My impression is that the war is over. Our Company was loo late to be in the battle that has probably decided the fate of Texas, all about which you have heard. When we started from N. Orleans, everything was gloomy and at sea we heard the news. It was a great battle, or rather a great victory, for the Mexicans fought, but some fired on for ten minutes, although behind breast works, before most of them broke and run, or threw down their arms. Their officers urged them on, but all in vain. Santa Anna killed six of his own men with his sabre lo urge on lo fight. There were some 600 or 800 Texian, and from 1200 to 1800 Mexicans, - it is not known that a single Mexican escaped, and yet it is difficult to get accurate information even here; there are 600 Mexicans killed on the field, besides the numbers that were killed all round the neighborhood, and in attempting to cross a lake close by. Cos had got within two miles of the timber of the Brazos when he was captured, but very near escaped. Santa Anna was disguised as a common soldier and he got several miles off, when he was taken by a soldier who knew nothing of his character until he brought him in, and the Mexican prisoners bowed their heads, and cried out "Santa Anna", "Santa Anna". The Mexicans cried for quarter, but it was long before they got any. The cry of the Texian was "Alamo", "remember the Alamo", and it was of avail. Our army slew them until they were tired. If I had time I could tell you a good deal, but I cannot now. I have seen very many Mexican prisoners, and I am perfectly convinced that they tell the truth when they say they much prefer lo be prisoners and servants here, than soldiers in the Mexican army. They are treated with great kindness and every polite attention paid to them, as much as if they were our brothers. Now my dear Ann, let me say to you, abide in the fear and love of God constantly; pray always, but pray also at set times methodically; the Great and Good One has preserved me so far in good health and free from suffering. Oh! how good he has been to me; pray for me. You know what is right with regard to the. children, as you are more than a common woman in good sense; be more than a woman in firmness in the progress of their education, and they shall with the helping of God, be all that we desire them. I hope you are with Mother, that admirable woman. Oh! how much I owe her. May God preserve her until I have an opportunity on my knees of thanking her.
298
Powered by FlippingBook