The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 11, July 1907 - April, 1908 Page: 221
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Joaquin De Arredondo's Report of Battle of Medina. 221
able to do so. He did it, except that I had to wait four days for
him. When he had joined me, I united his infantry and cavalry
with mine to form a single army with these two divisions. This
made the total number of my army eighteen hundred and thirty
men, consisting of a force of six hundred and thirty-five infantry
and eleven hundred and ninety-five cavalry. We continued our
march from this point, after having halted for a few days' rest so
that, during this time, we might explain and teach the most neces-
sary and indispensable formations and maneuvers in an action or
battle. It was necessary to do so, as Elizondo's men lacked this
training. Finally, in this manner, I continued my march, filled
with the greatest confidence because I noticed among my troops a
decided enthusiasm and bravery, a remarkable serenity of mind,
and an unusual patience with which they bore the fatigue of a
march so long and painful, rendered so by the unfortunate time--
it being summer-in which they passed through an unsettled coun-
try so extensive as that beyond Laredo, and in a most pitiful state
of nakedness. The greater part of the troops were even bare-
footed and bare-legged; many had only a breech-clout. I observed
also a most eager desire to engage, as soon as possible, the wicked
rabble who had become famous on account of their cruel and un-
worthy deeds, and their pride resulting from the victories they had
previously gained. By 'these means as well as by their strength
and discipline, they had made themselves feared. My troops had
Excellency kindly to promote th officers of the enclosed list to the next
higher rank, or to send a report to our Sovereign for his just decision.
Most Excellent Sir,
I send Your Excellency a complete copy of the detailed report which
I made your superior government on September 13, 1813, relative to the
battle which the army under my command fought, on August 18th of the
same year, on the Medina, against the enemy composed of Anglo-Ameri-
cans and rebel Spaniards under the command of the petty officer Josh
Alvarez de Toleda, a deputy from the Island of Santo Domingo to the
C6rtes, and of a son of General Wilkinson.
Since the honor and fame achieved by my officers and men in this hard-
fought battle came exactly at a time your predecessor could not reward
them because the military ranks were discontinued by the c6rtes, the
whole army has remained without the recompense due it for bravery and
hardships, in spite of the fact that the said predecessor volunteered to
send 'a report to the supreme government. He thought, however, that it
would be disregarded on account of the revolutions of that time. Your
Excellency being a soldier and possessing preeminent abilities knows full
well what a stimulus promotion is in the profession of arms. [This is]
especially [needed now] since the provinces under my charge are again
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Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 11, July 1907 - April, 1908, periodical, 1908; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101045/m1/225/?rotate=90: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.