PERSONAL
REMINISCENCES OF TEXAS HISTORY 1828-1847 BY JOHN H. JENKINS, SR
As printed in the Bastrop Advertiser
Page 3 Mr. Jas. Henderson formed one of a surveying party, which had commenced work on the Blanco. They generally left a man to stand guard at camps, while they surveyed, and Mr. Henderson's turn came. It was a lonely as well as dangerous post of duty, and seeing a horse raise his head as if he saw something, he climbed a tree to take a good look all around. Imagine his surprise and alarm, when he saw about thirty Indians coming. They must have seen the smoke of the campfire, and leaning down upon their horses intended to surprise the campers. There was not time for pause or deliberation, and springing upon the nearest horse bareback, he broke for the surveyors, with the Indians right behind him. He struck his friends exactly and after a few shots the Indians were repulsed, but the horsemen still lingered near enough to keep our attention, and cause uneasiness. One of our men happened to look behind us, saw an Indian in th4e act of firing upon us. While a few warriors had been riding around at our front, a few dismounting had slipped around to our backs on foot, and a few minutes later and the surveyors would have perished as did the Webster party. Seeing them in time however a few shots dispersed the, though they robbed the camps, and stole the horses as they fled. Again no pursuit. Three men went out on Brush from Bastrop to take a bear hunt. Two of them took the dogs, and went on foot into a thicket, while Mr. Osborne, not much more than a mere boy was left near by with the horses. While sitting there alone, on his horse, he was suddenly fired upon by Indians. Not shot took effect but they ran up, knocked him off his horse and despite his struggles scalped him, when he succeeded in pulling away from them and reached his friends, who hearing the shots were coming to his help. Again, no pursuit, and of course they grew bolder. A Mr. Campbell from Bastrop took five or six men and went surveying out on the Guadalupe. In a short time, Mr. William Wallace raised another, and a larger company and went to the same section for the same purpose. We struck their work and traveled on, intent upon getting above them or coming up with them, before commencing work. Only a short distance up the river, they found them all dead. They appeared to have been encamped probably a day or two, for they had out a bee tree. Destitute of coffin, box, plank or tool they put the bodies into the stump of this bee tree, which as hollow. Not intimidated by the awful fate of these their predecessors, and having a force of about eighteen men, they went on to their work. After surveying a week or two, however, the signs of Indians became so frequent, and once or twice Indians were even seen prowling around, Mr. Wallace at length prudently came home with his company warned by the horrible death of Mr. Campbell's party. Again on investigation nor pursuit. Very soon Mr. John Harvey raised a company from Bastrop and went to survey out on the San Saba. They had been at work eight or ten days and were moving from one branch of the river to another, when they saw on their way a fresh Indian trail on foot. This aroused and warned them of danger, and that night guards were stationed near their horses. One of these sentinels, a Mr. Burnet, stood near a steep hollow, close by which a mule was staked. Just before day he noticed the mule snorting and looking over into the hollow, as if seeing something unusual. Thinking it was probably a wolf or bear, he imprudently went to the edge of the bluff and looked down into the hollow. Three or four Indians had crawled up and just as he was in the act of peering down, fired upon him, tearing his arm literally in pieces. Almost simultaneously another part or another division of the same party had crawled up on the opposite side of the camps and fired upon the sleeping men, who returned fire as quickly as possible. Three of them did not tarry to fight however, but ran with all possible speed. One was on horse back, while two Leffingwell and Pipkin were on foot. After running some distance, these two noticing that the guns had ceased, and thinking the Indians had been repulsed, turned and were retracing their steps toward camps, when they met the Indians, carrying a slain warrior. At sight of the two fugitives they dropped their burden and took after them. Thus headed off as it were from their companions, they struck out for home. Both young men and entirely inexperienced as woodsmen, in a wild waste, without food and unarmed, except one gun, for which they had only one load. In the meantime, Mr. Harvey, with his company of surveyors came home after repulsing the Indians, and finding the two foot men had not made their appearance, naturally concluded they had been overtaken, and killed, but no investigation was made. In about ten days however they reached home almost dead from hunger and fatigue. They had traveled about one hundred and fifty miles on foot, over a rough country, with no food except buds etc, gathered by hand. The gun would never discharge its solitary lead and they were constantly tantalized by sight of game which they could not get. The account of their adventurous trip upon their arrival at home was quite