[Happened After:
The
Runaway Scrape]
Following
the Battle of the Alamo,
Santa Anna, at the head of more than seven hundred
men, was in hot pursuit of Sam Houston and the Texas Army. Houston's
retreat, known as "The Runaway Scrape",
was criticized by the Texas Government, Texas Citizens, and Houston's
own army.
While pursuing Sam Houston, Santa Anna reached Harrisburg on the 15th of April,
1836. The last communication from the war department at that town was
dated on the 14th. The president and vice-president had gone to look
after their families on the 13th; Colonel Potter had been for some time
at Galveston, attending to the affairs of the navy;
Colonel Rusk was in
the army; the secretary of state had been some time sick, east of the
Trinity: so that the attorney-general and secretary of the treasury
were the only cabinet officers left at the seat of government.
As to his future course, the commander-in-chief had kept his own
counsel. He had already notified the army to be in readiness for action; and Colonel Rusk, with whom he advised and consulted in all matters,
gave notice, in his proclamation of the 13th of April, that the Texans
had taken up the line of march to meet the enemy; yet the determination
of the commander-in-chief was only known to the secretary of war. On the
morning of the 15th, Major Martin and his command, being worn out and
exhausted with fatigue, were directed to conduct the families, that were
flying from the seat of war, to Robbins's ferry; while the main army,
augmented by the detachments that had come in, set out rapidly for
Harrisburg. The prairies were wet, filled with quicksand, and almost
impassable. The prospect was gloomy indeed, and the troops were much
dispirited; yet they were encouraged in seeing the commander-in-chief
put his shoulder to the wheels to assist the wagons through the mud. On
that day they marched entirely through the prairie, and encamped at Mrs.
McCarely's, at the first timber. As the army left Donoho's, a negro, who
had been captured and then released by the enemy, brought General
Houston a message from Santa Anna, to the effect that "he knew Mr.
Houston was up there in the bushes; and, so soon as he had whipped the
land-thieves, down there, out of the country, he would come up and smoke
him out!"
Indian Worries
There was at that time a considerable number of disaffected persons on
the coast, east of the San Jacinto; and it was an important object with
Houston not to allow the Mexicans to have communication with them, as
they would thereby obtain supplies of provisions and gain information.
They would also, by such means, be enabled to control the Indians on the
lower Trinity. With a view to anticipate any intercourse between the
enemy and these
Indians, Houston had engaged Messrs. Hubert and Rankin,
Indian agents, to sound the Cooshatties on the question of giving the
Texans aid. They promised to furnish ninety warriors. Just before the
army set out for Harrisburg, the commander-in-chief sent Captain Jacob
H. Sheppard with a "talk" to the Indians, and an order to the agents to
bring on the warriors.*
* Notes of J. H. Sheppard. Captain
Sheppard says : "Just as I was leaving the general's quarters, I said,
'Where will I find you, general?' He said : 'Tell all the people you may
see, captain, that I am determined to fight, the first chance; and, if I
should meet with a reverse, I will be sure to make noise enough for you
and the Indians to follow me.'"
It is sufficient to say here, that the Indians wished to see which side
was successful before they turned out. But if the enemy had succeeded in
opening an intercourse with the Indians, they might have rallied every
tribe in eastern Texas, and thus surrounded and cut off the small army
under Houston; and not only so, but closed the Texas campaign with a
tragedy more bloody than the one with which it opened.
Capture of the Mexican Courier
To prevent this disastrous result, a forced march was made by the Texans
from Donoho's to Harrisburg. They reached the bayou, opposite the town,
on the 18th, a little before noon. Here they remained that day, partly
to rest—for they were greatly fatigued—and partly to procure
information. Deaf Smith, Karnes, and others, were sent over to
reconnoiter. The former, about dark, brought into the camp two captives
whom he had taken on the road leading west from Harrisburg—the one a
Mexican courier bearing dispatches to Santa Anna, the other a guard.
From the spies it was ascertained that the Mexican advance had marched
down Buffalo bayou, crossing Vince's bridge; and, having burnt
Harrisburg, had passed down in the direction of the bay. From the
Mexican courier* they obtained the mail directed to Santa Anna, from
which they learned the important fact, before suspected, that the
dictator himself was with the advance, and that they had him cut off
from the main body of his troops.
