[2920] [BAXTER lo BAXTERJ
Galveston Bay Texas April 29th 1836
Dear Brother
... On the morning of the 20th Gen. Santa Anna arrived in sight of this place with 1000 men Houston had about 800 men 600 of which was able lo take the field in a grove of Limber with the bay on west and an extensive prairy on the north south and east Santa Anna marched with firm solid columns to the allack but they were repulsed almost before they started. they then retired to a grove of timber about one miles distance from our camp to wait for reinforcements they spent that night in fortifying expecting an attack that night next morning Gen. Coss reinforced him with 500 men all were then determined lo make an attack that day accordingly we were ordered lo form for battle on the 21st about 4 oclock P.M. which was done in a few minutes but our cavalry was discovered by them almost as soon as they were formed they opened their cannon on us at the distance of a mile but to no affect the orders were instantly given to charge which also done with such rapidity that they scarcely saw us before we were within rifle shot of them they then opened a most tremendous fire of musketry upon our lines still boring away with their long bras_s 9 pounder but to no effect until we arrived within 40 paces when we opened upon them with rifle muskeLTy and artillery lo most ruinous effect which broke their lines instantly spread desolation and death over the field but Santa Anna left it in haste with a few of his frightened comrades but our swift foot and cavalry gave chase to the fugitives still cutting them down at every jump until 800 of the Mexicans threw down their arms and surrendered amongst the prisoners you will notice the names of Gen. Santa Anna Almonta Coss with his adjutant Gen. & 2 or 3 Secretaries whose names are not recollected We killed 600 took 800 prisoners one piece of cannon 500 horses and mules 60,000$ in money 600 stands of arms 20,000$ worth of ammunition and bagage we lost 7 men killed 15 wounded We are now negocialing for peace I shall return home in
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