The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-06-15
THE COLONEL'S STORY.

THE COLONEL'S STORY.
"Gentlemen, you all remember the ex-
element that prevailed in the South, sub
sequent to the annexation of Texas, in
1915. Well, in 1S43, rumors reached our
Government that strong influence was about
to be brought to bear upon the Texas indie
psndents, by which British and Spanish
interference might take place in the inter-
nal arrangements of the country.
"Through friend of mine in the War
Department at Washington, and my own
personal solicitations, I was appointed,
with two others, as commissioner to visit
that country, and feel, as it might be said,
the pulse of the people in regard to the
question of annexation, which was being
furiously agitated in the States. What is
now the State of Texas was divided into
three sections for our inspection. The
northern tier was given to Captain Ord
way, very fine officer, which department
included the country from the Brazos to
the Sabine rivers, and northwest, nearly
as far as the Red River country. The sec
ond tier, and the easiest commission of the
three, was the country contiguous to the
Brazos. This department fell to the lot of
young civil engineer, named Parks, from
Philadelphia, Pa, through the political
influence of friends. He was splendid
specimen of manhood, full of bouyancy and
hope, but unfortunately the poor fellow
was killed by a rowing band of Indians
only one month after entering upon active
duty. The third tier was an extensive one;
it included the settlements from the Colo
RADIO River south to Matamoras, and north
west along the course Of the Rio Grande.
To this division was assigned.
"Having met my fellow commissioners
in New Orleans, at which point we receiv-
cd our final instructions, we took passage
in sailing vessel for Galveston, from
which place we were to separate to our
respective departments. After stay of
three days in the latter city, parted COM
pany with my Neutrality-suspicious. and sailed
for Matagorda, arriving there on the 18th
day of August-tilis very day five years
ago.
"Eager to commence work at as early
a day as possible, l concluded to start
up the Colorado River and reach Aus
tin, from which place would begin my
tour of observation. l therefore engaged
passage on board a small fat-bottomed
steamer, advertised to 60 up the river to
Wharton, or, in case the water would
allow, as far as Columbus.
"Next morning | stepped on board the
vessel, and in short time after We were
moving up the river. After deposition
Of my luggage, l began to look about me
for my fellow-passengers. There were
about forty, all told, anda curious mixture
they were; Mexican sreasers, as they are
called. half breeds, and wild Texan border
men, comprised the p assenger-list, SO near
as could ses at . first glance. Some had
women with them, others sat in groups
telling stories of Texan life and blGoashed,
while around each knot of men perfect
TlFcTS VI toDdCCoJuiCo "0io AuhaAh6
Apart from their fellow passengers, sitting
as if for seclusions sake near the port
wheel-house, l noticed young couple,
who were evidently of different class
from the rude people strolling over the
vessel. The superiority of their dress and
bearing attracted my attention, and at
once sought seat in their vicinity, with
out any intention, however, Of intruding
myself upon them. AS they sat talking
with each other | had fair chance to
observe them closely. They were bea6ti-
full pair. From their actions and their ac-
cent, I mentally decideded that they were
newly married, and Yankees, but we'll
bred. The lady was apparently about sew
enteen or eighteen years of age; and l
thought then, and have never changed my
mind since, that she was the posseEsor of
the loveliest face ever beheld. The words
of Edmund Burke on Marie Antoinette
reverted to my mind. 1t was cast in an
oval form, and seemed to be framed in
ringlets of gold, as her hair played loosely
around it, and over her neck and Shout
ders. Her eyes could not get glimpse