Part 2

"_Colonel Sherman, with his regiment, having commenced the action upon our left wing, the whole line, at the center and on the right, advancing in double quick time, rung 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 lines 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 seventy yards of the enemy's cannon, when it was taken by our troops. The conflict lasted about eighteen minutes from the time of close action until we were in possession of the enemy's encampment, taking one piece of cannon (loaded), four 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--Captain 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 rout commenced at half-past four, and the pursuit by the main army continued until twilight. A guard was then left in charge of the enemy's encampment, and our army returned with our killed and wounded. In the battle, our loss was two killed and twenty-three wounded, six of them mortally. The enemy's loss was 630 killed ... wounded 208 ... prisoners 730...._"

MEXICAN VERSION OF BATTLE

General Santa Anna, in the memoirs of his old age, wrote a brief and untruthful account of the battle of San Jacinto, an alibi blaming General Filisola for the defeat. He said he had ordered Filisola to join him by forced marches, for the attack on Houston's army, and was waiting for the reinforcements when he found Houston camped on the San Jacinto. He continued:

"_At two o'clock in the afternoon of Aprl 21, 1836, I had fallen asleep in the shade of an oak, hoping the heat would moderate so that I might begin the march (to find Filisola), when the filibusterers surprised my camp with admirable skill. Imagine my surprise, on opening my eyes, and finding myself surrounded by those people, threatening me with their rifles and overpowering my person. The responsibility of Filisola was obvious, because he and only he had caused such a catastrophe by his criminal disobedience._"

This is somewhat at variance with an earlier report, in which Santa Anna recounted his own heroic efforts to rally his troops in the battle until "the new recruits threw everything into confusion, breaking their ranks and preventing veterans from making use of their arms, whilst the enemy was rapidly advancing with loud hurrahs, and in a few minutes obtained a victory which they could not some hours before, even have dreamed of."

Then, _El Presidente_ went on:

"_All hopes being lost, and everyone flying as fast as he could, I found myself in the greatest danger, when a servant of my aide-de-camp ... offered me his horse, with the tenderest and most urging expressions insisted on my riding off the field.... I remembered that General Filisola was only seventeen leagues off, and I took my direction toward him, darting through the enemy ranks. They pursued me, and after a ride of one league and a half, overtook me on the banks of a large creek, the bridge over which had been burned by the enemy to retard our pursuit._

"_I alighted from my horse and with much difficulty succeeded in concealing myself in a thicket of dwarf pines. Night coming on I escaped them, and the hope of reaching the army gave me strength. I crossed the creek with the water up to my breast and continued my route on foot. I found, in a house which had been abandoned, some articles of clothing, which enabled me to change my apparel. At eleven o'clock a.m., while I was crossing a large plain, my pursuers overtook me again. Such is the history of my capture. On account of my change of apparel they did not recognize me, and inquired whether I had seen Santa Anna. To this I answered that he had made his escape; and this answer saved me from assassination, as I have since been given to understand._"

Colonel Pedro Delgado, of Santa Anna's staff, gave a more detailed and more accurate Mexican version of the battle. He told how Santa Anna, his staff and most of the men were asleep when the bugler sounded the alarm of the Texan advance. Some of the men were out gathering boughs for shelter; cavalrymen were riding bareback, to and from water. Continuing:

"_I stepped upon some ammunition boxes the better to observe the movements of the enemy. I saw that their formation was a mere line of one rank, and very extended. In their center was the Texas flag; on both wings, they had two light cannons, well manned. Their cavalry was opposite our front, overlapping our left. In this disposition yelling furiously, with a brisk fire of grape, muskets and rifles, they advanced resolutely upon our camp. There the utmost confusion prevailed. General Castrillon shouted on one side; on another Colonel Almonte was giving orders; some cried out to commence firing; others to lie down and avoid the grape shot. Among the latter was His Excellency._