interesting. One evening while traveling down the Colorado River, they struck a sand bar, and water was still standing on the dry sand, where Indians had just watered their horses. In a short distance they found where they had been camped. They were now considerably alarmed, and perplexed as to what course to pursue. Knowing the Indians to be very near, they wished to cross the river but neither of them could swim. They concluded to try to wade the stream and one plunged in, but soon found that the water was over his head. Coming out, they then slipped cautiously down the river, watching carefully, and fearing an attack from Indians every instant. At length they crawled into a steep hollow and there lay concealed the over night. While lying in the ravine, they heard the sound of approaching steps, and almost gave up. Nearer and nearer came the regular tramp of heavy feet.-on even to the very edge of the bluff above them, and as they lay watching with bated breath expecting to see the form of an Indian spring down upon them. Great was their surprise to see instead the black head, and shining eyes of a huge bear, which after a short glance, seeing them, turned and retreating, leaving them in peace. Thus beset with dangers and fears they had made their way home at last, although almost dead upon their arrival. About now Mr. Lad and another gentleman from Bastrop, went over near the Gabriel to camp a few days, looking at the country, hunting and enjoying themselves generally. They camped at a spring and were settled in their wild quarters, having a nice time. One morning, Mr. Lad took his gun, and went out to kill a deer, leaving the old gentleman in charge of the camps. Before he was out of sight, he heard a noise at the camp and looking back, saw that Indians were there and were in the act of killing the old man. Knowing his time would come next, he broke to run, and immediately they started in pursuit. He ran into the first thicket which was instantly surrounded by the warriors, two of whom were on horses and the rest on foot. He felt death to be inevitable, but determined to fight to the end, and making deliberate aim at the nearest, pulled the trigger and the cap busted. At this the Indians ran all together on one side of the thicket, while he ran out on the other. And now his chances for life seemed indeed desperate. He had a distance of at least four miles through open prairie, before he would reach the Gabriel, and behind him were seven determined Indians, two of whom were on horse back. But he attempted the run, his pursuers, the foremost ones of course, being the riders were immediately behind him. Whenever they would come alarmingly close, he would run and bluff them with his gun, which he knew would not fire. When about half the way had been run, they were so near, that he could distinctly hear them laughing and he imagined it was in anticipation of taking his scalp. At length they made a dash at him, at the same time firing upon him. They were so near that the report of their guns deafened and dazed him, but he did not pause-Said that he felt if he were fairly flying. At last the river Gabriel was in sight and he struck it at a bluff twenty feet high. Still he did not pause, for he knew a terrible death was pursuing hard behind him, so he sailed over the height, lighting upon his feet unhurt, while the Indians not daring the leap, by going around, gave him time to hide. Again he concealed himself I a thicket, and no sooner did he become quiet than he was sound asleep from utter prostration. He was aroused from his profound and somewhat unseasonable nap, by the voices of the Indians as they looked for him in and around the thicket. They did not find him however, and at length left him, Lying there till night, he escaped, and coming home declared he would not live in such a country, where a man's life was thus in jeopardy all the time; and soon after left these parts never to return. Another small party of men, among whom was Taylor Smith, had a little adventure some what similar to this about the same time. They were hunting buffalo, and while in camps. Were fired upon by Indians, one man having his arm broken, though none were killed. All these trials and dangers of our pioneers, had no effect in staying the great tide of emigration which constantly flowed into our state from everywhere. In the spring of 1842 Gen. Vascous captured San Antonio and the news created a great deal of excitement among us. The little signal cannon called us together at Bastrop, and Gen. Burleson took a considerable force to Austin now a growing place. The citizens were alive with serious apprehensions, expecting an invading army from Mexico, and as we lay in Austin, awaiting recruits, we could hear innumerable reports of approaching forces. Two divisions were represented as advancing upon us. One, by way of Goliad, another by way of Santa Fe. Burleson dispatched runners, or spies in every direction to test the truth of these reports, and finally went with his men to San Antonio, which he found in sack cloth and ashes. The citizens, being mostly Mexicans, were not hurt, most of the American citizens had run. What a city of devastation and blood shed has San Antonio ever been! Whatever of invasion and trouble ever visited Texas, this little town