William Carey Crane

“ On the result of the battle on the field of San Jacinto, on the twenty-first of April, 1836, turned the decision of the question whether Texas should become wholly Spanish, for Santa Anna had threatened that he would put to death every man, woman, and child west of the Sabine who would jabber English, and the massacre of the Alamo and of Fannin's command at Goliad, tell how bloodily he was executing his diabolical threat. We are accustomed to look on Santa Anna as a monster of crime. ”

“ Execute Santa Anna, and what will be the fate of the Texans who are held prisoners by the Mexicans—what will be the condition of the North Americans who are residing within the limits of Mexico? Death to them, and confiscation of their property is the least that can be expected. Doubtless torture will be added to the catastrophe, when stimulated by ignorance, fanaticism, and the last expiring struggle of the priesthood for power and dominion. ”

“ Brigadier-General Rusk is appointed to command the army for the present. I confide in his valor, his patriotism, his wisdom. His conduct in the battle of San Jacinto was sufficient to ensure your confidence and regard.
"The enemy, though retreating, are still within the limits of Texas; their situation being known to you, you can not be taken by surprise. Discipline and subordination will render you invincible. Your valor and heroism have proved you unrivalled. Let not contempt for the enemy throw you off your guard. ”

“ The tears of the brave men fell upon their rifles, on which they were leaning, when this pathetic and eloquent address was read to them. Never were companions in arms more devoted to a chief. Houston applied for a passage for himself and staff on a small war vessel just about to sail from Galveston to New Orleans. ”

“ Texas, to be respected, must be considerate, politic, and just in her actions. Santa Anna, living and secured beyond all danger of escape, in the eastern section of Texas (as I first suggested) , may be of incalculable advantage to Texas in her present crisis. In cool blood to offer up the living to the manes of the departed, only finds an example in the religion and warfare of savages. Regard for one's departed friends should stimulate us in the hour of battle, and would excuse us in the moment of victory, for partial excesses, at which our calmer feelings of humanity would relent. ”

“ Sir:—l have just heard, through a citizen of the army, that it is the intention to remove General Santa Anna to the army, and place him upon his trial. I can not credit this statement; it is obviously contrary to the true policy of Texas. The advantages which his capture presented to us will be destroyed. Disregard, if you will, our national character, and place what construction you please upon the rules of civilized warfare, we are compelled by every principle of humanity and morality, to abstain from every act of passion or inconsideration that is to be unproductive of positive good. ”

“ The victors were diligently searching for Santa Anna, the Dictator, who had not been taken. "You will find the Hero of Tampico," said Gen. Houston, "if you find him at all, making his retreat on all fours, and he will be dressed as bad at least as a common soldier. Examine every man you find, closely." ”

“ You have patiently endured privations, hardships, and difficulties unappalled; you have encountered odds of two to one of the enemy against you, and borne yourselves, in the onset and conflict of battle, in a manner unknown in the annals of modern warfare. ”

“ All property in Texas to be restored, and not molested by the troops or marauders in falling back. Cessation of all hostilities by sea and land. A guarantee for the safety and restoration of Mexican prisoners, so soon as the conditions shall be complied with. Agents to be sent to the United States to obtain the mediation of that Government in the affairs of Mexico and Texas."
From all quarters where the news of the victory had gone volunteers rushed forward. Many brave men, when Houston needed their help, coming by forced marches, failed to reach his camp in time. ”

“ A stranger would have taken the captive for the victor. With his usual courtesy, the Texan commander received his prisoner, who proposed immediately negotiations for his liberty. From the beginning to the end of Santa Anna's capture, Houston was never alone with him a single moment. In accordance with this line of policy, he immediately sent for Gen. Rusk, the Secretary of War, and together they conversed some time with the prisoner. A proposition, written with pencil, was submitted by Santa Anna, which paper Gen. Rusk caused to be translated. ”

“ Santa Anna manifested perfect willingness to act with military men, and exhibited great aversion against any negotiations with civilians. Houston and Rusk, immovable in their determinations, would make no terms with Santa Anna, except to receive from him a dispatch, ordering Gen. Filisola to depart immediately with all the Mexican troops, at least as far as Monterey. This order was tendered to Houston, without any intimation to Santa Anna that his life would be spared. ”

“ The affairs of Texas connected with General Santa Anna, as President of the RepubHc of Mexico, have become matter of consideration to which the attention of the United States has been called, and for Texas, at this moment, to proceed to extreme measures as to the merits or demerits of General Santa Anna, would be treating that Government with high disrespect, and I would respectfully add, in my opinion it would be incurring the most unfortunate responsibility for Texas. ”

“ Capture of Santa Anna— Introduction of Santa Anna to Houston— Conversation — Scene with Young Zavala — Almonte — Arrival of Government ad interim — Houston Leaves the Army — Goes to New Orleans for Medical Aid — The Cabinet Treaty with Santa Anna — Troubles — Extract from Ashbel Smith's Speech at Austin, 1829. The Commander-in-Chief awoke the next morning after the battle of San Jacinto and asked, "Are we really victors, or is it only my dream?" He could hardly believe that the battle for Independence had been fought and won. ”

“ I knew you expected I should bring on the battle that day, and was consequently prepared for it. Now, if I must be questioned by an inferior officer, in the presence of his General, I will say, that was just the reason why I did not fight; besides, I thought there was no use in having two bites at one cherry."
Almonte then made some remark which ill befitted the occasion, and greatly irritated the wounded hero, who said:
"You have come a great way to give us a great deal of trouble, and you have made the sacrifice of the lives of a great many brave men necessary." "Oh!" ”

“ After embracing Almonte and recovering entirely from his embarrassment, Santa Anna, with the air of one born to command, rose and said to General Houston:
"That man may consider himself born to no common destiny who has conquered the Napoleon of the West ”

“ They espied a man making his way toward Vince's bridge. They pursued him, whereupon he fell down in the grass. Sylvester dashed on in the direction where he fell and his horse came very near trampling upon him. ”