weU mounted and have had time to report-I take them to be a party of your spies that have given chase-in a few hours we will know the truth. Yours obly R. M. Williamson Mjr P.S. Wri le me immediately your receipt of this-a i\lr. Henry told me you wished me lo come down and see you. I have no acquaintance with Henry and think you will have written me to that effect, if necessary. Williamson [2632) [------ to ------] These are exciting times; every man now walks with a full heart- moistened eyes, and compressed lips- indicating his commingled feelings of grief and anger. Young Hadden is here; he alone escaped, of all the forces which were with Col. Fanning. On the 19th ult., Col. Fanning who had weakened his forces by sending parties on various expedilions, commenced his retreat from Goliad, having with him about three hundred men. Two or three leagues on this road he was attacked by a Mexican army of near three times his numbers- infantry, cavalry and artillery. It was two hours before night, and the Texians defended themselves with the most undaunted resolution against the repeated charges and most vigorous efforts of the enemy, until dark, when they drew off their forces- having lost in killed and wounded 180 men. The Tcxians had ten men killed and several wounded- among the latter was Col. Fanning himself. During the night the Texians entrenched them- selves in their position on the prairie. The next morning they found themselves surrounded by the Mexican army, who sent an officer ,vith a white flag and he was met by another from the Texians and a capitulation was entered into, by which it was stipulated that the Texians should surrender as prisoners of war- that they should retain their private property, and that they should be sent to New-Orleans, and be released upon their parole of honor not to serve again against the Mexicans during the war. The reasons which induced the surrender without making Harrisburg, 7th April, 1836. Dear Sir-This place is now the seat of government of Texas. further defence was the want of water, and a belief that the Mexicans would comply with the articles of capitulation, according to the custom of all civilized nations.
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