The Northern Standard. (Clarksville, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 47, Ed. 1, Thursday, September 21, 1843 Page: 1 of 4
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LONG SHALL OUR BANNER BRAVE THE BREEZE THE STANDARD OF THE FREE.
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
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JSSSSSISklJxSSo. de morse
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AGENTS FOR THE -STANDARD.
TtAViS C Wmoht P.M. Pine Creek.
Buccal M. Foxtoh P. M. Franklin Lamar Co.
Jans? R- Ckasmck Paris Lamar Co.
J. W. W. STAXnxLD P. M. Harrison Ca
Jcsn 8RXLTOX P. Mn Fort Siieltnn Lamar Co.
3L W. Lxr P. AL Warren Farnin County.
BaILKY Enoxisb. P. M Fort English Fannin Co."
S. Kowlxtt P. M Lexington Fannin Co.
J. O. JotWtT P. M.t Ra'eigh Fannin Co.
J. J. Wiiluhs P. M.. De Kalb Bon-ie Co.
Bekxt D. Masox Boston Bowie Cocnly.
Oen. E. H. Tasrant Bon-ie Co.
Wk. C. CjiiwroRD Shelbyrille Shelby County.
A. Stsoks P. &L Naco'doches.
Tbjltm G. Brooks P. XL San Augnslide.
Judge Lc CrocketJvHottston County.
- T; Si BioarHomton.
CpU Wh L. CAivtiuT-Anstin Travis Connty.
A. McDonald HuntSTille Montgomery County.
B F. loHnsof Washington.
8H'L B. BriohjlM Matagorda.
Dr. Jajjss RtCBET Clarksirille Arkansas.
CfUCLEi Hood E 'Washington Ark.
Jutes Hakbison- Esq St. Louis Missouri.
G- C. Goodiso. P. M.. Fort Towson. -
ffa. Ditekiwkt. Caddo Parish. Louisiana.
For the Northern Standard.
Mr. Editor Since oar return to the settlements
we have met with an Extra of your paper contain-
ing a detailed account of the Jale expedition under
CoL Jacob Snively which differs so widely from our
views and recollection of many circumstances there-
in' related that We are induced to believe tbe authors
of the same muji have been wanting in information
or ebe imposed upon by others in relation to facts that
they were not privy to. We therefore feel it n duty
that we owe not only to Col. Snively but the public
cenerally that a fair and impartial statement should
be made" in order that the blame if any may rest in
its proper place. We tberelore give the tallowing
the correctness of which we hold ourselves ready at
any timo to establish.
We deem it unnecessary to dwell on the first part
oftbo expedition as there were a number of journals
kept which contain every circumstance in detail
some ol which will doubtless be published. We
will therefore merely state that the cotnmand after
being organized took up the line or march from
Georgetown on the 25th of April travelling a little
North of West to Red river a distance of one hun
dred miles after crossing that stream. Our General
course was North Weat for ninety miles when ve
passed the Wichita mountains; our general course
.-
Iroru tnence until westrucl; ttie Arkansas river tne
distance of 260 miles being North 20 West where
we arrived on the 27th of Maynnd encamped for the
night on the West bank of the same.
On" the next morning spies were sent over to the
Santa F6 road who returned the same evening and
reported a caravan having passed some 15 or 20 days
previous towards Independence.
