477
PAPERS 01!' MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
the exception of four who made their escape, and one who was taken prisoner. The prisoner ever after went by the name of New Yea's Gift, having been captured on the first of January. About this time the garrison was called to lament the loss of their gallant leader, Colonel McGee, who died of a pulmonary affection, leaving behind him the reputation of a severe disciplinarian, but a brave and skilful officer. The command after the death of McGee devolved on Colonel Samuel Kemper. It is not our intention to follow this gallant band of patriots thro' all their victories. Such as we have mentioned are intended as speci 0 mens only of what daily occurred during the continuance of the siege. For fully four months, the garrison rarely ever consumed a ration that was not first won by the sword. The details of these conflicts it is now impossible to give, and even if it were practicable, they would only tire the reader with their sameness and the uniformity of_ the results. It is sufficient to state, that in every engagement, the Amer- icans were not only victorious, but the loss of the enemy compared to theirs, was fourfold greater than the disparity that existed in their forces. Out of more than one hundred battles, including the light skirmishes and the more serious conflicts, the americans were never worsted in a single one ; and if Spaniards had not reinforced as fast as their ranks were cut down, their whole army would have been utterly annihilated. Wearied of this protracted warfare inconclusive & decisive of nothing, the americans at length resolved to bring it to an end by a bold and decisive engagement. Although they were less qualified for a such a step at that moment than they had been at any former period, o~ving to the disability of so many of their own men, and the additional strength of three hundred fresh troops which the enemy had just received, yet when the proposition was first made to the garrison, it produced a general rejoicing; and every soldier capable of bearing arms prepared immediately for the . conflict. The disadvantages under which they were about to engage the enemy was a matter of no consideration. They were so inspired by their former successes, that they looked upon vic- tory as certain; and such was the anxiety of all to mingle in the fray and share in the glory, that several of the lame and sick deserted their beds, and went into battle totering under the weight of their weapons. The action was brought on by captains Francis and Monchaca. Hav- ing been ordered on the 9th of February with thirty six men to examine the enemy's position, they kept the encampment during that night in a state of continued inquietude and alarm. Early on the morning of the 10th they discovered, moving towards the fort, a detachment of three hl1ndretl of the enemy, which they immediately encountered and repulsed with a fierce fire, and then fell back themselves to a neighbor- ing ravine where they could avoid observation and watch the further movements of the foe. As soon as the disconcerted detachment re- turned to the encampment, the drum was heard, and in an instant the whole force of Herrere was under arms, and seen advancing with a port of bold defiance towards the fort. As they were passing by the ravine in which Francis and Monchaca were concealed, thinking of vic- tory ahead and not of present danger, these gallant officers saluted them with an effective shot, which caused them to recoil a few paces in
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