they will come together in a few days. I shall
reach Houston day after tomorrow, a distance
from this place about 50 miles. In the
event of my falling in Battle, you will
find my trunks, papers &c. in the possession
of Mrs. Jane Long who has temporarily fled
from Brazoria ] to Bolivar Point at Galveston
Bay. The money brought by me to be laid
out in Lands, I have of course, in the
present confused state of things, not been
able to lay out. Govt has no authority to
sell lands, and from independents [?] no pur-
chase can be yet made with safety. I
have therefore been much embarrassed
to know what to do with so large a sum of
money; it is too dangerous to keep it about
now, especially as I am going into Battle.
After due consideration, I have placed it
in the hands of Lorenzo Zavalo, [sic] the vice
President of the Government, the most respon-
sible & probably the most honest among them.
His receipt for the money I know not how
to dispose of other than to keep it about me
with instructions to Wm. D. Redd to take it
to you in the event of my falling & his escaping.
The amt placed in Zavalo's [sic] hands is
six thousand dollars; Redd the President
D. G. Burnet, Potter & others saw me give
the money to him, & can be evidence of the
fact if I should loose [sic] the receipt. I hope
the gentlemen for whom I am acting
will believe that I have acted for the
best, it is true. I might fly precipitately

to the U.S. and return them their money without
trusting it with any one here, or exposing my-
self to danger, but a course so unpatriotic
and disgraceful, I know they would not
require of me; if in addition to the fact of
involving an [?] equal amt with each of
them, I also peril my life, I am confident
they will acquit me of any selfish disregard
of their interest.
If I fall I shall leave either
with Zavaloe [sic] something in the shape of a
will which you will have to execute; I
shall leave it either with Zavaloe [sic] or Mrs. Long.
If not drawn up with the formulations of law,
I know that it shall nevertheless be fulfilled.
My health at present is good.
I feel much solicitude for my mother;
If she was well and cheerful & could
bear affliction with more fortitude I should
be happy. Tell Rebecca Ann [Lamar's daughter], that
she must learn to write read & spell well,
and that is the best education. I have petitioned
to Govt for my League of Land as a citizen
of Texas in 1835, but the Govt will do nothing
in it; I think however the testimony of
Hoxey & Christman, the Surveyer [sic] of my inten-
tion to return to the County as a citizen will
hereafter secure the Land when war
is over.
I write in great haste
Your affectionate Brother
M. B. Lamar

12 Apr.- Gen. Houston enlists the side wheeler steamboat Yellowstone to get his army across the Brazos River.
Downstream, Santa Anna crosses the Brazos at Thompson's Ferry (Richmond, Tx)

-hat tip to the Old Sugar Land Club House

After crossing, the Mexican army marches toward Stafford Point.
- from Old Sugar Land Club House

Marker for Jesse Thompson's ferry west of Richmond. From the Eyes of Texas Guide by Cordovan Publishers, 1977.


The ferry site

Since you were able to find the sites of old crossings, something I've always wondered is, where was the original Fort Bend (namesake for the County).

It was near Richmond...on a bend in the Brazos...but the Brazos isn't exactly straight in that area.

quote:

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Since you were able to find the sites of old crossings, something I've always wondered is, where was the original Fort Bend (namesake for the County).

It was near Richmond...on a bend in the Brazos...but the Brazos isn't exactly straight in that area.

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The marker for the fort is located on the east side of Richmond near the Hwy 90A crossing at the Brazos (a hundred yards north of the old fort site). I understand due to course changes in the river, the site of the original fort is part of the Brazos River, close to Main & Austin St.


Marker location: latitude & longitude: 29 34' 54.91895999988", -95 45' 31.47906999996"

Here's a link to a dig video posted by Chuck Kelly that was done in 2012 near the old fort. Gives you an idea of the current surroundings that exist at the site.

13 Apr- Troops of Major Wyly Martin and Capt. Moseley Baker withdraw from their positions along key crossings of the Brazos River after hearing that Mexican forces had begun crossing at Thompson's near Richmond . Wyly Martin and his 46 men were responsible for guarding 4 fords and ferries on the lower Brazos, including Fort Bend. The 40 men under Capt. Moseley Baker were upriver at San Felipe and dug in on the east side of the Brazos. Both commands feared being out flanked by the Mexicans.

14 Apr. - Gen. Houston releases the steamboat Yellowstone. The Texian army marches from Groce's Plantation on the Brazos and camps at the Charles Donoho Plantation on the night of April 14th. The Donoho's were not happy about hosting the Texas Army. They were upset when the army began cutting their trees for fire wood. (Another story was the trees were too green for burning.) General Houston ordered the men to stop cutting the trees and to use the picket fence instead. This campsite is located 4 miles SE of Hempstead near the Waller Co. Fairgrounds on FM 359.

