The three accounts of the capture and imprisonment of the Bexar and Dawson prisoners presented below, it is believed, have not been printed before. They appear to have been written independently of each other. The earliest to be completed is Neill's, dated January 29, 1843. Hutchinson's Diary terminates July 10, 1843. William E. Jones wrote his narrative, it is supposed, at the request of Ex-President Lamar, on February 1, 1844. None of the accounts embraces the entire period of the captivity of these prisoners. Neill escaped December 14, 1842. Hutchinson and Jones were liberated March 29, 1843. The majority of the prisoners remained in capitivity at Perote until March 23, 1844. Some facts concerning them are narrated by Thomas J. Green (Journal of the Texian Expedition against Mier). Green was their fellow prisoner at Perote from March 25, 1843, until he effected his escape on July 2 following. Additional items may be gleaned from William Preston Stapp (Prisoners of Perote). Stapp was confined at Perote from September 21, 1843, until May 14, 1844. Two of the Dawson prisoners, Joseph C. Robinson and Milvern Harrell, have written brief accounts of their captivity. Robinson's account appeared in the Texas Monument (La Grange,) of August 27 and September 3 and 10, 1851, and should be distinguished from his account of Dawson's massacre, which has been frequently printed. Harrell's reminiscences were printed in the Dallas News, June 16, 1907.
The fate of the Bexar Prisoners was a peculiarly severe one. Among them were men of talent and high respectability. Many were heads of families, and away from home when made prisoners. None anticipated or had prepared for the captivity into which he was dragged. They have not received the attention in the past that their case merits. The Santa Fé expedition and the Mier expedition had each its chronicler; the sufferings of those who took part in them are well known. The Santa Fé prisoners were taken in December, 1841, and released in June, 1842; the Mier prisoners surrendered December 26, 1842, and remained in confinement until September, 1844. The Bexar prisoners suffered the same hardships and endured a period of captivity only two months shorter than that undergone by the Mier prisoners. When they were released it was upon their oath that they would not bear arms again in the contest between Texas and Mexico.
Their case is stated as follows by one of the Mier prisoners: “An unoffending and peaceable class of citizens, engaged in the prosecution of civil and domestic pursuits, they had been surprised in their distant homes by a cowardly and marauding banditti, and torn from their families and fireside-altars to grace the triumph or their craven captor. Since they have been detained by the dictator in his dungeons for sixteen months, without other warrant than his own love of tyranny and inhumanity. For every pound of fetters we wore, a Mexican soldier's life had already atoned. But no widow or orphan's wail appealed to the vengeance of their country against a solitary individual of this unfortunate corps. They had scarcely resisted when assailed, been submissive and subordinate on their march, and during their imprisonment, and yet had been made to endure enormities which the pen recoils from inditing.” (Stapp, Prisoners of Perote, 122.)
The fact that some of Captain Dawson's men were made prisoners is almost forgotten. The news of the capture of San Antonio by General Woll was a call for the gathering of companies of frontiersmen in the valleys of the Guadalupe and the Colorado. They united under the leadership of Colonel Caldwell, “Old Paint,” who had only recently returned from imprisonment in Mexico, having been a member of the Santa Fé expedition. He planned to punish the Mexican invader and to liberate the Texan prisoners at San Antonio. On Sunday, September 18, General Woll was led to attack the Texans in their position on the Salado, and was repulsed with severe loss. Unfortunately, about the time the Mexican force was withdrawing, Captain Dawson with his company from Fayette county came upon the Mexicans on the side farthest from Colonel Caldwell's position. The company was entrapped; two-thirds of their number were slain, fifteen made prisoners, and only two escaped. From what they saw of the enemy's vengeance those who escaped concluded that nearly if not quite all were killed. Their reports were the first to be received, and have been followed by some of the later writers.
Monday Sep 5, 1842 Opened the District Court of Bexar No invasion expected. The third treaty between England and Texas having been ratified stipulating intervention for the recognition of Texas by Mexico; and the U. States government having requested that of Texas to suspend hostilities against Mexico with a view to its cooperation—peace was believed inevitable.
Friday 9. Late at night Antonio Parez warned John W Smith in confidence of the approach of 1500 Mexicans
Saturday 10. A public meeting—myself presiding—report discussed—and generally discredited. The Mexican citizens—100 under Salvador Flores—and the Americans 75 under C. Johnson—formed and appointed Hays to command the whole. Hays and six 77 others started as scouts, directing us to remain until some one or more returned. The Mexicans sent out three 78 commissioners. Late in the evening one of the Mexican comrs reported 100 horses some distance north of the Presidio road. These were believed to be the whole force of a marrauding band.
Sunday 11th. at break of day and under a dense fog Gen Woll advanced into the military square firing a gun and with music in front, having surrounded the town with his cavalry and posted Cordova and his Cherokees at the passes to the alamo. Awakened by the gun I hastened from Callaghan's, where I slept on my arms, to Maverick's corner, the point where Johnson's company were stationed and which had been hastily fortified the day preceding. No object could be seen; but Johnson ordered his men to fire toward the music down the street to Callaghan's house. Flores' company also fired. At this moment Manshaca, who was the only Mexican in our company, cried out that our d—d Mexican friends had retreated. Woll's infantry and artillery opened a heavy discharge on Mavrick's corner—and he endeavored to enter the government square; but a destructive fire from our corner threw his column into disorder and it retired and took shelter behind the eastern line of the military square. Johnson ordered his son to open the back and front doors of his house on the north front of the government square with a view to charge through it upon the artillery—and had given the proposition to charge—when a white flag was seen followed by Corasco—who stated that Woll with 2000, the van of a large army, had invested the place and that he gave us an half hour to treat for surrender. Jones, Maverick, Van Ness and Peterson were sent to him as Comrs. They agreed to surrender as prisoners of war—our lives and property (arms excepted) to be spared and secured. Informed of the mistake under which we had resisted, he admitted he was satisfied of it, and but for the mischief done—(some 30 killed and wounded) he would permit us to disperse, but that we should be treated as gentlemen. Fifty-five surrendered. Callaghan, McClellan, Johnson's son and Manchaca were released before the 15th. 79 The Mexican company was not even taken as prisoners, but permitted to return to their houses. On the day previous a courier was dispatched to the Guadalupe with a letter drawn by me and signed by some three others requesting 110 men to our aid. 80
Sep. 12. Miller's letter tendering dept of State—not recd. 81
Sep 13. An interview with Gen Woll of some two hours duration at his quarters. He received me with much courtesy. Spoke of his own personal history as connected with the campaign into Texas in '35-6—stated he had convinced Santa Anna of the fatal impropriety of the order to shoot Fannin and his men; but the order had departed and could not be recalled—that now, since the recognition of Texas by other nations, the war would be conducted in all things according to the usages of civilized warfare—that Houston had slandered him in his letter to Santa Anna etc—that in regard to the mistake alledged by us he was satisfied we did not expect an invading army, because he had rendered it impossible for us to discover his approach by opening for himself a road thro' the wilderness north of the Presidio road. I claimed release as a civil officer. He said he would write to Gen Reyes, recommending my discharge—and that on my way to San Fernando I should be treated with every attention and kindness suitable to my office. He said repeatedly he had no doubt of my release by Gen Reyes, whom he stated had full power to do so as the commander of the Northern Army of Operation. He said he would write for my release to Gen Santa Anna also.
Sep 14th W. D. Miller's 2d letter asking me to take the State Department. 82
Sep 15. Thursday. Left San Antonio under a strong guard commanded by Cap Posas, an ignorant man who had risen from the ranks after near 30 years' service. On passing the window occupied by Gen: Woll he called to me to ride up. He, in English, before the crowd that filled the square, assured me he had written on my behalf as he had promised and that he had sent along a confidential officer to see that the prisoners should be well treated and myself in particular. Prior to leaving San Antonio I drew another letter, signed by myself and some three or four others, as a committee, addressed to the citizens on the Guadalupe and Colorado, informing them of our capture and the terms of surrender etc. 83 Camped 4 m. West of the town.
