Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal, Volume 9, Number 3, September 1999 Page: 164
[68] p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal
ings. Wrapped, as it were, in a mantle of patrio-
tism, his free-born spirit gave forth no repose to
the thoughts ard. feelings of others save upon
that one theme, when with an eye kindling with
the light of noble thoughts, and his whole face
aglow with the enthusiasm which pervaded his
soul, he would pour forth to excited crowds such
bursts of eloquence, and such earnest appeals,
that he would not have a dissenting voice among
those who heard him, as to the expediency of
immediate and determined action on the part of
the Texians against the tyranny which threat-
ened them. None could doubt his disinterested
motives, for he had given many proofs of his
patriotism and valor in preceding Indian fights.
None could help but feel the earnest eloquence
of his words, which were the language of his
soul, and so deeply impressed was he himself
with the calamities which impended over his
adopted country, that I have seen him even weep.
Noble Bowie! though time has dimmed
these eyes which gazed upon you so admiringly,
yet memory remains true to the past, and loves
to linger beyond the shadowy vale which only
partially obscures the magic land, all radiant with
the light of hope and roseate sky of love!-the
light of youth, in whose mystic circle I first be-
held you! But, though unloving, it must not be
inferred that he was not loved; for it was my lot
to be the intimate friend of one who loved him
truly, and when I say love, I speak not of that
sentiment so common in this world, which is but
a reflection of a flame, but that constant, all-ab-
sorbing feeling which is nursed by poetic imagi-
nation and enthusiastic emotion which invests the
object, however inferior, with the loftiest attributes
of humanity. Such love was that which Clara
Lisle felt for the patriot, Bowie, and to those who
knew him, it is needless to say how worthy was
the object which inspired it. As I have said be-
fore, I was the intimate friend of Clara Lisle,
and have many a time witnessed, with grief the
unconfessed agony of her heart, as she could
not conceal from herself the truth that her lovewas unreturned. But yet, like all others in her
condition, who catch at a straw, I could see that
each delicate attention which he often showed
her was made the predication of future hope-
hope which, unextinguished, will feed the lamp
of love even unto the grave.
About that time there was a grand ball
to be given at Texana, a few miles from the place
where I was then sojourning, and I was anxious
to attend, for I was young and happy in those
days, and most of the young people of my ac-
quaintance would be there. Clara also wanted to
go, for it would be her last opportunity of meet-
ing Bowie, who was then absent at Matagorda,
but promised to attend the ball, as he returned on
his way to San Antonio. But we greatly, feared
that our wishes would be doomed to disappoint-
ment, as we had no conveyance suitable for the
occasion. Howard Lisle, the brother of Clara,
would have been sufficient escort, but vanity
warned us that we would make but a poor ap-
pearance on the little mustangs which would
never do for so grand an occasion as the one to
which we were looking forward. But the days
of early Texas were the days of chivalry, and
our eyes were delighted not long after at the
appearance of an elegantly mounted Mexican,
arrayed in all the glittering decoration to which
his race is so partial, leading two beautiful horses,
each equipped with sidesaddles and silver
mounted bridles. It is needless to say that our
hearts bounded with delight as the graceful rider
approached and handed me a note from Gen.
Somervell couched in elegant language request-
ing our presence at the ball, and our acceptance
of the mode of conveyance which he furnished.
Of course we accepted and were soon arrived
at the place where the ball was to be held, es-
corted by Howard Lisle. General Somervell came
courteously forward to meet us on our arrival,
and my woman's intuition made me know that I
was the special object of his admiration. You may
not know it, but people said I was a handsome
woman in those days. Gen. Somervell was not164
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Nesbitt Memorial Library. Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal, Volume 9, Number 3, September 1999, periodical, September 1999; Columbus, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth151407/m1/36/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nesbitt Memorial Library.