hout discrimination, and the Texians never ceased firing until the
prairie was for miles covered with the bodies of their victims. Yet
this grand victory was not purchased without a severe loss, for the dogs
defended the property intrusted to their care; they scorned to run away,
and before they could all be killed, they had torn to pieces
half-a-dozen of the Texians, and dreadfully lacerated as many more. The
evening was, of course, spent in revelry: the dangers and fatigues, the
delays and vexatious of the march were now considered over, and high
were their anticipations of the rich plunder in perspective. But this
was the only feat accomplished by this Texian expedition: the Mexicans
had not been deceived; they had had intelligence of the real nature of
the expedition, and advanced parties had been sent out to announce its
approach. Twenty-four hours after they had regaled themselves with
mutton, one of these parties, amounting to about one hundred men, made
its appearance. All the excitement of the previous evening had
evaporated, the Texians sent out a flag of truce, and three hundred of
them surrendered themselves unconditionally to this small Mexican force.

On one point the European nations have been much deceived, which is as
to the character of the Mexican soldier, who appears to be looked upon
with a degree of contempt. This is a great mistake, but it has arisen
from the false reports and unfounded aspersions of the Texians, as to
the result of many of their engagements. I can boldly assert (although
opposed to them) that there is not a braver individual in the world than
the Mexican; in my opinion, far superior to the Texian, although
probably not equal to him in the knowledge and use of fire-arms.

One great cause of the Mexican army having occasionally met with defeat,
is that the Mexicans, who are of the oldest and best Castile blood,
retain the pride of the Spanish race to an absurd degree. The sons of
the old nobility are appointed as officers; they learn nothing, know
nothing of military tactics--they know how to die bravely, and that is
all.

The battle of St. Jacinta, which decided the separation of Texas, has
been greatly cried up by the Texians; the fact is, it was no battle at
all. They were commanded by Santa Anna, who has great military talent,
and the Mexicans reposed full confidence in him. Santa Anna feeling
very unwell, went to a farm-house, at a small distance, to recover
himsel