16th. Heard a salute fired at Bexar—[was] told it was to celebrate the battle of Tampico—marched 28 or 30 miles and camped on a hill on the right bank of the Modena. 84 A consultation: 85 but the proposition rejected; there being several of the company desirous to avail of the opportunity of being taken into Mexico—there to remain! Distrust prevailed—and multiplied its objects too unduly. If any ten had made the onset it would have been carried.
17th. Rested on the arroya Honda. Cap. Luis Vidal, the General's aid and the superintending officer, finding me exhausted, made a tent for me, gave me of his rice and assured me of his friendship. Reached the arroya Seco. 30 miles.
Sep 18. A few miles after starting, Cunningham fell from his horse. The fever contracted at Houston had assumed a congestive type. We insisted that Booker or McCay 86 should be left to attend him. Refused. He was buried on the Leona. 87 Camped this night on the right bank of the rio Frio. This day Woll attacked Caldwell on the Salado and was defeated. Bradley and 9 others captured in the afternoon. 88 500 and artillery agt 53 in an open plain. all of the 53 killed except 13. 89 At San Antonio on the 11th and in these affairs this day they lost in killed and wounded and otherwise near 400—as afterward ascertained. Camped on the rio Frio—right bank. 30 m
19th At lake Espantosa. 25 m
20. Crossed the Nueces. Camped in Chaperal plain 28 [miles]
21. At Cueva creek. 25 m. Mrs. H. to Gen Terrell 90
22. Crossed Rio Bravo in two large canoes—probably those used by Woll in crossing at the same point. He was 9 days in crossing. We camped on the right bank in a coral! Lt. Elihu Rodiriguez assisted me in the passage—kind and generous—a warm hearted fellow that should be regarded and cherished by gentlemen all over the world.
Day clear—bathed in the river with Rodoriguez.
23. Reached the Presidio Rio Grande—a town not so large as San Antonio about 6 m. below the crossing. It is built entirely of adobies.
On entering the village our ears were on each side pierced with the screams of the wives of the Presidiales whose husbands had fallen.
25th Mrs H. left old Mrs. Jones'. 91
27th. We passed on to the village of Nava—going up the Rio Grande toward San Fernando—thro' a bountiful and rich plain, well watered. Supped with the alcalde Garcia.
28th. About 12 oclock, noon, entered San Fernando—a town about the size of San Antonio de Bexar, but built of mud—the present head quarters of Major Genl Reyes. Here too we heard the cries of grief for husbands and friends slain in battle.
Octo 2. Sunday. Reyes came to our prison—received our verbal address—received also a statement of the facts of our resistance and surrender and thro Folac, his interpreter, promised to send the document to Santa Anna with his favorable recommendations. This Memorial was drawn by W. E. Jones and signed by him and Maverick, as the representatives of the crowd. Previously I had been taken to the house of Gen Cela, the Adjutant General (a Spaniard) to be entertained there during my (sojorn) at San Fernando; but I became satisfied that the Memorial contained an able and clear statement—such as ought to have been prepared and given.
Oct 3 Letter of Terrell and Houston to Mrs. Hutchinson 92
Oct 7. 93 (Friday) Being joined by Bradley and the nine 94 taken on the 18th Sep. we departed upon an official Diary for the city of Mexico. Gen Reyes embraced me saying he had written to S. A. for my release. Gen Cela the same etc. Cap: Vidal shed tears at leaving me.
On the day prior Van Ness, Fitzgerald and Hancock 95 were separated. Alas! the Santa Fé expedition.
Wrote to Mrs. H. and Gen Foote etc. 96
Gen Cela gave me a letter of favor to his female friend Dona Catalina Canal de Semarriego at San Miguel Ayenda of the 6th recommending me.
Lodged with the alcalde (Trevinio) at San Juan de Matas a hamlet in a rich irrigable plain. Rumors of a revolution—more rumor. Consulted.
8th. After a long day's march—slept in a bed of rocks—a severe norther. (A)
(A) About half of this days march was thro small hills perfectly barren. 25 miles. 97
9th. After marching some 30 miles we found ourselves in a coral on the bank of the Sabinas—a stream nearly as large as the rio Brazos. Revolted agt the coral. attempts!
10. Crossed the river. This river is fabled for its pearls. It is a deep rapid stream; and, of course, no opportunities of accurate observation were allowed.
11. Lodged at the hacienda de Alamos—a most miserable hamlet. (B)
(B). Where the palmeto tree was at the corner of the alcalde's house and where I urged escape. a rich well watered plain. a view of the Candela and Monclova mountains 30 m 98
12. Crossed a small deep rapid stream called the rio Salado and bore westward to the Gap of the Hermanas mountains—being the eastern verge of the grand Siera Madre Nighted at hacienda Enceros, remarkable for its 20,000 sheep. 20 m. (C)
(C) Altercation between Posas and the alcalde. beautiful fountain in which we bathed. Neill wrote to Santa Rosa. 98
13. At Hacienda las Hermanas—a large stone establishment belonging to Sanchez—among the mountains. This is indeed a large, strong and formidable square of massive stone apartments and towers, of recent erection—and forms a singular contrast to the dilapidations at every point we had previously passed (D) 18 m
(D) Next morning passed the hot spring about a mile beyond the place. 98
14. Hac[iend]a las Ajuntas. 15 m (E)
(E) A small town—a miserable place. 99
15th. Monclova—on the west foot of the largest mountain we had seen. Beautiful town! Full of friends. Musquis with whom I dined. Victor Blanco—his son Miguel Blanco. Baker etc etc etc!!!
Oct 17. village Castaño. 10 m
18. rancho Bajan, where Hidalgo was taken. 25 m
19. Tank San Felipe. In reaching it the long low mountain on our left always terminating and never ending. 30 m.
20. Rancho Anela. 20 m
21. Mesias—the robbers' ranch. a severe hail-storm 20 m
22. Passed thro the mountains to village capellanilla F.
(F) On this day's march crossed a creek repeatedly and passed thro a gorge of the mountains. 25 m reached the valley of Saltillo 98
23. Arrived at Saltillo. Here we remained until the 7th Nov. None of the Mexican inhabitants visited us or showed the least feeling for us: Dr Jas Hewitson and Dr Knight called every day. Dr H. advanced me $25—and promised me funds at Mexico.
News of the 3 at San Fernado being shot—contradicted. Wrote to Mrs. H and to Fearn &Donegan and Generals Foote and Terrell
Mrs H. at Mrs Woolridge's in Washington. Her letter to Mrs. Hadley of the 3rd. 100
Nov 7. Monday. Went to rancho Buenavista 10 m Mrs. H drew $437.50 Exchequer 100
8. Hac[iend]a Aguaneuva—where Dimit died. 101 15 m
9. Crossed mountains to hac[iend]a Encarnacion 30 m Gen Houston to Mrs. H. 100
10. hac[iend]a San Salvador. consulted again. 30 m Kavanaugh—Mrs H' removal to Dr Perry's 100
11. [Hacienda] Salado. 15 m (G)
(G) The first place where we quartered at a meson. 102 Invited out to sup with the Capn
Where the Mier prisoners' ecaped. 103
12. rancho Las Anemas. 15 m.
13. Village San Juan de Vanegas—mining establishment. Near the mines of Catorce 25 m
15. Cedral—a large town. 12 m
16. Matehuala—large town—10,000. 20 m
17. Repusedaro—village—(guitar) 25 m
18. Hac[iend]a Lahuna Saca. 20 m
19. Benado—large town. 30 m
Nov. 20. Hac[iend]a Las Bocas—cold night 30 m
21. [Hacienda] Peñasco. 20 m
22. San Luis Potosi. Reached at noon this day (Tuesday). city of 30,000. Antonio de Soberon. 10 m
25. Hac[iend]a de la Pela. 15 m
26. [Hacienda] de Jaral. 30 m (H)
(H) Residence of the Conde de Jaral. fine church being erected. Corn kept 10 years in sealed houses. Mina taken near this place. 104
27 [Hacienda] de Cubo. 20 m. (I)
(I) Slept in the upper rooms of one of the Count's palaces. 104
28. Dolores—the Lexington of Mexico. 30 m (K)
(K) On this day's march passed the battle ground of Gallineras where Gen Montezuma was defeated. 104
29. San Miguel Ayenda—passing the ancient church Atotonilco. 20 m (L)
(L) Fine church. water carried to third stories. monument to Morelos. 104
Gen Terrell recd my law library. 105
30. Hac[iend]a Santa Rosa. 30 m
Dec 1. Queretero—40,000. called on Doña Catalina whose correspondent is Don Jose Maria Pazguel, Vera Cruz. 12 m Major Quixana, nephew of Tornell.
