On this date, 1836

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CanyonAg77
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quote:
I wonder if there are counties named for all of the killed at San Jacinto?
I don't think there are any others. Certainly a lot of counties named for Texas Revolution heroes, such as Deaf Smith (Hereford)

And on that list of killed an injured, the injuries are listed as slight, severe, and do do. Do do?

So Google is my friend. A quick scan indicates some 20 Texas counties named for those killed during Independance from Mexico, most falling at the Alamo. Many more are named after heros of the Revolution, or early political leaders of the Republic. Confederate generals and politicians also a popular choice.

But only one more county seems to be named for a person killed at San Jacinto...Lamb County, just west of Hale. Both were officers. Too bad for the enlisted guys, I guess.
Cen-Tex
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Location of Santa Anna's capture site is approx. 12 mi. west of the battlefield near the Washburn Tunnel entrance in Pasadena, Tx N 29 43.475 W 095 12.763
Willsson photo
Waymarking.com photo
Waymarking.com photo
photo by Jim Evans
View of ship channel near the marker

San Jacinto veteran, Capt. James Sylvester has a good description of the area of Santa Anna's capture in his memoirs. Sylvester is the soldier that carried the battle flag on 21 Apr. That flag now hangs behind the Texas Speaker's desk in Austin.
http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/sylvesterjames.htm
XpressAg09
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List of Counties in Texas, with Etymology

"San Jacinto" is mentioned 10 times on that page, but some men may be known for other things and San Jac was left off the brief description.

10 References:
Robert M. Coleman, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and soldier at the Battle of San Jacinto
George Bernard Erath, an early surveyor and a soldier at theBattle of San Jacinto
John C. Hale, a lieutenant killed in action at the Battle of San Jacinto (Panhandle County)
Sam Houston (17931863), general of the Texan Revolution, commander at the Battle of San Jacinto and later president of the Republic of Texas, U.S. Senator and governor of the state of Texas
Robert Justus Kleberg (18031888), an early German settler and soldier at the Battle of San Jacinto
George A. Lamb, who died at the Battle of San Jacinto (Panhandle County)
Benjamin McCulloch (18111862), veteran of San Jacinto, Texas Ranger, and Confederate general
(San Jac County) The Battle of San Jacinto, which won Texas its independence from Mexico
Robert McAlpin Williamson, a leader and veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto

Additional: there are 13 Counties named after defenders of the Alamo. Taylor County is named for three brothers who died there.
ABATTBQ87
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Sam Houston's Copy of His Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto

Head Quarters of the army
San Jacinto 25th April 1836
To his
Excellency
D.G. Burnett
President of the Republic of Texas
Sir,
I regret extremely that my situation since the Battle
of the 21st has been such as to prevent my rendering you my official
report of the same previous to this time
I have the honor to inform you that on the evening of the 18th
Inst after a forced march of fifty five miles, which was effected
in two days and a half, the army arrived opposite Harrisburg; that
Evening a courier of the Enemy was taken from whom I learned
that Gen Santa Anna with one Division of his choice troops had
marched in the direction of Lynch's Ferry on the San Jacinto, burn=
ing Harrisburg as he passed down-
The Army was ordered to be in readiness to march early on the next morning-
The main body effected a crossing over Buffalo Bayou,
below Harrisburg on the morning of the 19th, having left the Baggage,
the sick, and a sufficient camp Guard in the rear-
We continued the march throughout the night, making but one halt
in the prairie for a short time, and without refreshment-At daylight
we resumed the line of march, and in a short distance our Scouts
encountered those of the Enemy, and we received information
that Gen Santa Anna was at New Washington and would that
day take up his line of march for Anahuac, crossing at Lynch's.

