Texas Almanac, 1859 Page: 47
[224] p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
TEXAS REVOLUTION. 47
experienced when I crossed his ferry in 1831, and to whom I had letters of intro-
duction, at once recognized me and expressed his pleasure at seeing me again.
THE CAMP AT GROCE'S BREAKS UP AND CROSSES THE RIVER.
Having now possession of these two four-pound pieces, preparations for the
march were at once made, and the whole *rmy soon crossed on the Yellow Stone
without difficulty. I believe the crossing was commenced on the 12th, and I know
it was completed on the 13th and 14th, as my journal is to that effect. Most of
the troops, with a part of the camp equipage, crossed on the 13th; and on that
night Col. Sherman received authority from Gen. Houston to superintend the cross-
ing, and by him the last of the army baggage was brought over on the 14th, only two
yoke of oxen having been lost by being taken down with the strong current-the
river then being high and rising. The next day, on the 15th, the army marched
six miles to Mr. Donohoe's place, and then camped. While the companies were
taking the ground allotted them, I observed Capt. Moseley Baker, (who had just
joined us,) apparently much absorbed in thought. As Gen. Houston came up, he
said to him: " General, according to your orders, I have retreated with my com-
pany, which is now encamped in good order, three miles above." Then came
Capt. Martin, who said: "General, I have brought but my sword; my company
has disbanded. On hearing that you were retreating to Nacogdoches, they de-
clared they would no longer bear arms, but would protect their families, and they
have therefore all dispersed." I was then standing within four or five steps of
Gen. Houston, and I asked Capt. Baker if his company was on the road to Rob-
bins' Ferry. " They are on that road," said he. " But," said I, "are you and your
men willing to retreat there ?" "Where ?" said he. "To the Red Lands," I re-
plied. "No, never I never!" said he; "for if Gen. Houston will not take us to
meet the enemy, we will elect a commander who will." This he said in a loud
voice, so that Gen. Houston heard it, and turned towards us with a nod, and then
finishing his conversation with Capt. Martin, he passed by us suddenly and began
cursing the men for taking the fence for firewood; but they paid no attention to
him, and by next morning there was scarcely a rail left.
SICKNESS-DOUBTS AS TO WHICH ROAD WOULD BE TAKEN.
The next day, 16th, brought the army to near Mr. Roberts' place, and here a
heavy Texas rain poured upon us. Owing to the measles having broken out in
the army, I deemed it prudent to give permits to those afflicted to go to their
homes, and some eight men were discharged by my advice. During our march
through the rain and cold, one of my patients suffering from the measles, was so
much exposed that I gave him my only cloak, as it appeared to be a case of life
and death. The young man's father hearing of his son's sickness, soon came to
see him. I said: "Mr. McLaughlin, you had better take your sons home (there
were two of them) or else one of them will die ;" and I then conducted them beyond
the guard, which is the last I ever saw of them or my cloak.
Having sent away all the sick who had friends, still enough remained to keep
the physicians employed, especially the writer, who had charge of the medicine-
cart, that was drawn by oxen, one yoke of which belonged to a Mrs. Mann.
Owing to the conflicting opinions as to which road the army was to take after
reaching Mr. Roberts, where it forked, I wanted to satisfy myself on that point, and
went to Maj. Ben. Smith, for information. He replied to my inquiry that. it was
his opinion the army would continue straight on and cross the Trinity at Robbins'
Ferry. As many were unwilling to go on that road, a halt was expected to be
made at Roberts', and as we neared that point (17th April) the writer, with three
or four others, galloped to near the advance guard, the Captain of which told us he
had received no orders, but would go between the two roads. As Gen. Houston
was now coming up, several of us desired Mr. Roberts, who was standing on his
gate, to point out to all-the road to Harrisbiurgh. Gen. Houston was then close by,
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book 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 Book.
Texas Almanac, 1859, book, 1859~; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth123765/m1/48/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.