A Mexican silver 1/2 Reale found at Donoho's. (Wallercountyhistory.org)
The commands of Wyly Martin and Moseley Baker rejoined the army at Donoho's.

quote:

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(Another story was the trees were too green for burning.)

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I'd say that would be a fact, considering it was the middle of spring

Headquarters, Donoho's Plantation, April 14, 1836


Dear Fellow Texians,

We had a short march today to this place. General Houston has recalled all of the army units to assemble at this point. Major Wiley Martin has communicated that he had inadequate forces to prevent the enemy from crossing the lower Brazos river, but that he gave a fine account of the forces at his command in numerous engagements. He is presently in route to this place, escorting some retiring families. He has about 46 men under his command.

Mr. Donoho is not sympathetic to our cause, and therefore the men take every advantage they can of this man. Although he forbade them to cut timber for fires, the men are in the process of burning all of Donoho's fence rails. Being dry, they make better firewood anyway. And to make matters worse, a party is planned for this evening in Donoho's house. I suspect he will not put in an appearance as his health might become endangered.

As to the direction of the march, and the plans for engagement, General Houston continues to be very quiet. I assume he fears enemy spies. He is waiting for the arrival of Baker and Martin's commands to strengthen our numbers. In the meanwhile he has sent our more spies to properly assess the present strength and location of the enemy since much has happened recently. I am pleased that he has Rusk to consult with, as he takes no council from any others.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, McCarley's Home, April 15, 1836


Dear Fellow Texians,

Baker and Martin have arrived back at camp with their commands. Martin is particularly outspoken in his criticism of General Houston's command. Martin's impatience to fight and his frustration at having failed to prevent the enemy from crossing the Brazos has tested the friendship bond that once linked him with Houston. The General took the diplomatic approach by relieving Martin of command and "reassigning" him to organize the swelling band of civilian refuges following the army.

Martin's company continues with the army.

This morning we left Donoho's by way of the middle road. The upper road, or left fork, leads to Robbin's Ferry on the Trinity River and then to Nacogdoches and Louisiana. The middle road leads to the Spring Creek settlement of New Kentucky and then on to Liberty on the Trinity. The lower road, or right fork, leads back to San Felipe on the Brazos. Colonel Sherman was in the lead with the Second Regiment. The march today was approximately eighteen miles on a nearly impassable muddy road. Although better disciplined and equipped now, the army is a pitiful sight to behold attempting to maintain its composure as it struggles its way through the mud. Upon arrival at McCarley's place any consumable livestock and crops were requisitioned and again, rail fences and post were used as firewood. The army how contains about 1,100 men.

The camp is in great turmoil tonight as we grow closer to another decision point of turning south. The next fork would take us towards Harrisburg. Will we engage the enemy or continue our eastward fallback to the Trinity river? The General continues his silence and private company. The whole matter is quite taxing.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Meanwhile the Mexican Army: Santa Anna reached William Stafford's plantation by noon and feasted until mid-afternoon. They burned to plantation and force marched on to Harrisburg. The vanguard reached HB just before midnight. Captured three printers and learned that Burnet and his cabinet had left just a few hours earlier. Also learns that Sam Houston is still at Groces , with less than 800 men and two 4# cannons. Gen. Filisola arrives at San Felipe in the morning and then headed south along the Old Fort road to link up with Sesma & Santa Anna.

Gen. Filisola arrives at Old Fort to learn that Santa Anna has left for Harrisburg. Gen. Sesma still at Old Fort. Gaona has not arrived at San Felipe yet. Urrea left Matagorda, leaving 230 infantry and a 12 pound cannon to defend the place. Heading to Columbia on the Brazos River.

15 Apr. - After marching 14 miles, the Texian army camped west of present-day Tomball on the Sam & Celia McCarley property. The army, now 1100 strong, consumed the McCarley's beef, corn and bacon. The army also burned about 4000 ft. of rail fence for firewood. In 1858, Celia McCarley was awarded $460 by the state of Texas as compensation for damages. A marker for the McCarley site is located near FM 2920 & AJ Foyt Rd.

Headquarters, Burnett's Place on Cypress Creek, Saturday, April 16, 1836:


Dear Fellow Texians,

Praise the Lord, we are moving against the enemy. May the justice of our mission be realized against the tyrant of the land.

Due to an early morning rain, our march today did not begin until 10 a.m. It was three miles to Abram Roberts' place near New Kentucky on Spring Creek and we stopped briefly. Mr. Roberts has served in the army and has been a staunch supporter of the cause. No one is sure if the General ordered the men to take the right fork which leads to Harrisburg and certain confrontation with the enemy, or if the head of the column simply turned on its own when Mr. Roberts pointed the way. The civilians traveling with the army did not follow, but continued on the left fork of the road to Liberty on the Trinity River.

