Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-06-02

- 80 OaNafh "VaAsf oChCtuA ttoActOh
charged upon him with only six hum
dred men, aud two six FOUNDERS
Houston led the charge in person; he
kept up brisk fire upon the Mexicaus.
with his field pieces charged with grape
aud canister shot. but not rifle was
fred till within pistol shot Of the Next
can line, when Houston formed his
line and rushed over their works. at
the same time pouring in upon them a
most destructive and deadly fire from
their rifles.
The moment Houston's men cleared
the Mexican breast work, they drew
their pistols and knives, and The work
ot death commenced in carnest-the
MeNicans broke IN every direction.-
The battle lasted not more than ten
minutes. At the time of the charge
Santa Anna was sitting in his carriage
IN the rear, surrounded by his staff; he
Immediately mounted his horse and
rode off. This was about four o'clock
IN the afternoon. Houston followed
the dispersed Mexicans till dark. San.
Ia Anna was so closely pursued that
he took 20 the swamp. aud was taken
the next day in the disguise Of com.
mon soldier; he was not recognised
till brought to Houston's camp. when
he asked to be brought TO Houston. and
then disclosed himself. He was inn
mediately recognised and embraced by
those OF his officers who were present.
There were several officers in Hous-
tons army who had known him in
Mexico. and Immediately recognised
him. He has offered 10 surrender all
his force IN Texas, munitions of war.
&c.-to acknowledge the absolute indie
pendence of Texas, and to remain a
hostage for the ratification of the treaty.
Houston led the charge most gallant
ly, had his horse killed under him, and
received a wound in the leg.
! have not time to give you further
particulars.
Your obedicnt servant.
y. 4. MORSE.
Killed and wounded in the Texan
Army in the battle Of the 10Th and aIst.
as follows:
killed-Lieuts. Hale and Lamb, DR..
Motley and { privates-7 in all.
Wounded-MaJ. Gen. S. Houston.
in the ANGLE, Captains NJ. Baker and
Ellington, Lieut. Neil, and 20 privates
in all ~.
Gen. Houston had horses shot from
under him during the battle.
| In confirmation Of the TeNian victory and
capture of Santa Anna, VIC annex the follow
ing:
NEW ORLEANS, MAY 10.
IerdS.-There can be no doubt of
the capture Of Santa Anna and the o.
ther Mexican Officers, whose names
have been publIshed-as the account
is confirmed by respectable persons
who have been in the Texan army or
have received private letters from
Texas.
The loss on the part Of the Texans
was killed and - wounded-anong
the former were Lieutenan,s Lamb and
Hales, and DIR. Motley. Among the
latter Is General Houston, who was
wounded in the ANGLE, and had two
horses shot under him. Captain NJ.
Baker and Billingsby, with Lieutenant
Neil are also among the wounded.
The contest was a regular battle, the
Mexicans having manGuvred for some
time previous and the Texans having
positively demanded Houston to fight.
The latter consequently ordered an ad
vanced guard against the Mexicans ::
yet enjoined them not to attack. but
retreat, to bring the enemy towards the
marsh into a defile. This being &C
complished on the afternoon of the Dist
ult. Houston Immediately hankcd the
enemy and attacked him front and rear
on both sldes-opened first with artil-
lery, which, on the second fire, dis
Persed to atoms the power boxes of the
MeXicans; and then with rifles, whose
effects are seldom useless in the hands
OF such as then used them. The Text
ans then poured in from the ambush
ment with matches, SC, and so con-
summated the work of de.truction
leaving nearly six hundred killed on
the plains. This lasted about fifteen
/ 'H'hNttsf wien Odntd anna OrUe rcd a
retreat. But after he left the carriage
and mounted on horseback TO secure
his Fight, he was betrayed by some of
his own officers. The real Simon Pure
IS therefore the victim Of the treachery
OF his own officers, who appeared 10
have urged him on to this battle, and
then betrayed him, nearly as much ns
he is Of the well laid plans Of Houston.
But this contest cannot terminate
the war ia Texas. There are still near.
ly 1000 MeXicans there under the or.
ders Of Generals Ardrade, Urea and
Sesma; and about 5000 more n Sal.
tlllo, ready to enter. The Texan war
Is national IN Mexico; and Santa Anna
continued his power solely by directing
his popular fury against Texas. His
death would give general satisfaction
through the Mexican republic. and the
Texan war will enable some other bra.
Vo to rise into power in Mexico.-Bee.
/ 800 49, L. a.