Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-04-20
Special to Eve, ing Teller.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 2O.--
The anniversary of the battle Of San
Jacinto, which is observed as relig-
in New England, was celebrated in
San Antonio today. 1t was also this
concluding day Of the spring carniv al
week and the crowd Of visitors was
one Of the largest ever entertained "a
San Antonio.
morning at Miam's grave in Milan
| Square in the presence Of state and
city officials and many other notab'~s
This afternoon the spectacular pageant
of the battle of dowers took place.
Battle Of San Jaeinto.
| The battle of san Jacinto, which de-
cided the fate OF Texas. was begun
Just II years ago today. 1t followed
a years campaign that was a sur
cession Of disasters and cold FLOODED
butcheries by Santa Annals orders Of
Texas soldiers.
The result Of the battle and the sue
cess Of the Texans was that foreign
rule was driven hack to the boundaries
that now confine the Mexican rerub-
lie.
From that battle California came
into the Union, together with that vast
1 territory which intervenes between tns
Pacific and the plains Of Texss
General Houston Falls Back.
Santa Anna had Just reduced the
Alamo. General Sam Houston fell
back to the Colorado, hoping for re-
endorsements, which he received ii
very meagre numbers. He crossed tho
Colorado and fell back to the Braxos.
when he had the happiness Of rec Nv-
ing the famous ''Twin Sisters" two
six-pounders. tho gift Of friends in
Cincinnati.
Crossing Buffalo Bayou on April 10,
ne moved toward San Jacinto, havin =
some days previously been Joined by
General Rusk, secretary Of war, witt
whom he was in perfect accord.
General Houston, Notwithstanding
the ciamors against him for falling
back. wrote to General Rusk from
Camp Mill Creek, March 20:
IT consulted none. held no councl'
Of war. If I err the blame is mine"
Houston Prepares for Battle.
On the morning of April 20 General
Houston moved rapidly to point a
short distance below the junction of
Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto
river. His force was concealed by
trees, and the Irwin Sisters well
posted.
He was prepared for battle. TIE
scouts reported that the enemy would
soon be in sight. and scarcely had this
report been made when Santa Anna
opened with his brass 12-Dounder,
which was promptly answered With
telling effect by the Irwin Sisters"
Breastworks Thrown Up.
Houston ordered a reconnoissa ce
in force on the evening of the goth,
under the direction Of Colonel Sh,"-
man, and sharp skirmish ensued.
The enemy withdrew and took his 20
sition, and the operations fol that lag
closed.
! During the night Santa Anna threw
up rough breastwork of packs and
ter for his 12-pounder.
Before the great battle of the next
day began, General Houston ordered
Dear Smith, his trusted ana most re-
liable scout, to take two men and cut
down and burn vinces bridge over
Sims bayou. This bridge was the on'y
way Of retreat, as the bayou was rot
fordable. and the banks nearly per-
pendicular. The bridge was destroy
ed and Smith and his two companions
got back In time to take part in this
fight.
Texas Fate in Balance.
Texas was to be lost or won tn1t
day, and Houston did not doubt, al
though greatly inferior in numbers to
the enemy, that he would succeed.
His men were fighting for home and
country, and were rerved to their ut
most endeavor by Santa Annals butch.
cry at the Alamo and Goliad. and NJ
had implicit confidence in his men, and
they in him.
The Mexican army was annihilat.1
In Is minutes. Remember the AlarO'
was the cry Of the Texans as they re-
ceived the enemy's Are and advanced
within pointblank shot before a piece
was discharged from their lines.
But two Of General Houston's mca
were killed and 2S wounded. six of
them MORALLY. The enemy's loss was
$50 killed and eos wounded.
700 Mexican Prisoners.
More than 700 Mexican prisoners
were taken. among them President
General Santa Anna and the most II
his officers. Many Of the Mexlcans
were killed or drowned at the place
where Vinces bridge had been de-
stroyed. Four stand of colors and all
the Mexican camp equipage, stores and
baggage were taken.
! In IS minutes the battle was gained
ana a nation horn Houston was So