Early next morning, about nine o'clock, the enemy received a reinforcement of 500 men, under the command of General Martin Perfecto de Cos, which increased their force to fourteen or fifteen hundred men. It was supposed that an attack upon our encampment would now be made; and, having a good position, we stationed our artillery, and disposed of the forces, so as to receive the enemy to the best advantage.
At three o'clock, however, the foe, instead of showing signs of attack, was evidently engaged in fortifying. We determined, therefore, immediately to assail him; and, in half an hour, we were formed in four divisions; the first, intended as our right wing, composed of the regulars under Colonel Millard, and the second division, under command of Colonel Sidney Sherman, formed our left wing. A division, commanded by Colonel Burleson, formed our center. Our two six-pounders, under the command of Colonel Hockley, Captains Isaac N. Moreland and Stillwell, were drawn upon the right of the center division. The cavalry, under the command of Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar, formed upon our right. At the command to move forward, all the divisions advanced in good order and high spirits. On arriving within reach of the enemy, a heavy fire was opened, first with their artillery on our cavalry. A general conflict now ensued.
Orders were given to charge. Colonel Sherman's division moved up, and drove the enemy from the woods occupied by them on their right wing. At the same moment, Colonel Burleson's division, together with the regulars, charged upon and mounted the breastworks of the enemy, and drove them from their cannon, our artillery, the meanwhile, charging up and firing upon them with great effect. The cavalry, under Colonel Lamar, at the same time fell on them with great fury and great slaughter. Major-General Houston acted with great gallantry, encouraging his men to the attack, and heroically charging, in front of the infantry, within a few yards of the enemy, receiving at the same time a wound in the leg.
The enemy soon took to flight, officers and all, some on foot and some on horseback. In ten minutes after the firing of the first gun, we were charging through the camp, and driving them before us. They fled in confusion and dismay down the river, followed closely by our troops for four miles. Some of them, took the prairie, and were pursued by our cavalry; others were shot in attempting to swim the river; and in a short period the sanguinary conflict was terminated by the surrender of nearly all who were not slain in the combat. One half of their army perished; the other half are prisoners, among whom are Gen. Santa Anna himself, Colonel Almonte, and many other prominent officers of their army. The loss of the enemy is computed at over six hundred slain, and above six hundred prisoners; together with a caballado of several hundred mules taken, with much valuable baggage. Our loss, in point of numbers, is small, it being several slain and fifteen wounded. This glorious achievement is attributed, not to superior force, but to the valor of our soldiers and the sanctity of our cause. Our army consisted of 750 effective men. This brave band achieved a victory as glorious as any on the records of history, and the happy consequences will be felt in Texas by succeeding generations. It has saved the country from a yoke of bondage; and all who mingled in it are entitled to the special munificence of government, and the heart-felt gratitude of every lover of liberty.
The sun was sinking in the horizon as the battle commenced; but, at the close of the conflict, the sun of liberty and independence rose in Texas, never, it is to be hoped, to be obscured by the clouds of despotism. We have read of deeds of chivalry, and perused with ardor the annals of war; we have contemplated, with the highest emotions of sublimity, the loud roaring thunder, the desolating tornado, and the withering simoon of the desert; but neither of these, nor all, inspired us with emotions like those felt on this occasion. The officers and men seemed inspired by a like enthusiasm. There was a general cry which pervaded the ranks: "Remember the Alamo!" "Remember La Bahia!" These words electrified all. "Onward!" was the cry. The unerring aim and irresistible energy of the Texas army could not be withstood. It was freemen fighting against the minions of tyranny and the results proved the inequality of such a contest.
In a battle where every individual performed his duty, it might seem invidious to draw distinctions; but, while I do justice to all in expressing my high admiration of the bravery and gallant conduct of both officers and: men, I hope I may be indulged in the expression of my highest approbation of the chivalrous conduct of Major James Collinsworth in almost every part of the engagement. Colonel Hockley, with his command of artillery; Colonel Wharton, the adjutant-General, Major Cooke, and in fact all the staff officers; Colonels Burleson and Somervill on the right, Colonel Milliard in the center, and Colonel Sherman, Colonel Bennett and Major Wells on the left, and Colonel Lamar on the extreme right, with the cavalry, led on the charge and followed in the pursuit with dauntless bravery.
All have my highest approbation. With such men, sustained as we shall be by the patriots and lovers of liberty in our mother country, hateful depotism cannot find a resting place for the sole of his foot on the beautiful plains of Texas! A volume would not contain the deeds of individual daring and bravery. Each captain has been required to make a report, and I hope justice will be done to all the brave spirits who mingled in the glorious achievement of yesterday.
My aid-de-camp, Dr. Wm. Motley (late of Kentucky), fell near me, mortally wounded, and soon after his spirit took its flight to join the immortal Milam and others in a better world. I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours,
Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War.
P.S.--Since writing the above, General Cos has been brought in a prisoner by our cavalry.
[Archival reports indicate that Texans, killed, wounded and with the army on San Jacinto, April 20, 21, 1836: 1 mortally wounded on 20th, 2 severely wounded on 20th, 8 killed or mortally wounded on 21st, 32 wounded on the 21st. Names of 900 soldiers are on the monument at San Jacinto and 232 additional names, being sick, guards and etc. ---1132
Material captured at San Jacinto: 900 English muskets, 300 sabers, 200 Pistols, 300 mules, 100 horses, $12,000 in silver. Provisions, clothing, tents, paraphernalia for officers and men; Mexicans captured, and prisoners: 630 killed (including 1 general, 4 Colonels, 3 lieutenant-colonels, 5 captains, 12 lieutenants). 208 wounded (including 5 colonels, 3 lieutenant-colonels, 2 second lieutenant-colonels, 7 captains). 730 prisoners (including President-General Santa Anna, General Cos, Colonel Almonte, Colonel Bringas, Colonel Ocepeces, Colonel Portilla, Colonel Delgado). 75 escaped, including an officer who carried the news to General Filisola the night of April 21st and Filisola began his flight that night. Approximately 1,715 men in Mexican forces].
Stephen Kirby photo
Michael Corley photo
GGMorton photo
Stephen Kirby photo
Friends of San Jacinto photo
Henry McArdle painting "Battle of San Jacinto 1895