reached the place before us, and under the command of Cols. J. W. E. Wallace and John H. Moore, had commenced drilling and making preparations for battle. The people of Gonzales kept the Mexican army quiet for three clays by telling them the Alcalde had arrived and decided not to give up the cannon, if they wished it they must fight for it. The Mexican officer made answer, thal they would not leave without the cannon, and we had better give it up, for they intended to have it. During the following night all our army crossed the river, laking the cannon with us, and drew up as near as possible to the Mexicans, being secreted by the timber. Here we lay Lill morning! At daybreak on the morning of lhe second of October, we had our men arranged, and set out a flag for the purpose of holding a conversation with the Mexican officer. Cols. Wallace and Moore went oul with an interpreter lo converse with him; the interpreter informed him that we were in favor of the Constitution of 1824, thal we should not give up the cannon, that if he would like he could join us and hold his command in the army, or if he did not wish lo do that,he must return without the cannon, or lake it by force of arms. The Mexican made answer, thal he was himself in favor of the Constitution of 1824, but he was sent there by command of the Central Government, and it would be as much as his life was worth to fight for the Constitution of 1824, and he should not return without the cannon. Upon this our officers bade him good morning, and returned immediately to the army. We were instantly ordered to fire upon the Mexicans! this we did, putting them to flight. We then re-crossed the river to Gonzales. At thal place we remained five or six days, constantly receiving reinforcements from the country. While in Gonzales we were much cheered and gladdened by the return of our Senator, Slephen F. Austin, who had made his escape from prison. During our stay in Gonzales, there was a Lallie fought between the Mexicans and Texans at La Bahia, in which the Texans were victorious and look the town. Just before attacking the Fort at Goliad (La Bahia), as the Texans were marching clown the San Antonio river, from the upper lo the lower crossing of the same, about midnight, they unexpectedly came upon Benjamin R. Milam, who had lately been a prisoner in Mexico. Col. l\lilam readily joined the Texans, and was the formost to enter the enemy's quarters. This gentleman has for a number of years been a
319
Powered by FlippingBook