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

He had never the less, to contend, not only with the privations of a long and painful campaign: he had not only overcomctheemmence distance to march his men into Texas: but he had to procure himself the means of subsistance for those men, for the governmenl had not a cent in its treasury; but the honor of his country and hi.s own reputation, required extraordinary efforts on his part, and finally he was enabled to collect about 7,000 men and just the means sufficient to march into Texas. Before the campaign was oppen, he lost about 2,000 men between sick deserted and other wise, because he had to travel 1500 miles in winter season. Nothing however could prevent him, from fulfilling his duty: he directs General Urrea to march with a 1000 troops along the coast, while he marched with the main army towards Bejar: here he stopped for a few days to supply his army, and afterwards directed General Gaona with a strong force to go to Nacogdoches, while he continued to San Felipe de Austin and Urrea to Matagorda with 500 troops more that were sent to him. GI. Santa Anna feeling no strong opposition on his way, and understanding that the enemy was retreating to the other side of the Trinity, crosses the Brasos, with 500 selected troops, forces h [is] march towards Harrisburg and reaches that place, continues his way to Lynchburg, and there he learns to his great astonishment that the texian army ljes behind him. He attacks the ennemy on the 20th of April: the ennemy makes a false retreat to the woods: he discovers the object, and encamps in sight of the texian army. The next day he receives a reinforcement of 500 men under General Cos, and prepares himself to attack the ennemy in the night of the same day; but while resting at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and allowing the troops to get some thing to it, he is surprised by the ennemy, scarcely believing that he would dare to attack him, and has scarcely time to prepare his men and give the word for charging the ennemy, when the mexicans give · away in the greatest conffusion and clisorganize themselves. Nothing then is capable to stop them: the Battle then is over, the texians obtain a compleate victory make a number of prisoners and Gral Santa Anna himself is among them. Such being the result of the campaign, J have nothing to add, hut just to assure you of the sentiments with which, T am Your Oht. Servl. J. N. Almonle

404

Powered by