FELLOW-SOLDIERS: The only army in Texas is now present. Travis has fallen with his men at the Alamo; Fannin’s troops have been massacred at La Bahia [which was Goliad]. There are none to aid us. There is here but a small force, and yet it is all that Texas has. We might cross the river and attack the enemy. We might be victorious――but we might be overcome. There are but few of us, and if we fall the fate of Texas is sealed. For this reason, and until I feel able to meet the enemy in battle, I shall retreat.
Not a cheer greeted the order. Instead, from angry men welled sullen murmurs.
The camp was divided in opinion. Sion ruffled like an angry turkey-cock, and the majority of the men were almost as indignant. Some even called General Houston a coward――afraid to stand and fight. Only a few took a calmer view and stood up for him, pointing out that Sesma and Woll were being reinforced and that General Urrea was likely to come up at any moment, from below, with a new attack.
“As for Sam Houston being a coward,” spoke Dick Carroll, “you gentlemen misjudge him. No man who fought like he did under General Jackson, and had that arrow jerked out from him, flesh and all, is a coward. He charged those Creek breastworks away in front of his men. If he retreats now, he’s simply playing for time.”
Ernest glowed to hear such words. _He_ knew that Sam Houston could be no coward.
“Well, boys,” spoke another in the group, “I’ve women and children between the Colorado and the Brazos, and I’m going to them this very evening and move ’em eastward, orders or no orders.”
A number of men did leave, to move their families. The general gave furloughs for this purpose to all who asked.
Camp was struck a little before dusk, and the march eastward toward the Brazos was begun. Passing back along the column, and eying it, the general turned and rode a short distance with Captain Robert Calder, near Ernest and Jim.
“I should be glad to have your views on this retirement, sir,” invited the general.
“I am willing to obey the orders of the commander-in-chief, general,” replied Captain Calder. “We could have whipped the enemy there at the Colorado. Our men all agree to that. But I suppose your idea is to draw the Mexicans further into the country, until you can do the job slick and clean.”
