Weekly Messenger, Volume 5, Number 227, Vevay, Switzerland County, 7 May 1836 — Page 2

ZVev. s from Tesas.

The w.r between the Tcsians and Mexicans is aamMig a character oi ferocity on the Prl cf the laUer. unexampled ia modern war-f'M-e. It seems that S inta Anna and his offi cers violate, without the least scruple, their most solemn pledges, and m issacre prisoners in co'.d hkrd, who have surrendered under the guarantee of security. Such a horrible mode of warfare ought not to be tolerated in this enlightened day and the Mexicans should be compciled to abandon it. It is a violation of hmanity, and of the principles which govern all christian nations at the present time, i!i u ca- n s .-u!d feel an interest in suppressin Ai i'''h, u: Jer existing circumstances it might be improper for the government of the United Slates to mtertere m the warlare between the Texians and Mexicans, yet it coulJ, without violating its neutural character insist that the contest shall be conducted ia accordance with the usages of civilized nations and should the Mexican commainlor persist in his indiscrimate massacre of prisoners of all ages and sexes, we should have the strong arm of our government interposed. We believe the British government has reneatedly interfered to prevent deviation from civilized warfare in Spain, and wc can see no impropriety In the United States compelling S mta Anaa to conform to estaclishcd usagef It is certain, that, unless there be such an interference on the part of our Government, or the Mexican commander voluntarily ceases his horrible butcheries, he will excite such a feeling in this country, as will drive him and his savages not only from Texas, but from Mexico. It is said that Santa Anna has used some; threatening language towards our government but we suspect he will have the prudence to confine himself to threats for the least act of aggression would plant the stars and stripes on the ruins of Mexico. But wc have no apprehensions that he will ever be able to approach our borders for, from the movements in the West and South-west, the Texians will d )utlcss receive such re-inforccmonts of volunteers as wiil enable them to compel him to retrace his steps without delay. From his vindictive and inhuma conduct, a reverse of fortune will force upon his recollection a sentiment woich he appears to have forgotten: That mercy i to others show That mercy show to me." HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM TEXAS. New Ori-evns, April 11. Mr. Kumbylc, Secretary to the Convention of Texas, has just arrived, and states that on the 23th the convention received a despatch from General Houston. ating that he had re ceived an official letter from Col. Fannin, sla ting that he was still in the fort of Goliad, and that the Mexican army, 509 strong, were with in five miles of him; Gen. Houston stated that Santa Anna had thrown 1,000 men between him and the fort just across the Colorado, and that he intended to despatch 300 mounted riflemen, the next day, to give them battle. Gen. II. stated his force to be 4,000 men, in high spirits, burning to revenge their massacred brethren of the Alamo: his army is hourly inc reading. The Texian army confidentially hopes for assistancejfrom the United States. STILL LiTER. We have the following reports bj Gen. De Kalbjfrom Brazoria, that sailed on the 3d iast. General Houston had retreated twenty miles from the Colorado on the 26th of March, the enemv having advanced to the opposite shore. San Felipe had been burnt by the inhabitant. Intelligence had been received at the mouth of the river, that Col. Fannin had capitulated on dondition not agian to serve against the Mexicans, but that next morning the whole garrison was put to the sword. No official information, however, had been received, and it was not generally believed. The Mexicans were advancing in two columns, one upon Houston, and the other upon the mouth of the Brazos. The De Kalb is full of women and children, and also many other vessels. The inhabitants are destroying every thing, and laying waste to the country, lest it should fall into Mexican tianas. L.4TEST FROM TEXAS. Extract of a letter dated Peach Point, March 23. Mr. SharD has arrived from Houston' cami). He left there on the 21th in the eve r . ning states that there were eight hundred Mexicans encamped in the prairie; and Sharp thinks; there has been an engagement. Houston had resolved to attack them; and so nniini was he of success, that he was about to take measures to prevent their escaping, . . . .1 r: to send 300 men beyond mc enemy. 1 1 toilers taken by our men state that the enemy's force did not exceed 5,000 men after leaving Bexar. Canev, March 22. To the tommitlec of Brazoria: I have just arrived from Cox's point; left about 300 armed men, and some 25 unarmed, in charge of the public stores in that place, but fear, from the general panic that that place would be deserted, after bringing oflas much as the lighters could bring; but if Col. Wharton had arrived with the force said to be with him, the point could have been protected against ten times the number. 1 repaired east in order to rally the disposable force ofietreating families but found every man shifting for himself and helpless family, ail of wU h vrrc, crossing the Colorado, and on

