Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-06-17
From The New York Coul Ter and Enquirer.
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE DE.
FEAT OF THE MEXICANS.

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE DE.
FEAT OF THE MExICANs.
GALVESTON ISLAND, May 6, 1886.
Santa Ana had Just fred New Wash
when news reached him on the Goth
of the appearance of Texian troops. He
was taken completely by surprise, and says,
that as he had found all the farms deserted,
and could learn not hing of Gen. Houston,
he concluded all the inhabitants had left
the country. A skirmish only took place
on the Goth with a small detachment or
scouting party, Houston keeping the main
body in the woods under a hill where none
could be seen. The next day, the 2lst,
Santa Ana was quietly taking his siesta,
when he was awoke with news of our ap
proach, which be swore was q lie. Gen.
Cos had arrived after q forced march with
reinforcement, about an hour or two be-
fore and was likewise taking his siesta.-
Some Of the incl we're sleeping, some cook.
ing, some washing, in short in any situation
but that of making preparation for battle,
when they were bounced upon by US at
about q o'clock, P. M. Of the 2lst.
Our troops marched up in front Of the
enemy on the open prairie, never firing a
musket or rifle until within so yards. The
enemy were posted behind breastworks and
in the woods, and commenced with their
artillery at a distance of 400 yards. Our
artillery opened at 2IO yards. When the
charge was sounded, we rushed upon them;
the cry of "the Alamo and La Bahia" re
sounding throughout the lines. The or.
tillery lone piece only was taken loaded,
and when in the act ofbeing primed, and
every artillerist put to the sword who did
not fly. The battle lasted 10 minutes, and
then commenced the route and slaughter.
The poor devils Of Mexicans would hold up
their hands, cross themselves, and sing out,
"me no Alamo" but nothing could save
them the blood of our countrymen was
too fresh in the memory Of our people 10
let one Mexican escape, until worn down
with pursuit and slaughter. they common,
ced making prisoners. Officers and oil
fled; none dare attempt 10 stem the torrent.
The Mexicans threw down their guns
loaded and sought safety in every direction.
while our cavalry and infantry pursued and
cut them down. Muskets and rifles were
dubbed when they had not time TO reload,
and the brains of the Mexicsns beat out as
they came up with them. The captain Of
one Of the companies of regulars pointed
ont one of his men who fired 10 rounds and
used three muskets, two of them having
got choaked and he having broken their
breechcs over the heads OF the Mexicans.
The battle was fought just above q place
marked on the map autographed last sum.
mer, in New York, "McCormicks." The
enemy were driven and retreated until many
were forced into the water, which you will
see bounds the land there. They ran in
up to their necks and our rinemen would
shoot them in the head. Santa Ana and
Almonte in flying, plunged their horses into
a quagmire were thrown off and nearly
suffocated before extricated. Both contin-
ued their flight on foot. Santa Ana was
furnished with a fresh horse on which he
escaped ten miles further and was taken
the next day in disguise. Almonte finding
oil was lost and fearing all would be cut to
pieces, placed himself at the head Of 3 OF
400 men, made them form in a column, 4
or 8 deep, throw down their arms, and then
held up q white flag and surrendered then
at once to a small body Of our troops who
were in pursuit, and they were all marched
into camp together. Santa Ana was MOI
recognized until presented to Gen. Houston
whom he complImented highly, by saying
"the man who conquered the Napoleon o.
the south was born to no common destiny.
With Santa Ana all his staff were tuker
ofcavalry, and it is supposed about ter
others. There never was so complete
defeat with so little loss on one side. Our
consists OF 3 killed on the field Of battle
five died since of their wounds, and fiftee,
more wounded: in all 90 killed and wound
ed. The Mexican dead were strewe,
around for ten miles and must have amount
ed to at least 600; as many more are pris
oners. Almonts says there were 1900 Mex
lean troops in the engagement, the bes
they had. We made the attack with les
than 600 men. All Santa Ana's cam
eqnippage, baggage Of every kind, in shor
all hat the Mexicans had with them fe,
into our hands some So or 10, 900 in spe
Gle. There was supposed to have bee
$4,000 in cash in the army chest. TIL
gold part of it disappeared very soon.-
Some of the troops had fine pickings.
GALVESTON ISLAND, 10th May, 1886.
have this moment parted with SAINT
Ana and Almonte whom the Cabinet tax
with them to Velasco, which, for a while
will be the seat of Government. They or
both under great apprehensions for thei
personal safety though | have no doub
their lives will be spared-they dislike leay
ing here very much. Santa Ana embrace
me in tho most cordial and affecting Mex
lean manner on parting. He and Almont
were kept on board the Invincible until tn
moment of their departure. Notwithstand
ing his cruelties, could not help pityin
the President of Mexico us I escorted hil
from the side ofthe vessel to the steamboar
His eyes were suffused with tears. Tn
steamboat was crowded to overlooking
music playing a quick American alr-smi
" ing faces all around, even among the low
# est classes, who had lost their all,