The spy company consisting of 12 men under
Col. Col nil were then sent up to the crossing (we
being 60 miles below) while the command moved
slowly up the river. On the evening ol the second
day two of them returned and informed the Col. that
they bii discovered a caravan up the river about SO
miles. We were immediately ordered to saddle up
and were under way in a few minutes leaviug the
packs behind with a guard who were to follow on
the next morning. We arrived at dsyhght in sight
of the supposed Mexican caravan which had previ-
ously been ascertained to be Bcnt's-wagoni on their
way to Independence. We were informed by them
that Armijo would be. at the crossing in a few days
with fire or six hundred troops to guard the caravan
into Santa Fe; also that the caravan was expected
to be on in a few days. The spies were then sent on
- to the crossing and tbe command moved down the
mer ten miles and encamped for the night The
SttXt morning we moved over to a creek which emp-
ties into the Arkansas river on which we remained
cjwreral.days; during which time nothing of interest
occurred. We then moved over to Owl creek one
j the-ributaries of the Semeroae about 20 miles
" from iherrrer; In the meantime the spies had been
sent' tolook 'out for Armijo and the caravan on the
i raad'nearthe croincr in n fewdavsther returned to
campy ani-xeported to the Colonel that they hpden-
'camped two mi'cs above the crossing on the river
i&f while some xverc out hunting and others cook-
- Mg.'iney naa nearly been surrounaeo oy nity niexi-
jbans but all but one a Mr. Johnson had made their
capeby""crp5slng the river. Johnson who was
tsften 'prisoner was teleased by telling them that he
$W'pne'.of Bent's men; beiearned trom them that
PSy weTrc'lhe advance of Armijo's array that they
Y bad Teft"lhern at Sand creek about 40 tmles off that
flbey'iWbbW behcre and encamp on the river that
"'AtthL It beihsr dark when the nip ramp In urirl
"edistance'to the crossing being about 30'mHes the
Wionri
belierWHhat he could notreschir before
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GLAKIGSVILLE
morning; h&lherefore concladed that he wouldro-
raain at camp until the next day nt noon at which
time the command started and on reaching the sand
hills -we were halted 'where'we wore rested one
hour.
When we again took up the line of march and
arrived near the camp which the spies had left the
day before about three o'clock in the morning. The
spies:were then sent in to see if Armijo was there it
being the intention of Col Snively to attack him at
daylight They relurned.nnd reported that he was
not there on which we marched in and encamped on
the riier. Three spies were then started to the Se
inerone to look out for Armijo who returned with-
out reaching it in consequence of inclement weather.
Three sniej were also started a.t the same time on the
road towards Independence with instructions to fall
in with Bent's wagons and go on until they got some
certain intelligence of tho caravan.
We stilljemained on the" river. The next day
tbree ol our hunters brought in a Mexican who was
bearing dtspatches from the caravan to Armijo; the
nature of which we never could learn not being able
to get his papers. He stated that he had a companion
whose mule had given out and that he left him the
nignt oeiore mat tney naa leit tne caTavan eleven
days previous and that it would be on in 12 or 15
days. He also stated that they bad expected to meet
Armijo at the Semerone.
Tne next day twelve men under CapL Chandler
were despatched to the Semerune'n'ith instructions to
look out for the Mexican army; they returned in a
few days and stated that they had gone as far as tho
lower Semerone springs where CapL Chandler's
borse had been bitten by a rattle snake in conse-
quence of w hich they were unable to proceed farther;
they brought back ti ith them a Mexican who said he
was thecompiniou of the first one taken. In the
meantime sixteen men were sent down on the West
side of the river to spy out tbe road which is visible
in many places on the other side. After an absence
ol eight days the three spies who had been sent to-
wards Independence returned and reported that they
had gone as far as the Pax-. nee fork of the Arkansas
that there they had met one company of dragoons
who told Bent that the caiavan with two companies
of dragoons were a short distance behind that stream
and Walnut creek being very full it was their opinion
that the caravan would not be able to cross for several
days.
Col. Snively dteming it improper to remain on the
river so nrar the crossing started the command for
Owl creek. On crossing the Santa Ffe road about
ten miles from the river we discovered fresh sign of
a number ol horsemen -having passed towards tne
river. We were immediately halted and a detail of
ten men oidered Irom each ot tne tour companies
who were-placed under the command of Capt. Ry-
burn who was ordered to go in pursuit. Capt.
Chandler went but could not take the command as
stated by Messrs. Forbes and Ragin he not being a
commissioned officer. We bad gone but a short dis
lance when we discovered a number ot men to our
left on horseback who seemed to be approaching;
we were immediately ordered to file left and march
towards them leaving the packs behind. We had
gone about one mile when we were rejoined by Capt.