their way east; and (his morning Capt. Sharp brings the news from the advance of Fanning army, (who made their escape) that Fannin was surrounded, and lighting in the prairie, six miles east of Goliad, for iTfe, when the

advance guard made their retreat, which was under the command of Col. Wharton, and I fear Fannin Rnd his brave associates are slaughtered. The news is that all the Americans in Gaudaloupo were butchered by the citizens. Yours rerpcctftdlv, BENJ.J. WHITE. It is impossible that the American people will remain quiet spectators of scenes so abhorent to their feelings and to the dictates of humanity. Thousands will rush to the relief of Texians, and Santa Anna may look out for the day of severe retribution. His treacery and cold blooded murders have aroused a spim throughout the Unitek States that will vindicate the cause of humanity and make the tyrant repent that he ever transgressed the rules of civilized warfare. There was a woman in the fort the wife of a lieutenant of artillery. She was taken and suffered from the Mexican officers the most odious pollution that ever disgraced humanity. She barely escaped with life but is diseased, and in a situation exciting pity and horror." TEXAS. In Senate U. S. Tuesday, April 26. Some few words were spoken on the sub ject of the annexation of Texas to the United States. Mr. Morris presented the proceedings of a numerous assemblage of the citizens of Ohio, Cincinnati, in which it was recommended to congress to acknowledge Texas as oneof the United States. He moved the reference of the proceedings to the committee on Foreigu relations. Mr. King of Alabama, was fearful that to acknowledge Texas as a member of the Un ion would compromit our neutrality, and suggested the laying the resolution on the table. Mr. Walker, who speaks at every subject. expressed his hope thaUhe proceedings would not be laid on the table. He did not see that there was an' thing to be feared concerning our neutral attitude, by referring to the committee on foreign relations. If thev j j were laid on the table that would not be a tit response to the public sentiment, which was running very strongly in favor of the recogni tion of Texas. There had been several meet ings on the subject in Mississippi, and he had been influenced by the strength of public opinion on the subject, that he should have risen in his place before this time and submitted a proposition to recognize the territory of Tex as one ot the Unitea States, had he not felt entire confidence that such a suggestion would be made by the President, (whenever, if ever, the proper time should arrive. Mr. W. adverted to the course which Mr. Claytook in regard to the recognition of the South American States, and stated that the universal uigust with which the people of the Uni ted States had heard of the brutal butchery of men, women and children, in lexas, alter they had been induced to surrender under a delusive promise of safety, had wrought ud the feelings ot the people to a similar disposi lion towards Texas. . . - . ... o After a few words from Mr. Morris, who desired to see whether there would be a suf ficiency of similar documents to induce the Senate to acton the subject; the proceedings were laid on the table. TEXAS. The struggle in Texas is regarded with uni venal anxiety, and we regret extremely that so much uncertainty and doubt hang over the accounts from the scene of the contest. The Louisiana Advertiser of the 13th instant, informs us that Col. 1 annin, having taken up his line of march on the 10th ult. from Goliad at the head of 306 men, was attacked by the Mexican army consisting of from 1500 to 2000, about nine miles from Goliad. The advanced guard commanded by Capt Horton, and consisting of but 25 men, was cut oft from the main army. I hey remained in view of the battle for about three fourths of an hour and hearing of it for about two hours. During the time they were in view. the Mexican cavalry made two unsuccessful charges on Fannin's aamy; the Mexicans, he thinks, must have lost at least half their number in these charges. The attack was made about 5 o'clock in the evening, and continued about two hours and a half. Capt. Horton was unable to state particularly how the battle terminated; he encamped within six miles of the battle field that night and heard the firing of the cannon next morning. Having re mained ten days within about ninety miles of the place where the battle was fought, he was unable during the time to get any correct account of its result. Capt. II. had two skirmishes with the Mexicans, about 250 in number, the day previous to the attack on Col. Fannin. They could observe three of the Mexican horses going off unmounted Capt. II's force, in these skirmishes, consisted of about one to five. He also states that Col. Ward was des- . i. j ka nL ..it .:u wiicciam aaI. 99 men) about 300 hundred miles from Goliad, Udieucu Ull mc 7lll till, nun n iiua.iirii, lumj i tn h r.lir nfnf k'inr who had hfion ta. ken prisoner by the Mexicans with 23 of his men, (six being killed.) An engagement took place on the llth, Col. W. was attacked within 23 miles of the mission by 1200of the Mcxicans; he retreated into the mission without. th loss of a man; C'2 of the Mexican fell.