"_Then already, I saw our men; flying in small groups, terrified, and sheltering themselves behind large trees. I endeavored to force some of them to fight, but all efforts were in vain--the evil was beyond remedy; they were a bewildered and panic-stricken herd._

"_The enemy kept up a brisk cross-fire of grape on the woods. Presently we heard, in close proximity, the unpleasant noise of their clamor. Meeting no resistance they dashed, lightning-like upon our deserted camp._

"_Then I saw His Excellency running about in the utmost excitement, wringing his hands, and unable to give an order. General Castrillon was stretched on the ground, wounded in the leg. Colonel Trevino was killed, and Colonel Marcial Aguirre was severely injured. I saw also, the enemy reaching the ordnance train, and killing a corporal and two gunners who had been detailed to repair cartridges which had been damaged on the previous evening._"

In a grove on the bayshore, Colonel Delgado said, the Texans wrought the worst carnage of the battle.

"_There they killed Colonel Batres; and it would have been all over with us had not Providence placed us in the hands of the noble and generous captain of cavalry, Allen, who by great exertion, saved us repeatedly from being slaughtered by the drunken and infuriated volunteers._"

San Jacinto Museum of History Association

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

George A. Hill, Jr., _President_ L. W. Kemp, _Vice President_ W. B. Bates, _Secretary-Treasurer_ A. C. Finn Mrs. Madge W. Hearne Dorothy W. Estes, _Director_

San Jacinto State Park Commission

J. Perry Moore, _Chairman_ Mary Tod W. E. Kendall

San Jacinto Monument

The great shaft of San Jacinto, piercing the sky from the scene of the historic conflict between Sam Houston's pioneers and Santa Anna's Mexican invaders, was erected as a memorial to the Texas heroes, commemorating the Centennial of 1836. Appropriations aggregating $1,866,148 were made by the State of Texas and the Federal Government for the construction of the monument and improvement of San Jacinto State Park. Of this amount approximately $1,200,000 was used in building the monument.

On April 21, 1936, the one hundredth anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto, with impressive ceremonies, the ground was broken for the monument. Among the participants was General Andrew Jackson Houston, only surviving child of the Commander-in-Chief of the Texas Army at San Jacinto. The monument, 570 feet high, was officially dedicated April 21, 1939.

The reinforced concrete structure is faced with rough sawn fossilized limestone quarried near Leander, Williamson County, Texas. The interior walls are highly polished. The base of the building is 124 feet square and 36 feet high. The shaft is 47 feet square at the base and 30 feet at the top.

On the exterior walls of the shaft, about 90 feet above the ground, a frieze 178 feet around and 15½ feet high shows in relief the history of Texas from the coming of the Anglo-Americans to the present day. This was executed by William McVey, Houston sculptor.

On the outer sides of the base of the monument are carved inscriptions, summarizing the salient events of the Texas revolution. Each of these eight spaces measures 25 feet by 13 feet, and the letters in the inscriptions are 8 inches in height. Written by L. W. Kemp with collaboration of Dr. E. C. Barker, Mrs. Herbert Gambrell and other historical authorities, they epitomize the whole evolution of Texas independence in approximately 600 words.

There are five rooms on the first floor of the monument. The entrance is through the Hall of Honor, which is flanked by two spacious rooms. The south room houses the exhibits relating to the Spanish and Mexican period of Texas history, many of them donated by Colonel and Mrs. George A. Hill, Jr. Exhibits in the north room relate to the Anglo-American period until the beginning of the War between the States. An entrance lobby from the Hall of Honor leads to the elevator which runs to the observation deck in the tower. The elevator lobby serves as a gallery for paintings. Behind the elevator is a small room connecting the north and south rooms. It is devoted to relics of domestic life.

Two great bronze plaques adorn the interior walls of the monument. One, in the south room, records the names of the 910 heroes who fought in the battle; the other, in the north room, lists the 248 men of Houston's army, mostly sick and non-effectives, who were detailed to remain at the camp established opposite Harrisburg. The lists were compiled by L. W. Kemp. In this booklet they were revised to January 1, 1947.