Ryburn who had discovered them about the same
kime we did; he ordered the men into their respective
companies and went to the bead of his own company.
when we were wheeled by companies into line ol
battle and a charge ordered which wc are sorry to
say was badly executed ; ihe men being scattered
pretty much from the starting point to the scene of ac
tion; some even having remained whern we left the
pack mules. Whether any lagged back throuerh
feelings of cowardice or not we arc unable to say
but certain we are that not more than one-half got up
until the fight was over. '
The Mexicans (who we afterwards. learned to be 100
in number) took position in a ravine or gully where
they had a beautiful chance to pick us off as we came
up but straflg' to tell not a man ol us was hurt not-
withstanding the firintr was about equal on both
sides while we killed eighteen and wounded eighteen
five of whom died afterwards. We had three horses
killed'and wounded being all the loss sustained by
us. The balance of the Mexicans were taken prison-
ers except two who made their escapn in the com-
mencement of the charge.
Alter the battle we marched about one mile to a
pond and encamped lor the night. We were then
inlormed by the prisoners that they were a part of
Armijo s army; that they had left him at or near tbe
upper Semerone springs: that he hd in all seven
hundred men: that he had three hundred buffalo hun
ters at the lower springs with 1000 animals. The
companies were paraded the next morning for the
purpose of taking the vote whether we should go and
take the hunters and then so and fight Armijo or
not All being strangers in the country Col. War-
field who had joined us a few days previous and be
ing well acquainted in the country was called on to
state the distance and the probability of success; on
which he stated that it was upwards of 200 miles to
where Armijo was and that he did not believe we
could whip him in his position; and farther that he
belie red the (Jomancbes had joined Armijo and that
we had better not so. Capt. Chandler came out to
the guard company (a part of us being on guard
that day) and after re-iterating the statement of Col.
Warfield. cave it as his opinion that our horses would
not stand the trip it being eight or nrVfe hard iays
march. Owing to the above statements nearly the
whole battalion voted in the negative.
We"arenow convinced that these were wilful mis'
representations' ha vinsascer.ained since that the dis
tance to the .buffalo hunters was 55 mites and that to
lmijo4i5nnflesYaneUbbw Capt Chandler-could
iiuvo ubu ai meriower Ocnjerone springs u icw -ays
pruviuu3.aicreponea aqa not nave ourovercu me
buffa.ro hunters; we jEr'obable to conjeel .reas there
was-their camriitereFthcv had been for more than
a monlhweaOT bound to believe that be never went
:b-tb v-caijuiuiyeiieve mai u WBnao jjuaocu our
good 'fortune on iWdayartertheitlelhat we could
hafe'tak'en the humers and whipped Armijo 'with: all
easeWecan further state that Col. Sriiyely-wmnoi
only nilllng.-.hutisicvxious to go and wasejftemely
rrio.tjned wlren 6efp'ifndthje men not willing tcTgo.
We then nUrchcdon fca.Owl creek where we a.'
. .- - T ..-- "J
rived that .light- OtfMbiibaving returned ftom
m ....&
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-."r.ty
TEXAS SEPTEMBER 21 1843.
down the river without bringing any intelligence ol
the caravan. Col. Warffcld volunteered to take two
men and spy out (he caravan promising Col. Snively
that ifhe returned alive he would bring certain intel-
ligence. Col. S. very gladly accepted his services
thinking him both pe'tsevcring and efficient. Fur-
ther Ihe horses of the spy company were neatly all
broke down. They started and after an absence of
three or four days returned and reported that he had
gone within 25 miles of the Pawnee fork that he
found the buffalo petfectly still in that region conse-
quently it was his opinion that the caravan had turn-
ed back or gone somcher route. This was the
cause of our" subsequent misfortunes which might
have been averted had Goi. Vr.rfieH gone on as he
nrnmiewl until lio m.l hp ".ITnVan. or discovfd
I .. ..... ..... .-..- f --
where thev hnd lnrnpdnhnnt.
We then moved down the creek a few miles where
division of tho property taken from tho Mexicans
.J . . ... .
was made which consumed nearly two days. On
the evening of the second day wo again'raoved down
the creek and the next morning 76 men who had
concluded to return home having previously formed
themselves into a company under Capt. Chandler
and been ordered homo by Col. Snively started. The
balance of the battalion 107 men having concluded
to remain and mako an incursion into the Mexican
settlements before they returned.
