Daily Constitutionalist
August, Georgia
May 31, 1861
The Lavaca Gulf Key, of the 14th, inst., has a full and very interesting account of the surrender of the United States troops in Texas, under command of Lieut. Col. Reeve, to the Confederate force, under command of Col. Van Dorn, which we copy, as follows:
Our fellow-townsman, Dr. J. R. Fretwell, volunteer aid on Col. Van Dorn’s staff, has just arrived from San Antonio, and brings us the cheering news of the surrender of the United States troops—six companies of the 8th Infantry—under the command of Col. Reeve, on the 9th inst., near the San Lucas Springs, some 22 miles west of San Antonio, and on the Castroville road.
The following is the Doctor’s graphic description of that grand event—he was present to aid, by force, if necessary, in the capture of these troops:
Col. Reeve’s command consisted of 366 rank and file, with their appropriate officers, together with Col. Bumford and several other officers who were on leave or under orders to report at other points, and who, taking advantage of the troops coming down to San Antonio, sought and obtained the escort of the same. The surrender was an unconditional one. The troops will be kept as close prisoners of war, and will not be sent out of the country, as the policy of the Government at Montgomery, we understand, has been changed on this important point.
We take this occasion to congratulate the people of Texas on the fact that there no longer rests the foot of an enemy on her soil. The last gun has been surrendered, and the last standard lowered by which her peace was menaced or her sovereignty disputed; and we take this occasion to join our feeble praises to those of our fellow-citizens, in according to the Colonel commanding this department the highest meed of honor for the manner in which he made and carried out his plans, so as to effect his object without the loss of human blood.
Col. Van Dorn left his camp on the Leon at four o’clock on Thursday morning, the 8th, and took up position previously selected about two miles to the Westward on the road leading to Castroville, where he formed his command into line of battle. Shortly after daylight the picket and spies reported Col. Reeve as having left his camp at 2 o’clock, A. M., as has been his custom on this march, and having reached the high ridge of land near San Lucas springs, and at the ranche of Mr. Adams, where he had halted his command, taken possession of the large stone house, barricaded the road with his wagons, and placed his troops in position behind the strong corral fences of Mr. Adams, and in the stone house, apparently to await the assault.
Upon this being announced to the Colonel commanding the Confederate troops, his military experience at once taught him that Col. Reeve would not advance any further, and without hesitating a moment he ordered a forward movement of the whole command, mounted his horse, galloping forward was followed by his whole staff, nor did he draw rein until within some eight hundred yards of the enemy’s camp. Here he calmly viewed their position, never having been on the ground himself before, but from the knowledge of others present, he soon made himself master of all the facts as to the topography of the surroundings, and at once determined upon his position, and gave directions for the forming of the line of battle. The infantry under the command of Lieut. Col. Duff, was placed on the right; the battery of flying artillery—six pieces twelve pounders—under Capt. Edgar, at the centre, with the cavalry and mounted troops under Col. H. E. McCulloch on the left. The whole command, numbering 1,500 troops of all arms, presented a very fine appearance, with banners flying, drums beating, sabres and bayonets glittering in the meridian sun, horses pawing and neighing, the field officers flying from one end of the field to another, carrying the commands of their chief.
Under a flag of truce, borne by Capts. Wilcox and Majors, a demand was made of an unconditional surrender of the U. S. troops as prisoners of war, and five minutes given to answer in. Col. Reeve would not agree to the terms (which are very hard for a military man) unless Col. Van Dorn would convince him that he had sufficient force to execute it, by permitting an officer of his command whom he would designate, to see the troops and to report to him; the prompt answer returned was, that he should have that opportunity to see the troops, and the more he saw of them the less he would like it. The officer designated by Col. Reeve, was Lieut. Bliss, a
young officer of distinguished bravery, well known in the U. S. army, who, mounting a horse, rode down the line of our troops, and was repeatedly cheered. Suffice it to say, on his report, Col. Reeve surrendered with his command, together with all the public property in his possession unconditionally as prisoners of war, giving his word of honor as a gentleman and soldier, that he would report himself and command at Col. Van Dorn’s camp on the Leon that evening at six o’clock.
young officer of distinguished bravery, well known in the U. S. army, who, mounting a horse, rode down the line of our troops, and was repeatedly cheered. Suffice it to say, on his report, Col. Reeve surrendered with his command, together with all the public property in his possession unconditionally as prisoners of war, giving his word of honor as a gentleman and soldier, that he would report himself and command at Col. Van Dorn’s camp on the Leon that evening at six o’clock.
Instantly, the word of command was given to countermarch back to camp, where we arrived about 3 o’clock P. M., every one elated at the happy termination of the difficulty. At 6 o’clock, M., Col. Reeve’s command arrived in camp, and their ground being designated by the proper officer, they pitched their tents as orderly, and stacked their arms with as much precision, as if on inspection parade. There was not a word said or a shout raised to wound their military pride, but the officers and men were treated with the greatest courtesy, and the warm grip of friendship was given by many a one on recognizing old acquaintances. The officers of the United States troops were invited to Col. Van Dorn’s quarters after supper, (not officially) to
partake of his hospitalities, where a couple of hours were spent in the most friendly converse, not an allusion was made to the events of the day, when each one separated to his quarters, entertaining for the other only a more exalted opinion. Next morning, at 5 o’clock, the infantry and cavalry struck their tents and marched into San Antonio, where they arrived in good trim at 6 o’clock. Colonel Reeve’s command marched to the San Pedro Springs, two miles above San Antonio, to a camp designated by a proper officer, where all the arms and Government property were given up.
partake of his hospitalities, where a couple of hours were spent in the most friendly converse, not an allusion was made to the events of the day, when each one separated to his quarters, entertaining for the other only a more exalted opinion. Next morning, at 5 o’clock, the infantry and cavalry struck their tents and marched into San Antonio, where they arrived in good trim at 6 o’clock. Colonel Reeve’s command marched to the San Pedro Springs, two miles above San Antonio, to a camp designated by a proper officer, where all the arms and Government property were given up.
Too much praise cannot be given to Col. Van Dorn, for the manner in which the whole affair was conducted and concluded, from the first inception to its denouement.
Particularly striking was the sight of an enemy marching into our camp, fully armed and equipped, and taking up a position designated—while all around were busily engaged in attending to their camp duties; some cooking, some washing, some eating, some drinking, some lying down asleep, and others playing soldier—without the least unusual disturbance or
commotion—and all of this happening upon the word and honor of one man. It speaks well for our advanced state of civilization, it speaks doubly loud in honor of military integrity. Those who, but a few hours before were drawn up in battle array against us, were now received as friends, whose persons and property were as sacred as our own.
commotion—and all of this happening upon the word and honor of one man. It speaks well for our advanced state of civilization, it speaks doubly loud in honor of military integrity. Those who, but a few hours before were drawn up in battle array against us, were now received as friends, whose persons and property were as sacred as our own.