The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 65, July 1961 - April, 1962 Page: 122

rexas Collection
H. BAILEY CARROLL
E ACH YEAR Junior Historian members are doing an ever
increasing amount of excellent historical research. A fine
example is the following article, found in the Rosenberg
Library, Galveston, by Paul C. Wilson, Jr., of that city. It was
originally carried by the Galveston Weekly News on February 19,
1861.
86. FROM A TEXAS VETERAN
(Correspondence of the News)
MONTGOMERY, Montgomery Co., Jan., 1861.
MESSRS. EDITORS:-On page 58 of Texas Almanac for 1861, I see a
communication from W. P. Zurber, Prairie Plains, Grimes County,
Texas, furnishing you the names of a portion of those of Gen. Hous-
ton's army in 1836, who remained with the baggage near Harris-
burg. I remember the name of one man who is not in Mr. Zuber's
list-Alexander Smith, of Spring Creek, Harris County, Texas. As
to whose company he belonged, I do not now remember. Mr. Smith
is dead.
I am acquainted and have been, since the spring of 1836, with
Mr. W. P. Zuber. I know that he belonged to Gen. Houston's army
in 1836, and I have no hesitation in giving it as my opinion that at
the time of the battle he was at the upper encampment, as set forth
by him in his article. I was a mere boy myself at the time, some
sixteen or seventeen years of age; and, as far as my recollection serves
me, his list, as far as it goes, I believe to be correct. I was personally
acquainted with several of those that he gives the names of. I do not
agree with him as to the captured Mexican mail giving an account
that Gen. Cos, with 600 or more effective troops, would arrive at
Harrisburg on or about the 2oth.
Would you not like to get the portrait of old Deaf Smith, to enable
you to give his likeness as well as a short biography of that noble,
undoubted veteran? If so, I am persuaded that it can be procured.
I have been informed that there is one, and if I can get it, I shall
take it down to the battle ground next April, if there is a celebra-
tion there, to be exhibited to the surviving few who, may be present
on that occasion, who will be able to recognize the brave old man's
likeness.
Would you not like to get an account of Col. Bowie's Indian fight-