ABATTBQ87
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Sam Houston's Copy of His Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto

Page 2

The Texian Army halted within half a mile of the Ferry in some timber,
and were engaged in slaughtering beeves, when the army of Gen Santa Anna
was discovered to be approaching in battle array, having been encamped at
Clopper's point eight miles below- Disposition was immediately made of our
forces, and preparation for his reception - He took a position with his Infantry &
Artillery in the center occupying an island of timber- his cavalry covering the left
flank. Their artillery then opened upon our Encampment, consisting of one doub=
lle fortified medium brass twelve pounders - The Infantry in columns advanced
with the design of charging [our lines] but were repulsed by a discharge of
grape and cannister from our artillery, consisting of one double fortified
two six pounders. The Enemy had occupied a piece of timber within
rifle shot of the left wing of our Army, from which an occassional
interchange of small arms took place between the troops, until the
Enemy withdrew to a position on the bank of the San Jacinto, about
three quarters of a mile from our Encampment and commenced a fortifi=
cation - A short time before sunset our mounted men, about Eighty-
five in number, under the special command of Col. Sherman, march'd
out for the purpose of reconoitering the Enemy. Whilst advancing
they received a volley from the left of the Enemy's Infantry, and after
a sharp rencountre with their cavalry, in which ours acted extremely well
and performed some feats of daring chivalry, they retired in good order
having had two men severely wounded, and several horses killed, in the mean
time the Infantry under the command of Lieut Col. Millard and Col.
Burleson's regiment, with the Artillery had marched out for the purpose of
covering the retreat of the Cavalry, if necessary; all then fell back in good
order to our Encampment about sunset, and remained without any ostensible
action until the 21st at past 3 o'clock, taking the first refreshment which
they had enjoyed for two days. The Enemy in the mean time, having
extended the right flank of their Infantry so as to occupy the extreme points
of a skirt of timber on the bank of the San Jacinto and secured their
left by a fortification about 5 feet high, constructed of packs and
Baggage, leaving an opening in the centre of the Breastwork in which

ABATTBQ87
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Sam Houston's Copy of His Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto
Page 3

their Artillery was placed. Their Cavalry upon their left wing
About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 21st the Enemy were reinforced by
500 choice troops under the command of Gen Cos, increasing their effective
force to upwards of 1500 men, while our aggregate force for the field
numbered 783 - At past 3 O'clock in the Evening, I ordered the officers
of the Texian Army to parade their respective commands, having in the
mean time, ordered the Bridge on the only road communicating with
the Brazos, distant 8 miles from our Encampment, to be destroyed, thus
cutting off all possibility of escape [Our] troops paraded with alacrity and
spirit, and were anxious for the contest - Their conscious disparity in numbers
only seemed to increase their confidence, and hightened their anxiety for
the conflict. Our situation afforded us an opportunity of making the arrange
ments preparatory to the attack without exposing our designs to the Enemy-
The first Regiment commanded by Col. Burleson, was assigned the center. The
second Regiment under the command of Col. Sherman, formed the
left wing of the army. The artillery under the special command of
Col. Geo. W. Hockley Inspector Gen'l. was placed on the right of the first
Regiment; and four companies of Infantry under the command of Lieut
Col. Henry Millard, sustained the artillery upon the right. Our Cavalry
sixty one in number, commanded by Col. Mirabeau B. Lamar (whose gallant
and daring conduct on the previous day had attracted the admiration
of his comrades, and called [him to] that station) placed on our extreme
right completed our line. Our Cavalry was first dispatched to the front
of the Enemy's left, for the purpose of attracting their notice, whilst our
extensive island of timber afforded us an opportunity of concentrating our
forces and displaying from that point, agreeable to the previous design
of the troops. Every Evolution was performed with alacrity, the whole
advancing rapidly in line, and through an open prairie, without any
protection whatever for our men. The Artillery advanced and took
station within two hundred yards of the Enemy's Breastwork and com-
menced an effective fire with grape and cannister. Col. Sherman
with his regiment having commenced the action upon our left wing

