Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1836-06-16
TEXAS.

GENERAL HOUSION'S OfFINtAL.-
We cow from the New Orleans Bee, the official
accoun, of the battle between the Texans ana
Mcxicans, from General Houston himself, who is
now in New Orleans, for the oLjoc, Of recovering
from his wounds
Hsap QUARTERS OF THE Army.
San Jacin,o, 25th April, 1896.
To his Exccllency ID. G. Burnett,
Presdcn, of the Republic Of Texas.
Sir,-I regret extremely tina, my situation since
the battle of the 2lst, has been such TO prevent
nv sending YOU my official report OF the same pre-
yous to this time.
| have the honor 10 inform you that on the
evening of the 18th Inst, after forced march OF
fit,- five niles which effected IN two days
and half the army arrived opposite Harrisburg
that evening courier was taken, from which
learned that General Santa Anna, with one di''-
sion OF his choice troops had marched IN the d'rrc-
ton OF Lynch's ferry, on tile San Jac'nto burning
Harrisburg as they passed down. The army was
ordered to be in readiness to march early on the
ne,t morning The main body effected a passing
over Buffalo Bayou below Harrisburg, ON the nor
ming of the 19ih having left the baggage, SICK, and
u sufficient camp guard in the rcar.-Ne eon'in-
ued the march throughout the night, making but
one halt in the prairie for a short time, and with
out refreshmout. At daylight wo resumed the
limo of march, and in short distance our scouts
encountered those Of the enemy, and We received
information that G General Santa Anna was ut New
Washington and would that day take up hIs linc
of march for Anahuac. crossing at Lynehs The
Texan army halted within hall mile OF the fer
~ in some timber, and were engaged in slaughter
amn~n,e breves when the army Of General Santa
ray, having becarcd to be advancing in battle ar
.ig, miles below. III at Choppers Point,
Disposition was Immediately mau,
ccs, and preparation for hi, reception. He i8J;
position win his infantry and artillery in the
centre, occupying island Of timber, his cavalry
covering the left flank. The artillery then open
ed upon cncampnent, consisting of one dou
BILE fortified medium brass twelve FOUNDER The
infantry in column advanced with the design of
charging our lines, but repusrd by dis
charge of grape and canister from our artillery,
consisting Of Two six FOUNDERS. The enemy had
occupied "a piece of timber within rife shot of the
lnlt wing OF our army, from which an occasional
interchange OF small arms took place between the
troops, un, the enemy Withdrew to the bank Of
the San Jacinto, about three quarters of mile of
our encampmeni, and commenced fortifcarion.
A short time before sunset our mounted men rirh-
~ in number, under the special command Of colo
mel sherman, marched oul for the purpose of re-
connoiterlng the enemy. Whilst advancing they
received a .oIey from the left Of the encmy's in
fanry, aud after IA sharp rencountcr with their ca
ralry, in which ours acted extremely well and
performed some daring icats of chivalry, they re-.
tired in good order, having had 2 wounded
severely, and several horses killed in the mean
time the infantry under the command Of lieutenant
colonel Nlllard, and colonel Burcson's regiment,
with the artillery, had marched out for the pur-
pose of covering the retreat of the cavalry if ne
ressary all then fell back TO our encanpncnt in
good order about sunset and remained with
out any ostensbc action until the 2lst at half past
3 O'Clock, taking the first refreshments which the,
had enjoyed ioI two days. The enemy in tho
mean time having extended the right flank of
their infantry so as to occupy the extreme point Of
skirt of timber the bank of the San Jacinto.
and securing their left by iortlhCa,on Of about
five feet high constructed OF packs and baggage
leaving an opening III the ceatre Of the brcastwork
III winch their aiuiery was placed, their cavalry
upon their left wing. About 9 o'clock on
the morning Of the 2lst, the enemy were
reinforced by 500 choice troops under the
command Of general Cos, increasing their . fec
tive force TO upwards Of 1900 men, while our ap-
greeate force for the field numbered 1888 At half
past O'Clock in the evening, ordered the officers
OF the Texan army TO parade their respective
commands, having in the mean time ordered the
bridge, ON tie only road communicating will, the
Bra2os, distant miles from our encan,pnlent to
be destroyed, thus cutting oil all possibility of cs-
cape. Our troops paraded with alacrity and spi-
nj, and were anxious for the contest. The con-
Stious disparity IN numbers only seemed to IN
crease their enthusiasm and confidence and height
ened their anxiety for the conflict. Our situation
afforded me an opportunity of making the arrange.
meni preparatory to the attack, without expressing
our designs to the enemy The first regiment
commanded by colonel Burlesson, was assigned
the centre. The second regiment under the COM ,
mand of colonel Sherman, formed The left wing OF
tho army. The artillery under the special COM
mand of colonel Geo. w Hacklcy, inspector gen.
era, placed on the rigd Of the first regiment /
and four companies under the command of lieu.
tenant colonel Mard, sustained ths artillery upon
the right, and cavalry sixty -one in number.
commanded by colonel Mirabcau B. Lamar. who's,
gallant and daring conduct on the previous day
had attracted the admiration of his comrades, and
called him TO that station, placed on our extreme
right, composed our line. Oar cavalry frs,
despatched to the front Of the enemy, left for the
purpose Of attracting their notice, whilst an ex-
tensive island Of timber afforded US an opportunity
of concentrating our forces and Displaying from
that point agreeably to the previous design of the
troops Every evolution was performed witt, aac-
rhy' the whole advancing rapidly in lines and .
through an open prairie, without any protection
Whatever Tor our men the artillery advanced and
'ook station within two hundred yards of the breast.
work and commenced an effective tire with rrape
and canister. Colonel Sherman with hi, repi-
ment having commenced the action upon our lcf,
wing the whole line at ihe centre and on thu riub,
advancing IN double quick time, rung the war crv
" hemember the ALamo 4" received fbe encu,i.