seemed to be heart and center of her suffering, so that she has been well termed "A Battle Ground" and "A Slaughter Pen". In about a month several companies were organized. I belonged to one under Captain Gillespie. Burleson was very anxious to make an invading attack upon Mexico, and spoke at length upon the subject at the Alamo, but having no orders to that effect from headquarters, Commander in Chief Sam Houston, our forces finally disbanded, and came back home. While we were in San Antonio we lived by foraging on the Mexican citizens of the place. John M. Seguin who had hither to been true and loyal to Texas in all of her troubles, even commanding a company against the Mexicans at the battle of San Jacinto, now turning, became her enemy, giving as a reason for the change, the fact that we destroyed many of his hogs, etc, while lying at San Antonio. Whatever might have been his reasons, he went entirely over to Mexico. In the fall Gen. Woll came with a still stronger force and stayed longer upon Texas soil. The panic and excitement became so great, that some of our citizens gathered up bag and baggage and left. Once more two hundred men marched to San Antonio. Six miles this side of the city, on a little creek called Salow they met a citizen of San Antonio and from him derived some information as to the strength of the Mexican army. Taking advantage of his familiarity with the county, they also learned from him what would be an advisable position and were led by him to the very spot, where was fought the famous battle of Salow. Immediately about eighty horsemen were sent into San Antonio to draw on the battle. No sooner were they in sight than the Mexican cavalry mounting gave them a tight race back to Salow. Forming line they awaited the infantry, while our men were making ready for fight. Colonel Caldwell, who was one of the Sante Fe prisoners and consequently had taken oath never to participate in the war of Texas against Mexico, had in spite of the oath entered the Texas army, and had charge of the force on this raid. He now gave his men a talk, explaining his position and how little mercy he could expect, if he should again fall into the hands of the Mexicans, then asking them if they would be true to him, at all hazards, in the coming struggle. They swore they would stand by him even unto death. The Mexican charged several times and the skirmish lasted over a half day, but finally being repulsed all waited. In the mean time Captain Dawson with a company of about fifty men from Fayette County, was on his way to join Caldwell's forces at Salow, anxious to aid in the coming battle. His spies seeing the Mexican forces reported and after brief deliberation they decided to fight, and proceeded to take position in a Mesquite Grove. Gen Woll in the mean time had turned his attention and his forces full upon Dorson, though he artfully hid his artillery and infantry behind his cavalry, so that Dawson did not see the tremendous odds with which he would have to contend. His small force of fifty-two men awaited the attack of a large Mexican army. The cavalry marched in gunshot, received a volley of shots, and then moving aside, and surrounding the little company, exposed into view the artillery and infantry. Then commenced one of the most cruel and murderous in all of the annals of history. Seeing the utter helplessness of his situation Dawson at once raised the white flag, as signal of surrender, but no heed was taken of the sign. With deliberate and vindictive cruelty they pressed upon the small band of Texans. First shots were high, then lower and lower, till sweeping the ground the little force fell thick and fast around. With sabre, and lance they fell upon the few who escaped death in the volleys of shot and cut them down. Only two, out of the brave but unfortunate company escaped and lived to give details of the cruel butchery, Olso Miller and Gonsolvo Woods. The latter escaped by an almost miraculous combination of bravery, skill, vigilance, and fortitude. Receiving a wound in the shoulder, and hacked over the head with sabers, he knew he could not cope with the merciless foe, who were every instant cutting down his comrades around him, he concluded to surrender, and place himself at their mercy, as vanquished. He tried to make his way with gun and ammunition to the commander, who was none other than Jno. M. Seguin the traitor. The wildest disorder and confusion reigned and only one rule was the order of the day, and that was death to the Texans. The snap of a Mexican gun drawn upon him convinced him that surrender or escape was almost impossible, but in his desperation he broke to run, with a Mexican horse man at his heels. Death seem inevitable, but "fortune" sometimes favors the brave. The Mexican, attempted to strike him with his lance but missed him, then with lance still in hand, he sprang upon the Mexican's horse, and made his escape,
riding full speed about two miles, he saw two men, one of whom seemed to be his fellow soldier, Olso Miller, whom he had seen make a desperate run from the scene of battle, and he turned to join them, when lo, they were two Mexicans, who immediately rushed upon him firing as they came. Seeing a pistol attached to the horn of his saddle, he snatched it to fire, when he saw the cartridge fall to the ground, thus leaving him once more powerless to defend himself. They however did not know the pistol was empty, so he managed to bluff them, until reaching a hollow and dismounting, he hid himself and finally made his escape. His father, an old man sixty-two years old, was killed and
