Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/83

Rh an indefinite period. The moment of deepest peril now intervened. After half the army had crossed, the boat commenced giving away, occupying four strong men in continually bailing out the water. The cavalry had now to cross. Goaded to plunge into the deep stream, they immediately disappeared, and rising again in full strength they swam to the steep, opposite bank, and made a successful passage. The last passage of the boat carried over Gen. Rusk. These two brave men grasped each other's hands, and involuntarily the same exclamation escaped from each other's lips, " Thank God, at last we are safely over." The following letter, written in pencil, on a scrap of paper drawn from the General's pocket, will attest the animus and intention of the hour after the passage of Buffalo Bayou:

", April 19, 1836.

", in the field:

"This morning' we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have look.ed for reinforcements in vain. The Convention's adjourning to Harrisburg struck terror through the country. Texas could have started at least four thousand men. We will be only about seven hundred to march, besides the camp guard. But we go to conquest. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet and fight the enemy now. Every consideration enforces it. The troops are in fine spirits, and now is the time for action. We will 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 result in the hands of an all-wise God, and I rely confidently upon His providence. My country will do justice to those who serve her. The right for which we fight will be secured, and Texas shall be free. ", Commander-in-Chief."

After the passage of Buffalo Bayou the companies of the army were formed into line, and then Gen. Houston rode up and addressed the soldiers. His address was said by those who heard it to be the most eloquent and impassioned to which they ever listened. He gave them as the battle cry. Remember the Alamo. The words were taken up by every man in the army, and one unanimous shout pierced the sky, " Remember the Alamo! Remember the Alamo! " and the green islands of prairie trees echoed and repeated that shout, " Remember the Alamo." Gen. Rusk, Secretary of War, also spoke in the most stirring, impassioned, and appropriate language. Inspired with the spirit of chivalry, the men were impatient to hear the order to "march." The column soon received the order to march. Under a brilliant sun, shining full and clear after a long cold rain, that army marched without bugle