* This was a Mexican officer, an
extraordinary courier, who had come on from the city of Mexico. —
Juan J. Andrade to Santa Anna, April 9, 1836.
Some explanation of the manner in which
Deaf Smith captured and brought in these two prisoners, is necessary. It
is given as related by the general himself. Smith came in, greatly
fatigued, and somewhat exasperated. He repaired to the general's
quarters, and said he wished to have a little talk with him. Said he: "
General, you are very kind to these Mexicans; I like kindness, but you
are too kind — you won't allow me to kill any of them. If a man meets
two of the enemy, and is not allowed to kill either, by the time he
takes one and ties him, the other gets off so far, that it is very
fatiguing on a horse to catch him; and I wish you would let me manage
things in my own way." Houston told him not to be cruel, but that he
must be his own judge of the necessity of securing such of the enemy as
might be taken by him. Smith nodded his head —for he was a man of few
words—and retired.
By reference to the topography of that locality, it was seen that he
must necessarily return by Vince's bridge, or cross Buffalo bayou, just
below the Texan camp, at Lynch's, at the mouth of the San Jacinto. In
either way he was cut off from the main body of his army. The Texans
derived the further information that Santa Anna was requested, by the
government at home, to give protection with his troops to the surveyor
and commissioner, appointed on the part of Mexico, to run the
boundary-line between Texas and the United States, according to the
treaty between the two nations, and for which purpose Colonel Pedro
Garcia Condo was appointed surveyor, and Colonel Almonte commissioner. A
letter from General Filisola to Santa Anna gave the information that the
chief's order as to the disposition of certain forces was received, and
would be obeyed. This was supposed, as afterward proved to be the fact,
to refer to reinforcements ordered by Santa Anna.
Houston Prepares for Battle
These dispatches being read, General Houston determined to cross the
bayou early on the morning of the 19th, and go in pursuit of the enemy.
Orders were consequently given to Colonels Burleson and Sherman to have
three days' rations prepared, and like orders for repairing a boat two
miles below, on the bayou. The troops were formed on the morning of the
19th, and addressed by the commander-in-chief and the secretary of war.
The presence of Santa Anna with the enemy's advance was also made known
to them. The baggage and wagons, and two or three hundred sick and
non-effectives were left in charge of Major McNutt, on the left bank of
the bayou. Houston then dispatched a letter to Henry Raguet, advising
him that they were about to meet Santa Anna; that they had looked in
vain for help from eastern Texas; that it was then the part of wisdom,
growing out of necessity, to encounter the enemy; that no previous
occasion justified it; that they were going to conquer; that the troops
were in fine spirits, and, though the odds were against them, they would
use their best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantage as to gain
the victory.*
* —No. 43. Colonel Rusk also sent
out the following address, to which the commander-in-chief added a
postscript:
" WAR DEPARTMENT, HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, HARRISBURG, April 19,
1836.
"TO THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS—Fellow-Citizens: Let me make one more
appeal to you to turn out, and rally to the standard of your country.
The army reached here yesterday late in the day. Our scouts arrested
three of the Mexicans—one captain, one a correo [express-rider],
direct from Mexico, and another a servant. From the prisoners we learn
many interesting facts. Santa Anna himself is just below us, and within
the sound of the drum—has, we understand, only five hundred men. We are
parading our forces for the purpose of marching upon him. He has a
reinforcement of about one thousand men upon the Brazos, about forty
miles from here. A few hours more will decide the fate of our army : and
what an astonishing fact it is, that, at the very moment when the fate
of your wives, your children, your honors, your country, and all that is
dear to a freeman, are suspended upon the issue of one battle, not one
fourth of the people [men] of Texas are in the army! Are you Americans?
are you free-men ? If you are, prove your blood and birth by rallying at
once to your country's standard ! Your general is at the head of a brave
and chivalrous band, and throws himself, sword in hand, into the breach,
to save his country, and vindicate her rights. Enthusiasm prevails in
the army; but I look around and see that many, very many, whom I had
anticipated would be first in the field, are not here.