his brother Monteville was wounded on this campaign and died a prisoner. The next morning Woll commenced a retreat, camping that night on the Medina, where our forces under Caldwell, John. T. Moore, and Mayfield, came in sight of him. In the mean time we had captured five stragglers from Wolls army, and these were now tied in order that even the guards might take part in the battle which seemed impending. Our spies went out under cover of the night almost into their camps, and returning described their position, strength etc. We then advanced to within a mile and a half of them and awaited day light. We awoke next morning to find that the enemy had retreated during the night. We marched in pursuit at once, when after following them about fifteen miles, we hears shots, evidently being exchanged between out advanced guards, and the rear guards of Woll's force. We were immediately ordered to halt and our scouts returning from the firing brought back one of our men shot through the lungs who was packed on a litter to the Medina. Our army comprised about five, or six hundred men, and instead of advancing as a majority thought best, we were ordered to fall back three or four hundred yards into a dry creek or swag in the prairie, near the Hondo, where with a strong position we awaited attack. After a strange want of discipline or system or harmony among the officers however, who could not agree as to the proper line of policy, and stood discussing and debating questions, while the soldiers were all the time growing more perplexed and impatient. Captain Billingsley understanding the situation, and knowing the value of prompt action called out to the soldiers-"Boys do you want to fight? A loud "yes" was instant reply. Then "Follow Me!" he called, and marched on , leading a considerable force. We were already approaching very near the Mexican infantry drawn up in line of battle, and in two minutes the charge would have been made and the fight commenced. But at this juncture superior authority interfered. Col. Caldwell galloping up, called out to Billingsley asking "Where are you going?" "To fight" was the answer. "Counter march those men back to ranks." Caldwell commanded, and we were forced to take our places back in the standing army, all worried Pages 169 to 177 of original manuscript are missing. And now we found ourselves once more at home but not safe for still every now and then we were troubled with Indians and occasionally we went out to bury some one of our citizens who would be surprised whenever the skulking savages could find opportunity to do their dastardly work. It was almost a constant thing to wake and find our horses all stolen and all pursuit or effort to regain them useless. Sometimes however we our little runs after the thieves were interesting and exciting, although we might not catch thieves or regain horses. I remember one run early in the year 1843 during a very cold spell we had quite an amusing little run. A lot of horses having been stolen, 18 or 20 men under Jonathon Burleson went out in pursuit. We trailed them over their same old route to their same old pass way. From every sign they had evidently been in no hurry and had a strong force. The first night we camped on Onion Creek very near to where they had camped on their way out only a night or two previous. It was severely cold we built a large bright fire we indulged in the free and easy merry making life of camp life, until very late. We had a fine singer in our party James Patton and his splendid voice entertained us through many a song as we lay backing in the genial light and warmth of the camp fire. At last the silence of night pervaded the woods and we slept very soundly. Meanwhile we had tied our horses near and guards were stationed round them. Suddenly we were aroused by a struggling and kicking among our horses and then came a scattering and flying of fire round and over us. In an instant we had our guns in hand thinking the Indians were upon us. The guards soon explained the cause of the disturbance. One of the horses having been entangled in his rope had fallen in to our campfire. One of our men was by far the most terribly frightened man I ever saw. When th4e excitement first arose he rushed into a nearby thicket leaving his gun and comrades and lay there afraid to move or speak, till the alarm had subsided. Then we heard moans groans from the brush and recognized his voice we called to him and assured him the danger and Indians were not near. He was literally scared into a shaking ague and the next day candidly confessed himself entirely unfit for Indian campaigning and very truly said he did not believe he could stand the "racket" of such a life. Next morning found us on the plain trail which we followed easily constantly finding signs of their camps every ten or two of our men while out hunting were surprised and killed by a band of Comanches numbering about 30 who came along on our immediate trail. So we knew that our guards had doubtless been