The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 48, July 1944 - April, 1945 Page: 29

The Private Journal of Juan Nepomuceno Almonte 29
had abandoned the pass the same day we arrived. A courier
was dispatched to General Urrea, named Herrera, who spoke
English.
Wednesday, 30th.-At daylight, the river had risen 31 yards,
and the crossing ropes were broken 4 times. The battalion of
Aldama crossed. Several showers fell. A courier was despatched
to the President, advising him of the freshet. A messenger ar-
rived from General Santa Anna, bringing an answer to an
official communication, which General Sesma sent to him from
this river, the 24th instant. The answer was dated the 26th.
To me he says, he had marched, (I infer,) to Goliad. Lieut.
Ramirez went out with 17 men to reconnoitre.
Thursday, 31st.--Commenced cloudy. The river fell some.
It rained some during the day. The remainder of the battalion
of Aldama crossed with its baggage and supplies; the artillery
and park likewise. A courier arrived from General Urrea
from the Village of Victoria, bringing dates of the 27th March,
stating that by the 29th or 30th, he would start for Matagorda.
A reply was dispatched the same day, stating that we should
be in San Felipe by the 5th of April. A canoe and a boat
were discovered; also some cattle on the other side of the river,
and two Americans about half a league distant. Guerrero came
to the crossing place.
Friday, April 1st.-Commenced with a little rain. The weather
continued temperate. The cattle, pack saddles, the rest of the
division of Aldama, the supplies, horses, mules, and the Con-
ductor General of the Equipage were all crossed. Six Amer-
icans were discovered up the river on the other side, who
took to the woods; three were on foot, and three on horseback.
Two or three cows were caught. Proceedings were instituted
against Captain Ruiz, Purveyor of the division. In the night,
an American was caught, called Smith, supposed to be of those
who were routed at Goliad.
Saturday, 2d.-Commenced with rain. The prisoner was
brought out; nothing was ascertained from him; he said he
knew nothing of the taking of Goliad, nor where the army of
the Colonists was. A courier with dispatches from General
Urrea arrived, dated at Victoria, 30th March, and stating that
he would be at Matagorda by the 4th. Two soldiers were
drowned by the upsetting of a canoe. Two negroes (slaves,)
a man and woman presented themselves. They discovered where
there was corn and salt. The Purveyor still remained suspended.