"Rise up at once, concentrate, and march
to the field ! —a vigorous effort, and the country is safe ! A different
course disgraces and ruins you; and what is life worth with the loss of
liberty? May I never survive it!
" Your fellow-citizen, THOMAS J. RUSK,
Secretary of War."
" April 19, 1836.
"We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest,
and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is
at hand. We must now act, or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard,
and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be freemen,
that your children may bless their fathers' names!
"Colonel Rusk is with me, and I am
rejoiced at it. The country will be the gainer, and myself the
beneficiary. Liberty and our country !
SAM HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief."
The above are the last papers written by these gentlemen previous to the
battle of the 21st.
The army proceeded on its march, taking only the cavalry-horses, and
those needed for the " Twin-Sisters" and an ammunition-wagon. The
measles having broken out in the camp, caused the large number of sick
that were left behind. Advancing to the ferry, they found the boat not
repaired, not-withstanding which they proceeded to cross. Thirty
pioneers, under Captain Wood, first passed over. The commander-in-chief
went with the second boat. Colonel Rusk remained to assist in the
crossing, and none labored more ardently to effect that object. A raft
of plank was used to facilitate the passage. The horses were caused to
swim across the bayou below the ferry. Before sundown the whole force
had passed over without accident, and took up the line of march down the
right bank of the bayou, and on the enemy's trail.
After advancing twelve miles, the Texans halted at one o'clock on the
morning of the 20th, at a beautiful spot in the prairie. At this time
they were aware that the Mexicans had not crossed the San Jacinto, but
it was not known exactly where they were. In fact, they had passed near
the ferry at Lynch's on the 16th. The Texans, being greatly exhausted by
incessant labor and marching, threw themselves on the ground without
refreshment, and slept.
We must here notice the narrow escape of President Burnet. On the 13th,
as has been stated, he left Harrisburg, to provide for the safety of his
family. On the same day he brought them to New Washington, below Lynch's,
on the bay, with a view to facilitate their passage, if necessary, to
Galveston. On the next day the president set out on horseback for
Harrisburg; but learning on the way that the Mexicans were there, he
returned on the morning of the 16th, in the steamer "Cayuga," to New
Washington. It was understood that the boat, which was crowded with
families, and bound for Anahuac, was to return the next morning to take
off those at New Washington. On the morning of the 17th, after
breakfast, and while they were preparing for the steamboat, the Mexican
cavalry came suddenly on them. They hastily got into a small boat, and
had not rowed more than forty yards from the shore, when the enemy
dismounted ; but they fortunately made their escape.
Skirmish on April 20, 1836
At dawn of day, on the 20th, the Texans were aroused by a tap of the
drum —for the reveille was forbidden—and resumed their march down the
bayou. After proceeding about seven miles, they halted for breakfast.
While it was in preparation, the scouts came in, and announced that they
had given chase to those of the enemy, until they discovered his advance
coming up the bay. The Texans, without taking breakfast, made a forced
march down the bayou, in order to arrive at Lynch's ferry before their
opponents. An advance of thirty or forty of the Texans proceeded rapidly
to the ferry, where they arrived by ten o'clock in the morning, and
found a like number of the enemy there, with a substantial new flatboat,
loaded with provisions for the Mexican army. It was doubtless some of
the plunder of Harrisburg or New Washington. The enemy's guard fled at
the approach of the Texan advance ; the boat and provisions were taken,
and sent up the bayou, three fourths of a mile to the rear of the Texan
camp, which was established there, along the right bank of the bayou, in
a skirt of timber. This supply of provisions was most fortunate, as the
Texans had no other during that and the following day.
