Matagorda, going up to Harrisburg to see the government.  They stopt some hours, and dined here.  Learned that one of them had taken a small Mexican prize; that a company of ninety men from New Orleans had put into Copano and been made prisoners by the Mexicans, and Mr. Baradere brought information that 500 troops from the United States had come over from Nachitoches, and had crossed the Naches; that not more than 1,000 Mexicans had yet crossed the Colorado, etc.[32]

John Sweeny, living on the St. Bernard, in 1835 worked only eleven hands, made 101 bales cotton, averaging 624 pounds per bale; sold it at his own landing at 15 centers per bale,[33]  to Mills & Co., of Brazoria; total, $9,340.  Made besides a plenty of corn to serve his family.  Mr. Harold, who baled this cotton, gave the above information to Dr. Neblett.  Harold thinks the lands on the lower part of the St. Bernard are better than those on the Brazos, as they are higher, and do not overflow.  He thinks peach land is superior to cane land, but harder to cultivate at first.  Sweeney has about 160 to 200 acres of open land, dwelling house, Negro houses, gin house, corn mill; he thinks Sweeny will sell low and on credit; has about 1,200 acres.

The steamboat did not get off until near night.  We took passage on board, having Colonel Morgan, Mr. Gritten, etc., on board.

Thursday, April 7, 1836

This morning found ourselves at Red Fish Bar, a very difficult shoal which crosses the bay about midway, and makes the navigation difficult and dangerous.[34]  The Captain had been fearful of passing it in the night, and anchored above it.  We got under weigh early, and about 9 o'clock came to anchor in Galveston harbor.  We passed to the west of Pelican Island, the harbor being between that island, Galveston Island and Point Bolivar.

In the harbor were lying the Texean national schooner, Independence, Captain Hawkins, and Brutus, Captain Hurd.  The merchant schooners Pennsylvania and Henry.  And the schooner Shenandoah[35]  were lying behind Point Bolivar, landing some families from the Brazos, who are seeking safety in flight.  These, with our own sailboat, and that of Colonel Morgan, the commandant of the post, made the harbor have quite a lively appearance.  Went on board the Independence, which found in a most perfect and admirable state of finish, neatness and preparation.  Took dinner and wine with the officers, Lt. Gallagher, Melish, Capt. Barbee, of the Marius, and Dr. -----.  Mrs. Perry, of -----, was on board.[36]  Went also on board the Brutus, which was undergoing some carpenter's repairs, and was not in the same state of order that appeared in the Independence.  Very politely received by the officers, Lts. Robinson -----.  Mrs. Hurd, the wife of the Captain, and her little child, were on board.  She is young,