Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/104

 Americans could whip the whole Mexican army. 'Yes,' said he; 'the Americans are great soldiers.' I asked him, if he was not sorry he had come to fight the Americans. Yes, he said, but he belonged to the army, and was compelled to obey his officers. I asked him, if he was back in Mexico if he would come to Texas any more? He said, No; he would desert first. This brought us to camp, when the Mexican immediately announced his name. He asked to be taken to Gen. Houston, and was taken to him. If you think these facts of sufficient interest, you can put them in such shape as you think best. " "I am yours, " Very respectfully, ""

The letter of Capt. J. A. Sylvester, stating that Santa Anna rode behind him into the presence of Gen. Houston, has been read, but we prefer to publish Col. Robison's statement, which he repeated to the writer and Rev. Dr. J. H. Luther, in a conversation under his own roof, in July, 1879.

We subjoin from the Galveston News the following:

"The long-talked-of event, the unveiling of the monument contributed by the citizens of Galveston to the brave men who fell at San Jacinto, took place at the Pavilion, August 25, 1881, in the presence of an audience that filled the vast auditorium. The rich and the poor, those of high and of low estate, were present, filled with one desire, to add by their presence to the tribute so tardily bestowed upon the memory of sterling valor and heroic deeds.

"The programme which had been arranged for the occasion was of peculiar appropriateness, and in its execution was complied with, with a faithfulness and promptness that admitted not of complaint.

"A description of the monument, published in The News of the 7th of August, is reproduced in this connection.

"It is a plain, square spire, with pediment cap, moulded base, and chamfered sub-base. It is of blue American marble, fifteen and one-half feet high, and when placed in its position with the foundation, will be two feet higher. Upon the front is a die of white marble in which is set a star and nimbus, surrounded by a wreath of oak and laurel leaves. Near the top is a polished band containing eight cut stars. These were intended to represent the eight persons who were killed in the battle, but as since the work was completed it has been discovered that there were nine slain, another star will have to be added. The lettering on the base will be full, covering the three sides that now are unfilled. On the reverse side will be given the names of the fallen. To the right will be the words of Houston two days before the battle:

'"This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for reinforcements in vain. We will only have about 700 men to march with besides the camp guard. We go to conquer. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet the enemy now. Every consideration enforces it. No previous occasion would justify it. The troops are in fine spirits, and now is the time for action. We shall use our best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantage as will insure victory, though the odds are greatly against us. I leave the results in the hands of a wise God,