The monument was designed by Alfred C. Finn and was constructed by the W. S. Bellows Construction Company of Houston.

Operation and maintenance of the monument and museum is financed, without cost to the State, by receipts from a small fee charged for riding the elevator to the observation tower, and by the sale of souvenirs. The San Jacinto Museum of History Association, which operates the monument, is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Texas, November 7, 1938. Members of the Association's board of trustees are nominated by the San Jacinto State Park Board and approved by the State Board of Control.

THE FIELD OF ST. HYACINTH

It is told that Franciscan friars of Mexico, exploring the Texas coast during the period 1751-1772, found the stream now known as San Jacinto River so choked with water hyacinths (a mauve species of lily that still abounds in this region) that they could not pass. They called it the "hyacinth stream." From that name evolved "San Jacinto"--Spanish for "Saint Hyacinth."

Legend has it that Adjutant General John A. Wharton gave the battlefield its name. Santa Anna, shortly after being captured, while conversing with a group of Texan officers inquired concerning the correct name of the field. One officer is supposed to have answered "Lynchburg," but Wharton suggested "San Jacinto."

The battleground, off the La Porte road, some twenty-three miles from the County Courthouse in Houston, is a State park of 402 acres. It is situated near the confluence of San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou--now the Houston Ship Channel--not far from the Bay. It is a spot of natural beauty. The land has a gentle roll, and vegetation is brilliant. Wild flowers here grow in profusion and fairly radiate their splendor. Nowhere else in this section are more luxuriant mossy "beards" to be found than on the huge liveoaks of San Jacinto.

The country surrounding the battlefield and nearby Lynchburg--known in the old days as "Lynch's Ferry"--was one of the early settlements of Texas colonists. The sylvan retreats along the wide stream and adjacent lagoons were once popular as homes of prominent Texans. Across the bayou from the battleground was the home of Lorenzo de Zavala, _ad interim_ Vice President of the Republic.

Nearby lived David G. Burnet, _ad interim_ President. Later General Houston had a home on Trinity Bay, a few miles from the battlefield. It is now a Boy Scout camp. Ashbel Smith, minister of the Republic of Texas to England, had his home at about the site of present Goose Creek, not far from Lynchburg.

Texas Revolution Epitomized

The thumbnail history of the Texas revolution, inscribed on the exterior of the monument's base in eight panels, is as follows:

THE EARLY POLICIES OF MEXICO TOWARD HER TEXAS COLONISTS HAD BEEN EXTREMELY LIBERAL. LARGE GRANTS OF LAND WERE MADE TO THEM, AND NO TAXES OR DUTIES IMPOSED. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ANGLO-AMERICANS AND MEXICANS WAS CORDIAL. BUT, FOLLOWING A SERIES OF REVOLUTIONS BEGUN IN 1829, UNSCRUPULOUS RULERS SUCCESSIVELY SEIZED POWER IN MEXICO. THEIR UNJUST ACTS AND DESPOTIC DECREES LED TO THE REVOLUTION IN TEXAS.

IN JUNE, 1832, THE COLONISTS FORCED THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES AT ANAHUAC TO RELEASE WM. B. TRAVIS AND OTHERS FROM UNJUST IMPRISONMENT. THE BATTLE OF VELASCO, JUNE 26, AND THE BATTLE OF NACOGDOCHES, AUGUST 2, FOLLOWED: IN BOTH THE TEXANS WERE VICTORIOUS. STEPHEN FULLER AUSTIN, "FATHER OF TEXAS", WAS ARRESTED JANUARY 3, 1834, AND HELD IN MEXICO WITHOUT TRIAL UNTIL JULY, 1835. THE TEXANS FORMED AN ARMY, AND ON NOVEMBER 12, 1835, ESTABLISHED A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT.

