The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 16, July 1912 - April, 1913 Page: 44
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44 The Southwestern Historical Quarterly
point it was said they would depart immediately for Texas-"to
plant corn or fight"; as the sequel will show, not a few were
destined to engage in the former more prosaic, though not less
profitable enterprise.' It may be interesting at this point to quote
an extract from a letter written by Major P. H. Harris, of the
"Ladies Legion of Texian Volunteers," dated New Orleans, June
27, 1836 :2
Dear Sir:
You have no doubt heard of our embarkation at Louis-
ville and being landed on the bank of the Ohio river, where we
were detained five days. We finally succeeded in effecting a re-
embarkation on board the Franrc lin, a very splendid boat: but
lamentable to relate, while in camp lost by desertion about 30
men. . . . Such men would only tarnish the fame which Ken-
tucky has acquired in deeds of noble daring. . . In five days
we shall be on Texian soil. We are to land and equip at Galves-
ton, and march by way of Copano and from thence 20 miles to
Houston's camp. . . . We will have to contend against 8000
motley and degraded hirelings, and I pledge my life that the
Ladies Legion of Lexington will give a good account of itself and
old Kentuck' will be faithfully and honorably represented.
We remain under the same organization as when we left Lex-
ington with but few exceptions. Our men are entirely healthy and
in high spirits-some 20 or 30 will join us from this city.
Colonel Wilson, with a portion of the volunteers, was detained
at New Orleans certainly until July 7 and probably later, Captain
Postlethwaite with one hundred and fifty men having departed
for Texas a few days before." About the middle of July, Colonel
Wilson with his command reached Velasco. A letter from this
point, dated August 5, announced that he was about to start to
join the Texan army.4 But unfortunately for the fame of the
1Kentucky Gazette, July 7, 1836. The same paper a few days later as-
serted that it was doubtful if their service would be wanted.
2This letter is copied from the Kentucky Gazette, July 11, 1836.
8Kentucky Gazette, July 28, 1836. On July 1 a meeting was held in
New Orleans for the purpose of raising means to, transport the Kentucky
volunteers to Texas. Virginia Herald, July 23, 1836.
4Kentucky Gazette, August 18, 1836. Colonel Wilson arrived in Texas
by July 24. Ibid., August 25, 1836. Some of the command of Wilson
probably remained in New Orleans until August, for one account mentions
the departure of Kentucky volunteers during this month for Texas ,in the
schooner Julius Caesar. Virginia Herald, August 27, 1836, quoting the
New Orleans True American, August 9, 1836.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 16, July 1912 - April, 1913, periodical, 1913; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101058/m1/50/?rotate=270: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.