctly, that he should return -1II individual contributions-that none would he sold-and 1 say lo you (lhat- you may not be misled) that the Government does not expect any such _s.-les lo be made unless you have received different instructions from L6th May or since, for al that time I p~1rte<l with the president al Velasco, and it was only a few days before that, he mentioned the Individual subscriptions of Land would be returned: This 1 name, that you may not be yourself deceived, nor innocently deceive others. I hope jt will he admitted by you, that in our interviews, I have not by any offensive conduct, caused any effect upon your course. 1 have endeavoured to be as respectfuly as 1 could, though unforunate in not s.ilisfying you that my request was a reasonable one. That you may he as respectful as I could, though unfortunate in not satisfying you that my request was a reasonable one. That you may be satisfied l act not from jealousy of Office, I can inform you, that I never intended keeping the one I hold, long. I have so informed lhe Cabinet, and lo give you better evidence of it, my determination and conclusion on the subject will be forwarded by the next vessel, when I intend sending a copy of this letter-and therefore, thal I may not do you injustice, I ask correction of any errors which I may have made, which correction will be frankly acknowledge. My object is, not lo give unpleasant information lo the Government, but Lo shew why it is that I do not furnish what they want, and how injurious I think it is to the interest of the Government, and to those who first stepped forward in her aid, that the market should al this crisis be flooded with land script An answer is desired. Yours Respectfully Robert Triplett. J certify the foregoing lo be a true and faithful transcript of a communic,,tion nclclresscd lo Thomas Toby Esq. of this City,

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