left in charge of the enemy's encampment, and our army returned with their 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 whom was one general offi. cer, four colonels, two lieutenant colonels, five captains, twelve lieutenants. Wounded 208, of which were five colonels, three lieutenant colonels, two second lieutenant colonels, seven captains, one cadet. Prisoners 730-President General Santa Anna, Gen. Cos, four colonels, aids to Gen. Santa Anna, and the colonel of the Guerrero battalion, are included in the number. Gen. Santa Anna was not taken until the 22d, and Gen. Cos on yesterday, very few having 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 marches, exposed to excessive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad 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 du ties. In the conflict 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 on 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 general to attempt discrimination as to the conduct of those who commanded in the action or those who were commanded, would be impossible. Our success in the action is conclusive proof of their daring intrepidity and courage; every officer and man proved himself worthy of the cause in which he battled, while the triumph received a lustre 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 grate. ful 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.

"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 reader 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 suppress 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 prompt. ness with which my orders were executed, and union maintained throughout the army. At parting, my heart embraces you with gratitude and affection.

SAM. HOUSTON,

Commander-in-Chief."

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