South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1836-06-18
Texan Officials.
HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ARMr, !
SAN JAcINro, April Is, 1885. {
70 His Excellency d. G. BURNETT,


To His Excellency D. G. BURNETT.
President of the Republic of Texas :
Sra: Iregret extremely that my sit
uation since the battle of the 2ist has
been such as to prevent my sending you
my official report of the same previous
to this time.
l have the honor to inform you that
on the evening Of the 18th instant, after
a forced march Of fifty-fve miles, whic h
was effected in two days and half, the
army arrived opposite Harrisburg. That
evening courier was taken, from which
learned that Gen. Santa Ana, with one
division of his choice troops. had march
ed in the direction Of Lynch's Ferry, on
the San Jacjuto, burning Harrisburg as
they passed down. The army was Or
dered TO be in readiness to march early
on the next morning. The main body
effected passage over Buffalo bayou,
below Harrisburg on the morning of the
10th. having left the baggage. sick, and
a sufficient camp guard in the rear. We
continued the march throughout the
night, making but one halt in the prairie
for short time, and without refresh.
ment. At daylight we resumed the line
of march, and in a short distance our
scouts encountered those ofthe enemy 81
we received information that Gen. Santa
Ana was at New Washington, and would
that day take up his line of march for
Anahuac, crossing at Lynch's. The Tex
ian army halted within half a mile of the
ferry, in some timber, and were engaged
in Strengthening beevcs, when the army
of Gen. Santa Ana was discovered to be
approaching in battle array, having been
encamped at Choppers Point eight miles
below
Disposition was Immediately made. OF
our forces, and preparation for his re
ception. He took position with his in
fantry and artillery in the centre, occu-
plying an island of timber, his cavalry
covering the left flank. The artillery
then opened upon our encampment, con-
sistiDg of one double fortified medium
brass twelve-pounder. The infantry in
column advanced with tho design of
chargin ing our lines, but were repulsed by
a discharge of grape and canister from
our artillery, consisting of two six-poun.
ders. The enemy had occupied piece
Of timber within rifle shot ofthe left wing
Of our army, from which an occasional
interchange of small arms took place be.
tween the troops, until the enemy with.
drew to position on the bank of the
San Jacinto, about three quarters of
mile of our encampmont, and common.
ced fertilization. a short tina before
sunset our mounted men, about eighty
five in number, under the special com
mand ofCol. Sherman, marched out for
the purpose ofreconnoiterng the enemy.
Whilst advancing. they received vol
ley from the left Of the enemy's infantry,
and, after sharp rencontre with their
cavalry, in which ours acted extremely
we'll, and performed some feats Of dar.
ing chivalry, they retired in good orr
der, having had two men wounded Sc
verely, and several horses killed. 10
the mean time the infantry under the
command Of Lieut.. Col. Willard, and
Col. Burleson's regiment, with the ar
,ilIery, had marched cut for the pur-
pose Of covering the retreat of the cav
airy, il necessary !; all then fell back
to our encampment in good order about
sunset, and remained without any o.
tensible action until the 2lst, at hall
past three o'clock, taking the first re.
freshmsnts which they had enjoyed for
two days; the enemy 10 the mean
time having extended the right flank Of
their infantry so as to occupy the ex-
IRENE point Of skirt of timber on the
bank of,he San Jacinto, and securing
their left by forlificalion about five
feet high, constructed Of packs and
baggage, leaving an opening in the
centre of the breastwork, in which
their artillery was placed, their caval-
~ 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 effsc-
tive force to upwards Of 1900 men,
while our aggregate force for the field
numbered 7S3. AT half past s O'Clock
in the evening, ordered the officers
Of the Texian army to parade their
respective Commands, having, 10 the
mean time, ordered the bridge, on the
only road communicating with the
Brassos, distant 8 miles from our en-
campment, to be destroyed, thus cut
ling of all possibility Of escape. Oar
troops paraded with alacrisy and spr.
it, and were anxious for the contest.
The conscious disparity in numbers
only seemed to increase their enthusi-
asm and confidence, and heightened
their anxiety for the conflict. Oar sit
| uations afforded me an opportunity Of