He fouglit thorn from half past 4 P. M. till 9 the s.imecvcmi)g. Ward then retreated towards Copano. The latest accounts from him stated that he was making his way into the settlements between the San Antonio and

Gaudaloupc rivers, towards Copano. On the same nigt.t, in the town ol Waloope, three Americans were murdered by the Mexican eitzens. l)r. Harrison, (son of Gen. W. II. Harrison of Ohio) was among the number of these untortunatc victims. Brig Texsiiaw, April 11. It it with no purpose of eliciting your charity, or sympathy, that we announce to you our arrival at your port. It is not with blushing or shame either that we acknowledge ourselves as Texians, expatriated nd seeking a temporary asylum in your own, and once our mother country. We have other views and other motives. We conceive ourselves bearers of the latest intelligence that has yet reached the United States, from Texas and its present unhappy condition. We conceive too, that from the interest heretofore manifested by citizens from all parts ofyour country, not only by the open expressions of feeling, but by a more substantial proof of that interest, an actual participation in our perils, that the intelligence we are about to communicate will be in the highest degree acceptable to your fellow citizens. You are perhaps aware, that the independence of Texas was declared by the members of our convention, on the 1st of March last, and that a few days subsequent or previous, San Antonio and Fort, in the hands of the Texians, were recaptured by the Mexicans. There were one hundred and forty Texians in the Alamo, commanded by Col. Travis of San Felipe. The number of Alexicans commanded by Gen. Santa Anna himself, is variously reported from five to eight thousand; of these, one thousand are convicts who served as the advance and protection of the besieging party. JMo history either ancient or modern, neither the pass of Thermopylae, nor the battle field upon which our progenitors have fallen, presents the remembrance of a more unequal and obstinate engagement. Of the Texians, not a man survived to tell the news. They knew the conditions under which they fought: " V ictory or death" was before them. Unable to obtain the former, they fearlessly fronted and submitted to the latter. Of the Mexicans, fifteen hundred shared the same fate. Pushing his advantage, oanta Anna, alter garrisoning the fort immediately proceeded by forced marches to Gon zales, where was a fort commanded by Gen Houston. Alive to the dictates of humanity. ana yielding to the cries ot women and children, Gen. Houston retreated from the fort on receivinjijtelligence of the enemy's approach. The last express to Matagorda reported him on the Rio Colorado, abeut twenty five miles from San Felipe, (situated at one af the crossings of the Brazos.) Here is said to be the last bulwark of Texian Liberty. Gen. Houston's force at the Colorado is said to have increased to three thousand. If so, there is hope that he will succeed. The last news of Col. Fannin is, that he engaged the enemy twelve miles east ot L.a bahia, (or uohad) and from the unprecedented inequality of numbers is thought to be cut to pieces. But in this as well as other former engagements, he exhibited a character for decision and intrepidity rarely to be found combined in any one man. On the same day on which the Tenshaw and other vessels at anchorage were requested to remain in the bay, for the purpose of exporting the inhabitants who were left in the town of Matagorda, news arrived that the Karankawa Indians were armed by the Mexicans, and would make a descent upon, and burn the town that night. Sentinels composed of the remaining few, were placed, while the women and children were hurried to the Tenshaw and Carolla. After a time wc set s;;il. and when but 12 hours at sea, we were so un fortunate as to part with the Carolla, which we strongly suspect is captured by a Mexican cruizer. By the assistance of darkness, which for a short time preceded the moon's rising, and the precaution ot altering our course to a due South, we escaped her, and arc here. Many of us have been citizens of Texas for years, and were compelled to yield the pro duce of our labor a sacrifice to Mexican de predations. There is no one on board who have not suffered by the abandonment. Ma ny of us, who a few days since were compara tively happy in the protection of a husband and a father, are now perhaps, widows and orphans. We have said that we do not crave your charity our prayers are for our coun try. If we have been successful, every wish on board the lenshaw will be gratified. hi. Keller, Lady 4 children and svt. E. Dale, lady and child, Mrs. Dale, O. Vandavier, lady, and 4 child ren, II. Branch, lady and 2 children, Mrs. In graham, Mrs. McKey and 4 children, Mrs. Lrabb and child, L. Robinson and 3 children Mrs. Delusin, Mrs. Wilman, Messrs. Hoyt, Rice, IlumsdtlhCarrannah, Van Slack, Cook, L. Bower, llollinirworth, 1 raver. Bo3-s, 5 of the crew ol the brig Durango, lor Iew Urleans. , As every thing in relation to i exas possesses great interest at mis ume, wc utiisier lO our columns the annexed letter from Brazoria, ,n which the recapture of San Antonio is more particularly described, Brazoria, Texas, March 17. To the Editor of the Commercial Bulletin: Dear Sir Desirous of giving the citizen

