Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-05-05
THE DISASTERS IN TEXAS.
From the Mobile Register Of April II.

The highly interesting communlca-
ton below has been addressed to US,
by the passengers in the brig Tenshaw
which arrived in this port yesterday
directly from Matagorda. 1t contains
a clear and authentic narrative of the
position of Texan affairs up to the
date of sailing. All that has transpi.
red since, rests upon the authority OF
rumors, and reports, too probable, IN
deed, but not yet absolutely certified,
brought by letters from New Orleans.
To the Editor ofthe Mobile Register.
BRIG TENsHAw, April IL.
II is with no purpose of eliciting
your charity or sympathy, that we an
nounce to you our arrival at your port.
II is not with blushing or shame either
that we acknowledge ourselves as Tex
ians, expatriated and seeking tempo.
rary asylum in your own, and our once
mother country. We have other views
and other motives. We conceive our
selves the bearers Of the latest intelli.
gence that has yet reached the United
States, from Texas, and fits present
unhappy condition. We conceive too,
that from the interest heretofore mani
tested by citizens from all parts Of your
country, not only by open expressions
of feeling, but by a more substantial
proof Of that interest, an actual parti-
cipation in our perils. that the intelli-
gence we are about to communicate
will be in the highest degree accepta.
BILE to your fellow citizens. You are
perhaps aware, that the independence
of Texas was declared by the members
of our Convention, on the lst Of March
last, and that a few days subsequent or
previous, San Antonio and Fort, in
the hands of the Texans, were recap
turcd by the Mexicans. There were
one hundred and forty Texans in the
Alamo, commanded by Col Travis Of
San Felipe. The number Of Mexi.
cans commanded by Gen. Santa Anna
himself, is variously reported from five
to eight thousand (; of these one thous
and were convicts who served as the
advance and protection ofthe besiegine
party. No history either ancient Oh
modern,-neither the pass of Thermo
pyle, NOR the battle fields upon which
our progenitors have fallen, presents
the remembrance of more unequal
and obstinate engagement.
OF the Texans, not man survived
to tell the news. They knew the con.
ditions under which they fought -
"Victory or Death was before them,
Unable TO obtain the former, they feal
lessly fronted and submitted TO the hat
ter. OF the Mexicans, fifteen hundred
shared the same fate. Pushing his
advantage, Santa Anna, after garrl.
soning the fort, Immediately proceeded
by forced marches to Gonzales, where
was fort commanded by Gen. Hous.
ton. Alive to the dictates of humani-
ty, and yielding to the cries ofwomcn
and children, Gen. Houston retreated
from the fort on receiving intelligence
of the enemv's approach. The last
express to Matagorda reported him on
the Rio Colorado, about twenty five
miles from San Felipe, (situated at one
of the crossings Of the Brazos. Here
is said to be the last bulwark of Texlan
Liberty. Gen. Houston's forco at the
Colorado is said to have increased to
three thousand. lfso, there is hope
that he will yet succeed. The last
news Of Col. Tanning is, that he en-.
gagged the enemy twelve miles east OF
La Bahia, (or Goliad) and from the
unprecedented inequality of numbers
is thought to be cut in pieces. But in
this as we'll as other former engage
men.s, he exhibited a character fol
decision and intrepidity rarely to be
found combined in any one man. Or
the same day on which the Tenshaw
and other vessels at anchorage were
requested to remain in the baylor the
purpose of exporting the inhabitants
who were left in the town of Matagor-
da, news arrived that the karankawa
Indians, were armed by the Mexicans,
and would make descent upon, and
burn the town that night. Sentlnels
composed of the remaining few were
placed, while the women and children
were hurried to the Tenshaw and Ca.
rolla. After time we set sail, and
when but twelve hours at sea, we were
so unfortunate as to part with the Ca
rolla, which we strongly suspect is cap
tured by Mexican cruizer.
By the assistance of darkness, which
for short time preceded the moons
rising, and the precaution of altering
our course to due South, we escaped
her, and are here.
Many of US have been citizens Of
Texas for several years, and were
compelled to yield the produce OF our