The Texan camp was protected by the timber, and a rising ground running
parallel with the bayou. The camp extended some five hundred yards, and
about its centre the skirt of timber reached nearly to the top of the
rise in front. On either side of this centre the summit of the elevation
was composed of prairie. The infantry, about two hundred, under command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Millard, were stationed in this neck of timber,
extending toward the top of the rise; and the "Twin-Sisters," under
Colonel Neill, were placed on the elevation, immediately in front of
Millard. The first regiment of riflemen, under Colonel Burleson, formed
the right wing; and, the second, under Colonel Sherman, composed the
left. The cavalry was stationed in the centre, and in rear of the
infantry. In front of the centre of the Texan camp, some three or four
hundred yards distant, was a cluster of timber ; also in front and to
the left of the centre, about one hundred yards distant, was another
cluster of timber. Elsewhere in front the field was prairie.
The Texans, having established their camp, formed for battle. While they
were doing this, the Mexican artillery (one twelve-pounder), having
advanced to the first-named cluster of timber, opened upon them. After
firing about an hour, without doing any other damage than wounding
Colonel Neill, the enemy sent forward a detachment of infantry, armed
with escopetas, into the nearest wood. Being discovered there,
Colonel Sherman applied for leave to charge on them with the Texan
cavalry, in all eighty-five men. Permission was given, and the charge
made; but, as the Mexicans were in the wood, nothing was effected, and
the cavalry returned without damage.
Shortly after this, a large portion of the enemy's forces advanced
rapidly, in column, from the point occupied by their artillery to within
a hundred and fifty yards of the Texan cannon; the latter opened on
them, when they wheeled and fell back precipitately. This retreat was
answered by a shout from the Texan ranks that would have alarmed less
timid spirits. The Texans did not pursue them, but the "Twin-Sisters"
kept up a fire on them till they got out of danger, doing them some
damage. The enemy withdrew to a position near the bank of the San
Jacinto river (or bayou, for it was below their junction), about three
fourths of a mile from the Texan encampment, where they commenced to
fortify.
In the evening, about an hour before sunset, Colonel Sherman asked
permission of the commander-in-chief to take the cavalry and
reconnoiter. The general at first objected, but on reflection consented,
ordering him strictly not to go within musket-shot of the enemy, or
provoke a conflict, but to advance as near as he otherwise could to
ascertain their position; and for this reason—that the precipitate
retreat of the enemy after their charge that day had infused the finest
feeling into the Texan army, and he was unwilling that any disaster in a
partial engagement should disturb that feeling.
The cavalry set out, and continued to advance, receiving a volley from
the left of the enemy's infantry, and, after a sharp reencounter with
their cavalry, retired. In the meantime, the infantry under Colonel
Millard, Colonel Burleson's regiment, and the artillery, had advanced to
aid the cavalry, if necessary. In this affair, the Texan cavalry
acquitted themselves handsomely; and among the most distinguished of
their number was Mirabeau B. Lamar,
who, joining the army at Grove's, fell into the ranks, and soon earned
an enviable reputation as a soldier. The Texans had two wounded, one
mortally and the other severely ; they also lost several horses. The
loss of the enemy was doubtless more considerable.
Both armies having retired to their quarters, the evening passed off,
and with it the excitement of the day. The Texans, being hungry and
fatigued, after eating, obtained a refreshing sleep. The enemy in the
meantime completed his breastwork of trunks and baggage. Thursday, the
21st of April, was a clear, fine day. Early in the morning, the Texan
commander-in-chief directed Colonel Forbes, the commissary-general, to
furnish Deaf Smith with one or more axes, and to have them at a certain
place. At the same time, he sent for Smith, and directed him not to go
out of the line of sentinels that day without special permission, as he
had particular business for him of a secret character.
Santa Anna Reinforced
About nine o'clock that morning it was discovered that a considerable
force, under General Cos, was advancing from the direction of Vince's
bridge toward the enemy's camp. As it was seen by the Texans, it was
believed to be a reinforcement to Santa Anna. The commander-in-chief,
although his spies had brought information of the arrival of the
reinforcement, not caring that it should be at that time known,
suggested that it was a ruse of the Mexicans ; that they had marched
round from their left wing, and were returning, with a view to make the
impression that they were reinforced.
