NOTES AND FRAGMENTS.

The Storming of San Antonio, December 6-9, 1835. — The following letter gives another brief, but contemporary account of the Texan assault on San Antonio in 1835. It was written to the editor of the Southern Whig, published at Athens, Georgia, and was copied from that paper by the (Columbus) Ohio Monitor, February 18, 1836:

Near Cahawba, Ala., 15th Jan. 1836.

Dear Brother:—I have just arrived at this place, direct from San Antonio, Texas, and some few particulars in relation to the storming and capture of that place may not be altogether uninteresting to you. History does not record a circumstance of the same nature, and perhaps never will another.

The Texian troops had been encamped before San Antonio near two months without effecting any thing of importance, save daily skirmishing in which nothing was lost and little gained. (I must however make an exception of the battle of Conception in which Col. James W. Fannin commanded 92 men when surprised by 400 Mexicans, who lost as has since been ascertained 104 killed, and since died of wounds, while the Texian loss was one man killed only.)

The Mexicans had 24 pieces of mounted artillery and 6 unmounted when the attack was made, which was brought on in the following manner: After giving them two months to fortify the Texian officers decided that it was impracticable and impossible to carry the fort by storm, and had issued orders for the whole army to march at sundown, with the intention of taking up winter quarters at La Bahia 100 miles to the Southward and near the coast. It was then about four o'clock, and from the noise in the camp it was apparent that a mutiny was on hand. At the time appointed to move, 300 men marched out and declared their intention of storming the fort that night. Many of the officers made speeches against the project, friends begged and entreated others not to throw away their lives foolishly, &c &c.— All was in vain; no persuasion had any weight; a great many mounted their horses and left the Camp, expecting a total defeat.— Next morning just at daylight the three hundred firm to their purpose marched to the attack headed by Col. Benjamin R. Milan who had been the principal in bringing about this manœvre. The action was severe until about ten o'clock; the Texians succeeded in getting possession of some large stone houses in which they remained four days keeping up a steady fire day and night. On the fifth night an assault was made on the fort itself, and they succeeded in driving the enemy therefrom and from the whole town with a very considerable loss, while the Texian loss was 4 killed and 15 wounded.— Among the killed was Col. Milam whose loss is severely felt throughout Texas. The Mexicans surrendered all their arms and munitions of war, amounting to 30 pieces of artillery and a large number of small arms with a large amount of ammunition for both. The Mexicans were about 1200 strong while the conquerors were not exceeding 300. The main body of Texians were lying within three quarters of a mile, and refused to assist, as they expected defeat to the last minute. There is not now an armed Mexican in the country. The above statement is strictly correct; I have a personal knowledge of all the particulars as I have the honor of being known as one of the 300. I have been in two other engagements, in one was shot through the boot, &c. in both successful. Mexicans can't stand the rifle.

I am now in this place on business, and shall return to Texas in four days.

Your Brother, &c.  A. H. Jones.  To Wm. E. Jones.