proved to be a bc1ter one, than my own-After having dined for the first time in my life with the i\lexican, and a searl? J mess it was-] mounted & was off-In 2 hours, & a half we were in sight of the Mexican camp at Goliad, but 5 miles distant-what happened between that time & the time in which I was halted by the sentinel of our enemy, one can heller imagine than pen---------- Paratterre.[ ] was hailed by the sentinel, who appeared industriously promenading his ground- this I instinctively under- stood meant halt,-We were scarcely halted before, an officer passed the Sentry, and approach~d us with a studied brow, and modestly asked me my business.-! told him I wished a private interview with Genl. Filisola, whom I presumed is now commanding this post-He bowed, responding, Genl. Filisola is the commandant, and excused himself, saying he would report us to the Genl-which I knew to be all form. It is impossible for any one to approach this place, in open day without the Gaze of all who choose to look-this place is quite elevated and entirely Sourrounded by prairies-the officer was absent I supposed 15 minutes. for Times Motion was then utterly unknown to me, during the time, we were exposed their view or damnable squints-The Gen), commanding soon approached, with his staff and body Guard, which was quite numerous-the Genl. presented himself, saying; / am Filisola, who has the honor of commanding this Army, and simultaneously bowing, and gracefully gesturing with his hand, I returned a salute with my sword, in usual form,-he advanced & said (thro' his interpreter Manuel Tolsa.) I sir presume,• you are the Gentleman wishing to se me? I am said I- and am the Representative of your enemy-He requested an interview, aside from my companions-I presented to him the communication from Genl. Rusk, which rejected any thing like form of courtesy-It was a simple, abrupt & imperative order, demanding all property, prisoners & moneys which his men had previously captured-Never did I before think this letter uncouth, it now wore more the aspects of insolence, than any thing else- This letter appeared entirely repugnant to the feelings of Genl. Filisola, but no expression, save his antic gesticulations bespoke his disapprobation of his obedience or complyance with the requisition which he now holds in his hand he, bit his lips, stroaked his, hoary locks-which he wore turned, back, he alternately, angled, arched, and notted his dark brow, then suddenly errecting himself as if Electrifycd with inspired with the correctness of imagination (and with the precission and emphasis that a magistrate pronounces the sentance of death before a condemned culprit) Where Sir, says he is General Adrian Wool? this clid not at all disappoint my anticipations or in any way astound
454
Powered by FlippingBook