Col. O. M. Roberts, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 11.1, Texas
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

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[232] battle at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, and from then until the disbandment of the army in 1837, identified himself with the most eventful skirmishes and engagements. In 1839 and 1840 he was engaged in skirmishes and expeditions against the Indians, and served with great distinction in the Mexican invasion of the frontier in 1842. He was placed in command of a company in 1846, and was sent to the support of General Taylor, on the Rio Grande. He fought with distinction in the battle of Monterey in September, and his daring aggressiveness in this battle won for him commendation as a soldier and leader. He continued to serve under Major Hays, taking active part in many notable skirmishes, until the close of the war. During the period of twenty years, from 1841 to 86,despite his absence in the field, he was retained in the office of clerk of the Supreme court of Texas, an evidence of the popular appreciation of his abilities. He entered the Confederate army in 1861, and in August was appointed colonel of the Fifth Texas mounted rifles, raised in Arizona and New Mexico, and largely composed of soldiers from his former commands. In the battles of Valverde, Glorieta, Los Cruces, and others, he shared the trials and sufferings of his command with heroic fortitude, and on the retreat his command won the admiration of their victorious enemies. In the defeat of the Federal land and naval forces at Galveston, January 1, 1863, he distinguished himself in command of the line troops, the ships and artillery being under Maj. Leon Smith. In April following he was in Louisiana with Gen. Richard Taylor, gained renewed commendation for his conduct at Camp Bisland, and was put in command of Sibley's brigade. On May 20, 1863, he was promoted to brigadier-general. In command of his brigade he operated brilliantly against the Federals in Louisiana, on the Lafourche in July, 1863, on the Fordoche in September, and in the Teche country in October, winning a brilliant victory at Bayou Bourbeau November 3d. General Taylor in his report gave General