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1813.1
ERA OF FILIBUSTERS.
Kemper was elected colonel to succeed him. After a
final, most furious charge, in which the Spanish were re-
pulsed with a loss of 200 men, Salcedo abandoned the
siege and retreated toward San Antonio (February, 1813).
Battle of Rosalis. Colonel Kemper (March, 1813)
decided to march on to San Antonio, where Salcedo was
encamped.* The Americans now numbered about one
thousand, while the enemy had a force of more than two
thousand. On nearing San Antonio, the Americans made
an attack and drove the Spaniards from the field, though,
in addition to their greater number of men, the enemy
had several pieces of artillery, and possessed every ad-
vantage as to knowledge of the surrounding country.
A demand was sent to Salcedo, to surrender San An-
tonio. He asked until morning for consideration, but
received the curt reply: "Either present yourself and
staff in our camp at once, or we shall storm the town."
The fort was given up.t The victorious army entered the
and with downcast head entered his tent. Soon a messenger bearing a flag of truce
came, bringing a note from Salcedo asking why the fort was not surrendered, as
had been promised. No reply was sent. Salcedo then made a furious attack upon
the fort. Though the Americans were confused and distressed by Magee's course
yet they rallied and drove back the Spaniards in confusion. During this time
Magee"remained in his tent. That night at twelve he died - some say by his own
hand. Baker (see Baker's Texas History, page 227) says he learned directly from
Col. Hall, a personal acquaintance of Magee, that Capt. McEKim was mistaken, and
that Magee died of consumption. The distinguished veteran and statesman, Hon.
G-uy M. Bryan, agrees with Baker.
*Kemper and his men, after the four months' siege was ended, spent some days
m resting, laying in supplies and waiting for reinforcements; in the mean time
iiew troops arrived under the command of Major Reuben Ross. Just why this
uattle was so named is not now known.
ttWhen Salcedo came to give up his sword, he offered it to Capt. Taylor, who
tens nuij to Col. Kemper. On proffering it to the latter, he was told to take it
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Pennybacker, Anna J. Hardwicke. A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination, book, 1895; Palestine, Tex.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth2388/m1/53/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.