Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-05-15

massacre at the Alamo March 6, 1896, and
the slaughter of Col. J. w. Fannin and 800
of his men near Goliad March o. These
affairs led to the abandonment of the line
of San Antonio river by the Texan troops.
Gen. Houston, who, after a lapse had been
restored to the general command OF tho
Texan army, had previously ordered this
course but his plans had been frustrated.
When the news of Col Fannn's surrender
reached him, on the 9th of March, he was
on the east bank Of the Colorado with
force of about COO mon. Santa Anna
had begun his march from the San An
tonic eastward in several columns, and
in person led q column that crossed the
Guadalupe at Gonzales and proceeded
eastward toward Houston's position.
Another Mexican division was moving
eastward on the south Of Santa Annals
route, and another on the north. Houston
retired before Santa Anna to the Brazos
and then to the san Jacinto. His object
was TO divide the Mexicans and whip the
columns In detail. Fortunately the north
ern Mexican column got bewildered in the
forest, and assembled the Colorado instead
of crossing it to overrun eastern Texas
The southern column was delayed by high
water and did not cross the Brazos. This
left Houston but one army to cope WITH
but that outnumbered him two to one
Besides, the whole country IN front Of the
Mexicans was in n state Of alarm and the
Inhabitants, fleeing eastward at the ap-
proach Of the invaders, terrified their fell
low citizens, and men whom Houston want
ed in his ranks to fight were engaged in
plotting their families to places OF safety.
Santa Anna crossed the BrsZos at san
Felipe on the 18th Of April, and Houston on
learning this ordered all Texan troops on
that river to join him Mt Harrisburg, on
the San Jacinto. Harrisburg had become
the seat of government of Texas, and Santa
Anna marched upon it and destroyed it be
fore Houstons arrival. From Harrisburg
the MeNicans moved southwark toward
New Washington, and had entered !; re-
gion where at that season Of the year there
was but one practicable route to move an
I army. In other words, Santa Anna must
/ press onward across the san JacintO to
eastern Texas or return and meet Houston,
| who was behind him, and between him and
| the Brazos and his supporting columns.
| On the 10th OF April Houston left Harris
| burg, intending by rapid march TO reach
! LynCh's ferry at the mouth of the san Ja-
cinto ahead OF Santa Anna, and there give
battle lie had picked up re-enforcemcuts
]
also received two six Founders, called the
Twin Sisters" that had been sent by
some friendly people of Cincinnati to aid
the Texan cause.
/ On the 20th Houston went into camp on
the right bank OF buffalo bayou, one mile
from the ferry that Santa Anna was aim
ing TO reach. His position was screened
by fringe of timber parallel to the bank
of the bayou. Reconnaissance soon de
veloped the fact that the Mexican army lay
encamped beyond the timber and was pre-
pairing to cross at the ferry. Some Skin.
mishing took place during the latter part
OF the day, and at night the MeXicans
began to fortify. Their position was crit
zeal in the extreme, for marsh extended
along their right and rear, and the Texans
could compel them to fight for roadway
should they attempt either to advance or
to return whence they came. Some OF
lIouston's officers wished to move to the
attack at once. but Houston was not ready
Tomorrow" said he, 81 will conquer
slaughter and put to flight the entire Mex
lean army, and 1t shall not cost me dozer
of my brave men"
let FOR all his outward confidence the
situation with him was desperate in view
OF his numbers Santa Anna had l 800 wei
disciplined veterans, while many OF the
Texans were raw soldiers. Houston had
his back to the impossible bayou, and &
disaster on either flank would leave him
but one route of escape At 0 O'Clock
on the 2lst n small Mexican force came into
view on the main road and moved towart
Santa Annals camp For fear that thi.
movement might discourage his men by
giving the impression that re-enforcements
to- nrt
ton spread the report among his follower,
that Santa Anna was countermarching
body OF troops in order to magnify hi.
-,-..R,.1qo- n