Apr 21 1836 to June 3 1836 - PTR, Vol. 6

the Colorado river about eight miles below Columbus, al Lhe crossing of the old. Atoskoscita road., and come on lo San Felipe. After having set fire lo the Lown and burned it to the ground, the families again set out lo flee before the enemy; we rode hastily across the prairie till we reached Spring creek, a distance of about twenty-five miles. There we again encamped. The Texan army lay encamped on the Brazos about ten days. During the time we were encamped al Spring creek, awaiting Lhe movements of the two armies, a part of us wenl down to Harrisburg, on Buffalo Bayou, for the purpose of bringing up a couple of cannons, which had been senl to this place by our brethren of the United States, for Lhe army under Gen. Houston. We assisted in taking the cannons up to the army on the Brazos. About the time of our arrival on the Brazos with the cannons, Gen. Houston ordered the army to march so as to intercept the enemy, who had gone down the Brazos river to Columbia, and were moving eastward. On our reaching Spring creek, Houston not knowing what the movements of the Mexicans might be, sent me with a company of men to guard what women and children were at that place to the Trinity. But I must not forget to relate an anecdote concerning the bravery of one of our Texan women. A Mrs. .Mann, who was in our company, had discovered that a yoke of her oxen had been taken to draw the canons. With a heroism which might have been commendable had the oxen been taken by the enemy, as soon as she discovered it she took a pistol, and riding up to the foremost officer, ordered him to stop, or she would shoot him through. He instantly ordered the enemy to halt, whereupon she entered her complaint; she then seeing her oxen, rode into the midsl of the army and ordered the wagoner to loose her oxen or she would shoot him, al the same time presenting her pistol. She was immediately obeyed, and had the satisfaction of seeing her oxen once more al liberty. The Texan army moved down the prairie between Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto river, until they reached the crossing of the San Jacinto, where they came in contact with the Mexican army under Santa Anna. On the 21st of April, the ever memorable battle of San Jacinlo was fought. The Texans were victorious, and after having sustained a loss of comparatively nothing, succeeded in capturing the Mexican General, Santa Anna, and all the army, who survived the balllc.

286

Powered by