correct in thinking that they heard the muffled sound of their march somewhere near us. The two unfortunate men seemed to have fought most desperately for there were signs of a terrible struggle-a broken bun showing hand to hand fighting. They were given tine to find shelter under a bluff and thus protected they were able to prolong their lives but against such odds they were soon killed. It is presumable that this band expected and desired us to overtake and attack them judging from their slow march, plain trail and returned upon our very heels as it were, no pursuit was made and once more two of our citizens were brutally murdered and buried without one effort to avenge them or punish the murderers. Of course Indians grew bolder as we grew more lax and very soon our community was again shocked by their cruelty. Mr. Nash a citizen went out of town a few miles to hunt a while and not coming home when expected men went out in search of him. He was found dead and scalped about three miles from home. From all indications he had killed a deer and was cleaning it when surprised by a small party of Indians. Blood was found on their trail which led us to believe that he had at least wounded one of his murderers. From now on these murders and raids or invasions in our community i.e. Bastrop County gradually abated. But the incoming Germans who settled New Braunsfels and Fredericksburg still suffered a great deal from their persecutions and along the frontier the savages never lost an opportunity of showing their cruel and vindictive hatred towards the whites. In 1844 four of our fellow soldiers passed through an ordeal of suffering and danger that well deserves to be recorded among the sacrifices made for Texas in those critical times. Jack Hayes commanded a company of rangers and having received news that Mexicans were trying to recruit some horses between the Nueces and the Rio Grande on Turkey Creek he detached Rufus Perry Kit Acklin-John Carolin and James Dunn to go out and investigate and stampede them. Getting as far as the Nueces, Perry rode slowly along taking note of the trails and woods, while he sent the other three on ahead, advising them to select a high place for camping, so that they could have a good view of the surrounding country, and thus guard against surprise from Indians or Mexicans. Riding along alone he struck a horse trail, which he followed, until he became satisfied that some one was riding him. He then went on and joined his comrades in camps, which contrary to advice they had pitched in a low brushy spot. He felt much dissatisfied and uneasy on account of their selection of camps and taking his gun, went away over on a hill to look around, but could see nothing. After dinner, Dunn and Carolin took horses to water and went in bathing in the waters of the Nueces. Just as they had undressed for bath, twenty-five or thirty Indians attacked Perry and Achlin back at camp. First they knew the comanches came up on them with a whoop. Achlin fired, and then ran off afoot, leaving the horses. Just as Perry was in the act of firing he received an arrow in the shoulder, which forced him to drop his gun. He then drew a five shooter and retreated for his horse, firing as they advanced upon him. A second arrow struck him in the temple, severing an artery, a third struck his hip, coming clear through and this he pulled back. Just as he was firing his fourth shot he fainted from loss of blood. His first thought on recovering consciousness was suicide, to escape death from the savages. He cocked his pistol and put it to his head and finding he could get up, made his way to the two men, who were bathing. They had crossed the creek, but came back when they saw Perry. In a second Achlin joined them, and pulled the arrow out of Perry's shoulder, which was still sticking there. They then began to make ready to run from a second attack, which they felt sure the Indians would make. Achlin tried to persuade them to take Perry behind on a horse, but they would not, probably thinking from his weak and suffering condition that he would certainly die anyway - then too they were anxious to insure their own escape and knew a wounded man could but impede their race. He caught hold of the tail of one of their horses and was thus helped across the stream, when he again fainted. They must have supposed him dead, for they robbed him of his gun and pistol, and all left him to his fate. He became conscious just as the Indians were making a second charge. He struggled to his feet, and ran with all his little remaining strength for a thicket at the same time trying to staunch the blood from his wounded temple by holding his overshirt closely against the wound, as he ran. He crawled into the depths of a dense thicket and lay on the bare ground securely hid from the savages, at the same time the dust and sticks on the ground stopped the bleeding in his wounded side. The Indians surrounded his hiding place, knocked on the brush, but for some reason did not enter it, probably thought he was armed and feared to venture. He waited till dark and then started toward the roaring of water which he could hear, but every time he would get up and start, he would faint from pain and weakness, so that he did not reach water till day break-was all night going about two