Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/139

 "It could be left with Col. Bee whether or not, on his arrival at Washington, it would be proper to hand the letter referred to to the Mexican Minister.

"It does seem to me that this course is the most safe, and certain of success, presenting the least difficulty of any which can be adopted, and will afford an opportunity for Santa Anna to reach home by January, as I will send a minister forthwith to Washington, with as much dispatch as possible. "

", 25th Oct., 1836."

After the parting the little party set out on five horses for the Sabine River, and thence to New Orleans. They lost their way, and were compelled, in regaining it, to cross the battle-field of San Jacinto. The bones of Santa Anna's soldiers were whitening on the field. Santa Anna was deeply moved. The considerate men who attended him, forgetting for a time the Alamo and Goliad, seeming not to observe his agitation, leisurely rode on, leaving the conquered General alone to give vent to his feelings on the field of his slain soldiers.

He succeeded in reaching New Orleans, and thence proceeded to Washington city, where he was the guest of President Jackson, who sent him in an American vessel of war to Vera Cruz, His contemporaries represent him to have been a remarkable man, of perfect form, in height five feet seven or eight inches, with an intellect of high order, with quick and firm eye, with an elocution rich and forcible in an eminent degree, with princely manners and address. His face was finely formed, and head well shaped, but rather long. His career showed him to have been a great man^ with Mexican education and principles. A circumstance occurred in New Orleans not creditable to him. He was accompanied by an escort of his own selection. He informed Gen. Bee that he wished to travel to Washington as became his station as President of Mexico, and requested him to procure $2,000 to enable him to travel in comfort, promising when arrived at Washington to repay the amount by a draft on Vera Cruz. Gen. Bee obtained the amount desired in New Orleans. At Washington city Santa Anna gave him the draft, but on his arrival at Vera Cruz caused it to be protested. Neither the Mexican Government nor its president ever paid it. Subsequently the Legislature of Texas appropriated an amount sufficient to reimburse Gen. B. E. Bee. As this was a private affair, the action of Santa Anna has no excuse. This statement is made to show how he requited the kindness of Gen. Houston and his friends. Impartial history vindicates every act of Houston in his treatment of Santa Anna, while Santa Anna's whole career was inconsistent and a compromise of moral honor.