Richmond Daily Dispatch
Dec. 21, 1863
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| Northern troops invaded south Texas in Nov.-Dec. 1863. (Library of Congress) |
The expedition under Gen. Banks is believed to be about 6,000 strong, composed of the divisions of Gen. Dana and Vandevere. They lost three steamers and four schooners, as well as a considerable amount of stores, munitions of war, and horses, while on the way, and in landing. About half the command are black troops. Davis, with his regiment, about 150 strong, and Haynes, with a Federal commission as Colonel of the 2d Texas cavalry, but with no troops, are along with the expedition. They have a large supply of arms and horse equipments, and design to enlist Mexicans on the Rio Grande, and negroes in the interior as they progress. As soon as information of Banks having landed successfully can be conveyed to Franklin, he and Ord are to enter Texas from Berwick's Bay. The forces are to meet and sweep the country with devastation, as far as they can, sparing neither Unionists nor Secessionists. From Brownsville we learn that Mayor Dye, Bigelow, Palmer, and others, who had claimed to be good citizens, have taken the oath.
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| Pvt. Simeon J. Crews, Co. F, 7th Tex. Cav. (Liljenquist Family Collection, Library of Congress) |
Gen. Cohes assumed command of Brownsville after we left, and claimed to give protection to the people against lawlessness.--He accompanied the Mayor to meet Banks. After giving in their submission to the Federal conqueror, Cones crossed the river, and pronounced against Cortinaz, overthrew his Government, and held the reins of power for twenty-four hours, at the end of which time Cortinaz shot him in the Plaza.
Saluria,Nov. 18.--The Yankees are advancing in this direction, and gained a foot hold at Aranas Pass on the night of the 16th. They landed a force, supposed to be 3,000 strong, on the lower end of Mustang Island, and marched on foot to the Pass. These troops were conveyed in five sailing vessels, (transports.) On the morning of the 17th they made an attack with their force, five steamers from the sea cooperating. The fort was defended by three small guns and about one hundred men, most of whom were State troops. The engagement lasted two hours and twenty-five minutes, when our troops surrendered, being overwhelmed with numbers. Their loss is not known. The attack began about daylight. The plan of the enemy appears to be to take such points as he can along the coast, with a view of getting a base near his proposed field of operations.--There can be no doubt that he meditates the conquest of the State.
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