3. Hac[iend]a Colorado 15 m (M)
(M) This is where the natives came up to receive their week's pay—and rations—pay a bit a day and rations an almud and a half or an almud. 104
4. San Juan del Rio—large town. 28 m
5. Rancho at arroyo Saco. (Jones) 30 m
6. Passed thro the mountains to Tula in the valley of Mexico and 18 leagues from the city. Rodoriguez, Duran, Gonzales, Posas superseded by Madrid. 30 m
10. Memorial to Bravo. 106
11. Town Huevatoca 20 m
12. Town Cuatitlan—first view of the snow mountains 18 m
13. San Cristobal. Ruins of the Viceroy's palace 15 m
14. Village San Juan de Teihuacan—where Neill escaped. 15 m
15. Village Calpulalpan. 25 m.
16. Town of San Martin in the great road from Mexico to Vera Cruz. 30 m.
17. Puebla—70,000—Brindley, etc. 24 m
18th Wrote to Hewetson to Foote and my wife. 107
19. Village Acajete—(Mexia killed) 108 18 m
20. [Village] Cuapesela. 24 m
21. [Village] Tepiohualela. 18 m
22 (Thursday) under a fierce norther reached the castle of Perote. 17 miles.
25. Mrs. H. left Perry's on the Mustang steamer 107
28. Put in chains.
30. My chain with Gray severed.
31st wrote to my wife by Lt. Hartstane of the U. S. Navy. 107
1843. Jan 1. Sunday—sad day—cold—clear.
6. Part of us put to work.
7. I was sent out in charge of 10 of my fellow prisoners—to carry out manure and to bring in sand. Offered to assist them but they declined. Treated them on their return.
Mrs. H. at Galveston 107
8. (Sunday) Victory of the Mexicans at Mier celebrated here by the firing of artillery. The reports are that 250 surrendered (including 2 generals) on the 25th Decr.
10. A Memorial to Santa Anna, drawn by Jones and myself, and signed by all of us (55) except Colquohoun, O'Phelan, W. Riddle, Ogden, Trapnell, Davis, and Twohig (7) and sent by mail
11. Six of us compelled to work as oxen in a tumbrel, carrying out dung and bringing in sand and rock.
Jan 19 Mr Southall, bearer of despatches from the U. S. to Mexico called upon us.
Feb 2. He revisited out prison, giving assurances of our discharge within three or four weeks. Wrote of this date to Gen Foote and Mrs. H. Did not send a letter I had prepared to Gen Terrell, on the advice of W. E. Jones, on account of a special interposition in my favor at Mexico. Norville. 109
Mrs H to Judge Franklin. 110
5. The Mayor of the plaza caused Santa Annas letter to the Govr of the 1st instant to be read to us—stating his reception of the Memorial and of the letters of Booker Davis and Robinson; 111 that he not being the Head of the nation c[oul]d not act on the three first; and that the latter being on matters of grave national concern w[oul]d be transmitted to the government.
13. Robinson left on an order to visit Santa Anna at Manga de Clavo. This night recd N. Orleans papers stating Hartstane's return—Neill's arrival in U. S.—the refusal of the Texan Congress to remove the archives from Austin—Somerville on the west of the Rio Grande on the 10th Decr with some 800 etc.
Mar 1. Santa Anna came to Perote on his way to the city—was recd at 7 p m—and left at 10 a m next day. We were kept locked up.
2. The comet appeared.
Mar 11. L Dobbins, com[missio]n Mer[chant] N O wrote to Mr. Toohig of the 13th and to W. Riddle of the 14 Jany—recd this day—stating that Mrs H had brot to him a letter from Mrs Riddle—that she [Mrs. H.] on the 13th departed in good boat to Alabama under protection of Judge Franklin and w[oul]d in a few days be with her friends in Georgia By Dr Chalmers' letter to the Hon W Thompson of Dec 18th she was in Washinton Cy.
T'—letter to M. naming me dated Feb 16th recd the 19th. my note to T. of the 22d—enclosed in one to him from M.
On the 4th Mr Cozens called to see me and gave inform[atio]n of the application of Messrs Walker and Thompson 112 to Mr Webster for my release etc
18th Saturday. Gen Thompson's letter to Mavrick recd informing [us] that the order for the liberation of himself, of Jones and me had been given but that we had to go to Mexico. Booker's accident. 113
19th We three called to the Governor's office where was read to us the order for the removal of our chains and for our being conducted to Mexico.
21. Gen Victoria and Dr Booker died at the castle. wrote to Mrs Hutchinson at Covington Georgia.
22. Wednesday. at 3 p m left Perote with Jones and Maverick under military guard. lodged at Tepiohualela—scene at the Cocena. 114
23. Ha[cienda] Floreta. robbed here of some clothing. 13 l. 115
24. Amasoke. 6 l. 16 m. 116
25. Puebla. 10 m. 78 m from Perote. put in the Prison containing about 400 convicts. 116
Capt Eastland and 16 others shot at Salado ! 117
26. San Martin 21 m 116
27. Rio Frio. 21 m French house. 116
28—Ayotla. 20 m. 116
29. Mexico 16m. 156 m from Perote. visited at quartel by Mr. John Black Am Consul and carried to Gen Thompson's room at Mrs Wyly's meson. 116
30. Cathedral—Chepultepec. 116
31. Recd our passports—Alemeda 116
Ap 2 Set out in the Diligencia for Vera Cruz having on the evening before drawn on L Dobbin N O in duplicate fav[o]r Gen W Thompson for $100. Our friends in Mexico Togño, West, Oury, Officer Seeger, Dr. Gardiner, —Curson, —Bull, —Voss. reached Puebla. 118
3. To Perote. 78 m. 119
Ap 4. Las Vigas. 4 l. San Miguel 4 l. Rio Alopan 3 l. Xalapa 1 l. Dos Rias 4 l. Coral Falsa 2 l. Plan del Rio 3 l. Calera. Santa Fé a league and a half from Manga de Clavo and that 4 l. from Vera Cruz— on the north of the road—whole distance from Perote 40 l—105 m—260 m to Mexico. About 6 in the morning of the 5th (Wednesday) reached Vera Cruz. breakfasted at the stage hotel where we met Mr F M Dimond Am Consul. Invited to the house of L S Hargous Esq—where we found the two Messrs Youngs. 118
6th Thursday. norther preventing the Vincennes and Chatahooche from sailing. 120
7th Norther continues. 121
8th Norther continues 122
April 9th. Sunday. Went aboard the U S Sloop of War [Vincennes] 22 guns (24 pounders) commanded by Cap. F. Buchanon. I was conducted to his cabin to lodge with him. Messrs. Jones and Maverick were taken to the wardroom to lodge with the lieutenants. Here I met with Lt Ro E Hoe, son of Seymore Hoe, midshipman W. P. Harrison son of Dr D. P Harrison and midshipman Douglass from Canton (Mis). Treated with many kind attentions by officers and crew. 123
Sailed from the island Sacrificios off Vera Cruz at 2 o'clock p. m this day. passed Tampico 19 m—(weather hazy)—tacked and cast anchor off the bar on the evening of the 12th. Lt Lewis sent in a boat to the town for Crittenden 124 and on the next evening he returned without him: he having been sent to Mexico. 125 Lt Lewis was informed that the British consul had recd a letter from the interior stating that the prisoners who had been retaken were decimated; 16 being selected who were shot, one of whom was not killed and had escaped. 126 Sailed again that evening and on the 17th—got off the Bellise having on the evening preceding passed a skooner.
