REPUBLIC OF TEXAS - THE GRASS FIGHT, NOV. 27, 1835

Contributed by: Joan Renfrow

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Letter:

Camp Above Bexar

To Edwd Burlison
Commd in chief of the
Volunteer Army of Texas

27th Novr 1835

     Sir I have the honor to report that in pursuance of your order on Yesterday 
I took up the line of march with detachments of Infantry from different 
Companies amounting in the aggregate to about one hundred men for the purpose of 
intercepting the expected convoy.  We proceeded at a brisk trot to the creek 
which though cold wide and deep was forded by the men with the greatest 
cheerfulness.

     Shortly after crossing one of my scouts reported that there was firing 
ahead, between our cavalry under command of Col. Bowie, and a party of the 
enemy.

     Our march was continued in double quick time for about half an hour when we 
arrived near the scene of action.

     We were advancing in tolerably good order and in double file when we were 
saluted from the distance of forty to sixty yards by a tremendous discharge of 
musketry along our whole line from an unexpected and undiscovered foe.
     It was immediately ascertained that the enemy was concealed in a ditch and 
completely hidden by the thick muskeet bushes. A second and third heavy fire was 
received and returned when the order for a charge was given by the Assistant 
Adjutant General (Col. Sublett) which was executed with promptness alacrity and 
determined courage. 
     The first division flanked to the right and the second to the left and in a 
few moments the ditch and field were cleared of every Mexican except their dead 
& wounded.
     The firing still continued along the line with very considerable warmth 
until the enemy after three discharges from their cannon with grape and 
canister, retired under the protection of their batteries in town leaving us in 
quiet possession of the field. 
     It would be unjust to particularize as to the conduct of the officers and 
men under my command on this occasion. Suffice it to say that each man so far as 
my observation extended did what Texas expected of him. The only cause of 
complaint arose from their impetuosity. 
     My feelings however will not permit me to close without noticing the 
gallant conduct of the aged veteran Captain Jas. Burleson. He flew from one end 
of the field to the other constantly urging us on to the conflict and 
contributed in a most eminent manner to the successful result which followed.
     The loss of the Infantry is one man missing and three very slightly 
wounded. The foregoing is conceived to be a sufficient report in as much as you 
were present at every point of the scene of action performing alike the duties 
of a General and a soldier. 
     I have the honor to be your ob't serv't
     Wm. H. Jack