THE FIRST SHOT OF THE REVOLUTION OF 1835-1836 WAS FIRED BY THE TEXANS AT GONZALES, OCTOBER 2, 1835, IN RESISTANCE TO A DEMAND BY MEXICAN SOLDIERS FOR A SMALL CANNON HELD BY THE COLONISTS. THE MEXICAN GARRISON AT GOLIAD FELL OCTOBER 9, THE BATTLE OF CONCEPCION WAS WON BY THE TEXANS, OCTOBER 28. SAN ANTONIO WAS CAPTURED DECEMBER 10, 1835 AFTER FIVE DAYS OF FIGHTING IN WHICH THE INDOMITABLE BENJAMIN R. MILAM DIED A HERO, AND THE MEXICAN ARMY EVACUATED TEXAS.

TEXAS DECLARED HER INDEPENDENCE AT WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS, MARCH 2. FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS HER ARMIES MET DISASTER AND DEFEAT; DR. JAMES GRANT'S MEN WERE KILLED ON THE AGUA DULCE, MARCH 2, WILLIAM BARRET TRAVIS AND HIS MEN SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES AT THE ALAMO, MARCH 6, WILLIAM WARD WAS DEFEATED AT REFUGIO, MARCH 14, AMON B. KING'S MEN WERE EXECUTED NEAR REFUGIO, MARCH 16, AND JAMES WALKER FANNIN AND HIS ARMY WERE PUT TO DEATH NEAR GOLIAD, MARCH 27, 1836.

ON THIS FIELD ON APRIL 21, 1836 THE ARMY OF TEXAS COMMANDED BY GENERAL SAM HOUSTON, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY OF WAR, THOMAS J. RUSK, ATTACKED THE SUPERIOR INVADING ARMY OF MEXICANS UNDER GENERAL SANTA ANNA. THE BATTLE LINE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WAS FORMED BY SIDNEY SHERMAN'S REGIMENT, EDWARD BURLESON'S REGIMENT, THE ARTILLERY COMMANDED BY GEORGE W. HOCKLEY, HENRY MILLARD'S INFANTRY AND THE CAVALRY UNDER MIRABEAU B. LAMAR. SAM HOUSTON LED THE INFANTRY CHARGE.

WITH THE BATTLE CRY, "REMEMBER THE ALAMO! REMEMBER GOLIAD!" THE TEXANS CHARGED. THE ENEMY, TAKEN BY SURPRISE, RALLIED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN FLED IN DISORDER. THE TEXANS HAD ASKED NO QUARTER AND GAVE NONE. THE SLAUGHTER WAS APPALLING, VICTORY COMPLETE, AND TEXAS FREE! ON THE FOLLOWING DAY GENERAL ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA, SELF-STYLED "NAPOLEON OF THE WEST," RECEIVED FROM A GENEROUS FOE THE MERCY HE HAD DENIED TRAVIS AT THE ALAMO AND FANNIN AT GOLIAD.

CITIZENS OF TEXAS AND IMMIGRANT SOLDIERS IN THE ARMY OF TEXAS AT SAN JACINTO WERE NATIVES OF ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CONNECTICUT, GEORGIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, AUSTRIA, CANADA, ENGLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, IRELAND, ITALY, MEXICO, POLAND, PORTUGAL AND SCOTLAND.

MEASURED BY ITS RESULTS, SAN JACINTO WAS ONE OF THE DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE WORLD. THE FREEDOM OF TEXAS FROM MEXICO WON HERE LED TO ANNEXATION AND TO THE MEXICAN WAR, RESULTING IN THE ACQUISITION BY THE UNITED STATES OF THE STATES OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, NEVADA, CALIFORNIA, UTAH, AND PARTS OF COLORADO, WYOMING, KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA. ALMOST ONE-THIRD OF THE PRESENT AREA OF THE AMERICAN NATION, NEARLY A MILLION SQUARE MILES OF TERRITORY, CHANGED SOVEREIGNTY.