About noon, or a little before, the commander-in-chief was waited on by
several of the officers, suggesting a council of war. He assented to the
proposition, and it was informally held immediately, consisting of
Colonels Burleson and Sherman, Lieutenant-Colonels Millard, Somerville,
and Bennett, and Major Wells. The question was laid before them, "
Whether they should attack the enemy in his position, or await an attack
from him in theirs." The two last-named officers were in favor of an
attack on the enemy in his position : the others were in favor of
awaiting an attack from him. The reasons given for the latter opinion
were—that the Texan camp was admirably situated for defense ; that the
Mexicans were fortified in their encampment; that it was defended by
veterans, well disciplined ; and that an attack upon them through an
open prairie, with undisciplined militia, armed mostly with rifles, was
unprecedented. The council was then dismissed.
Houston Order's Vince's Bridge Destroyed, Cutting Off
Santa Anna's Route to Escape
Deaf Smith and a companion whom he had been directed, in the morning, to
select, were now sent for, and secretly dispatched, with the axes, to
cut down Vince's bridge, and burn it—the commander-in-chief saying to
Smith, as he departed, that the grass, which he then beheld before him
so beautiful in the prairie, would be crimsoned before his return,
unless he was speedy.
Bray's bayou runs into Buffalo bayou at Harrisburg, on the right bank.
Five miles farther down toward the bay, over Vince's bayou, is Vince's
bridge. It was crossed by both armies on their downward march, and was
the only passway by land, especially at that season of the year, to the
Brazos. After the main body of the Mexican reinforcement under General
Cos had passed Bray's bayou, and while the rear-guard was crossing over,
the wagoners and some others of the Texan camp-guard near Harrisburg,
hearing the noise, paraded under the command of Wagon-master Rhorer,
made a forced march to the bayou, and gave them a volley, which so
alarmed them, that they turned and fled toward the Brazos, scattering
and leaving their baggage on the road. The wagoners thereupon crossed
over, and gathered quite a supply.
It is proper to state here, that, so soon as the reinforcement under Cos
was seen to come in, Karnes and Smith had been sent to their last place
of encampment, to ascertain, from the number of camp-fires and other
signs, the probable strength of this auxiliary force. They returned and
reported privately, as they had been directed, about five hundred and
forty men.
Shortly after the departure of Smith and Reeves to destroy the bridge,
Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett was sent through the camp to ascertain the
state of feeling among the troops. He reported them all enthusiastic,
and in fine spirits. It was now nearly three o'clock in the afternoon.
The Mexicans were dull and heavy, the higher class of them enjoying
their siesta. Santa Anna admits that he himself was asleep.*
* See his " Manifesto." He handles the
point most delicately : " All I can be responsible for is physical
debility, for after having marched the whole of the previous day, and
spending the night in watching, and the morning on horse-back, I yielded
to repose, which I was unfortunately induced to prolong in consequence
of the delay of General Cos's troops. As general-in-chief, I had
fulfilled my duty, by disposing everything on the field, and issuing the
necessary orders; as a man, I yielded to the insurmountable necessity of
nature, which can not, I think, be charged as a crime against any
general, or me—much less when it took place at mid day, underneath a
tree, and in the camp itself; a proof that I did not abandon myself
immoderately to that which, after all, is but a comfort, a balm, or
gentle tribute to human nature, with which the greatest men have been
unable to dispense, not excepting kiwi, the great military exemplar of
our age: and yet for this they were not accused of rashness, and want of
foresight, and due caution."
The Battle of San Jacinto Begins
Houston, having formed his plan of battle, submitted it to the secretary
of war, who approved of it. He then ordered the troops to parade, which
they did with alacrity and spirit. The locality of the Texan camp
afforded ample opportunity to form in order of battle without being seen
by the enemy. Burleson's regiment was placed in the centre ; Sherman's
on the left wing ; the artillery, under Hockley, on the right of
Burleson ; the infantry, under Millard, on the right of the artillery ;
and the cavalry, under Lamar (whose gallant conduct the day before had
won him this command), on the extreme right. The enemy's cavalry was on
his left wing ; his centre, which was fortified, was composed of his
infantry, with his artillery in an opening in the centre of the
breastwork. He had extended his extreme right to the river, so as to
occupy a skirt of timber projecting out from it.
