March 18, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, March 17, 1861.
Lieutenant Putnam, of the army, arrived here last evening from Texas, with despatches to the government from Colonel Waite. Lieutenant P. left Indianola on the 7th inst. Colonel Waite had received instructions to withdraw the troops from Texas, and was arranging to concentrate them at Indianola, where they were to embark on board vessels and proceed to such destinations as the government might determine.
All the property of the United States, including stores, supplies and munitions of war, were in the hands of the Commissioners appointed by the Texas Convention to take charge of them. The Commissioners, however, had allowed the necessary supplies to send the troops out of the country. Colonel Wait would remain until the entire force had left the State, when he intended to return to Washington and report unless otherwise ordered.
A gentleman connected with a leading mercantile house in New York arrived here today direct from Brazos, having left there on the 7th inst. I have obtained from him some important facts in regard to affairs on the Rio Grande. He left New Orleans on board the Arizona, which plies between New Orleans and the Brazos Santiago, which vessel is owned by Commodore Morgan. The captain had sealed instructions, which were not to be opened until at sea. These directed him to wait at Indianola until the General Rusk, with seven hundred Texas Rangers under command of Gen. Nicholds, from Galveston, should pass him, in order that the Rusk might reach the Brazos ahead of him, so that the latter should not take the news of their intentions. He waited two days at Indianola and saw nothing of the General Rusk, when the captain, who was indignant at the detention, proceeded to Brazos. The Rusk arrived soon after and proceeded at once to Brazos Island, on which there was a military post, with ten or fifteen men and two guns, under command of Lieutenant Thompson. General Nicholds demanded the immediate surrender of the post. Thompson saw there was no other alternative but to yield, although his gallant little band were for fight. He insisted, however that the flag should be saluted which was done, and immediately the lone star flag was raised amid cheers and shouts. Lieutenant T. in surrendering, only obeyed the orders of his superiors.
It will take them some two weeks to get ready for departure. The Texas Rangers were stationed all along between Brazos and Brownsville, watching anxiously the movements of the United States troops, and it was anticipated they would attempt to prevent the United States troops from taking away their stores, munitions and artillery. He further represents affairs on the frontier to be in a wretched condition
The government has been placed in possession the above facts, the information being at least two week later than their last advices.