The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-07-09

plan would be to surprise the .Mexicans,
who, one hundred strong, were encamped
five miles up the river, on the opposite
side, near ranch. Accordingly, tue vol
untecrs were soon on the march. When
about midway between Gonzales and the
encampment Of tho enemy, the Texans were
enveloped in dense fog; SO that it was
necessary to proceed with great caution, to
avoid being surprised. Arriving within a
short distance of the ranch where lay the
MeXicans, two men were detailed to recon-
noitre their position. They had advanced
but short distance, when the sharp crack
Of rifle was heard, and soon one of the
men came running back with the report
that his comrade had been slain by the en-
e,ny. The Texans, panic stricken, immed-
atcy fled to the timber, which was but
short distance off, on their right, leaving
their field piece on the ground. The Mexi.
cans being as bully frightened, retreatcd
precipitately to an eminencc in the vicinity,
where they formed in lin. of battle. The
Texans, finding they were not attacked,
soon found their courage, and secured tho
cannon. Safely enscopsed in the thick un-
underbruslI, they lay awaiting the approach
of day. A small party of horscmen were
dcpoycd us skirmishers. AS soon as it be-
gan to grow light, the man reported killed
came in, who had received no other dam
age than having his face filled with gun
powder. lie had approached so near the
Mexican sentinel before lie attempted to
shooot, that he caught hold Of the gun and
elevated it, thereby saving his life.
Orders were now issued for the volunteers
TO fall i'll readiness for action. The skirm-
isllcrs having become separated in the fog,
imagined that each person they saw was
an enemy, for it WAS impossible to distin-
guish friend from foe ut few yards dis
tancc. Soon the cries "Cu'rojo Merica-
no." "lKurrio," "La Muesta," &C., re-
sounded on every hand and the fierce gall
Iopng Of cavelry in all directions, led the
Commander of the volunteers to suppose
that the Mexicans were about to charge up
on him. The field piece was fired several
times in rapid succession into the ranks of
the enemy, rs was supposed, and then the
men composing the first rank were ordered
to knecl, so that the rear rank might fire
over them. Tactics were not well undes-
stood by their Commander. A sudden
gust Of wind from the North West cleared
the field of the fog, and revealed the fact,
that the Mexicans were posted obout five
hundred yords distant, on an eminence
that made up abruptly from the plain A
few scattering Mexicans, who were acting
as spies, quickly fled to their quarters.
After the mounted volunteers had Joined
the main body, it was deemed advisable by
those i'll command, to attack the Mexicans
and drive them from their position. Just
as the Texans were about doing so horse
man was seen to leave the rauks of the enc
my, and to ride with great speed towards
the Texan volunteers, waving his hat high
above lis head, and shouting at tho top of
his voice, "Dont shoot! Don't shoot ~:
which he continued until hc had gained Tire
rear. lie proved to be spcculating Yam
kee quack doctor, who had been sent by
! the Mexicans to say, that "They did not
wish to fight, as they belonged to the Fed
eralist party, and were in favor of tho prin-
cples which the Texans cspouscd. They
had been sent by Gen. Cos TO take the gun,
!. but not to do so by fighting; they were
peaccaby disposed, &c, ,Hs was told to
report to the Mexieans, .that the Texans
were ready and willing to meet their officers
for tire purpose of comforting on the matter
and lie departed for their lines.
: In the mean time the Texan force march
'5ed few hundred yards up the river, and
took position on the right Of the ranch,
where better field was offered in case. ap
: engagement should take place. The off.
GERS of each compay met between their re.
spcctiye lines. The Texan officers proposed
: to the Mcxicans that they should join their
: forces, and let each be under the command
of its officers, and to make common cause
against Santa Anna. To this proposition
the Mexican officers demurred, whereupon
: the Texan Commander said lie would either
do this or fight. The Mexican replied
: ."That he might do as he pleased about
that" and Immediately withdrew. The
field.picce was Immediately put in requisi
l ton, and discharged at tho enemy, and
soon sent them flying in the direction o
i San Antonio, where they arrived the same
day, as was afterwards asccrtained, though
seventy.ive mile distant.
This is the engagement" spoken of in
s.. Mrs. Willard's History Of Texas and she
= incorrectly adds that " tha Mex;cana wore