ABATTBQ87
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Sam Houston's Copy of His Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto
Page 4

the whole line at the center and on the right, advancing in double
quick time, sung the war cry "Remember the Alamo" received the Enemy's
fire and advanced within point blank shot before a piece was discharged
from our lines-- Our line advanced without a halt, until they were in
possession of the woodland and the Enemy's breastwork. The right wing of
Burleson's and the left of Millard's taking possession of the breastwork
our artillery having gallantly charged up within 70 yards of the Enemy's
cannon, where it was taken by our troops. The conflict lasted about 18
minutes from the time of close action, until we were in possession of
the Enemy's [encampment] taking [one] piece of cannon (loaded), 4 Stand
of colors, all their camp equipage, stores, and Baggage. Our cavalry
had charged and routed that of the Enemy upon the right and given
pursuit to the fugitives, which did not cease until they arrived at the bridge
which I have mentioned before. Capt Karnes, always among the foremost
in danger commanding the pursuers. The conflict in the breastwork, lasted
but a few moments; many of the troops encountered hand to hand, and not
having the advantage of bayonets on our side, our riflemen used their
pieces as war clubs, breaking many of them off at the breech. The route
commenced at past 4, and the pursuit by the main army continued
until twilight. A guard was then left in charge of the Enemys Encamp
ment, and our army returned with our killed and wounded.
In the Battle our loss was two killed and twenty three wounded, six of
whom mortally. The Enemy's loss was 630 killed, among which was one
General Officer, 4 Cols. 2 Liet Cols. 5 Captains-12 Lieuts. Wounded:
208 of which were 5 Cols, 3 Lieut cols, 2 Second Lieut Cols, 7 Captains-
1 Cadet. Prisoners: 730. President General Santa Anna, Gen. Cos, 4
Cols aids to Gen Santa Anna, 6 Lieut cols. the private Secretary of Gen
Santa Anna, and the Col of the Guerrero batallion are included in the
number. Gen Santa Anna, was not taken until the 22nd, and Gen Cos
on yesterday; very few escaped. About 600 muskets-300 Sabres, and 200
pistols have been collected since the action. Several hundred mules and Horses
were taken, and near twelve thousand dollars in specie-
For several days previous to the action our troops were engaged in forced marching
exposed to excessive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad

ABATTBQ87
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Sam Houston's Copy of His Official Report of the Battle of San Jacinto

Page 5

roads, illy supplied with rations and clothing, yet amid every difficulty
they bore up with cheerfulness and fortitude, and performed their marches
with spirit and alacrity - there was no murmuring - Previous to and
during the action my Staff evinced every disposition to be useful, and were
actively engaged in their duties. In the action I am assured that they
demeaned themselves in such manner as proved them worthy members of
the army of San Jacinto. Col. T. J. Rusk Secretary of war was on the
field. For weeks, his services had been highly beneficial to the army
in battle he was in the left wing where Col. Sherman's command first
encountered and drove the Enemy; he bore himself gallantly, and continued
his efforts and activity, remaining with the pursuers, until resistance ceased.
I have the honor of transmitting herewith a list of all the officers and men
who were engaged in the action, which I respectfully request may be published
as an act of justice to the individuals. For the Commanding Generals to
attempt discrimination as to the conduct of those who commanded in the ac-
tion, or those who were commanded would be impossible. Our success in the
action is conclusive proof of their daring intrepidity and valor; every officer
and man proved himself worthy of the cause in which he battled, while
the triumph received a luster from the humanity which characterized
their conduct, after victory, and richly entitles them to the admiration
and gratitude of their General. Nor should we withhold the tribute
of our grateful thanks, from that Being who rules the destinies of nations
and has in the time of [greatest] need enabled us to arrest a
powerful invader whilst devastating our Country

Cen-Tex
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Apr 25- All Mexican troops in Texas (over 2,500 men) assemble at Elizabeth (Madam) Powell's Tavern near Turkey Creek outside of present day Kendleton, Tx. Instead of moving the remaining troops across the Brazos River and attacking the Texian army, the Mexicans ordered a general retreat to the Colorado River and wait for orders from Mexico. The marker is located on private property off Darst Rd.

photos by David L. Martin and K. K. Searle
photos by David L. Martin and K.K. Searle
ABATTBQ87
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ABATTBQ87
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Over the last 70 days we have learned A LOT about the Texas revolution and I appreciate everyone who contributed to this thread with historical facts and photos.
SRBS
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Thanks again y'all!

