y
knew nothing of the circumstances, except from the report of the Texans
themselves. Now, it is but just that the Mexicans' version should be
heard also. The latter is the true one--at least, so far as I can judge
by what I saw, what I heard upon the spot, and from some Mexican
documents yet In my possession.

The day before their capture the Texans, who for the last thirteen days
had suffered all the pangs of hunger, came suddenly upon a flock of
several thousand sheep, belonging to the Mexican government. As usual,
the flock was under the charge of a Mexican family, living in a small
covered waggon, in which they could remove from spot to spot, shifting
the pasture-ground as required. In that country but very few individuals
are employed to keep the largest herds of animals; but they are always
accompanied by a number of noble dogs, which appear to be particularly
adapted to protect and guide the animals. These dogs do not run about,
they never bark or bite, but, on the contrary, they will walk gently up
to any one of the flock that happens to stray, take it carefully by the
ear, and lead it back to its companions. The sheep do not show the least
fear of these dogs, nor is there any occasion for it. These useful
guardians are a cross of the Newfoundland and St. Bernard breed, of a
very large size, and very sagacious.

Now, if the Texans had asked for a hundred sheep, either for money or in
barter (a sheep is worth about sixpence), they would have been supplied
directly; but as soon as the flock was perceived one of the Texan
leaders exclaimed, with an oath, "Mexicans' property, and a welcome
booty; upon it, my boys, upon it, and no mercy," One of the poor
Mexicans who had charge was shot through the head; the others succeeded
In escaping by throwing themselves down among the thick ranks of the
affrighted animals, till out of rifle-distance; then began a carnage
without discrimination, and the Texans 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 Texans, and dreadfully lacerated as many more. The evening was,
of course, spent in revelry; the dangers and fatigues, the delays and
vexations of the march were now considered over, and high were their