The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 52, July 1948 - April, 1949 Page: 175
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John A. Quitman in the Texas Revolution
14, a detachment was sent out to the camp at Martin's to bring
in the baggage. The group encountered a party of about one
hundred armed and mounted Mexican rancheros. Quitman's
detachment boldly faced the Mexicans and determined to sell
their lives dearly. The rancheros, however, made friendly demon-
strations and no clash took place.
Communications with the Cherokees brought a denial of any
intention of an attack on Nacogdoches and an explanation that
the Indians had banded themselves together only to prevent the
incursions of predatory tribes and to protect livestock.
Having given most of the refugees from the area ample time
to reach points of safety, Quitman prepared to leave Nacog-
doches to join Sam Houston's forces. Before leaving, Quitman
described the situation, as he saw it, in his letter of April 15,
1836, to Felix Huston:
There is not a woman or child in the town of Nacogdoches.
The facts seem to be that a body of Mexican cavalry were sent
early last month to co-operate with the Indians on the upper frontier,
and make a descent upon this unprotected country, and that the
Cherokees had given them assurance of support; that owing to the
incessant rains, the unprecedented floods, and the rottenness of the
soil in the woods and prairies, the cavalry have not been able to
operate this side of Trinity River, and that the Indians, finding them-
selves unsupported, and learning that the 4th and 6th regiments U. S.
Infantry had arrived at Fort Jessup, and that Gen. [Edmund P.]
Gaines had resolved to keep them in check, have dissembled their
intentions, and now profess friendship. I conclude, therefore, that
the Mexicans on the Trinity will endeavor to operate on Houston's
rear, and that there is no immediate danger to this section. The panic,
however, has done its work. The houses are all deserted. There are
several thousands of women and children in the woods on both sides
of the Sabine, without supplies or money. Every thing was left in
flight-the corn in the crib, the meat in the smoke-house, their poultry,
cattle, and furniture.
We shall probably set out for the Brazos tomorrow. An express has
just arrived from Gen. Houston. He is at Gross's [Groce's] Ferry, o2
miles above San Felipe. A corps of 9oo Mexicans are attempting to
cross the swollen river 40 miles below him. He has no enemy in front;
if you intend to come, do so immediately. The advance of our little
party, in the face of rumors and the fugitives, inspired confidence, and175
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 52, July 1948 - April, 1949, periodical, 1949; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101121/m1/183/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.