hundred yards. Then he washed blood and dirt from his face, drank, crossed the stream and crawled into a hole left at the root of a large tree, which had been blown down. The night he started for San Antonio, a distance of one hundred and fifteen miles, wounded unarmed, and with provisions. In spite of weakness and pain he persevered the first day till three miles on his way, then being utterly prostrated had to lie and rest. When able to proceed, he went on at intervals, getting only two or three miles at the stretch until he reached San Antonio. One the seventh night just at dark he reached the city, more dead than alive, having traveled all seven days with no food except three prickly pear apples and a hand full of mesquite beans. With every attention his recovery was a very slow, and painful
one, lingering in bed about three months. His clothes were pierced by twenty-one arrow holes, when he reached home. Rufus Perry, is an intimate friend and acquaintance, an associate veteran, and for more than twenty years was a citizen of Bastrop. I have gathered this account from his own lips, and think I can vouch for its truth. In giving the details of this adventure, he always mentioned the kind and untiring attention he received from two women of San Antonio one a German, the other a Mexican, the former of whom would often and often shed tears over his crippled, and wounded attention. Rufus Perry, was prior to this a good looking man, but not after the lapse of forty years, still bears a drawn and scarred face, a twitching eye, and walks with the aid of a cane - the result of the Comanche arrows. Achlin reached San Antonio, on the morning of the eighth day having faired like Perry on prickly pear apples, and mesquite beans. He was however not so mutilated and battered up, but was about well in two weeks. Dunn and Carolin came on naked to the Medina, when sunburned almost to a blister, they dismounted to get water. Carolin went in bathing, and could not get out. Dunn rode on, expecting Carolin to join him all the time, but went on even into San Antonio a distance of twenty-seven miles, without having seen or heard any thing of him. Reaching there and reporting, men went out to find him. Lying in the water, right where Dun had left him, numb and almost in a dying condition, they found Carolin and brought him on to San Antonio, where he slowly recovered. All four men lived through these terrible dangers, and in after years served Texas and the Confederacy. Dunn was killed in the Confederate War, Carolin died in service at Fort Clark. Achlin commanded a company in battle at Monterey and died in California. Mr. Perry is the only survivor of that adventure, and I think he is one of the only three living men who served in Hayes' regiment in 1846. I pass over some unimportant trials occurring in the mean time, and come now to the last as well as one of the most effectual raids ever made against the Indians. This occurred in 1847. Captain Samuel Highsmith commanded a company belonging to Hays regiment in the Mexican War, which company was detached to protect the frontier, which was still often and severely troubled by Indian invasion. He was stationed near what is known as the "Enchanted Rock" 14 miles from Fredericksburg on Crab Apple Creek. This rock is very remarkable freak of nature, being solid granite, covering on area so six hundred and forty acres of land, studded here and there with a kind of glittering material, resembling diamonds. All in this vicinity the Indians had found easy victims in the German settlers. Camping on Crab Apple Creek, Captain Highsmith sent out a small scouting party consisting of white men and one Deleware. Returning in a short time they reported a large Indian trail coming in from Fredericksburg. Immediately he started with his company, following the trail with all possible speed. They came upon about forty Wacos encamped on the Llano river. The warriors were at dinner, and did not perceive the whites until they were right on them in gunshot. Highsmith however thought best to try a parley, wishing to discover the character and intention of the band, before any attack upon them. So the chief of the Delewares, John Conner, was appointed spokesman and interpreter. He first called for the chief of the Wacos. Upon the appearance of the old chief, after a few brief questions, which were answered in a surly, and defiant manner. Conner seeing they were hostile, warned Highsmith to open fire upon them. Noting the words of the Deleware, the Waco chief helpless to give other aid to his men save that of warning, placed his hand behind him and motioned trying to signify that they must run. Then seeing preparations among the whites for battle, he wheeled to run, but was killed instantly by Highsmith as he turned. Upon this the Indians retreated in disorder and confusion, the whites immediately at their heels, firing as they ran. Without thought of any thing except their great imminent danger, upon reaching the river, although it was one hundred yards at that point, they plunged wildly into its depths. The whites stood on the banks and shot at them as they swam for the opposite side, killing all forty of them except four or five. Some of the warriors would try to turn, and shoot from the water with their bows. This was