The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1898-02-03
SILENT
RECORDS
Or Gleanings From South
ern History.
BY Haskell H. DYER.

Santa Anna had overthrown the rul-
ing power in Mexico and established
himself as dictator. His ambition led
him to invade the plains now embraced
by the "LoneStar'o of the Southwest. TIE
advances made by this Mexican Ceasor
scarcely penetrated beyond the ''Rubi-
con" of Southwestern borders, until he
came into immediate contact with the
unerring marksmen from the South,
led by the Indian wizard-the match
less Houston of Tennessee. The gleam-
ing lances' point of the Mexican would
have defed the courage of Winkelried,
but unmolested stood Houston and his
spartans. The effect of the sad entrance
and defeat of Santa Annas army was
more than appalling and disastrous to
the Mexican government. So much as
to stay an attempt for some time to
pass.
The first time Mexicsns repelled from
the borders of the American Republic,
accomplished by Southern soldiers and
leader. While the report of this mes
sage was youthful upon its wings of
speedy passing, Great Britain was, in
her estimation, paving the path way to
sure victory for the arms of the "Uni-
ted Kingdom" and the destruction OF
the American Republic, by landing at
New Orleans and advancing the militia
through the gateway of the South.
No, but like flash unseen through the
highest ether, the tidings pass. The
nation need not fear, for the shields Of
triumph were turned toward the scene
of action. The mountaineers had
shouldered their trusty rife, cold
Hickory" had buckled his sword to his
side. In moment the great phalanx
was moving toward the queen of the
South.
All was in a blaze of excitement
around New Orleans at that period.
The English had gained footing ON the
land, their drum had sounded the call
| to arms. Andrew Jackson had arrived
upon the field that soon should know
the quakes of war and the stain of de-
feat, ere the subjects could make any
movement to establish certain victory
for their arms. The hour of struggle
opened with fires from both ranks, more
intense became the exchange. With
the calm and deliberate aim of the
back -woodsmen from Tennessee and
Kentucky, the target of their range fell
in mass of crimson. Often the form of
the captain was seen to pass backward
and forwards aud commanding with
pride the invincible Southern heroes
The British lines soon became the
spectacle of forsaken and disorderly
ranks. The fire from the rifles muzzle
spoke death at every volley. The lead
or of the British falls upon the battle
field, another takes his honored posi-
tion, but with the disappearance of
their trusty leader the soldiers loose
courage under the hail storm of leaden
stones from the American ranks. Again
victory perches upon the lofty standard
borne by Jackson's men. The enemy
| "epulsed, another attempt of foreign
power to pull down the massive pillars
of this Republic, but fsiled in their
own schemes and beaten at every post
of duty. Another splendid victory wen
on Southern soil, achieved by the pa
triOtism reared in the Southern family.
With the laurels gained on New Eng
lrnd's fair bosom, those of the cavaliers
crown the brow of the nation with un-
fading hues From the noiso of the
camp fires, the evening carol of the
lonely youth arises in melody of home
beyond the toll of marches. No proud
acclamation ever greeted with smile OF
plaudits the marksmen of this famed
battle, save the consolation that Con.
gress had awarded medal to then
leader. From the era of wars, the time
of peace springs forth. After the echoes
of battle, comes the seasons of industry
Now the Southern plantations are en-
riched by toiling husbandmen, hel
cities resume the attitude of interstate
commerce. The schoolhouse made it'
sudden appearance on every hill tor
and valley; churches erected in every
city and on every highway, An age Of
material advancement was that from
1914 to 1854, when again the arms OF tht
South we're called to defend the nation
proud honor. The trumphet proclama
tion of President Polk gathered tn,
ready veteran again on the border Il
! repeat the victories gained under tn
command of Houston. Gen. Zachar.
TAYLOR mounted the white horse AM
! rode to the front, to lead the American
! troops to brilliant victory. The rank
led by Gen. Taylor rushed from con
quest to conquest as they encountere,
the forces of the Mexicans. As the
stormed the heights at Monterey tn
bands Of Mexicans rallied repeatedly
but in vain; the sweeping onslaught a