At 5 p. m. spoke the New Zealand, last from Richmond bound for N. Orleans—and after dusk passed two other ships going in the same course. Tomorrow we expect to reach Pensacola, which is about 1000 miles direct from Vera Cruz.
18th (Tuesday) reached Pensacola harbor—saluted passed between the Independence—Commodore Stewart and the Vincennes. got to the Florida house, Capt Carone, at 10 p. m.
19. Took the stage for Mobile and arrived at 10 a m next day.
20th. Met with D M Riggs and Mr Case
21. Wrote to Mrs. H. met with Wm P Aubry and Mr Bullard from Matagorda. Aubry lent me $20 to be sent him from N. O. or paid to Thomas F McKinney, Galveston.
23. Went on the steamer Fashion to N. Orleans—arrived next morning—18 hours passage.
24. Recd Mrs H's letter of the 16th.
25. Answered her letter.
26. Sick all day
27. Drew on Gen H. S. Foote, single bill, this date, 20 days date, favor McMahan Trotter &Pearsall, endorsers—cashed by Mr Ricks for $300. left $100 with Dobbin, to meet my draft from Mexico. refunded $5 to John Riddle. Wrote to Mrs H. Bill at Verandah $11.25 127
28. left for Vicksburg on Steamer Buckeye
May 1. Monday arrived at Vicksburg and went with Gen Foote to his house in Raymond where I met Ellen.
3. Went to Jackson.
6. Back to Raymond
8. To Jackson
16. Recd Mrs H's letter of the 9th requesting me to go for her to Montgomery. started next day via New Orleans. Went in the Luda
23rd Met Mrs H.—her mother and Mr Graves of Montgomery.
24. Descended on the Canebrake. Due Cap Th: Adams, Mobile, nine dollars.
June 1. Reached Jackson
8. (Thursday) moved to Mr Moore's house—rent $16.66⅔ pr month for three months with preference. hired Maria from Mrs Stamps at $10 pr Month. 128
14 Partnership with Foote &Russell—to begin the 19th.
17. Wrote my letter of resignation of thanks and of business to Texas
19. At Raymond
24 Saturday to Vicksburg saw Russell who left this day—to Jackson
25. To Ben Ricks—returned Tuesday
28 To Raymond
July 1. Brot Ellen to Jackson
3. Sent her to school to Mrs Robinson
10. Spl session of legislature—Demo Convention 129
TEGANOS.
[Some pages of notes intervene, and then, on next to the last page of the Diary, appears the following list of names. Apparently the list was prepared after their arrival at Perote as no mention is made of those who dropped out of the ranks between San Antonio and Perote.]
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Alex: Allsbury—medico, physician. 130
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Isaac Allen— sastre, tailor.
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Edw: Brown—labrador, laborer.
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James H Brown—albeites, farrier.
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Freeman B. Beck—labrador, laborer.
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Shields Booker—medico, physician.
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Wm. Bugg—labrador, laborer.
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John Bradley —
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Rd A Barclay—sillero, saddler.
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Jo A Crews comerciante, merchant.
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Ludovic Colquohoun —
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Wm Colton—pintor, painter.
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Dav: J Davis—labrador, laborer.
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John Dalrymple—escribano, clerk.
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Augustin Elly—minero, miner.
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John Forester—labrador, laborer.
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Nathl W Faison—comerciante, merchant.
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French S. Gray—abogado, lawyer, assistant district attorney in a number of cases. 131
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A. Hutchinson—juez, judge, district judge. 131
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Geo. C. Hatch—labrador, laborer.
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N. Herbert—carpintero, carpenter.
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Chauncey Johnson, relojero, watch-maker.
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Wm E Jones—abogado, lawyer, member of congress.
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Dav: S Kornegay—labrador, laborer.
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John Lehman, escribano, clerk.
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John Lee—labrador, laborer.
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A. J. Lesslie —
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Riley Jackson—labrador, laborer.
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Jo. C. Morgan—carpintero, carpenter.
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Sam A. Maverick—abogado, lawyer, member of congress.
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Dav: Morgan—comerciante, merchant, sworn interpreter to the district court. 131
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Francis Macay—medico, physician.
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Edw Manton—labrador, laborer.
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Allen H Morrell, a youth, son of Rev. Z. N. Morrell.
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S. Nobles —
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Ro S. Neighbors —
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Wm H O'Phelan—viandante, traveler.
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Duncan C Ogden comerciante, merchant.
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C. W. Peterson—abogado, lawyer, district attorney. 132
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J. W. Robinson —
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John Riddle—comerciante, merchant.
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Marcus L B Raper carpintero, carpenter.
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John Perry—labrador, laborer.
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Wilson J Riddle comerciante, merchant.
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Jo C Robinson—labrador, laborer.
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Geo Schaffer —
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Sam Stone combrerero, hatter.
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John Smith albañil, mason.
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Jo Shaw—labrador, laborer.
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J. L. Trueheart escribano, cleck, district court. 132
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Jno Twohig—comerciante, merchant.
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Wm Trimble labrador laborer.
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John G. Andres Voss comerciante, merchant.
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John Trapnell —
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John Young—carpintero, carpenter.
Washington Texas Jany 29th. 1843 Hon: Anson Jones Sec: of State etc.
The undersigned citizen of Texas has the honor to make known to you and through your Department to his Excellency the President of the Republic that he effected his escape on the 14th. ultimo from the guard having him in charge near the City of Mexico and has arrived in safety in Texas a few days ago.
It of course is known to your Department the manner of the surprise and capture of fifty two citizens at San Antonio de Bexar on the 11th. day of September last but in order that you may be more fully advised of the circumstances attending that event and the situation and treatment of the prisoners then taken the undersigned begs leave respectfully to represent That he in company with the Hon Judge of the fourth Judicial District and other members of the Bar, suitors, and Jurors attended the opening of the District Court at Bexar on the first Monday in September last and continued their labors during the first week at the end of which they began to be somewhat interrupted by rumors that some enemy was hovering about the place, using precautionary measures for ascertaining the true character of the enemy and from the fact of many previous courts having been broken up by Indians and Mexicans the citizens of the place with the strangers from the other parts were desirous of sustaining the supremacy of the laws and preventing the Court from being broken up collected in order to repel the enemy unless they should prove of such character as would induce them to retire to their homes but before that fact could be ascertained and early on the Morning of Sunday the 11th. in a dense fog Gen: Adrian Woll entered at the head of a force said by himself to contain seventeen hundred men and being the advance of an invading army and after meeting with resistance for a short time he sent to our company requiring our surrender which took place upon the following terms towit. The persons of all concerned to be respected, our lives secured, to be treated as prisoners of war, and our private property not to be interrupted, which latter article was to include our horses, upon which we were to the number of fifty-four immediately placed in close confinement we were during our stay at Bexar supplied entirely by our own means or by the kindness of a few families in the place and received nothing from our captors we were searched and even pencils pen knives and razors were taken from our possession a few of which were afterwards returned our private papers were examined some of them pilfered and clothing and valuables stolen.
On the 13th. Mr Callaghan merchant of Bexar was released On the 14th. Messrs McClelland merchant and Menchaca, citizen were released and on the 15th. John Johnson a youth was also discharged. We now numbered 52 of whom two Messrs Wilson J. Riddle merchant of Bexar and Francis McKay of Bexar were seized at their own houses and had not been taken in arms with the others on the afternoon of this day we were marched out under a strong guard for Mexico and were that evening again searched and received orders for our conduct during our march some few were allowed to ride but no respect was paid to individual property and the undersigned was punished and ordered to walk altho' he had a horse inventoried and then in company rode by a soldier for refusing to sign his name to one of the many documents drawn up for signature to be sent into Texas or left behind us respecting our treatment and the undersigned avails himself of the present occasion to protest against the validity of any and all documents bearing his signature and obtained during his duress and now proclaims the same null and void excepting such as may by any future act be acknowledged by him.