Can't wait til next year!
Whiskey Before Breakfast
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one of the most enjoyable threads to ever hit this site. have enjoyed every word ! Thanks for initiating.
Cen-Tex
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A few days after the battle at San Jacinto, widow Margaret (Peggy) McCormick returned from the Runaway Scrape to find her home ransacked, her cattle and corn gone, and her land strewn with 630 dead Mexicans. It was on her property that the battle occurred. She made her way the three miles across the battlefield to Houston's camp, where she demanded that he bury the dead. He refused to bury the Mexicans and told Peggy that her land would be famed in history as the site of Texas independence. McCormick, unimpressed with Houston's answer, replied, "To the devil with your glorious history! Take off your stinking Mexicans." Houston again refused. Peggy, her two sons and neighbors buried the corpses themselves.

The swamp behind the Mexican lines is named Peggy Lake after Mrs. McCormick.
GG Morton photo
GG Morton photo
The marker is located at N 29 43.397 W 095 04.310
TXAG 05
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Are the bodies still buried out there?
Cen-Tex
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quote:
Are the bodies still buried out there?
According to San Jacinto veteran William P. Zuber in his book "Me Eighty Years in Texas"-

"When all their flesh had disappeared, the cattle of that locality chewed their bones, which imparted such a sickening odor and taste to the beef and milk that neither could be used. The citizens finally buried the bones, except some of the skulls which the cattle could not chew, to stop the ruin of the beef and the milk. Some of the skulls were found on the ground years later.

In "Mexican Soldier Skulls of San Jacinto Battleground", Jeff Dunn states - "Unfortunately, the place where the bones were buried was not marked. No burial site has since been discovered despite concerted efforts to locate it. Zuber's reference to skulls left on the ground is corroborated by other accounts."
Smithjg
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quote:
IFrom the mountains around gonzales, they should have seen them cross the Riverr!!!

(sorry - still laughing about that Texas mini-series...)
Don't forget the mountains surrounding Victoria!!! I drove around for hours after that show and still haven't found those damn mountains!
HarveyBirdman
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THE best thread I have ever read on TexAgs, period!

Thanks to all who contributed
ABATTBQ87
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The Mexican Soldier Skulls of San Jacinto Battleground
Bighunter43
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I read this account years ago, about the murder of a woman traveling with the Mexican Army at San Jacinto. Seems it led to court of inquiry by Houston's staff....and perhaps one of Houston's officers (Forbes) was accused! It's got some nice San Jacinto information in it...and I thought it might be interesting for some of you....the article about Audobon's skulls jogged my memory about this article, as it also mentions tourists picking up bones on the battlefield!
http://www.texfiles.com/texashistory/sanjacinto.htm
Cen-Tex
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From the end of April to around May 9th, the remaining troops of the Mexican army bogged down in the fields west of East Bernard, Tx. If you haven't had the chance, read Aggie Greg Dimmick's book, The Sea of Mud. It provides a great picture of how mother nature took a toll on the Mexican army. The following link is a 30 min. speech from C-Span highlighting Dr. Dimmick's work tracing the Mexican army.
http://www.c-span.org/video/?301849-4/mexican-retreat-across-texas
Cen-Tex
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15 June- General Filisola, leads the defeated Mexican army across the Rio Grande back into Mexico and arrive later that day at Matamoros.




ABATTBQ87
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181 years ago
Rabid Cougar
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ABATTBQ87 said:

181 years ago
Holiest of Days.
XpressAg09
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Bump.
BigJim49 AustinNowDallas
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CanyonAg77 said:

Quote:

I wonder if there are counties named for all of the killed at San Jacinto?
I don't think there are any others. Certainly a lot of counties named for Texas Revolution heroes, such as Deaf Smith (Hereford)

And on that list of killed an injured, the injuries are listed as slight, severe, and do do. Do do?