Wc marched tint day across to the river for the
purpose of obtaining a supply of meat there being no
ouftalo where we wero on the creek. We arrived
at the river that evening and encamped for tho night
in a beautiful grove of cotton wood Next morning
owing to tho report of Col. Warfiold we had all
given up the caravan and were thinking of nothing
else but getting a supply of meatsufficientto last us
to the Mexican settlements. Some fifty of our men
crossed the river to hunt buffalo. They had been relation to it that the Act of Congress confined the
gone but a short time when we discovered two of President within certain limits and he may have in-
them coming in great haste to the river on the oppo- structed tbe Comraijsioners accordingly and been
site bank. They immediately plunged in and swam J thus blameles.: and if the Commissioners are able to
over when they informed the CoL that the dragoons show ihat they could not carry out the instructions
and caravan had como right on them before they ! of the President without subjecting the Vessels under
made tho discovery. By this time we discovered the the command of Com. Moore to the risk of beine; de-
dragoons coining over the hill and before we cojld 'stroyed (ournt") and that there was less risk in'tak-
gct our horses up and saddled they were on the bank ing the coast of Yucatan on their course than iu go-
immediately opposite our camp. Wc then concluded f ing direct to Galveston then the Commissioner who
that it was too late to escape and in fact looking on took tho responsibility of sanctioning a cruise along
them as friends instead of enemies we determined to the coast of Yucatan to Galveston may not deserve
stand our ground as we apprehended no difficulty
We then hoisted a white fla. which was immediate-!
ly answered on their part and a lieutenant and bu-
gieruespaicncoioourcamp. j ney were met on tne
bank by Col. Snively vhrnthe lieutenant remarked
on being told that he was in command that Captain
Cook who commanded the dragoons wished to sec
him and have some conversation with him and that
he was authorized to say that Capt Cook would
give mm a iree passport back to his camp
Col. Snively without any hesitation saddled up hi j
horse and went over. Mr. Spencer bavin? obtained
permission went also. On getting over Col. S. was
informed by Capt Cook that he was infringing on
United States soil and that he should be compelled
under the orders of his government to disarm him.
Col Snively then produced his orders and protested
solemnly against the right statingthat the line never
having been run it was at best but disputed territory.
Cook however was inflexible. Cook then toli him
that he had one hour to march his men over and lay
down their arms and if any attempted to escape he
would immediately fire onus. Col. Snively was then
permitted to leave these being the best terms he could
procure. When he had gotten off some 300 yards
he was called back and told that Capt Cook would
accompany him. He fjun thought Capt Cook was
going over with him alone but what was his surprise
when the bugle was sounded for the advance of the
whole command consisting of 100 dragoons and two
mortars. Col. S thereby being detained until they
had marched across the river and had gained their
position some 200 yards in our front with the artil
lery in its proper place we was men disarmed and
told that he could make known to his men that they
had so many minutes in which to lay down their
arms or else be fired upon. He Cook the black
hearted scoundrel thereby forfeiting his word and
honor both as a gentleman and officer. We had
nearly all heard the promise made through the lieu-
tenant and hid no thought of anything being wrong.
The dragoons in front and the river and it swimming
in rear of us we had but the one alternative there
being but about eighty of us in camp tbe balance not
having returned trom hunting. We would here te-
maikthnt our deliberations onthc subject of a surren
der were entirely free nat even having the weight of
LoI. snively s opinion toinnucnce our determination;
the terms being made known to us through Mr.
Spehcer; Col. S. not having been with us from the
time he left to cross tho river up to the lime thai we
marched out to lay down our arms at which period
ho rode up and gave the order to ground arms having
first ascertained that this was our determination.
To be continued.
TO THE PUBLIC.
As the late procedure c-f Commodore Moore with
tbe Texan Vessels of War under his command has
given rise to much speculation aud some animadver
sion that may have crown out of the mystery which
has enveloped tbe whole proceedings and as I have
had no little agency in giving rise to all this stir and
have it measurably in my power to clear up the mys
tery in which the affair is (involved it is expected of
me io enter into some explanation wnn rcgara io my
course of conduct as an actor in this drama.
