the Colorado the army pitched their encampment on the east bank of the river, part of them opposite Columbus, under the command of Col. Burleson, and the remainder under Sherman above the town, at the Shoals known as Dewees' ford. The Texans were closely followed by the Mexican army under Col. Felisola. Fclisola's army pitched their encampment on the west side of the Colorado about a mile from Columbus. Santa Anna's division of the army having to come by way of La Bahia had not as yet come up ,\';th Fclisola. In U1is situation our army lay for five or six days, wailing for assistance to come from the cast, and making preparations to engage the enemy in battle as soon a a sufficient number of volunteers should arrive. But the fear of the enemy was so great that but few came in, and Houston's whole army only amounted to eight hundred men. A great excitement prevailed among the troops to know what was to be done. Most of the army seemed to manifest a desire to cross the river and give the Mexicans battle. On the night of the 24th of March, General Houston sent for me to go to his camp. He inquired of me the situation of the place where the enemy were encamped, and what were the chances for a battle provided we crossed the river at the ford and went up towards the enemy's camps. Being well acquainted with the place I informed him that in my opinion, the chances were very favorable. I thought we might cross the river and draw up the army within a hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's camp without being discovered by them; and at that place there was a favorable situation for a battle ground. Houston then dismissed me, after having first requested me to come to his camp very early the next morning. During the night, in company with two other men, I went to a crossing of the river near the Mexican camp, in order to spy out the situation of the enemy and see their movements. About day-break we climbed a tree to enable us to get a fair view of the Mexicans; we noticed an unusual parade at the encampment; there seemed lo be more music than common, and more booming of canr.ons. After having learned as much as we could of their movements we descended from the tree and, obedient to the request of Gen. Houston, I repaired to his camp. On arriving al his tent I was informed by him that a gen tiemen by the name of Carr had that night arrived in camp from Victoria, bringing information that Santa Anna with his army had crossed
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