WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1859
319
orders. Confusion was the result of it. Two men were wounded in our line. A confused retreat took place; and the consequence was that two gallant men were wounded, and one subsequently died of his wounds. This was done in direct violation of the general's orders; for it was not his intention to bring on a general action that day. The guards that night were doubled. The next day, about nine o'clock, troops were discovered advanc- ing along the prairie ridge, in the direction of the Mexican en- campment, which produced some excitement. The general, not wishing the impression to be received that they were reinforce- ments, suggested that it was a ·ruse of the Mexicans; that they were the same troops that were seen yesterday; that they were marching around the swell in the prairie for the purpose of dis- play, because they were apprehensive of an attack from the Texans. He sent out two spies secretly-Deaf Smith and Karnes- upon their track; with directions to report to him privately. They did so, and reported that the reinforcement which the enemy had thus received amounted to five hundred and forty. Things remained without any change until about twelve o'clock, when the general was asked to call a council of war. No council of war had ever been solicited before. It seemed strange to him. What indications had appeared he did not know. ·The council was called, however, consisting of six field officers and the Secretary of War. The proposition was put to the council, "Shall we attack the enemy in position, or rE!ceive their attack on ours?" The two junior officers-for such is the way of taking the sense of courts in the army-were in favor of attacking the enemy in position. The four seniors and the Secretary of War, who spoke, said that "to attack veteran troops with raw militia is a thing unheard of; to charge upon the enemy, without bayonets, in an open prairie, had never been known; our situation is strong; in it we can whip all Mexico." Understanding this as the sense of the council, the general dismissed them. They went to their respective places. In the morning the sun had risen brightly, and he determined with this omen, "To-day the battle shall take place." In further- ance of that, he walked to the bayou near where he had lain on the earth without covering, and after bathing his face, he sent for the Commissary-general, Colonel Forbes, and ordered him to procure two axes, and place them at a particular tree, which he designated in the margin of the timber. He sent for Deaf Smith, and told him at his peril not to leave the camp that day without orders; that he would be wanted, and for him to select a com- panion in whom he had unbounded reliance. His orders were
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