On the 16th. our march was continued and until this evening our captors had supplied us with nothing each prisoner was now allowed one pint of coarse unbolted flour and one and a half pounds of beef to be cooked by ourselves which rations continued to be supplied to us daily during the journey. On the 19th Sept John R. Cunningham Esquire Lawyer of Bexar was reported to have died, two days previously he was sick and ordered into the wagon which contained wounded soldiers and although we urged the necessity of leaving with him a physician who was with us or any one of the prisoners to attend him it was denied and we saw him no more. We were detained at the Presidio Rio Grande from the 23d to the 27th Sept and at San Fernando the headquarters of the Northern Army under Genl: Ysidro Reyes from the 28th Septr: to the 7th. October, On the 6th, Octr the prisoners George Van Ness, Archd. Fitzgerald and Thomas Hancock were put into the common prison and sentenced to death (since which time their sentence has been commuted to ten years imprisonment at San Juan de Uloa but the undersigned has no knowledge of their present locality) On the morning of the 7th. when about to leave ten prisoners survivors of Dawson's Fayette county company were put with us and are in all respects treated the same as the others, Our number was now 58 we were marched by way of Monclova where we were kindly received and abundantly supplied by the inhabitants to Saltillo where we arrived on the 23rd. October at this place we were confined closely until the 7th. November during which time we petitioned for relief for the ten suffering prisoners of Fayette county who had been stripped by the soldiery of everything their money watches clothing blankets were all gone but the Governor turned a deaf ear to our petitions and naked and cold they would have sent us off but for the kindness of two Gentlemen of that place who supplied many wants Drs. J. D. Knight and Jas. Hewetson we were badly treated by the soldiery and abused and insulted if we asked for redress. some of the horses had been stolen also while here and the officers used no exertion to have them returned or replaced but laughed at the adroitness with which these thefts were committed, one of our number also who was sick was not allowed to remain at the place although he was not able to travel either on foot or horse without great suffering. we were glad to leave such an inhospitable region and arrived at San Luis Potosi on the 22nd. Nov. Here we were more kindly treated. some few blankets were furnished to the destitute and our quarters were comfortable. Simeon Glenn was here left being unable to travel any farther. his case is not a dangerous one and he was promised attention by all; On the 25th. we again continued our journey by way of Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende, to Queretaro where we arrived on the first December. at this place Samuel G. Norvell was left dangerously sick On the 3rd we continued our march after having been robbed by the soldiery and pilfered by the officers to a considerable extent and arrived at Tula a town about 20 leagues from Mexico on the 6th. at this place orders were in waiting for us; in a few days we were received by a new officer and guard and informed that our destination was changed by the Supreme Government to the Castle of Perote and on the 11th. our march was resumed we had about this time frequent opportunities of writing to Mexico and embraced it by petitioning to the Govt. that we might be allowed to enter Mexico to set forth to the nation the nature and cause of our capture and not to be sent to a distant prison in à cold and uncharitable climate and that we might have communication with our friends through the foreigners of the city but all was denied us or at least unheeded and neglected and on the 13th. we were within five leagues of the city on the road to Perote by way of Puebla on the next evening when about 14 leagues from Mexico I escaped from prison and made my way to the city which I entered on the next morning from thence via Puebla Perote, Jalapa and Vera Cruz to New Orleans etc. On my passage through Perote I saw some of my companions in irons chained in pairs and was informed that they were set to work on the 2nd. January. they are not supplied with meat and are destitute of means of obtaining necessary articles for their comfort. they now number 55 a full list of whose names I beg leave to refer you annexed hereto as also those left elsewhere which together with the report of Chauncey Johnson commanding at Bexar of date at Puebla the 18th. December last and which is now filed in the Department of War and Marine 134 I beg leave most respectfully to refer you together with his Excellency for further information. And in case that any thing may be overlooked or neglected herein by me I can assure you that at all times it will afford me infinite pleasure to give the Department information as time and opportunity may occur hoping that you will not fail upon special matters to communicate with me by way of enquiry which will always be promptly answered to the best of my knowledge holding myself at all times individually responsible for whatever I communicate.
Accept assurances for yourself and His Excellency the President for the interest taken in my behalf while a prisoner of the respect and esteem with which I am
Your most obt. friend and sevt. A. Neill
List of Prisoners 135 now in Perote Castle and elsewhere in Mexico.
.1 Hon. A. Hutchinson, released 29 March 1843 136
.2 “ Sam A. Maverick, released 29 March 1843 136
.3 “ W. E. Jones, released 29 March 1843 136
.4 Mr. Chauncey Johnson, released 23 March 1844.
.5 Mr. Geo. C. Hatch, escaped.
.6 “ Ludo. Colquohoun, released 23 March 1844.
.7 “ Wilson J. Riddle, released — March 1843 137
.8 S. Booker died in prison at Perote 21 March 1843. 138
.9 D. C. Ogden escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.10 John Trapnall died in prison at Perote.
.11 J. C. Morgan, released 23 March 1844.
.12 Jas. H. Brown, released 23 March 1844.
.13 John Twohig escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; reached home.
.14 Wm. J. O'Phelan, released — March 1843 137
.15 John Riddle, released — March 1843 137
.16 Francis McKay, released 23 March 1844.
.17 Aug. Elley escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.18 Geo. P. Schaeffer, released 23 March 1844.
.19 John Layman, released 23 March 1844.
.20 Geo. Voss, released 23 March 1844.
.21 David Morgan escaped.
.22 Jas. L. Trueheart, released 23 March 1844.
.23 Jas. W. Robinson, released — February (?) 1843 139
.24 H. A. Alsbury, released 23 March 1844.
.25 John Smith, released 23 March 1844.
.26 Nath: Harbert, released 23 March 1844.
.17 Willm. Bugg, released 23 March 1844.
.28 Jos. A. Crews died in prison at Perote about 1 February 1844. 140
.29 French S. Gray died in prison at Perote.
.30 C. W. Peterson, released 23 March 1844.
.31 John Lee, released 23 March 1844.
.32 Marcus L. B. Rapier, released 23 March 1844.
.33 Truman B. Beck escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.34 J. F. Leslie, released 23 March 1844.
.35 S. L. Noble, released 23 March 1844.
.36 J. T. Davis escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.37 R. S. Neighbors, released 23 March 1844.
.38 John Perry, released 23 March 1844.
.39 Riley Jackson died in prison at Perote 1 April 1843. 141
.40 Jno. Dalrymple escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; reached home.
.41 Isaac Allen escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.42 John Forrester escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; reached home.
.43 Saml. Stone escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.44 John Young escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
.45 Edwd. Brown, released 23 March 1844.
of those taken at Bexar on the 11th. Sept/42
and
.1. John Bradley, released 22 September 1843. 142
.2 James Shaw, released 23 March 1844.
.3 Ed. Manton, released 23 March 1844.
.4 Wm. Coltrin
.5 Wm. Trimble died in prison at Perote.
.6 David E. Kornegay escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; reached home.
.7 Richd. Barkley escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; reached home.
.8 Nat: W. Faison, released 23 March 1844.
.9 Joel Robinson, released 23 March 1844.