There was an incident involving Mrs. Mann. At Groce's' she lent her oxen teams to pull the two cannons. She caught up with the army several miles after the turn and demanded her oxen back since she had understood that the army was going to Liberty and the eastern border. General Houston protested, but to no avail. She was quite forward in taking possession of her oxen and Wagon Master Capt. Rohrer took up the army protest. He sadly underestimated the conviction and determination of that woman. I am afraid that it has so broke his spirit that his effectiveness has been greatly weakened. Anyway, the day's trip was on a level, boggy prairie that frequently gave way to wagon wheels. Even the General would assist in pushing the wagons out of the damnable mud. We arrived at dark at Burnett's and fatigue kept the camp quite all night.

Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp

Meanwhile the Mexican Army: After an all night march, the Mexican foot soldiers with Santa Anna's company straggled into Harrisburg all day long. Almonte with 50 mounted men leave Harrisburg at 5 p.m. to go to Lynch's Ferry and New Washington/Morgan's Point looking for government stragglers. About this time Santa Anna sent dispatch to Filisola to send Gen. Cos with 500 "chosen" infantry. Gaona should be approaching San Felipe. Urrea marching from Matagorda to the San Bernard River.

The army traveled 13 miles on 16 Apr. from McCarley's to the campsite at Matthew Burnett's home.


Marker inscription: Texas army camp - April 16, 1836. Matthew Burnett (1795-1842) and his wife, Sarah (Simmons) (1797-1852), came to Texas from Arkansas in 1831 and settled south of here on Cypress Creek. Their home was near the "Harrisburg Road" which stretched 15 miles northwest to a crossroads at the home of their closest neighbor, Abram Roberts, and, in the other direction, 25 miles southeast to Harrisburg. The interim government of the Republic of Texas stayed here briefly on March 22, 1836, while enroute to establish the Republic's new capital at Harrisburg. The Texas army, 1100 men under the command of Sam Houston, stopped here about dusk on April 16, 1836, after turning southeast at the Robert's crossroads earlier in the day. During their overnight stay they consumed most of Burnett's livestock and grains, and burned fence rails for fuel. The next morning the Texas army departed for Harrisburg. Four days later, on April 21, they routed the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, winning Texas independence from Mexico. Having fled the area in the episode known as the "Runaway Scrape," the Burnetts returned after learning of the victory at San Jacinto. In the late 1830s and 1840s their home became a prominent landmark and well-known tavern on the road to the city of Houston.
The marker is located in Telge Park, just east of Telge Rd. on Pleasant Grove St. in Cypress, Tx.

Centex I appreciate all of your contributions to this historical timeline

Thanks. I enjoy the Texas Revolution on Texags every year. Glad you started the thread.

Headquarters, Camp at the head of a little bayou, Sunday, April 17, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

We continued to march along the muddy road to Harrisburg, resting for the night at the head of a little bayou about six miles from Harrisburg. The days are now rather hot and quite uncomfortable with all of the water around. We are close to a forced march, as we believe that we are on an intercept course with the enemy.

As of this writing I have no confirmation of a report given by a civilian that Santa Anna himself has taken a small force and has rushed to Harrisburg to catch the new Texian government. The government had moved there from Washington, but had then departed for Galveston by way of Morgan's point before Santa Anna's arrival. In an effort to catch the government, the Mexican army then proceeded to New Washington on Col. Morgan's point on Galveston Bay. The main body of the Mexican army is still on the Brazos at Thompson's ferry. This is perhaps the opportunity we have been looking for, to confront the enemy while vulnerable with a decisive battle. The spirit of the men has risen to a higher pitch than I have witnessed on this whole campaign.


Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp

Meanwhile the Mexican Army: After putting the town to the torch, Santa Anna left Harrisburg at 3 p.m. for New Washington. After a difficult crossing over Sims Bayou the army encountered Vince's Bridge over Vince's Bayou. The bridge was too shaky to handle the Mexican cannon so second in command Castrillion and a company of infantry were sent with the cannon around the headwater of Vince's. A terrific rainfall that evening so Santa Anna camped in or near William Vince's cabin. Still no word from Gaona but should be approaching San Felipe. Urrea camped on the outskirts of the woods on the San Bernard river.

quote:

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We continued to march along the muddy road to Harrisburg, resting for the night at the head of a little bayou about six miles from Harrisburg.

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that little bayou was White Oak Bayou according to San Jacinto veteran Ellis Benson. ..(near the Heights area in Houston?) No historical marker exists at this campsite.

