has in the time of greatest need enabled us to arrest a powerful invader whilst devastating our country. "Circumstances connected with the battle of the 21st, render our separation for the present unavoidable. I need not express to you the many painful sensations which that necessity inflicts upon me. I am solaced, however, by the hope that we will soon be re-united in the great cause of liberty. Brigadier General Rusk is appointed to command the army for the present. I confide in his valor, his patriotism, and his wisdom-his conduct in the battle of San Jacinto was sufficient to ensure your confi. dence and regard. "The enemy, though retreating, are still within the limits of Texas-their situation being known to you, you cannot be taken by surprise. Discipline and subordination will render you invincible. Your valor and heroism have proved you unrivalled. Let not contempt for the enemy throw you off your guard. Vigilance is the first duty of a soldier, and Glory the proudest reward of his toils. "You have patiently endured privations, hardships and diffi. culties. Unappalled, you have encountered odds two to one of the enemy against you, and borne yourselves in the onset and conflict of battle in a manner unknown in the annals of modern warfare. While an enemy to our independence remains in Texas, the work is incomplete; but when liberty is firmly establish. ed by your patience and your valor, it will be fame enough to say, "I was a member of the army of San Jacinto." "In taking leave of my brave comrades in arms, I cannot sup press the expression of that pride which I so justly feel in having had the honor to command them in person, nor will I withhold the tribute of my warmest admiration and gratitude for the promptness with which my orders were executed, and union maintained throughout the army. At parting, my heart embraces you with gratitude and affection. SAM. HOUSTON, CHAPTER XII. Review of the battle of San Jacinto-retreat of the invading army-marine affairs-civil affairs resumed-election-first meeting of Congress-new government organized-officers appointed-proceedings of Congress-adjournment-death of Austin and Zavala character of Zavala-Santa Anna released-Independence acknowledged by the United States-annexation proposed meeting of Congress-President's message. THUS the brief campaign of 1836, which had been opened by the enemy with an array of force apparently so overwhelming, that the immediate overthrow of the new republic had been confidently predicted, and which in its progress seemed already to have verified that prediction, was now brought to a close by a victory so strangely brilliant as to shed a blaze of glory over the western hemisphere, and cast a new lustre upon that distant isle whence had sprung the race who achieved it. The new risen star of Texas, which seemed to have attracted the admiring gaze of the world, but to be extinguished in blood, now burst forth, more brilliant from its brief eclipse, and stands conspicuous in the firmament as the "one bright particular star." The victory of San Jacinto, when considered in relation to its consequences to the victors, their country and the world, as well as the honor and glory justly acquired by the achievement, stands alone in the annals of human warfare. History, ancient or modern, presents no parallel. When first communicated to the world, it was every where deemed too incredible for belief. It came confirmed by letters from some of the chief actors in the scene, men of unquestioned veracity, detailing the principal circumstances, and it was still rejected as fabulous. And not until confirmed by the official report of the commanding general of the Texian army, accompanied with a declaration from the Mexican chief," that he had decided to remain a prisoner with his enemy," did the public mind fully acquiesce in the truth of the strange tale. We had collected many incidents of the battle which did not fall within the province of an official report, but which nevertheless might have been interesting to many of our readers. They relate principally to the daring intrepidity, and perfect self pos session exhibited by the commander-in-chief and many of the offi. cers and privates of the Texian army, amidst the greatest danger in the most critical period of the battle. We should have found much pleasure in detailing them, but our limits forbid the indulgence. The defeat and capture of Santa Anna and the force under his immediate command, seemed instantly to paralyze the efforts of all the Mexican troops in Texas. More than four thousand still remained in the heart of the country, with distinguished generals to direct their operations. They had undisputed possession of the whole country west of the Brazos; and in front was only a band of hastily collected citizens numbering less than eight hundred men. But these were the proud victors of the battle of San Jacinto, who had conquered their invincible chief, and held him captive, and the whole Mexican nation would have then fled before them. Filisola, on whom the chief command devolved after the capture of Santa Anna, made a hasty retreat to the west, affecting to obey the orders and regard the terms of an armistice agreed upon by the captive chief, but really because his panic stricken army had determined to take French leave of their general if he did not choose to accompany them. events, they had resolved to bid Texas farewell forever. At all Texas was again delivered from her enemy, who has not since presumed to invade her soil, though his distant menaces have been so far regarded that a military force, such as the limited resources of the country would justify, has been kept in the field; but no further military operations remain to be noticed in our work. A naval warfare has been carried on with Mexico since the beginning of the contest, and still continues, but on so limited a scale as scarcely to merit the attention of a historian. Some valuable prizes were made by the two or three Texian cruizers then at sea, in the early part of the contest. These were impor tant to the country, as their cargoes afforded timely aid to the military operations then in progress. Some daring exploits of Texian cruizers might perhaps have found a place here, if they had not been thrown so far into the shade by greater exploits in the field. We had brought down our history of the civil affairs of the country to the 17th of March, 1836, when the constitution was adopted by the convention. At that time the most impartial spectator of the fearful struggle in which she was engaged, would have felt little solicitude about a constitution of civil government for Texas. Not so the convention. They were no less careful in perfecting their work, by embodying in the instrument such improvements upon existing systems as the light of experience had shown to be necessary to secure the rights of the citizens, than if the country had been in the enjoyment of profound peace. The |