.10 Allen H. Morrell, released 23 March 1844.
survivors of Dason's company.
all of the above are at Perote
.1 Simeon Glenn, sick at San Luis Potosi 143
.2 Saml. G. Norvell, do. at Queretaro 144
.3 John R. Cunningham died 19th. Sep: and
.4 Geo. Van Ness 145 5 Arch Fitzgerald 146
.6 and Tho. Hancock 147—left at San Fernando
.7 and Andrew Neill escaped 148
III. JONES'S NARRATIVE. 149
Washington 1 Feby 1844 Dear Sir,
In compliance with your request, I give you below, a hasty sketch of the circumstances attending the capture and imprisonment of a number of the citizens of Texas, at San Antonio de Bexar in Sept. 1842
During the session of the District Court of Bexar county, for September 1842, a rumor reached the place that a Mexican army of from 1500 to 3000 men was on its way to attack the place. The rumor was sufficiently authenticated to induce the belief that a force of some character was advancing, but the impression was pretty general that it was only a party of marauders and not regular troops, who were endeavoring to create the impression that their force was much stronger than it really was, for the purpose of better enabling them to take the place without resistance and plunder it with impunity. Col. Hays with five other well mounted men went out to make discoveries, and taking the public roads saw nothing and did not return to San Antonio until too late to enter it. Three Mexicans were also despatched, who promised to ascertain the character of the approaching force if to be found. they found the camp of Gen. Woll at a short distance from San Antonio; were made prisoners and not permitted to return to us. The whole day of 10th September was thus passed and neither spies nor Mexicans returning strengthened the general belief that the rumor was either a hoax or the character of the force advancing misrepresented.
At day light on the morning of 11th Sept. we were aroused from our slumbers by the firing of a piece of cannon almost in the edge of the town, succeeded immediately by the sound of martial music and the tramp of a body of men. A dense fog obscured them from actual observation until after they had advanced into the public square, when they were immediately fired upon by our party, who amounted to about fifty in number—the fire was soon returned by the Mexicans with volleys of musketry and rapid discharges from a six and a four pounder. This lasted a few minutes when the fog disappearing discovered to us that we were surrounded on all sides by bodies of regular troops. We were then called upon to surrender by order of Genl. Woll—the firing ceased on both sides and after a parley in which the most ample pledges were given for our good treatment etc etc we surrendered prisoners of war, and were immediately put into prison with a strong guard over us.
General Woll had cut off all communication between the Rio Grande and Bexar, and taking a circuitous route thro' the wilderness at the foot of the Mountains had in this manner secretly advanced upon the place and was actually within three leagues of it before any suspicion was even entertained that such an expedition was contemplated. His force was 1000 regulars and about 600 Presidial troops.
We were detained prisoners five days in San Antonio, and then ordered to march under a guard of 150 or 160 men for the Rio Grande. Some of us by special favor permitted to ride—others from inability to walk were also allowed horses if they could get them. In 8 days we reached the Rio Grande, a bold, rapid river two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards wide, which was crossed in two canoes. The day was pretty much spent in getting over and we spent the night on the opposite bank. Here we learned the death of John R. Cunningham who had been compelled to leave Bexar sick with congestive fever and had been left behind on the third day in one of the carts which conveyed the Mexicans wounded in our fight, who numbered about thirty. Cunningham died from want of attention and were there not so many stains upon the Mexican character for other and more enormous atrocities, it would be recorded and remembered to their eternal disgrace as a nation.
We had been promised by General Woll that on our arrival at the Rio Grande, we would be released by his Superior Genl. Reyes. We found ourselves deceived and after a detention of seven days at San Fernando were ordered to march for the City of Mexico. Our escort consisted of about 80 men, all mounted, who rode on each side of us while we occupied the road. Our journeys were long or short each day to suit the country thro' which we traveled, and some days we were marched from daylight until near night, making 13 and 14 leagues. The country thro' which we travelled from San Fernando to Monclova was generally poor, broken, sometimes mountainous. Here and there rich bodies of land susceptible of irrigation by streams from the mountains and producing corn etc very abundantly—no timber except musquit and chaperal thickets. From Monclova to Saltillo the character of the country was very similar, except the first two days travel which was thro' a wretched barren country in which no body lived and none could live, being destitute of water.
Saltillo the capital of Coahuila is a city of 18 or 20,000 inhabitants, built after the Spanish style and here we were detained for 16 days closely housed up and never permitted to leave the Cuartel. From Saltillo to Matahuala we passed thro' a poor and almost unpopulated country. from Matahuala to San Luis Potosi the country is more thickly populated and in many places there are handsome estates.
San Luis Potosi is a handsome city of 40,000 inhabitants. We were paraded through every public street in it as a show, followed by an immense crowd of people chiefly of the lower classes. We remained here two days and were visited by the Governor and several persons of distinction in that country, besides many foreigners.
From San Luis to the City of Mexico is 300 miles. the road passes many splendid estates the entire grounds of some of which are enclosed by stone walls beautifully constructed. One enclosure was said to contain 36 square miles. On arriving within twenty leagues of the City we were detained a week in a miserable prison at a place called Tula, where we were informed that our destination was not the City of Mexico, but the Castle of Perote, and that we would not be permitted to pass through the city although we should go in sight of it.
On the 22 Dec. we arrived at the Castle of Perote. a very strong fortress at the foot of the extinct Volcano called “Confra de Perote.” The Castle is on the Table Lands, just at the point at which the descent to the Gulf commences—its elevation 7500 feet—it was built in 1773—mounts 96 pieces of cannon and covers 26 acres inside of the outer pickets. The main building within the mote covers ten acres or near it. Well manned I should say that this fortress would resist a very powerful force.
The first four days after our arrival we were allowed to go about the castle. On the fifth we were chained in pairs—and on the eighth or tenth day were put to work, packing sand stone lime etc into the castle. Our food consisted of poor beef, one day in three; beans, potatoes, rice and bread—badly cooked—the rations of these articles were always small, not being sufficient for a hearty man. At night we were locked up—in the morning the doors were opened—at nine o'clock paraded and counted—put to work immediately afterwards—the same after dinner etc.
On the 22 March Judge Hutchinson Mr. Maverick and myself were ordered to the City of Mexico under guard, our chains having been knocked off before we left the castle. We were permitted to ride by paying the hire of horses; we paid also our own expenses although we were still prisoners. This journey gave us many opportunities of witnessing the complete and perfect dominion of the military over the civil authorities. On our arrival at the City of Mexico we were first paraded for a quarter of an hour ragged and dirty, in front of the Palace—then escorted into it and finally sent to prison. We were however released soon after and took lodgings at the same house at which Genl. Thompson boarded—to whom we were indebted for our liberty entirely—it having been granted as a personal favor to him. Mr. Maverick and myself were acquainted with him in the U. S.
We remained three days in the City at perfect liberty—endeavoring to see everything to be seen in that remarkable place, in that short time. Our passage to Vera Cruz and thence to Pensacola etc it is unnecessary to speak of in a sketch like this.
I should have been glad had the opportunity been such as to permit the attempt, to have given you such information as I obtained in relation the affairs of Mexico—Her Government—her military organization—the church—the peon or slave system—the probable plans of Santa Anna—their views in relation to Texas; the causes of the continuance of the war—the causes of the treatment we received etc etc but it is useless to make the attempt here. Many incidents and details of our journey would be interesting.
The prisoners taken at San Antonio consisted of the Judge of the District—the District attorney, clerk—all the members of the bar except one—together with citizens of Bexar and the adjacent counties. The names have all been published several times.
The diary was kept in a small note book, 4¼ by 7¼ inches in size, and bound in limp leather, with flap and band for fastening. The writing fills 43 pages. The original Diary is in the Texas State Library; it was purchased in October, 1909.
77. In a letter to the Secretary of War, dated Seguin, 12 Sept. 1842, Hays says he was accompanied by five men.—Appendix to House Journal, 7 Tex. Cong., 16.
78. In a letter to the editor of the Telegraph, dated 14 Dec. 1842, A. Miskel gives the names of two of the Mexican commissioners, Don Domingo Bustillo and Don Ignacio Chavez.—Telegraph and Texas Register, 21 Dec., 1842.
79. Cf. with date under which this entry is made.
80. This letter is printed in Appendix to House Journal, 7 Tex. Cong., 18, 19.
81. This entry is written with pen and ink different from that used in the body of the Diary. The entry appears to have been made at a later date.
82. This entry is written in the margin opposite the one above. Cf. note 2 above.
W. D. Miller was President Houston's private secretary. Anson Jones was nominally secretary of state, but he had been absent from the office since April.
83. This letter is printed in Appendix to House Journal, 7 Tex. Cong., 20, 21, and in the Telegraph and Texas Register, 28 Sept. 1842. Cf. C. W. Peterson to Editor of Telegraph, 12 September, 1842, in Telegraph and Texas Register, 21 September, 1842.