fNew Oilcans the latest inlormation in re-.

the important events of our war, 1 enclose you a publibation of the committee at San Fe lipe, who are acting .as a Committee of Vigilance. The publication will speak for itself. The measure alluded to in the publication is truly to be lamented. Our force in the Alamo at the limeol its being stormed, amounted to one hundred and eighty seven, every soul of whom was put to death extending mercy only to a female, the wife of one who nobly lost his life in the engagement, to tell the melancholy news. The Mexican force was six thousand, having bombarded the Alamo for two days without doing any execution, a tremendous effort was made to take it by storm, which they succeeded in doing after a most sanguinary engagement, lasting for nearly an hour. History, neither ancient nor modern, can civc evidence of such bravery and heroism as was evinced on that occasion. No quarters were called for until every soul had perished save seven, who on asking quarters, and being told none could be given, again commenced the work of death, and the last died as did the first without yielding an inch of ground. Ihe Alamo was attacked at four dillerer.t points, the walls only being about breast high, the enemy was enabled to scale them by

means of scaling ladders, our force not beintiland or Tinr.buctoo had iust arrived, to aston-

sufficient to protect it at all points. Thc loss of the enemy was great; 534 killed, GOO mortally wounded, and many slightly, x hus the erarnson which cost us so much hard hghling, has been retaken at great cost to Texas, but much greater to the enemy. It is much to be regretted, that our force in the garrison was not ereater. though it was also supposed to have been sufficient to main -

