The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923 Page: 259
324 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Memoirs of Major George Bernard Erath
one cannon followed a short distance to cover the reaction, and
took position in a small grove at the head of a shallow ravine on
a plane inclined toward the Mexican camp, and in full view of it.
Our cavalry came into action, moving from right to left, then
turned and passed back on our left, carrying with them one of our
men severely wounded. The Mexicans made a deploy as if to
advance on us, but, after the firing of several cannon on each side
without any effect on us, retreated to their position. We, too,
returned to camp.
This maneuvre disclosed the Mexican strength as considerably
inferior to ours, and their position as very badly chosen for
their defense. The cry for attacking them became more unani-
mous, with the determination to retreat no further; and it was only
by the advice and example of a sprinkle of old men among us,
some of whom had been in the Revolutionary war and that of 1812,
that we kept order and discipline to await the developments of
next day.
The night passed off comparatively quiet, with occasional can-
non shots on either side, the enemy's going far over us, as per-
haps ours did over them, for their position was now in a bayou
slightly protected by a low rise of the ground three hundred yards
in front.
At daylight General Cos arrived, which doubled the strength of
our enemies. This arrival was looked for by our principal offi-
cers and might have been easily prevented, but was permitted and
an effort was made to keep the knowledge from us for fear it
might intimidate us. But we knew very well of the reinforce-
ment and were all the more goaded to fight on- account of it. It
had the effect, however, of making us calm and determined and
of reinstating order. By noon a general decision was known
among us that we would not retreat further, and that we would
fight in the next twenty-four hours. As far as the junction of
Cos with Santa Anna is concerned my opinion, like that of many
others, was then and always has been, that it was the best thing
for Texas that could have taken place. Had we attacked them
before, as we did on the evening of the 21st, they would have scat-
tered pell-mell and Santa Anna would have taken an early op-
portunity to escape without making a stand at all. In our ex-259
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923, periodical, 1923; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101084/m1/265/: accessed April 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.