84. Medina.
85. Apparently concerning a plan to escape.
86. Physicians.
87. Neill states that Cunningham died on September 19th. See page 320 below.
88. Since Bradley's party did not join Hutchinson's party until October 9, it seems probable that the above entry was not made until that date or subsequently.
89. Seventeen of Captain Dawson's company survived the battle. Alsey S. Miller and Henry G. Woods escaped, and fifteen were captured. For a list of the names of the captives, see page 319 below.
90. Last five words in pen and ink that differ from those used in the body of the Diary. Cf. note 2, page 296.
91. In regard to this entry, see note 2, page 296.
92. In regard to this entry, see note 2, page 296.
93. A letter, unsigned, written by one of the prisoners at San Fernando on this date, is printed in the Telegraph and Texas Register, 23 Nov. 1842.
94. For a list of the ten Dawson prisoners, see page 319 below. This number does not include the wounded of Captain Dawson's company who were too ill to travel and were with General Woll's army at this time. These wounded prisoners have been lost sight of by nearly all who have essayed to write of this period. In a letter, dated at Camp Leon [24] Nov. 1842, Memucan Hunt informed the Editor of the Telegraph that “four men who left here wounded attempted to make their escape on the 2nd instant, from the hospital at Presidio; two were retaken, and nothing as yet has been heard of the others. . . . Those who communicated this information left Presidio on the 7th.” (Telegraph and Texas Register, 21 Dec. 1842.) One of the two recaptured prisoners, Milvern Harrell, gives the following account of events: “As we were still suffering from our wounds, we were placed in a house at the Presidio del Rio Grande, just across the river on the Mexican side. Here we were guarded and kept confined for two months. Finally we planned to make our escape, but gave it up, as we concluded that we could not cross the river. A Frenchman came in soon after, and telling him of the plans we had entertained, he said that crossing the river would be easy, as it was low at that season. Encouraged by this, we again determined upon escaping.
“Having noticed that the soldiers played cards a good deal, and satisfying ourselves that their guns were unloaded, one bright moonlight night, after the guard had passed the door, we slipped out and ran around the house toward the river. The ground was covered with rocks, and we fell several times. My uncle, Norman Woods, as he had not recovered from his wound, was easily retaken, but a man named Pattison, myself and McReady ran on. We did not go directly to the river, which was only a mile or two distant, but ran up stream for ten or twelve miles, reaching it about daylight. We looked for a shoally place to cross, as we thought there the water would be shallow. As Pattison was the eldest of the three, we followed his advice. He selected a place where the river was narrow, and bent in toward the Texas side. A sandbar lay out in the water a little distance, and a high bluff arose on the opposite side. After wading past the sandbar, Pattison suddenly stepped into deep water, and swimming forward called us to come on, that we could swim over. The water was icy cold, and we had been confined until we were weak. We had gone only a little distance when McReady called to us that he could go no further, and sank. Pattison and myself swam on. A jeans coat that Pattison had tied around him had slipped off, and he asked me to get it for him. I turned back for the coat, and taking it in my teeth, swam after him. On nearing the Texas bank we got into a swift current and were washed rapidly down stream. Pattison called out to me that he could go no further, but must drown, and sank almost immediately. By this time I was completely exhausted, and was helpless in the current. Thinking every second would be the last, I was suddenly washed upon a rock in the river, and carried high upon it, the water being only about six inches over its surface. I stood up and stretched myself. It was sleeting now, and I was almost frozen. I decided that I could not reach the Texas side, and knowing that I would freeze where I was, I went back to the Mexican side of the river. There was a long smooth beach where I reached the bank, and I ran up and down it for some time to warm myself and to loosen my joints, which had become stiff from being in the water so long.
“Then leaving the river and going upon a hill to get my location, I saw a house in the distance, and went toward it. A Mexican, seeing me approaching, came down to meet me. When he drew nearer, I recognized him as a Mexican I had known at San Antonio, and with whom we had traded. He came up and taking off his overcoat threw it around me. I went up to the house with him, where he had a big, bright fire burning in the chimney. He would not let me go near it, but had me to sit down across the room from it, and would have me move up a little at a time. His wife brought in some hot coffee for me, and I thought it was the best I had ever tasted. After getting warm, I told them that I desired to lay down, as I was sleepy. A bed was prepared, and I slept from about 7 o'clock in the morning until 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and on awaking I saw four Mexican soldiers in the room.
“They had been scouring the country in search of us, and came to the house where I was. Of course they carried me back with them.
“Soon after this we left the Presidio for the City of Mexico. At Saltillo we were joined with the Mier prisoners and kept with them until we were liberated.”—Dallas Morning News, June 16, 1907.
While the last sentence of Mr. Harrell's statement is true, it must not be forgotten that the principal officers of the Mier Expedition marched from Saltillo in a separate body a short distance in advance of the men. This circumstance prevented the participation of the officers in the attack on the guard at Salado, 11 February 1843. After the Mexican guard had been put to flight, about twenty Texans refused to join in the march homeward (Stapp, Prisoners of Perote, 59). Harrell was of this number because his uncle Norman Woods was too ill to undertake the journey and needed attention. The wounded Texans were left in the care of these “eccentric knights.” The latter were marched toward the City of Mexico. They came up with the party of Texan officers at San Luis Potosi (Green, Journal of the Texian Expedition against Mier, 177). Some of the sick were left behind at this place (Stapp, 78), but Harrell proceeded with those accompanying the officers.
95. George Van Ness, Archibald Fitzgerald, and Thomas Hancock were residents of San Antonio in 1841. They joined the Santa Fé expedition and were made prisoners. Van Ness was released 3 February 1842, “entirely through the influence of the Mexican Secretary of War and Marine, General Tornel.” (Kendall, Narrative of the Santa Fé Expedition, I, 200.) Fitzgerald and Hancock were probably among those released in June, 1842. In that case, their release was conditioned on their signing a document on oath stating that they would not again take up arms against the Republic of Mexico until they had been regularly exchanged. (R. D. Phillips, one of the Santa Fé prisoners, to his father, Dr. M. Phillips, 19 June 1842. MS. letter in King Texas Collection, Texas State Library.) They had returned to San Antonio and were among those captured on 11 September 1842. They were included in the terms of surrender granted by General Woll. Santa Anna, however, ordered these three men to be shot (Neill's Narrative, page 315 below), alleging that they had broken their parole (Thompson, Recollections of Mexico, 76, 78). Through the intercession of General Woll their sentence was modified to ten years imprisonment in San Juan de Ulloa. (Neill's Narrative, page 315 below.)
When Green and his companions arrived at Saltillo, 30 January 1843, they found there in prison Van Ness, Fitzgerald, Hancock and three of the wounded prisoners of Dawson's company. At the request of Green, Van Ness was permitted to accompany the Texan officers. Fitzgerald and Hancock and the Dawson prisoners were joined to the Mier Prisoners when the latter arrived at Saltillo February 5. A few days later Fitzgerald was fatally wounded during the attack on the guard at the Hacienda de Salado, 11 February 1843. Hancock also was wounded, but recovered and survived the period of imprisonment at Perote. He was released with the Bexar Prisoners, 23 March 1844. Van Ness was liberated about a fortnight later. (Stapp, Prisoners of Perote, 123.)
96. In regard to this sentence, see note 2, page 296.
97. This note is in same hand and ink, but inserted with other notes, marked A to M, near the back of the booklet in which the Diary is kept.
98. See note 2, page 301.
99. First three words are stricken out; see note 2, p. 301.
100. See note 2, page 296, in regard to this paragraph.
101. For an account of Captain Philip Dimit's capture and the circumstances attending his death, July, 1841, see Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 319, 320.
102. An inn.
103. See note 2, page 301. The last sentence of this note appears to be a part of the original entry. The date when these notes were written would then be fixed at some time after 9 April 1843. See second paragraph of entry under April 9, 1843.
