Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. Situation of Texas in December 1835. Civil history. Proceedings of Commissioners to the United States. Projected expedition to Matamoras. Colonel Fannin. His conduct at Goliad during the winter. Approach of Santa Anna. Fall of Bejar. Destruction of Fannin and his bold comrades. Shackelford's narrative. Interesting letter of General Rusk. Texas was now, that is to say about the middle of December, in possession of both the important fortresses on the Western frontier; and not an armed Mexican was to be anywhere seen within her borders. The war had been prosecuted, so far, with complete success; and a fair opportunity was presented, of carrying into speedy execution the original plan of defence of General Austin and his military counsellors, indeed of all Texas--by establishing the San Antonio river as a barrier between the enemy and the interior settlements, in the event of an approach by land, and sealing hermetically, so to speak, the ports to the South-West, by the same movement; thus effectually obstructing any hostile ingress on the sea-side. France never attached more importance to the Rhine, than Texas should have attached to the San Antonio river, under the circumstances, for reasons heretofore assigned. Nor can it be asserted with truth, that this judicious view of the subject was ever relinquished, either by the public functionaries of Texas, or in the general sentiment of her citizens, of which many proofs remain, and are conveniently adducible. Perhaps the following will be sufficient for the present. Whilst the fortress of Bexar was yet in a state of investment by the volunteer army, a communication was addressed to the government by Captain Demit, the Commandant at Goliad, the publication of which was ordered, ..