The Texan cavalry was first dispatched to the front of the enemy's
horse, to draw their attention ; while the remainder of the army, which
had advanced in column to the cluster of timber three or four hundred
yards in front, was deploying into line. The evolution was quickly
performed, and the whole force advanced rapidly and in good order. The
secretary of war, at the request of the general-in-chief, took command
of the left wing. While the Texans were thus advancing, Deaf Smith rode
at the top of his horse's speed to the front, and informed Houston that
Vince's bridge was destroyed. The general announced it to the line. The
" Twin-Sisters" now advanced to within two hundred yards of the Mexican
breast-work, and opened a destructive fire with grape and canister.
Sherman's regiment commenced the action upon the Texan left. The whole
line, advancing in double quick time, cried, "Remember the Alamo" — "
Remember Goliad" — and, while approaching the enemy's works, received
his fire, but withheld their own until within pistol-shot. The effect of
this fire on the enemy was terrible. But the Texans made no halt—onward
they went. On the left, they penetrated the woodland; the Mexicans fled.
On the right, the Texan cavalry charged that of the enemy; the latter
fled. In the centre, the Texan artillery advanced to within seventy
yards of that of the Mexicans, but ceased to fire, for Burleson's
regiment and Millard's infantry had stormed the breastwork, took the
enemy's artillery, and were driving them back.
In fifteen minutes after the charge, the Mexicans gave way at all
points, and the pursuit was general. Some of them fled to the river,
some to the swamp in their rear, others toward Vince's bridge, but the
largest portion perhaps to a clump of trees not far to the rear, where
they surrendered. Such was their consternation, and so sudden their
defeat, that their cannon was left loaded, and their precious moveables
untouched; those that were asleep, awoke only in time to be overwhelmed;
those that were cooking their dinner, left it uneaten; those that were
playing monk, left the game unfinished. The morass in the rear and right
of the enemy's camp, and into which so many of the fugitives fled,
presented an awful scene. Men and horses, dead and dying, formed a
bridge for the furious pursuers. The Texans, having no time to load
their guns, used them as clubs. So with their pistols; they then had
recourse to their bowie-knives, and finally to the weapons of the fallen
enemy. It is said that Deaf Smith, after announcing to Houston the news
of the destruction of the bridge, threw himself into the midst of the
enemy, and, after breaking his own sword in combat, coolly took another
from one he had slain, and continued the work of death. " The
commander-in-chief," says the secretary of war in his report, "acted
with great gallantry, encouraging the men to the attack, and heroically
charged, in front of the infantry, within a few yards of the enemy." It
was here that he received a severe wound in his ankle, and had his horse
shot two or three times.
The pursuit of the enemy's cavalry continued to the site of Vince's
bridge. Karnes led in this pursuit. He discovered in advance of him a
Mexican officer in a splendid uniform, and mounted on a beautiful black
charger. Being well mounted himself, he had a desire to capture him, and
went in pursuit. Perhaps such a race was never before seen in Texas.
Karnes, unable to gain on the fugitive, supposed he would take him at
the destroyed bridge. The officer, reaching the bayou, saw that the
bridge was gone, but, making no halt, plunged down the steep descent
into the water ; and, as Karnes rode up on the right bank, to his utter
astonishment he saw his foe climbing the almost perpendicular wall on
the other!
At dark the pursuit of the flying enemy ceased. The prisoners taken were
conducted to the Texan camp, placed under guard, and supplied with
provisions. A suitable guard was also left at the Mexican camp. The
wounded of both armies were as well provided for as the circumstances
would permit. After the excitement of the battle had somewhat subsided,
Houston found that his wounded limb had swollen ; his boot was cut off,
and such attention paid to the wound as could be procured to alleviate
the pain.
The main body of the prisoners were taken that night. At their head was
the cheerful and philosophical Almonte. With him it appeared only a
scene in life's drama. Conversing fluently in both English and Spanish,
he threw a charm over all with whom he came in contact. At a time so
trying to his comrades, he proved himself a true descendant of the brave
Morelos, and worthy of a better fate than that accorded to his noble
sire.