104. See note 2, page 301.
105. See note 2, page 296. G. W. Terrell was attorney general of the Republic of Texas at this time.
106. See note 2, page 296. Bravo was acting president of Mexico at this time.
107. See note 2, page 296.
108. General Mexia was shot, by order of Santa Anna, in 1839.
109. Perhaps a reference to S. G. Norvell; see note 1, page 320, below.
110. This last sentence is written in the margin; see note 2, page 296.
111. The memorial and the letters were written while the Texans were at Tula, December 7-10.
112. Perhaps, the reference is to Robert J. Walker, senator, and Jacob Thompson, congressman, from Mississippi.
113. “Dr. Booker, one of the San Antonio prisoners and a brave and meritorious man, was accidentally killed, . . . by a drunken Mexican soldier. The latter pointed his gun with the intention of shooting one of his own officers, but unfortunately the ball lodged in the breast of Dr. B., who survived but a few days.”—Telegraph and Texas Register, 3 May 1843.
114. The entry for this date, and those for the dates following to and including April 7, appear to have been written originally with pencil and subsequently traced with pen and ink.
115. See note 2 above. During the night Hutchinson, Maverick, and Jones, on their way to the City of Mexico, must have lodged in close proximity to Fisher, Green and the other officers of the Mier Expedition, who were on their way to the Castle of Perote.
116. See note 2 above.
117. This entry was interlined with pen and ink, and not traced like the original entry for this day. Cf. note 2, page 296.
118. See note 2, page 307.
119. See note 2, page 307. They called upon their fellow citizens imprisoned in the Castle, and carried away with them many messages for friends at home. (Green, Journal of the Texian Expedition against Mier, 256.)
120. See note 2, page 307. The following words, after the word Chatahooche, were not traced: “on which are the Riddles and O'Phelan.”
“John and Wilson Riddle and Capt. O'Phelan, all of them taken at San Antonio, have been released through the intercession of the British Minister.” (Telegraph and Texas Register, 3 May 1843.)
121. See note 2, page 307. The following sentence, however, was not traced in ink: “This is my forty-fifth birthday.”
122. Beginning with the entry for this day the original entries in the Diary are again written in ink.
123. The following list of officers of the Vincennes is recorded near the end of the booklet containing the Diary:
Cap: Franklin Buchanan, Phila.
Lt John K Mitchell—N. Car.
“ Ro Emmet Hooe, King George Cy—Va
Lt Montgy Lewis—Phila
“ Rd Wainwright
“ Woodhull S Schenck—Ohio
Surgeon John A Lockwood—Delaware
Sailing Master Jo: N. Barney—Md.
Purser Jo: Bryan—Geo.
Asst Surgeon—A A Henderson
Lt of Marines M. R. Kintzing
Captain's Clerk Jo: Gideon
124. Lieutenant George B. Crittenden was one of the Mier prisoners. He was left behind with others at Matamoros in January, 1843, being too sick to travel. (Stapp, Prisoners of Perote, 45.) In a letter dated Monterey, 24 March 1843, the writer says “The sick and wounded, together with the three boys who were left at Matamoros, were secretly marched out of town on the 4th instant, and sent on foot to Tampico.” (Telegraph and Texas Register, 3 May 1843.) Through the efforts of General Waddy Thompson Lt. Crittenden was released about the same time that Judge Hutchinson, Wm. E. Jones, and S. A. Maverick were released. Perhaps, they had heard of his having been sent to Tampico, and of the subsequent order for his release, while they were in the City of Mexico.
125. Lt. Crittenden had left three days before for the City of Mexico. (Telegraph and Texas Register, 3 May 1843.)
126. This reference is to James L. Sheperd. He was recaptured and shot to death. (Stapp, Prisoners of Perote, 74.)
127. Last sentence is placed in the margin and written in ink of different color.
128. Although not a part of the Diary, the following extract from a letter written by Judge Hutchinson at Jackson, Mississippi, June 10, 1843, to W. D. Miller, the private secretary of President Houston, is so intimately connected with the events covered by the Diary that it may with propriety be introduced here:
“My Dear Friend:—On the 18th April I arrived at Pensacola. On the 23rd recd Mrs. Hutchinson's letter of the 16th requesting me to meet her at Jackson. On May 1st reached Raymond and on the 3rd Jackson. On the 16th got another letter from Mrs. H. desiring me to meet her at Montgomery. On the 23rd she with her mother and Mr. Graves, my brother-in-law, met me at that place, and on the 1st instant we reached this place. I am engaged in locating my family here and expect in about a week to leave on a visit to Texas, where I trust I shall meet you and be enabled to express my grateful acknowledgments for your kind attention to Mrs. H. when she was on her way from the land of privations and difficulties, and also for your letters of Sep 12 and 14th 1842.
“But for the necessity of collecting my family I should have been enabled to have got to Washington by the 5th instant, the day for the session of the Supreme Court: I shall therefore, with the tender of my resignation as Judge of the fourth district, declare my salary as terminating on the 5th instant. I learned in N. Orleans that my district had been reduced to Goliad, Refugio and San Patricio, so that no circuit duties have been needed. In a word it is impossible for me to sustain in safety my family in any part of the 4th district, and being unwilling to reside in middle or eastern Texas, I am compelled to resume professional practice in Mississippi.
“My Code of Texas is here as complete as I left it. Two weeks labor will enable me to engraft the legislation of the last Congress. . . .
“Oblige me by expressing to Generals Houston and Terrell and Col Hockley my gratitude for the kindnesses to Mrs. H. during my captivity. . . .
“I go to Texas to exchange my negroes with Gen. Henderson for others in Mississippi—to get my salary—to sell my Code—and to bring away my library. . . . Any aid you can afford in the accomplishment of any of those objects will be a great favor.” (MS. letter in Miller Papers, Texas State Library.)
129. This is the end of the Diary.
130. The translations and notes have been added by the editor.
131. Minutes of the District Court, September term, 1842, in District Clerk's Office, San Antonio.
132. See note 2, page 312.
133. D. S. in the collection of papers presented to the State Library by Mr. L. K. Miller.
134. This report has not been found.
135. The numbering and arrangement of the names in Neill's. The statements concerning the release, escape or death of the prisoners have been added by the editor and unless credited to other sources are based on Green's Journal of the Texian Expedition against Mier.
136. Hutchinson's Diary.
137. Telegraph and Texas Register, 3 May 1843.
138. Hutchinson's Diary.
139. The Morning Star, 1 April 1843.
140. The Quarterly, II, 234.
141. “Richard Jackson, one of the prisoners captured at Bexar last autumn, died at Perote on the first of April last.” (Telegraph and Texas Register, 10 May 1843.)
142. Stapp, 113.
143. Simeon Glenn was released 23 March 1844.
144. “Mr. S. G. Norvell, one of the prisoners captured at Bexar by Gen. Woll, came over on the New York, having been liberated through the intervention of Col. Carasco.” (Telegraph and Texas Register, 8 March 1843.)
145. Geo. Van Ness was released — April 1844. (Stapp, 123.)
146. Fitzgerald died of wounds received at Salado, 11 February 1843.
147. Thos. Hancock escaped from Perote 2 July 1843; recaptured; released 23 March 1844.
148. These seven names do not appear in Hutchinson's list. The names of the five Dawson prisoners given below are not included either in Hutchinson's or Neill's list.
Milvern Harrell, a youth, released 23 March 1844.
John Higgerson, killed at Salado, 11 February 1843.
McReady, or McCrady, drowned in the Rio Grande river, November, 1842.
Pattison, drowned in the Rio Grande river, November, 1842.
Norman Woods, died in prison at Perote.
Higgerson's name appears in Green (pp. 141, 177) only. Milvern Harrell mentions the names of McReady, Pattison and Woods. (Dallas News, June 16, 1907.)
How to cite:
"THE BEXAR AND DAWSON PRISONERS ", Volume 013, Number 4, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 292 - 324. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v013/n4/article_3.html
[Accessed Thu Dec 4 17:23:00 CST 2008]