tain the post. Texas has to mourn the loss:thathissuspicions were groundless. Shemight, of Wm. B. Travis (in command.) The eclc-j perhaps, have sometimes innocenlly thought, brated David Crockett, of Tennessee was a-j that as she was yet young she might ontiive mong the slain. His conduct on that occa- her ancient partner, and have the good fortune sion was most heroic; having used his rifle as to meet with a somewhat younger husband long as possible by loading and discharging,! but then this was all in perspective merely and the enemy crowded upon the wall, he'in perspective; she was a Frenchwoman turned the breech of his cun, demolished more! witty, lively, gay, but not corrupt. But to

than twenty of the enemy before he fell. Does not humanity revolt at the cruelty of tne JUcxicar.s, will not the indignation of the world rest upon the head of Santa Anna, who

is ai tne head ot the troops in person. Our, his residence, when he saw, with some surarmy in the field number only about 2600,. prise, a man under the windows of his drawwhich Cen. Houston is concentrating on the ! ing-room, to w hich he ever and anon directed bank of the Colerado. towards which point an anxious look. Rage took possession of the the enemy are marching, having advanced as j old Frenchman. His first thought was to far as Gonzales on the Wnrloop river. It is.rush upon the fellow and annihilate him upon presumed to be Gen. Houston's intention to i the spot, but then he had no weapon. A mogive them battle on the Colorado; his force is ment's reflection, however, convinced him augmenting diily and will no doubt exceed that it would be belter to wait, and have far4,000 before Ihe arrival of the enemy. All thcr pioof of his wife's supposed infidelity. is anxiety with us at present, and every man! Concealing himself in a gate-way, he saw, has put his shoulder to the wheel, and are anx- while his fame quivered with rage and indig-

lously looking fur aid from our brethren in the Uuitcd States. Santa Anna after defeating our out post, (I mean the Alamo,) issued a proclamation offerine nrotection to all who would rmif-ilv

. - j and ail things moving on harmonious. The declaration of independence I presume vou have received ere this. Respectively yours. JOHN M. SIIREVE. INDIAN WAR. W e understand from the Globe that infor - mation has been received at the adjutant rinnon..l1.. I I 1 1) 1. ! a iu:c iiuiii VjCIieiill DiOOKC commanding at Green Bay, stating that a war1 belt from the Seminoles is circulatin g among the Winnebagocs, and that there is reason to apprehend that these latter Indians may be induced to commit hostilities against our set -lements. The War. Nothing definite has been heard from Gen. Scott since the report of his cannon announced his arrival at the Wilhlacoochee, on the 20 1 h ult. Shortlv nfter ihr Fort Diane, the Indians burnt the place of, iUr. jjrooUs, about four miles from tliel ort. From the last accounts it would appear that the Indians arc scattering. Trails have been discovered lending in different directions from the nation. 1 hey recently stole four or five horses from Col. G. Humphreys, ncarMvcanopy, and have driven oil several cattle. Should the Indians separate into straggling parties, it will be impossible to remove them this spring, and we shall be the prey of a roving enemy, driven to desperation by the prospect before them, of hunger and starvation, or death. Total ruin must await the citzens of Alachua, unless government come to their relief. Mr. Lowe, who arrived from Alachua last evening, brings the news that Col. Lindsay met the Indians a few miles the other side of! the W ithlacoochcc, before he had ioined Gen. Scott. Col. Lindsnv fired who, after returning" the fire, fled to the ham mock. Thirty Indians were found dead Only one white man was killed. Jacksonville Courier. THE CHALLENGE, lago. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy, It is the green-eye'd monster, which "doth moc.k The meat it feeds on. Olhello, act, iii, scene 3. Monsieur de L -was an agreeable

lay down their arms and acknowledge the cs- intruder in the drawing-room, tablishcd form of government, notifying us The enraged husband, forgeltinghis natural that he is the chief, and allowed eight days politeness, instantly commenced a torrent of for a reply. Gen. Houston immediately re- ahu?e, which the intruder received with great turned an answer that wc would not atknowl- coolness. Of course this only increased the edge, the Central form of trovernir.ent, and rage of the abusing party; it was a marvel th:t although he had succeeded in defeating that Monsieur de I. did not jgo out of our out posts, he would repay him ten fold, his wits at that moment. His almost uninOur army is in high spirits and confident of telligiblc spluttering at length subsided, and victory. The Convention is still in session, addressing the vjo.'ater of his honor in a calm,

