An expedition of 200
Texas troops, under
General Nichols, went to Brazos Santiago Island, on the
Rio Grande, on the 21st ult., on the steamer
Arizona, to seize the Government works there.
They were held by
Lieut. Thompson, with 18 men, who surrendered.--The News says:
‘
The volunteers immediately landed, marched up and drew up in line.
Lieut. Thompson received the new comers courteously.
The
United States flag was saluted by the latter with the battery found in position.
As the last gun was fired, the
United States flag was hauled down, amid deep silence,
Lieutenant Thompson being evidently much moved.
He simply bade the officers farewell, and at once left the
Island with his men. The Lone Star flag arose as rapidly to the flag staff's summit, and was greeted with cheer upon cheer by the battalion until the close of the
Texas national salute of 22 guns.
The troops took possession of the roomy barracks, and then went to work discharging their stores, bagging, equipage, &c., from the
Rusk.
’
On Friday, the battalion went to work with a will to place the park of artillery, carriages, shot, &c., on the steamer and the sloop.
A battery of field artillery had been removed, by
Capt. Hill's orders, a few days before.
The battalion arrived just in time to prevent other orders he had given being carried out, to destroy the gun carriages, munitions, and other artillery stores and equipage, which abounded at
Brazos Santiago.
A party of fifty men were on their way from
Fort Brown to carry out this project, when met by
Lieut. Thompson and his party on their way to
Fort Brown.
Gen. Nichols then went up the river, 28 miles, with one or two of his officers, to summon the Ringgold Barracks to surrender.--They were held by
Capt. Hill, with 200 U. S. troops, who refused to surrender.
The News says:
‘
Capt. Hill received
Gen. Nichols, as
Commissioner on the part of the
State, most uncourteous — denouncing him and his men as "traitors," threatening to have him arrested as one; further avowing his intention to have the
General arrested by a civil officer; saying he would send for the 200 men at Ringgold Barracks (at
Rio Grande City) and march down and take back the island and the
Federal property.
Gen. Nichols was calm but firm throughout the interview.
’
One of the officers of the Texas expedition writes:
‘
We know nothing yet of what has occurred at
San Antonio between
Gen. Twiggs and the
State forces; but the officers at
Fort Brown--those who are chatty — say that
Capt. Hill will not obey any order
Gen. Twiggs might send him to turn the fort over to us, and evacuate the country.
We will await reinforcements here.
If we are attacked, the fight will be desperate.
Our men are ready for it, and their minds are made up to resist to the last.
The command is in excellent condition as to health and discipline.
The
Mexicans on the other side look on eagerly.
Their men of property are with us.
’
Gen. Nichols returned to
Galveston on the steamer on the 27th ult., for reinforcements.
The Civilian says:
‘
It is expected that the
Rusk will leave
Galveston to-night, with a company from this city, one from
Houston, one from Liberty, and one from
Fort Bend county.
With these reinforcements, it is thought the demands of
Texas may be enforced, even without the arrival of volunteers from other counties, should the order of the
United States Commander of this military department be disregarded by
Capt. Hill.
It is sincerely hoped that the first bloodshed will not occur in
Texas.
’
