The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-07-09
THE FIRST GUN FOR TEXAN LIBERTY.
BY JACK, JR.


borne along by gentle breeze which was
fragrant with the aroma Of fertile region.
Immense droves Of cattle nipped the tender
grass i'll quietude, and Nature seemed to
be takinga peaceful slumber, so silent was
the vast solitude.
Quietly pursuing his way from the beau
tiful, meandering waters, of the Colorado,
was a traveller, mounted horse of the mus
tang species, whose broad chest, small legs,
high withers, arclled neck covered with 4
dense shaggy name, small ear and bri ght
eyes, denoted both speed and bottom.-
Before him lie drove less valuable animal,
laden with articles necessary for an cxpcdi-
ton which had for its Object the explor;-
ton ofthe country. TWAS his design, first to
visit the Rio Gonzales, fine stream which
watered beautiful region known, at that
time, as Western Texas.
Rumors of war had been current, but it
was not known that q large Mexican force,
under Gen. Cos. was steal,hily marching,
by direction Of Santa Anna, into the pro,
vince of Texas, by its southwestern bo un-
Diary, with view Of concentrating at San
Antonio. Men who had settled in the
country, were pursuing their ordinary avo-
cations, little dreaming tha: wa:, with all
its attending evils, WAS SO near their hearth
stones.
The solitary horseman (not Jamcs) was
lelsurely journeying, taking ample time to
observe the resources of the country rs he
passed through it. Towards nightf;ll he
halted at a small house inhabited by Anne
ricans. After partaking Of the wholesome
cheer set before him by the hostess, the
traveller was about entering into convcr-
sation relative to the country, when u mes
senger rode hastily up and communicated
the intelligcncs, that Il force Of one hundred
men-a detachment from the army of Gen.
Cos-had arrived near Gonzales for the
purpose OF sclzing a brass field piece, which
had been given to the inhabitants by San.
ia Anna, for the better defence of the place
against the attacks of the Indians.
!. Consultations were Immediately held by
the host, our traveller and the messenger,
and it was at length determined to 60 to
the assistance Of the people Of Gonzales,
and, if possible, prevent the cannon from
being removed by the Mexican troops
Consequently, preparations were made foi
an early departure on the following NOR
ming.
Daylight had scarcely tinged the tree
tops with Aurora's golden beams, when a
party of three left the rancho, and took the
road leading to the place of threatened
danger, some forty miles distant Who
may tell the thoughts that rushed through
the minds Of those men, one of whom was
ourtravelo', as they galIoppcd forward to The
assistance of'their friends! All little did
they then think that the scorcling fire
brands of war were already being ligh.cned
that would SO soon fill that little world of
Texas with its .devouring fame! Yet so it
Indeed vas. Tho shock Of battle and the
crash -of.;arms 'wcfe speedily to resound
through tile length and breadth Of that
beautiful and fertile land, ,up,il many a
hard fought isldf faitl long continued siege,
heuld attest tho syalor and supremacy OF
the Anerican people. + .s.~s
Nswas already quite dark, when the par.
ty auived in the outskItssef the town.
sSothers lad come iu, SO .tllat goodly nun
Der could boz mustered to act either upon
the defensive or .offeisiye, as circumstances
might seem to demand. The inhabitants
had slaughtered an OK, Whieh was suspcn
ded frona eY'tBpripg tree, and built a
huge log fire for tie purpose of furnishing
roast beef to the infant army Of tile Repub
lie. After securing their animals, the par
ties who had recently come in, commenced
off slices and throwing them into
!, The enibers, when, as fast as they were
= Z: cooked, they we're taken out and caten.-
The evening was employed in collecting
scraps of iron. old log chains, and such otl,
5ef articles as would furnish material for tho
eaectual, working Of the gun. Companic.
sweresformed and officered, our traveller and
afew others undertaking the management
. Of the field piece. BY midnight, force o
neasly ninety men, armed aSith rifles, was
assembled. They were formed in hollow
= square, witlr che field piece in tho CENTRE
!. "A clergyman, whose name think was
smitb, then made an address to the volun
tssrs e. 2 becoming spirit, dwelling will
snpl.asis nnon the justness of defending
tLemastxss and property against the aggrcs
siohs fthe Mexicans, .and tho surety Of be
coming eventually triumphant in the strug
gle which was TO take place; he closed hi.
rernaska BY offering up prayer to the Di