I have been gratified I must confess and not much
surprised at the spontaneous burst of applause and
rejoicings in Texas which have greeted the late
achievement of our two armed Vessels under Com-
modore Moore. Atsuch a criis after the frequent
disasters encountered by parncU of Texians opposing
the enemy of late years and thij retrogade movement
of the country as a nation it was natural for the peo-
ple of Texas to evince enthusiasm at any httle victo-
ry obtained over the enemy and to display xtraordi
narv sisns of. anorobation at oie such as has led to
tbe evacuation of Yucatan by tlte erieTOy.and.be re-as3-n.Dtion.of
supremacy on thi Gulf oiltbe Navy
oi i exaa-
rnlYC-W. i.. r- l ." l-rcj.'S-l- ".
at suehTsfi
without
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ytfM-Via calculated. toieliclt weftt wemgsj WUT-rarj- ine.jiwernmrflPB
th6-na-tHldee taUin-raeimrripnt ro---MJ-HrflB ano r8I"r.W-P"reri.ninj'nftiniJ
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whether the proceeding was legal or illegal with
or without orders Sober reflection however may
create a reaction and many who applauded during
the excitement may condemn afterwards. It is to
such sober second thinkers that I wish to represent
that the achievements of the Texas Nary have not
been more glorious tfcan the motives that led to them
were honest and patriotic. No one can regret more
than I do that President Houston issued hfs late proc-
lamation in regard to Commodore Moore and no
one can regret more than I do that the sjme high
functionary was under the impression that he had
cause to do so. It may possibly turn out that I was
more or less the cause of his doing it! If President
Houston was led to bclievo that tho Commissioner
was forced to go ashore at the Balizc against his in-
clinaiiCS" or that he had been "thrown over-board at
. s .j r i i j :. r .l
sea" an-J :at omrao.''JB uau uone u ior me
purpose of prosecuting VJS cruise pgainsl all.authoi-
ity then 1'resident Houston may not rve oeea io
blame for what ho has done. As to disobeying lha
'orders of his Government sn repeatedly before asset
forth in the Proclamation Com. Moore denies but
a that it a matter between President Houston and
Commodore M.iore I leave it to be settled between
them and will before I conclude give some of the
reasons why I countenanced visiting tbe coast of Yu
catan on our -.v.ty to Texas. In the first place how
ever 1 muststite that 1 had just as much authority
iro:n my instructions to wucn on tne coast ot I uca
'tin with the vessels as I had to proceed direct to
Galveston with them and that I had no instructions
io ao eitueri!
The "Secret Act of Congress'1 in regard to the
Navy and ihe secret instructions from the depart-
ment of War and Marino prevent me from entering
into a iuii explanation ot inis anair; let .t suffice in
'censure Irom any quarter. Commodore Moore may
likewise be cleared of all censure and tn rnnn hi
matter President Houston may prove undeserving of
ccnsureaisoi iniswm appear rather anomnlous
yet it matfprorc true and all have originated from
Secret Legnlationl When tho injunction of secre
cy is removed the public shall know the true situa-
tion in which the Commissioners were placed. Com-
modore Moore has it now in his power to explain
l: i: : . j n. -j .' . r
ready given his reasons for issuing the Proclamation
ms ie-.unr siiuini uu anu rresiaeni nouston nas at
in regard to Com. Monre which I feel satisfied nev
er would have bceu published had my dispatches
from Campeachy reached the President prior to its
promulgation. If I have erred in deviating from in-
structions it was not en error ol the heart and I did
believe that President Houston when he was made
fully acquainted with all the circumstances would
approve my course. Whether whit has-been done
shall turn o'U "for weal or for woe" it can not be
said that I had any purposes of Ambition to srrve or
any pecuniary gam ia view. I left retirement and
ease at the earnest solicitation of President Houston.
totally against my inclination to embark on a mission
by no means of a pleasnni nature and was on my re-
turn to the retirement 1 had so reluctantly left when
I was induced to deviate from the course first deter-
mined nn regardless of all persona! hazard from that
Anor J? atria so dear to every true patriot. I there-
fore feci that I am not deserving of censure.