Brigham Monument

DEAD ON THE FIELD OF HONOR

Prior to the erection of the present great shaft, the principal memorial on the battlefield was a plain square spire monument of Rutland variegated marble, fifteen and one-half feet high, which with the base stands seventeen feet. After its dedication it was placed at the grave of Benjamin R. Brigham, one of the nine Texans who were killed or mortally wounded in the battle, and whose bodies, with one exception, were buried on the ground on which the Texan army had camped April 20. Board markers had been placed at all of the graves but when in 1879 Judge J. L. Sullivan of Richmond, Texas, began to raise funds by public subscription to erect a joint monument where their bodies lay, the grave of Brigham was alone recognizable.

The monument was unveiled at Galveston with fitting ceremonies August 25, 1881, Temple Houston, youngest son of General Sam Houston, being the orator of the occasion. On April 23, 1883, the Eighteenth Legislature purchased for $1,500, ten acres of land surrounding the monument. This was the beginning of the present San Jacinto State Park.

Carved on the east front of the monument is: "DEAD ON THE FIELD OF HONOR"

Below which, in bold relief is a Lone Star, surrounded by a wreath of oak and laurel leaves.

Beneath the star: "B. R. BRIGHAM"

On the base: "SAN JACINTO"

Near the top of the shaft is a polished band, upon which are cut two stars on each front and one above the band on the east front. These represent the nine who fell in the battle.

On the north front, beneath the heading:

"TWO DAYS BEFORE THE BATTLE"

is recorded the statement of General Houston:

"_This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for reinforcements in vain: We will only have about seven hundred men to march with besides the camp guard. We go on to conquer. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet 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. We shall 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 a wise God, and rely upon His providence._

"_My country will do justice to those who serve her. The right for which we fight will be secured, and Texas free._"

Below this is inscribed: "REMEMBER THE ALAMO"

On the south front beneath the heading: "THE DAY AFTER THE BATTLE"

is the report of Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War:

"_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 pursued with ardour 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! 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 Texan army could not be withstood, it was freemen fighting against the minions of tyranny and the result proved the inequality of such a contest._"

And below is the love song, then popular, which one of Houston's charging soldiers is said to have played on the flute: "WILL YOU COME TO THE BOWER"

On the west front:

"This monument stands at the grave of BENJAMIN RICE BRIGHAM who was mortally wounded April 21, 1836

"Nearby rest

LEMUEL STOCKTON BLAKEY JOHN C. HALE GEORGE A. LAMB DR. WM. JUNIUS MOTTLEY MATHIAS COOPER THOMAS PATTON FOWLE ASHLEY R. STEPHENS

"Who were also killed or mortally wounded in the battle of San Jacinto

"OLWYN J. TRASK died on Galveston Island on about May 20 from the effects of the wound he had received on the San Jacinto Battlefield in the skirmish of April 20, 1836.

"This shaft was erected in 1881 by voluntary contributions of citizens of Texas to forever mark the spot where these heroes sleep and to perpetuate a knowledge of their names and prowess"

On the base following this tribute is the war cry, "REMEMBER GOLIAD"

The Roll of Honor

One of the two great bronze plaques that adorn the walls of the San Jacinto museum records the names of the officers and men of the Texas army who fought in the battle on April 21, 1836, and in the skirmish of the previous day. The other plaque lists the troops, mostly sick or non-effective, who were left at Harrisburg two days before the battle.

Following is the roster of the participants at San Jacinto:

Adams, Thomas Jefferson Aldrich, Collin Alexander, Jerome B. Allen, John Melville Allison, John C. Allison, Moses Alsbury, Horace Arlington Alsbury, Young Perry Anderson, Washington Andrews, Micah Angel, John Anson, Orin D. Armot, W. S. Armstrong, Irwin Arnold, Hayden Arocha, Jose Maria Arocha, Manuel Arreola, Simon Atkinson, Milton B. Avery, Willis