The aggregate force of the Texan army in the battle was seven hundred
and eighty-three ; that of the enemy was perhaps twice the number. The
Mexicans lost six hundred and thirty killed, two hundred and eight
wounded, and seven hundred and thirty prisoners ; besides a large
quantity of arms and great numbers of mules and horses taken, together
with their camp-equipage, and the military chest, containing twelve
thousand dollars. The Texan loss was only eight killed and twenty-five
wounded!
Santa Anna Captured
On the morning of the 22nd, detachments were sent out to scour the
country toward Harrisburg, for the purpose of taking prisoners. A party
of five, having reached Vince's, continued the search down Buffalo
bayou. One of them, James A. Sylvester, while in the act of shooting a
deer, discovered a Mexican pursuing his course toward the bridge. He
called his companions, and they rode up to the fugitive, who had fallen
down in the grass, and thrown a blanket over his head. They called to
him to rise, but he only uncovered his face. They repeated the request
for him to rise two or three times, when he did so. He advanced to
Sylvester, and shook hands with him, at the same time kissing his hand.
He inquired for General Houston; they said he was in camp. They then
asked him who he was. He said he was a private soldier. Seeing the fine
studs on the bosom of his shirt, they pointed toward them. He then said
he was an aide to Santa Anna, and burst into a flood of tears. They
reassured him. He was dressed as a common soldier, and had no arms. He
exhibited to them a letter from Colonel Almonte. As he complained of not
being able to walk, he was placed on one of their horses, and conducted
to the camp by some of the party, Sylvester going in another direction.
The distinguished prisoner—for it was Santa Anna—was handed over to
Colonel Forbes, at the guard-lines and, exhibiting to him a letter
addressed to " Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna," desired to be conducted
to General Houston. Colonel Hockley at that time passing by, the matter
was referred to him; and they both concluding that it was Santa Anna,
conducted him to headquarters. On the way, the Mexican prisoners
exclaimed, " El Presidente !"
Houston was lying on a mattress, under an oak which he had made his
headquarters, with his wounded limb in an easy position, and had fallen
into a gentle slumber. Being awakened, the captive chieftain said to
him, "I am General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and a prisoner-of-war at
your disposition." Houston looked at him, and by a motion of his hand
directed him to a tool-chest, where he could sit down. He did so,
leaning forward, and pressing his sides with his hands. Colonel Forbes
was then dispatched for Santa Anna's private secretary, in order to
identify his chief. He was brought; and, in the meantime, Colonel Rusk
and others came up. Santa Anna asked for opium. A piece of about five
grains was handed him, which he swallowed. He immediately proposed to
enter into negotiations for his liberation; but General Houston answered
him that it was a subject of which he could not take cognizance,
inasmuch as Texas had a government, to which such matters appropriately
belonged. Santa Anna observed that he disliked to have anything to do
with civilians; that he abhorred them, and would much rather treat with
the general of the army. " And," continued he, " general, you can afford
to be generous; you are born to no common destiny —you have conquered
the Napoleon of the West." General Houston and Colonel Rusk both assured
him that no negotiations could be opened until the cabinet assembled.
General Houston then asked him how he expected to negotiate under the
circumstances that had occurred at
the Alamo.
About this time, Colonel Almonte, who had been sent for, arrived; and,
after salutations between him and his chief, the latter replied that
"General Houston knew that, by the rules of war, when a fortress,
insufficient to defend itself, was summoned to surrender, and refused,
and caused the effusion of human blood, the vanquished, when it was
taken, were devoted to execution." General Houston replied that "he
knew such to have been the rule at one period, but he thought it now
obsolete, and a disgrace to the nineteenth century. But," continued
Houston, " General Santa Anna, you can not urge the same excuse for the
massacre at Goliad; they capitulated, were betrayed, and massacred
in cold blood !" Santa Anna replied; " If they ever had capitulated, he
was not aware of it. Urrea had deceived him, and informed him that they
were vanquished; and he had orders from his government to execute all
that were taken with arms in their hands." Houston rejoined; " General
Santa Anna, you are the government — a dictator has no superior." — "
But," answered Santa Anna, " I have the order of our Congress to treat
all that were found with arms in their hands, resisting the authority of
the government, as pirates. And Urrea has deceived me. He had no
authority to enter into any agreement; and, if I ever live to regain
power, he shall be punished for it.
