A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination Page: 263 of 412

                                
1846.3

ERA OF THE STATE.

247

Congress had declared war (May 11, 1846) was gladly
received by the people.
Texas' Record in the War.-Texas took an active
part in the war. The Legislature authorized General
Henderson to take command of all Texas troops called
upon to serve in the war. On May 2, 1846, the United
States Government asked for two regiments of cavalry
and two of infantry from Texas. The Governor left his
civil duties in charge of Lieutenant-Governor Horton,
and took his place in the army. He was made a major-
general of the Texas militia, and so distinguished him-
self at Monterey that Congress voted him  a sword.
President Polk offered Houston and Rusk the rank of
brigadier-general in the United States army, but they
remained in the Senate, in obedience to the wishes of
their countrymen. It is estimated that 8,000 Texans
served as volunteers during this war. The gallant Ran-
gers, under Colonel John Hays, won lasting fame. Among
prominent Texans who served as officers were: Lamar,
Burleson, Clark, Wood, Bell, Kinney, Bee, McCulloch, and
Albert Sidney Johnston.
Battles on Texas Soil.-As General Taylor, with 2000
soldiers, was returning from Point Isabel to Fort Brown,
he met (May 8) General Arista (ah rees' tah) with 6000
Mexican troops, who were commanded to prevent the
Americans from crossing the plains of Palo Alto (pa' lo
al' to). A battle followed, in which the Mexicans were de-
feated. At Resaca de la Palma (ra sa' ka da lah pahl' ma)
the road which the Americans were following ran through