sprightly old gentleman of the ancient regime

but he had one very great failing he was intolerably jealous. This however will not excite the wonder of our readers, when they hear that Madame de L was a very agreeable, sprightly dame, full 20 years your.ger man lier husband. Many a w ieked young Parisian took delight in leazing the poor old gentleman, and fanning the flame which the consderatc and humane always endeavored to stifle. "Ah! my dear Monsieur de I , what a happy man are you! How is your lovely ai.d happy spouse?" were the constant exclama tions and questions with which lie was saluted, whenever he encountered a young friend in the streets. Monsieur de Lalways, in his heart. wished the querist at the devil; but politeness obliged him to receive them gracioufly in truth, he made himself very miserable, and more than once thought of closed windows and doors and a pan of lighted charcoal, after the favorite method of his countrymen, when bent on suicide. But, somehow or other, he altered his determin ition from day to day, and lived on. He always found an excuse for delaying the ceremony. A new vaudeville was announced they were preparing a grnd opera with music, that he coatu not die with iout hearing or some irreat savatre from Zeajish the Parisians with his outlandi-h perfor.mances, so the charcoal fumes were not put in requisition, and Monsieur de L continned to exist. When we say that our oIJ Monsieur was jealous it will scarcely be necessary to add, th.it he kept a sharp eye upon Madame, who as may be supposed, was very much annoyed at jit; but she found relief in the conscientiousnessproceed with our story Monsieur de L was one evening rcturning from a visit to a friend in a distant quarter of the city, and had arrived in sight of , nation, the fljcct of his suspicions clamber up with the agility of a monkey and enter an open window. Monsieur de L waited no longer, he rushed into the house and encountered the i determined tone, he said'.Monsieur, you have wounded a Frenchman where he is most vulnerable you have invaded my dwelling to dishonor me"' here his voice faltered and his lips quivered; but recovering himself, he continued: "The Bois de Boulogne at 5 to-morrow morning! pistols! 'vou understand me, v Perfectly well, monsieur," replied the stranrrer. " at 5 nreriselv. I will meet vonyou will bring a friend with vou?" 4,N," rejoined monsieur dcL- -, sfernly, "1 will powers no one with the hateful stoiy we will meet alone, if yon please. 'Agreed," said the stranger, bowing; good evening monsieur, and with all possible sang froid he proceeded down stairs, leaving the p;r old Frenchman a prey to the most torturing emotions. The professed novelist would here sprinkle the page with a triple row of stars, while the writcrof newspaper paiagraphs would inform us, that the scene which took place between monsieur and madame, after the departure of the gallant, may be 4better imagined than described.' It will be sufficient to inform our readers, that at the appointed hour monsieur de L arrived at the Bois de Boulogue with a pistol in hand, and dire revenge in his heart, lie had been pacing up and down about 10 minutes, when he behcldtwo persons approaching. The villains!" exclaimed the old Frenchman, they are come to assassinate me," and he resolved to fire upon the pair as they advance cd, when one oflhcm called on hU to urrcn-s der in the name of the law! Monsieur de L -stated with, surprife lor nc now perceived that neither of the. men, was the fellow who had appointed to meet him. That surprise was. greatly increased, when the polite; (foi -such they were) informed him that ho was urrrsted on, suspicion ef a design to commit highway robbery. Our old Frenchman was ov-whelmed with, rage, grief and mortification, from which he had not, recovered when he stood before the prefect at the Rurcau de police. Luckily for monsieur, the prefect was ai, acquaintance of his and a shrewd, clever man, who saw through the aftVir ui a moment.