So Google is my friend. A quick scan indicates some 20 Texas counties named for those killed during Independance from Mexico, most falling at the Alamo. Many more are named after heros of the Revolution, or early political leaders of the Republic. Confederate generals and politicians also a popular choice.

But only one more county seems to be named for a person killed at San Jacinto...Lamb County, just west of Hale. Both were officers. Too bad for the enlisted guys, I guess.
GGUncle William Mosby Eastland Capt. at San Jacinto - later drew black bean - executed - Mier Expedition !

Eastland County named for him .
Aggie12B
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THANKS FOR THIS THREAD!
IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE READING.
Aggie12B
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Edit for double post
p_bubel
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Bump
Aggie12B
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p_bubel said:

Bump
Thanks for bumping this thread. I was afraid I was going to have to search to find it before I could enjoy it again. Thanks for not making me do the work.

Thanks to ABATTBQ87 for starting this thread 4 years ago, and thanks to everybody else who contributed to the greatness of this thread
ABATTBQ87
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Can't believe I didnt add this 4 years ago

BQ78
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I can't believe Marty referred to the lovely senoritas of San Antonio as grazing cattle.
ABATTBQ87
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ABATTBQ87 said:

Dillard Cooper's Remembrances of the Fannin Massacre

On the morning of the 27th of March, 1836, about daylight, we were awakened by the guards, and marched out in front of the fort, where we were counted and divided into three different detachments, We had been given to understand that we were to be marched to Capono, and from there shipped to New Orleans. The impression, however, had in some way been circulated among us, that we were to be sent out that morning to hunt cattle; though I thought at the time that it could not be so, as it was but a poor way, to hunt cattle on foot.

Our detachment was marched out in double file, each prisoner being guarded by two soldiers, until within about half a mile southwest of the fort, we arrived at a brush fence, built by the Mexicans. We were then placed in single file, and were half way between the guard and the fence, eight feet each way. We were then halted, when the commanding officer came up to the head of the line, and asked if there were any of us who understood Spanish. By this time, there began to dawn upon the minds of us, the truth, that we were to be butchered, and that, I suppose, was the reason that none answered. He then ordered us to turn our backs to the guards. When the order was given not one moved, and then the officer, stepping up to the man at, the head of the column, took him by the shoulders and turned him around.

By this time, despair had seized upon our poor boys, and several of them cried out for mercy. I remember one, a young man, who had been noted for his piety, but who had afterwards become somewhat demoralized by bad company, falling on his knees, crying aloud to God for mercy, and forgiveness. Others, attempted to plead with their inhuman captors, but their pleadings were in vain, for on their faces no gleam of piety was seen for the defenseless men who stood before them. On my right hand, stood Wilson Simpson, and on my left, Robert Fenner. In the midst of the panic of terror which seized our men, and while some of them were rending the air with their cries of agonized despair, Fenner called out to them, saying: "Don't take on so, boys; if we have to die, let's die like brave men."

At that moment, I glanced over my shoulder and saw the flash of a musket; I instantly threw myself forward on the ground, resting on my hands. Robert Fenner must have been instantly killed, for he fell with such force upon me as almost to throw me over as I attempted to rise, which detained me a few moments in my flight, so that Simpson, my companion on the right, got the start of me. As we ran towards an opening in the brush fence, which was almost in front of us, Simpson got through first, and I was immediately after him. I wore, at that time, a small, round cloak, which was fastened with a clasp at the throat. As I ran through the opening, an officer charged upon me, and ran his sword through my cloak, which would have held me, but I caught the clasp with both hands, and tore it apart, and the cloak fell from me. There was an open prairie, about two miles wide, through which I would have to run before I could reach the nearest timber, which was a little southwest of the place from where we started.
Today is the anniversary of the Goliad Massacre
Cen-Tex
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Came across an online version of Clarence Watson's 'History of Fort Bend County'. Chapter VII, pg 69 takes up the the Mexican army's incursion into the Ft Bend (Richmond) area and Thompson's Ferry in the days prior to the battle at San Jacinto. Cites creeks, properties and other landmarks.

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$b725335&view=1up&seq=81
ABATTBQ87
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