Headquarters, Camp opposite Harrisburg, Monday, April 18, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

We arrived opposite Harrisburg about noon and witnessed the smoking ruins of the city. The army established camp down river about 800 yards. Deaf Smith with Henry Karnes crossed over the river, called Buffalo bayou, and set out to spy on the enemy. They returned jubilantly with captured couriers and a report confirming the location of Santa Anna at New Washington. This is less than a day's march from this spot. With only 500 men, Santa Anna is in a most vulnerable position. General Houston, with the council of Secretary War Rusk, is busy at work on a plan of action.

Although General Houston and Secretary Rusk put out a General Appeal to the people of Texas to rally to the cause, it is too late to wait for additional supplies and volunteers. Victory goes to the swift. The camp has been put on alert that we cross the Buffalo tomorrow and will march to our destiny.

The army has moved quickly to this point and many men are sick and infirm. Without proper transport, the crossing of the bayou will be difficult. The army can not be burdened with supply wagons during this final assault, but must arrange to carry the cannons across. A rear guard camp will be established with sufficient effective men to protect the infirm and baggage. Those men selected to move forward were instructed to travel light and prepare rations to carry. The night was passed in anticipation.

Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp

Meanwhile the Mexican Army: Santa Anna arrived at New Washington/Morgan's Point about noon. General Woll arrived at Old Fort. Gaona has no doubt reached San Felipe and is marching on through to get to Old Fort with the rest of the Mexican Army. Urrea in the woods along the San Bernard.

18 Apr - Texian army scouts, led by Erastus 'Deaf' Smith captured 3 Mexicans including their important dispatches.

Gregory Walker photo
Gregory Walker photo
The marker is located marker is located at North 2nd Street and Bellaire Blvd in Bellaire, Tx. Lat. & Long. - 29 42.345 N, 95 27.867 W

On a side note: the captured Mexican army dispatches were contained in a satchel that once belonged to William Barrett Travis.

Headquarters, Camp south of Buffalo bayou, Tuesday, April 19, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

This morning the army began crossing Buffalo bayou about a half mile below the remaining rear guard camp. An old ferryboat was repaired using the flooring from a nearby cabin that was owned by Isaac Batterson. It's main use was to transport the cannons across, weapons and ammunition, and what men that did not swim or ride their horses across. The landing on the opposite shore was a few paces below the mouth of Sims' bayou. The crossing took the greater part of the daylight and the army was on the move by dusk. Near the bridge over Vince's bayou Santa Anna had camped a few days earlier and his extinct campfires were in evidence. The march continued along the very wet, muddy plain, following the tracks of the enemy, for another couple of miles. The army was allowed to rest at a small ravine in the open prairie. While it was not a camp in the conventional sense of the word, some of the men took the opportunity to set fires and cook what game and cattle could be conveniently had nearby. Others cleaned their weapons while I composed this report. Few slept.

Ahead of us is the despotic serpent of Mexico. Behind us is the balance of his merciless army. There is no turning back from this course of action. Blood will flow. Our just cause, and a passion for vengeance, will give us the strength to strike this blow for freedom. All will be gained, or lost, soon.

Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp

Meanwhile the Mexican Army: Santa Anna still at New Washington. He sent Capt. M. Barragan with some dragoons to check out the Lynchburg Crossing. Meanwhile supplies were being loaded onto a boat to float to Lynch's in anticipation of the Mexican Army crossing at that point. Colonel Almonte went to repair a boat at the house of Mr. Routh. Filisola was moving troops over at Old Fort to the east side of the Brazos River. Gaona arrived at Old Fort. Urrea camped on the San Bernard in anticipation of crossing and moving on Brazoria.

Copy
Camp at Harrisburgh
19th April 1836
This morning we are in preparation to meet Sant Ana [Santa Anna]. It is the only chance of
saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for re-inforcements in vain. The Convention ad-
journing to Harrisburgh struck panic throughout the country. Texas could have started at least
4000 men; we will only have about 700 to march with beside the Camp Guard. We
go to conquer. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet and fight 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.
My Adjt Genl Wharton, Inspr Genl Hockley Aid [sic] de Camp Horton
" " " W.H. Patton
" " " Collingsworth
Volunteer Aid [sic] Cerry
" " Perry
Maj. Cook Asst Inspr Genl will be with me.
We will use our best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantage, as will insure [sic]
victory, tho' the odds is greatly against us.
I leave the result in the hands of a wise God and rely upon his Providence.
My country will do justice to those who serve her. The rights for which we fight
will be secured, and Texas Free.

Saml Houston
Comr in Chief
Col. Rusk is in the field.
Houston

What or where is "Old Fort?"

quote:

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What or where is "Old Fort?"

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Fort Bend County is named for a blockhouse at a bend of the Brazos River; the fort was the start of the community in early days where some of Austin's colonists settled in 1824 and built a blockhouse for protection against Indians.