Santa Anna's Capitulation
After a pause, Houston asked him if he did not desire some refreshment,
as he supposed he was exhausted. He said he did. He was then asked if he
desired to have his tents, baggage, staff, servants, &c. He replied that
he would gladly have them. Colonel Almonte was thereupon directed to
select them; and the prisoner's quarters were established near Houston's
favorite tree, where he had his headquarters. General Houston, previous
to Santa Anna's retirement from the audience, stated to him that he must
forthwith write an order to his second in command to evacuate Texas, and
fall back to Monterey. His dispatch, though not to the extent asked, is
as follows :
"ARMY OF OPERATIONS.
" EXCELLENT SIR : Having yesterday evening, with the small
division under my immediate command, had an encounter with the enemy,
which, notwithstanding I had previously taken all possible precautions,
proved unfortunate, I am, in consequence, a prisoner in the hands of the
enemy. Under these circumstances, your Excellency will order General
Gaona with his division to countermarch to Bexar, and wait for orders.
Your Excellency will also, with the division under your immediate
command, march to the same place. The division under command of General
Urrea will retire to Guadalupe Victoria. I have agreed with General
Houston for an armistice, until matters can be so regulated that the war
shall cease for ever.
" Your Excellency will take the proper steps for the
support of the army, which from this time remains under your command,
using the moneys lately arrived from Matamoras, the provisions on hand
there, as well as those at Victoria, and also the twenty thousand
dollars withdrawn from Bexar, and are now in that treasury.
" I hope your Excellency will, without failure, comply with these
dispositions—advising me, by return of the courier, that you have
already commenced their execution. God and liberty
Camp at San Jacinto, April 22, 1836.
"ANT°. LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. " To his Excellency Don VICENTE FILISOLA,
General of Division."
Santa Anna, at the same time, addressed another dispatch to General
Filisola, charging him to instruct the commandants of the several
Mexican divisions not to permit any injury to be done to the inhabitants
of the country; also, at the same time, a third note, directing Filisola
to order the military commandant at Goliad to set all the prisoners,
taken at Copano (as before related), at liberty, and send them forthwith
to San Felipe de Austin.
These orders were dispatched by Deaf Smith. The troops under Filisola
had been encamped on the eastern bank of the Brazos. They could not be
made to believe the report of the first fugitive from the battlefield of
the San Jacinto; but when, an hour afterward, a second one come in,
orders to retreat were given, and they recrossed the river.*
* Of this large invading force brought by
Santa Anna into Texas, but few ever reached their homes. We have learned
something of those that came from Yucatan. It was in the winter of 1835
that Santa Anna ordered a levy of eight hundred men from that state for
the invasion of Texas. These men were torn away, by military force, from
their families and occupations, to go on the campaign. The sudden use of
harsh means, and the indignities offered them, filled them with despair
(for the Yucatecos are greatly attached to their homes). They entered
into a conspiracy against their officers; but it was discovered, and
General Toro (a brother-in-law of Santa Anna) sent to Merida for a troop
of Mexican cavalry, who disarmed them, and forced them in small
companies to embark for Vera Cruz, where they were again supplied with
arms, and incorporated with the invading army. It was a portion of this
body of poor Indians that performed the bloody work at Goliad. From
starvation, and the incidents of war, there were not so many as fifty of
them that ever returned to see their wives and children! It was this
cruelty in carrying away her citizens that exasperated Yucatan against
Mexico, and caused her afterward to declare her independence. —Letter of
George Either, May 3, 1842.
The 22d day of April was the first free day in Texas. Before then, her
people had
declared their independence, but now they had won it in a noble
contest. The victory was physically and morally complete. The blow was
given at the proper time, and in a vital part. In looking back at the
events of the campaign, we can see no time when it could have succeeded
so well. Providence seemed in every way to favor the result. It was a
full retribution for past outrages. Santa Anna had presided over a feast
of blood at the Alamo; he had ordered a second at Goliad; and he was
made to behold another at San Jacinto. The Texans had their revenge. |