supposed to have been the same party which killed Simms and Clark while surveying. This raid seemed to have been exactly what was needed, and did much toward securing peace and safety along the frontier. A bare record of this and similar raids, where in the Indians were the sufferers, would arouse some sympathy for them perhaps, in the minds of those unacquainted with the terrible outrages and murders perpetrated by them upon our early settlers. We, however, who lived amid the horrors of their cruelty, and have gone out to find and bury the maimed and disfigured bodies of our friends, victims to their hatred, can understand and recall the indignant and burning desire to pursue to savages, and rid our country of such persecution and death. The history of our state since 1847 has it is true been a checquered one, and recalling our many trials and dangers and losses from Annexation on through the Confederate War, one might feel tempted to indulge in egotism in regard to personal experience for every true soldier was more or less a hero in those trying times. So many still live however who were shoulder to shoulder in those struggles both of state, and nation, that I forbear entering into further details. Suffice to say that my life has been, almost entirely that of a Texas soldier. Entering service at fifteen years old, against Mexico, I have tried to be faithful to Texas through out her troubles. I belonged to the very first company of "Rebels" who left Bastrop for the Confederate War in 1861, and marched home with the last band of troops after engaging in the last skirmish of "The Lost Cause", which occurred on Texas soil at what is called Palmetto Ranch, about fifteen miles below Brownsville, and had gone out to Brazos Island, where they had a considerable force, with a good position, well fortified, holding two or three gunboats in readiness for action. In June after Lee's surrender a great deal of cotton was coming into Brownsville, and Ford still held his force there, probably intent upon saving what cotton he could, and when the Yankees entered the place once more, capturing the picket posts and several of our men, he determined to drive them back on the island. So mustering his force and taking four pieces of artillery, he advanced upon the yankee force, which comprised about one thousand, men. Ford managed to carry on light skirmishing till he could secure good position, masking his artillery with his cavalry. When every thing was ready, the cavalry moved aside and all four pieces of artillery were discharged at once and unexpectedly it seemed to the Yankees, who commenced retreating after two or three volleys and were finally driven back to the island. We captured in all about one hundred, and twenty Yankees-No Confederates were killed but several wounded. With this the closing fight of the "Confederate Wars", I close my "Personal Reminiscences of Texas History" but feel that it is fitting tribute to at least sum up the sacrifice as well as the service rendered Texas by Bastrop County. I therefore will try and add a concise list of the Comrades, neighbors and friends, some of whom were surprised by savage foes, while others laid down their lives in defense of Texas liberty, many falling at my very side in the struggles. 1. Killed by Indians Edward Jenkins 1 Smith Hornsby 2 Stranthor 3 Christian 4 Joe Rogers 5 Roarer 6 Williams 7 Harris 8 McDonald 9 Fallnash 10 Hart 11 Weaver 12 John Willbarger 13 Nash 14 William Lentz 15 Robinson 16 Edwards 17 Elijah Ingram 18 Haggard 19 Martin 20 Albert Coleman 21 Eggleston 22 Robinson (No. 2) 23 Williams (No. 2) 24 John Walters 25 Alexander and Son 27 Mathew Duty 28 Jacob Burleson 29 Gotier, and Three sons 33 Simms 34 Clark 35 2. Killed by Mexican At the Alamo Burke Trammel 1 James Northcross 2 Henry Warnell 3 Crawford 4 Napoleon Michael 5 Wyatt 6 James McKinney 7 Charles S. Smith 8 Killed in the Sante Fe expedition Enoch Harris 9 At San Jacinto Lemuel Blakey 10 In Battle of Mear James Barber 11 Drew Black beans at Mear Robert Harris 12 Shepherd 13 Died in Prison Allen Holdeman 15 Kauffeman 16 Total 501 To my mind this list is neither satisfactory, nor complete, but it is given to the very best of my recollection. I would like to remember and record the name of every man whose blood paid for the early settlement of our large and thriving county, but I find it absolutely impossible. At least a dozen names of men who were killed by Indians have entirely escaped my memory. I can recall the individuals killed, and all of the circumstances attending their death; but I my recollection, they are without names. Then too, there are whole parties of surveyors whose names I could not even attempt to give. Nevertheless their death is a fact and history shall never neglect to record the nameless heroes and martyrs, who filled unmarked graves in the early struggles of our land. Coming on to later years, Bastrop County paid full tribute of service and sacrifice I the "Confederate War" but I cannot even attempt to name the many soldiers, who went out from our midst to battle and never returned. Suffice to say their blood was shed for their country, and our County with the rest of the South mourned many deaths in "The Lost Cause." John H. Jenkins Sr.
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