Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/113

 after which, and other exclamations in the same strain, he embraced young Zavala, with high indications of apparent feeling, and I think dropping a tear,

"Young Zavala returned his greeting with that deference which would have been due to his former rank and power; but at the same time, emitting from his countenance an expression I have scarcely seen equalled on any occasion. His look seemed to wither Santa Anna, and staring him full in the face, he replied immediately with great modesty, ' It has been so, sir.' Santa Anna evinced plainly that he was much mortified."

With evident respect and grief, Almonte approached his captive General, who embraced him. In the meantime, Houston, lying on the ground, rested on his elbow. Those who were present at the interview relate the following as the substance of the conversation between the two commanders.

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; and it now remains for him to be generous to the vanquished."

Houston. "You should have remembered that at the Alamo."

Santa Anna. "You must be aware that I was justified in my course by the usages of war. I had summoned a surrender, and they had refused; the place was then taken by storm, and the usages of war justified the slaughter of the vanquished."

Houston. "That was the case once, but it is now obsolete. Such usages among civilized nations have yielded to the influences of humanity."

Santa Anna. "However this may be, I was acting under the orders of my Government."

Houston. "Why, you are the Government of Mexico."

Santa Anna. "I have orders in my possession commanding me so to act."

Houston. "A dictator, sir, has no superior."

Santa Anna. "I have orders, General Houston, from my Government, commanding me to exterminate every man found in arms in the province of Texas, and treat all such as pirates; for they have no government, and are fighting under no recognized flag. This will account for the positive orders of my Government."

Houston. "So far as the first point is concerned, the Texans flatter themselves that they have a Government already, and they will probably be able to make a flag. But if you feel excused for your conduct at San Antonio, you have not the same excuse for the massacre of Col. Fannin's command. They had capitulated on terms proffered by your General; and after the capitulation, they