Washington telegraph., 1845-02-26
ADVE INJURIES IN TEXAS.
BATTLE OF SAN JACINTo.

fate, and right me.anchoiy one IL proved
to be.
One morning news was brought to Goliad
that a number of country people, principally
women and children, were on their way to
the fort closely pursued by Mexicans. Fam
ming, losing sight of prudence in his CON-
passion for these poor people, Immediately
ordered n battalion Of five hundred men,
under the command of Major Ward, to 90
and meet the fugitives and escort them in.
The major and several of the officers of the
garrison doubted as to the propriety of this
measure; but Tanning, full OF sympathy for
his unprotected country women, insisted,
and the battalion moved out. They soon
came in sight Of the tugiiives, as they thot,
but ON drawing nearer, the latter turned out
TO be Mexican dragons, who sPrang upon
their horses. which were concealed in a
neighboring island of trees, and desperate
fight began. The Mexicans, far superior
in numbers, received every moment acces
sions TO their strength. The Louis potosi
and Santa Fe cavalry, fellows who seem
horn ON horseback, were there. Our un-
fortunate countrymen were hemmed in ON
all sides. The tight lasted two days. and
only two men out oi five hundred escaped
with their lives.
Before the news of this misfortune reach
ed us, orders had been sent 10 Tanning to
evacuate the fort and Join us with six pieces
of artillery He received the order, and
proceeded TO execute il. But what hight
have been practicable for eight hundred
and sixty men, was impossible Tor three
hundred and sixty. Nevertheless, Tanning
began his march through the prairie. His
little band was almost Immediately sur
rounded by the enemy. After gallant
defence, which lasted twelve hours, they
succeeded in reaching the island. but scarce
Iy had they established themselves there,
when they found their ammunition was
expended. There was nothing leE for
them but to accept the terms offered by the
Mexicans, who pledged themselves, that IT
they laid down their arms, they should be
permitted to return 10 their homes. But
the rifles were no sooner piled, than the
Texans found themselves charged by their
treacherous foe, who butchered them with
out mercy. Only an advanced post of three
men succeeded in escaping.
The five hundred men whom he had left
in San Antonio de Bexar, fared no better.
Not being sufficiently numerous to hold out
the town as well as Alamo, they retreaied
into the latter. The Mexican artillery
soon laid a part of the fort in ruins. Still
its defenders held out. Alter eight days
fighting, during which the loss Of the
besiegers was tremendously severe. the
Alamo was taken, and not single Texan
le alive.
We thus, BY these two cruel blows, lost
two-thircs OF oar army. and little more than
seven hunl:ei men remlined TO resist the
numerous lcgiJns Of our victorious foe. The
prospect before us was one well calculated
10 daunt the sioutest heart.
The Mexican general, Santa Anna, NOV
ed his army forward in two divisions, one
stretched along the coast towards Nelasco,
the other advancing towards San Felipe de
Austin. He himself, with small force.
marched in the centre. At Fort Bend,
twenty miles below San Felipe, he crossed
the Brazos and shortly afterwards esiab-
lished him self with about fifteen hundred
men in an intrcnched camp. Our army
under command of Gen. Houston, had re
treated to Harrisburg, to which place Con-
rress had re:reated.
1t was on the night of the twentieth of
April, anl our whole dlsposab.e force.
some seven hundred men, 5ivouacking in
and about an island Of sycamOres. 1t was
a CLOUDY, stormy evening; high wind was
blowing; and the branches of the trees
groaned and creaked above our heads.
The weather harmonized well enough with
our feelings, which were sad and des
ponding when we thought of the desperate
state of our cause. We (Ihe oificers) were
setting in circle around the general AMI
Alcade, both of whom appeared uneasy and
anxious. More than once they got up and
walked backwards and forwards, seem
ingIy impatient, and as if they were wait
ing for or expected something. There
was a deep silence throughout the whole
biyouac, some were sleeping, AMI those
who watched were in no huInor for idle
chat.
"Who goes therel" suddenly shouted
one of the sentries. The answer we did
not hear, it was apparently satisfactory, for
there was no further challenge, and a few
seconds afterwards an orderly came up,
and whispered something in the ear OF the
Alcade. The latter hurried away, and
presently returned, spoke a few words
10 the general, and then to officers.
In an instant we were upon our feet.
In less than ten minutes, the bivouac
was broken up, and our little army on the
march.
All our people were well mounted, and
armed with rifles and bowie knives. We
had six field pieces, but we took only four;
barnessed with twice the usual number OF
horses. We marched at rapid trot the
whole night, led by :all, gaunt figure of a
man who acted as our guide, and kept some
distance in front. more than once asked
the Alcade who this was. You will know
by and by" was his answer.