twenty minutes' longer respite; upon which, I announced to the captain that it would be necessary to send forward his master-of-arms, and have him ironed without delay. When the irons were brought within his view, the prisoner immediately jumped up, adjusted his collar, put on his hat, and stated his readiness to accompany us. Upon getting on deck, he saw a sentinel, evinced much agitation, and presented his bosom, evidently believing that he was about to be put to death. I took his arm, desired him to be composed, and conducted him to the captain's gig-boat, into which we descended, in company with Mr. Hardeman, Colonel Almonte, and Captain Brown, and rowed for the shore; the other boat bringing the balance of the committee, and Santa Anna's private secretary. On reaching the mouth of the Brasos River, Santa Anna took fresh alarm at a body of Texian soldiers and citizens whom he saw collected upon the beach on the Velasco side, and threatened to drown himself if the boat was not pulled over to the western bank. I explained to him that the crowd had been drawn together by curiosity alone, and intended no violence; and [486] farther suggested that, if he was ambitious of fully acting the character of Napoleon the Second (so he styled himself up to his defeat), he could do so by taking the Texian flag, which he would find in the stern of the boat, and calmly wave it in view of the assembly, in token of his respect for the cause which they were pledged to maintain. His countenance brightened at the suggestion, and he accordingly took the flag. So soon as the boat arrived within about ten paces of the shore, I announced to him that then was the time to wave the flag, rising myself at the same time, and giving the word to the crowd, 'Three times three!' when the whole company cheered, while the prisoner attempted tremulously to wave it, in which he had to be assisted by Captain Brown, so physically unnerved was he for the task. We continued our course up the river, passing the schooner Pennsylvania and steamer Ocean, from both of which vessels we were cheered. Landing at Quintana, upon the western bank, we met President Burnet, and surrendered the prisoner to him. The President turned to me and said, 'General Green, I deliver the prisoner over to your charge, and shall hold you responsible for his safe keeping.' From being the most frightened human being I ever saw, the prisoner at once regained confidence and appeared cheerful. The truth of my promises had been demonstrated by taking him safely through a crowd of citizens and soldiers, whom he thought bent upon his blood.

"It was now near night, and having ordered my cabin on board the steamer to be put in readiness for the reception of the prisoner, we continued to walk until our supper was announced. During this walk, I was struck with the address both of the prisoner and his interpreter, Colonel Almonte, in endeavouring to impress upon me the certainty of his carrying out the treaty, and the sooner he should reach Mexico, the more power he would have in so doing. I took the ground that the people of Texas were not convinced of that fact; and as for myself, that it was childish to tell me that there was anything either legally or morally binding upon the prisoner to carry out a promise made by him while in duress.

"At half past six our supper was served. It was as good as money could have purchased at the time, and a good one for hungry men. It is true that it was not served in as bright metal, and under as many covers as my guest was used to in the palace of the Montezumas, but, considering his late devastations in Texas, we were lucky in having so good a one. It consisted of an abundance of good beefsteaks and gravy served in a bright tin pan, with good bread, and, what was remarkable for this stage of our Revolution, a knife and fork each. The tin pan was set upon a narrow bench, and my august guest and myself straddled said bench - inward face! - with our knees touching, we cutting, sopping, and eating a bountiful meal out of said tin pan! [487]

"Colonel Almonte and the private secretary of the prisoner stood by in attendance upon him, while my orderly served each of us a pint of coffee in tin cups: the said cups, though sufficiently bright inside, were quite sooty upon the outside. Holding up my cup, I pleasantly remarked to Santa Anna, that, when I visited Mexico, I should expect him to give me coffee in brighter metal. Placing his hand upon his heart, in the most Christian earnestness he replied, 'Ah! yes, my