4-14a

Today in Texas HistoryOn the trail to Texas independence.Apr 14, 1836 - Santa Anna, only 30 miles up the Brazos River from Harrisburg, learned that President Burnet and his advisors were there. He decided to move one column of his army towards Harrisburg in the hope of capturing the interim government representatives. Santa Anna and his troops crossed the Brazos River at Thompson’s Ferry.The secretary of state of the Ad Interim Government of the Republic of Texas writes from Natchitoches, Louisiana, of meeting U.S. Army General Edmund P. Gaines about his orders relating to his deploying troops in western Louisiana. Has heard of Indians in eastern Texas readying to aid Mexican forces in the Texas Revolution.From the dispatches of Alexander Horton, Sam Houston's aide-de-camp:"We had a short march today to this place (Donoho‘s Plantation). General Houston has recalled all of the army units to assemble at this point. Major Wiley Martin has communicated that he had inadequate forces to prevent the enemy from crossing the lower Brazos river, but that he gave a fine account of the forces at his command in numerous engagements. He is presently in route to this place, escorting some retiring families. He has about 46 men under his command."Mr. Donoho is not sympathetic to our cause, and therefore the men take every advantage they can of this man. Although he forbade them to cut timber for fires, the men are in the process of burning all of Donoho’s fence rails. Being dry, they make better firewood anyway. And to make matters worse, a party is planned for this evening in Donoho’s house. I suspect he will not put in an appearance as his health might become endangered."As to the direction of the march, and the plans for engagement, General Houston continues to be very quiet. I assume he fears enemy spies. He is waiting for the arrival of Baker and Martin’s commands to strengthen our numbers. In the meanwhile he has sent our more spies to properly assess the present strength and location of the enemy since much has happened recently. I am pleased that he has Rusk to consult with, as he takes no council from any others."Photo: Marker at the site of Thompson's Ferry.