The Prochmation of President Houston although
bearing open me only indirectly. I feel sensibly as
bearing directly upon others: There are a number
of officers in the Ship and Brig perhaps all who
knew nothing of the difficulty existing between. the
President nnd Com. Moore and who believed that
all proceedings of their Commmder were not only
in accordance with the Laws of the land but in com-
pliance with tho wishes of the President. Young
men of noble bearing from the United States and the
mother country whose family connexions arc highly
respectable; not one of whom but was elated at tho
idea of having an opportunity of "rendering the
Stale some service" ofchastising an insolent and mer-
ciless foe; men who went into action cheerfully a-
gainst fearful odds with a full determination that no
Mexican fetters should ever cncirclo their limbs; that
their vessel might go down but that ihcir country's
flag never sbouiJ be struck! Th.t such gallant and
daring young men so devoted to the cause of their
adopted country should through any act of mine be
rendered obnoxious to an odious epithet is to mo a
source of the most painful reflection and regret. It
will be a happy consolation to them and to their
friends however to find that so fir from their acts
having deserved censure Pceins have been re echoed
in their- praise by the patriotic sons ani daughters of
their adopted country throughout the republic.
Clothed as the Commissioners were with official
authority to wrest the Vessels from Com. Moore and
not being at liberty to disclose to him the secret Act
of Congress nor their secret inductions we were
brought into collision at once. Com. Moore conten-
ding that he was not bound to be governed by any
'Secret Act' bearing directly upon himself without a
knowledge of the Act; thai by authority he had
comproraitted hfs Government with that p'f Yucatan
that both himself and his Government jvercln'hon-
or bound to fulfil his engagement and'lhat ;wblle he
held the power hdshou!d"so direct u71.As thacorres-
that tho ComwionerEfeit themselves bound to com
ply wiihMeijpmlttuctions as farasWalTwithin (heir
po'wer bnDvS6 proceed further lhaVthsy had done
without gtriog'pabliciiy to wfcat they had been par
ticularly lnsiruciea io Keep s.erer iney were am iofs
tp decidcand accordingly came to the conclusion. to
lav tbe whole affair Before a centleman"of"hiel2le-
gal-attairimeatVor- adnc. as on'-i.nwhora they
lacca evevjr-cpnnaenee.
uonaence-Dtiwern ivaau-iuoore ana me vQiui5sioo- ur iuiuiv us uccu sujtaiu-u uy iua iu
ersvvillrolkb'lvritfdtira.e''thePubUc.-l will not quence-nf the.rcsponsibiliry which 1 have
enter info Mtd!-ai. hot confent'mvselfSvith savfo'e .Oatsressels are safe in the harbor of
SBBxntSKMiSmiKKM jys-i. - . .--'. -f
NO. 47.
opinion was that wc could proceed no further ia tb
business until wc should receive additional power
from the Government CoL Bryan the Junior Com
missioncr proceeded immediately from New Orleans
iu the Seat of Government ofTexasand made known
to President Houston how the affair stood and who
then clothed the Commissioners with such authority
as to place the Vessels under their direct control. It
then became their duty to see that tho safety of the
Vessels was not jeopardised by any hasty proceedings'
on their part and the only plan that suggested itself
to them for their security whs by taking them to Gal-
veston and they so wrote to the President stating
that the writer would jro Das.ener in the Austin.
By this time Com. Moore. iVordcr to fulfil his ea- '
gagements with the Government of Yucatan had by
extraordinary exertions manned provisioned rod "
othcrwiso well equipped the Ship and Brig and had
ihem in readiness to meet lh3 enemy. On the day ft
was positively known that the Vessels would leav-
Netv Orlcins it was Jicerlained that the Mexican
lion:-! I?3? unking every effort within his power to
stop theml Why or wherefore he should attempt
this unless he had fears for the fate of the Mexican
Navy represented as so formidable too no one could
conjecture; but this circumstance alone wentfatto
confirm what had been so often communicated to tu
before its inefficiency to contend against our two
Vessels stoma re lall in with them or'tnat he had
a knowledge of the "Secret Act". 'Still I had no
idea nor yet had Com. Moore of deviating from a
direct course to Tcxa until oar arrival at the B.lirr
where snch circumstances came to my knowledge
of thesituation of the Mexican Navy the Steamer
Montezuma being alone ut Telchak one hundred
and fifty miles from the balance of the Fteet Oar
ability to capture her if we could find her alone
and then tho balance of the Navy as a metier of
course added to what I knew was iu contemplatioo
in regard to taking possession of Galveston forthwith
induced me to suggest taking the coast of Yucstao
in our way to Galveston. The passage to Telchak
was considered not over four or fivediys: unfortunate
ly light winds and calms retarded us and it waalb
eighth day before we looked in at that port The
Montezuma had left the day previous! Whetherour
expectations would have been realised a. to her cap
ture had wo (alien in with her there alter what
transpired on the 30th April and 16tb May I have
to conjecture; Ttnd whether with such a consura mstion
unexpectedly placed in our grasp and only to be re-
alized by prompt action I am to blame far having
sanctioned the enterprise in which we consequently
engaged I leave to the decision of my country
whose best interest I have attempted to forward at no
inconsiierable personal risk and the hazard of its
disapprobation.
