History of the Revolution in Texas, Particularly of the War of 1835 & '36; Together With the Latest Geographical, Topographical, and Statistical Accounts of the Country, From the Most Authentic Sources. Also, an Appendix. Page: 225 of 227
x, 215 p. : front. (fold. map) ; 19 cm.View a full description of this book.
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313
place between the troops, until the enemy withdrew to a position on
the bank of the San Jacinto, about three quarters of a mile from
our encampment, and commenced a fortification. A short time
before sun-set, our mounted men, about 85 in number, under the
special command of Col. Sherman, marched out for the purpose of
reconnoitering the enemy. Whilst advancing, they received a volley
from the left of the enemy's infantry, and after a sharp rencontre
with their cavalry, in which ours acted well, and performed some
feats of daring chivalry, they retired in good order, having had two
men severely wounded, and several horses killed. In the mean time
the infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Millard, and Col.
Bush's regiment, with the artillery, had marched out for the purpose
of covering the retreat, if necessary. All those fell back in good order
to our encampment about sun-set, and remained without any
ostensible action until the 21st at half past 3 o'clock, taking the first
refreshment which they had enjoyed for two days. The enemy, in
the mean time, extended the right flank of their infantry so as to
occupy the extreme point of a skirt of timber on the bank of the San
Jacinto, and screened their left by a fortification about five feet high,
constrtcted of packs and baggage, leaving an opening in the centre
of the breastwork, in which their artillery was placed-the cavalry
upon the left wing.
About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were reinforced
by 500 choice troops, under the command of Gen. Cos, in.
creasing their effective force to upwards of 1500 men, while our aggregate
force for the field numbered 783. At half past 3 o'clock in
the morning, I ordered the officers of the Texan army to parade their
respective commands, having in the mean time ordered the bridges
on the only road communicating with the Brazos, distant 8 miles
from our encampment, to be destroyed, thus cutting off all posibility
of escape. Our troops paraded with alacrity and spirit, and were
anxious for the contest. Their conscious disparity in.numbers only
seemed to increase their enthusiasm and confidence, and heightened
their anxiety for the contest. Our situation afforded me the opportunity
of making the arrangements preparatory to the attack, with.
out exposing our designs to the enemy. The 1st regiment, com.
manded by Col. Burleson, was assigned to the centre; the 2d
regiment, under the command of Col. Sherman, formed the left
wing of the army; the artillery, under the special command of
Col. G. W. Herkley, Inspector General, was placed on the right of
the 1st regiment; and four companies of infantry, under the com.
mand of Lieut. Col. Millard, sustained the artillery upon the right.
Our cavalry, 61 in number, commanded by Col. Mirabeau B. Lamar,
(whose gallant and daring conduct, on the previous day, had attract.
ed the admiration of his comrades, and called him to that station,)
placed on our extreme right, completed our line. Our cavalry was
first despatched to the front of the enemy's left, for the purpose of
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History of the Revolution in Texas, Particularly of the War of 1835 & '36; Together With the Latest Geographical, Topographical, and Statistical Accounts of the Country, From the Most Authentic Sources. Also, an Appendix. (Book)
Book outlining the history of the Texas Revolution and a description of Texas geography, with a map, as well as an appendix containing personal accounts and text excerpts about specific events.
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Newell, Chester. History of the Revolution in Texas, Particularly of the War of 1835 & '36; Together With the Latest Geographical, Topographical, and Statistical Accounts of the Country, From the Most Authentic Sources. Also, an Appendix., book, 1838; New York. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth6109/m1/225/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.