[3531} ( 131NGHAM to BING HAM J
Velasco Texas 26th June 1836
My dear Mother
On the 1 of this inst. I reached La· Bahia. There we had a mournful and sad duty lo perform - the interment of the last remains of Col. Fannin & his brave companions who fell victims lo the base treachery and savage barbarity of Santa Anna. We collected their bones, which lay bleaching on the adjacent plains, and buried them in one common grave, with all the honors of war. The soul stirring speech of Gen. Rusk made on the occasion awoke afresh in the bosum of many a war worn soldier the thirst for vengeance. Santa Anna musl die. The spirits of Travis of Crockell and their brave companions together wilh Fannin and his men murdered in cold blood, call aloud for his, and we will have it. "The torch of hale is again lighted and with a cry of havoc has let slip the clogs of war." Ten thousand Mexicans have crossed the Rio·.Grande and before this reaches you, I will ag;:iin have mingled in the sanguinary conflict. On the 9th of June under the supposition that al the shortest period, Texas would not again be invaded before fall, I sheathed my sword and turned my face eastward, hoping to repose for a time, from the fatigues the privations and dangers of war. I had reached l\fatagorda, when a carier passed me from Gen. Rusk, announcing the approach of the Mexican Army and calling on the people to r~pair to the field. I immediately hastened on to this place to take such steps as would again enable me to enter the service. Of my own services (of which you perhaps wish to know something) 1t does not become me to speak. The commander in Chief has born lestimony lo my part of 21 April made to the President of Texas the following is a copy of my discharge from under the hand of Col. Somerville now Secretary of War. Camp La Bahia 9th June 1836 M. A. Bingham having faithfully performed the duties of a soldier in the volunteer army of Texas for the term of three months two weeks as a private one month & a half as orderly sergeant & one month as Capt. & having fought bravely in the battle of San Jacinto, is hereby honorably discharged from further service. A. Somerville, Lt. Col. Comg. T.V. Now 1 beg leave to stale for your information & that of any friend who should chance lo enquire about me, that 1 did not obtain a captains commission through the favor or patronage of any
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