anticipations of the rich plunder in perspective. But this was the only
feat accomplished by this Texan expedition: the Mexicans had not been
deceived; they had had intelligence of the real nature of the
expedition, and advanced parties had been sent out to announce its
approach. Twenty-four hours after they had regaled themselves with
mutton, one of these parties, amounting to about one hundred men, made
its appearance. All the excitement of the previous evening had
evaporated, the Texans sent out a flag of truce, and three hundred of
them surrendered themselves unconditionally to this small Mexican force.

On one point the European nations had been much deceived, which is as to
the character of the Mexican soldier, who appears to be looked upon with
a degree of contempt. This is a great mistake, but it has arisen from
the false reports and unfounded aspersions of the Texans, as to the
result of many of their engagements. I can boldly assert (although
opposed to them) that there is not a braver individual in the world than
the Mexican; in my opinion, far superior to the Texan, although probably
not equal to him in the knowledge and use of firearms.

One great cause of the Mexican army having occasionally met with defeat
is that the Mexicans, who are of the oldest and best Castile blood,
retain the pride of the Spanish race to an absurd degree. The sons of
the old nobility are appointed as officers; they learn nothing, know
nothing of military tactics--they know how to die bravely, and that
is all.

The battle of St. Jacinta, which decided the separation of Texas, has
been greatly cried up by the Texans; the fact is, it was no battle at
all. The Mexicans were commanded by Santa Anna, who has great military
talent, and the Mexicans reposed full confidence in him. Santa Anna
feeling very unwell, went to a farm-house, at a small distance, to
recover himself, and was captured by half-a-dozen Texan robbers, who
took him on to the Texan army.

The loss of the general with the knowledge that there was no one fit to
supply his place, dispirited the Mexicans, and they retreated; but since
that time they have proved to the Texans how insecure they are, even at
this moment England and other European governments have thought proper,
very hastily, to recognize Texas, but Mexico has not, and will not.

The expedition to Santa Fe, by which the Texans broke the peace,
occurred in the autumn of 1841; the Mexican army entered Texas