I cannot consent to close my defence lendered'ne-
cessarily imperfect by injunctions of secrcsy without
making a short summary of the situation in which!
found affairs when I entered on my commission in
New Orleans and the combination of circumstances
which led me to assume tho responsibility of sane
tioning an Expedition n hich has been so eiiraallr
condemned by the President of my country -(This
summary may embrace some reiteration.
I confess that I accepted the unpleasant eommV
sion under an impression that acts of insubordinstiaa
on the part of Cora. Moore required peremptory in-
terference on tho put of his Government ana that all
hopes ot eni-iency in the Navy department were at
an end I confess tint I found cause to chanzo rot
mind with regard to the circumstances which had so
long- rendered our Vessels passive in a foreign port.
and w hich doubtless led to the '"Secret Act'1 end I al-
so discovered that a chance had nt length arisen of .
redeeming ihe most imponant arm of Natioc; de
fer ce from inactivity fa vcred by circumstances not
nn'icipjted when tho secret legislation took place
Therrfore. when I found Com. Moore willing to re
cognize the authority ot the Commissioners and
prompt in consenting to snil for Galveston when re
quired so to do one serious barrier to tho fulfilment
of the instructions to the Commissioners in regard
to the Vessels under his command was forthwith
removed by this proof of subordination. But when
this conviction forced itself uion me foreevtai-t rea-
sons I still determined to require the Vessels to repair
to Galveston; one was that in case of need this bst
remnant of coast defence might be ready to render
aid and there bo subject to the full control of the Gov-
ernment When we reached the Balize however
information was received that an immediate descent
on Telchik would enibl. us to capture the Montezu
ma and vvith her aiJ cut off the whole Mexican fleet
from Vera Cruz and capture every Vessel belonging
to th enemy on tbe coast of Mexico as well as save
Galveston Irom the contemplated invasion. 1 he re
sult proved that the chances were decidedly in favor
of iho suc-essfu! prosecution of this design for we
missed the MontezumA but one day nnd were not ex
pectcd. if she had been taken the fate of the bal- r
lance was by no means problematical. Having fail-
ed however"in this I will proceed to show what has .
been accomplished.
When the Texan Squadron reached dmpeache a
treaty was pending which would certainly hare led
to the reannexalion of the two countries and natural
exasperation on the part of Yucatan nt the bad faith
of Texas after using the means furnished to secure
our aid would have joined her Navy to that of Mex- .
ico. her resources would have fillediheTrcasaryofoar ." .
enemy and if any thing had led to tbe disbanding of -
our Navy at Ga' veston oar whole ;oast would hare
been at the mercy of our inexorable enemy. A
hasty movement alone changed the whole uce of
things Our vessels have proved themselvc compe-
tent JO the defence of Texas by sea. Yucatan will
doubtless; never consent to act against cs and no loss
constv
assumed.
Galveston with
an unsullied- flag and-my voyage from N. O. via.
Yucatanjias been rkcomplishtd as I hope without
having jubjectcd my country tb dishoner by any JKt '
of'ours'or haying in any way lowered on? cbaVjigEi-
ten at home or abroad unless lramin? a decided itlM'
tagft over the enemy in two different engagements "
gaisista superior' force ancV finally caOT.ngIriat
reave theGuif and seek shelter in some ofihwrinmer
ous fbrtifjed ports on the cosst f Mexico msy b M
eonnaerro.
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De Morse, Charles. The Northern Standard. (Clarksville, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 47, Ed. 1, Thursday, September 21, 1843, newspaper, September 21, 1843; Clarksville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth80496/m1/1/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.