[126] of the United States army, came to Brazos island, which lies a little north of the mouth of the Rio Grande. He was accompanied by Mr. Charles Worthington, of Texas, who addressed a letter inviting General Slaughter and Colonel Ford to meet Gen. Lew Wallace at Point Isabel and discuss some matters pertinent to the then existing war. Both these gentlemen met Gen. Lew Wallace, and they had a long interview. General Wallace observed that it was useless to fight on the Rio Grande; that should the forces meet and kill all on both sides it would not effect the result. To this proposition General Slaughter and Colonel Ford both agreed. After returning to Brownsville the Confederate mounted forces were sent to wherever they could find wood, grass and water. In this manner the Confederate forces were scattered between the Rio Grande and Arroya Colorado. There was no fighting and none expected. On the 12th of May, 1865, Colonel Ford received a communication from Captain Robinson, then commanding Colonel Giddings' regiment, saying he had been attacked by the enemy. Colonel Ford assured him that he would collect troops that night and come to his assistance in the morning. Couriers were sent in every direction to the different camps, directing the officers to proceed at once either to Fort Brown or directly to the assistance of Captain Robinson. These things were done with the approval of General Slaughter.These events and the subsequent engagement are described as follows in the report to Capt. L. G. Aldrich, assistant adjutant-general, Brownsville:
On the 12th inst., Capt. W. N. Robinson, commanding Giddings' battalion, 300 strong, reported the enemy advancing. They drove in his pickets, captured their rations, clothing, two sick soldiers, etc., and burnt Palmetto rancho. In the evening Captain Robinson attacked with 60 men and drove them back to the White House. Orders were given to concentrate the command on the Brownsville and Brazos island road, in Captain Robinson's rear. On the morning of the 13th, Captain Robinson reported the enemy reinforced and again advancing. Steps were taken to meet him at once. At 11 o'clock a. m. I made a forward movement with Capt. O. G. Jones' light battery and a portion of the cavalry. Learning that Captain Robinson was hard pressed and forced to give ground, I directed Lieutenant Vineyard, commanding a detachment
