him better; we knew the people of Texas better; and there was but one sentiment with our fellow-prisoners, which was, "that we would rather rot in these walls, ere Texas, by any act, directly or indirectly, should acknowledge the supremacy of Mexico, or do anything on our account which would compromise her dignity and honour."

The following extract of a letter which I addressed to the United States minister on the 5th of April, will show the feeling which possessed every Texian, whether in sickness or in health, in chains or rags: "It has been rumoured here that James W. Robinson obtained his liberty from the President of Mexico upon a promise that he would use his influence [258] to bring Texas back into the Mexican family. If he has done so, he has lied to obtain his liberty. I tell you, in perfect truth and candour, that it is worth his life, and every other person's in Texas, who will dare intimate such a thing. I say again, that, notwithstanding the dolorous forebodings and infamous slanders of our country by our drunken, opium-eating president, Texas is much stronger than ever, and never will entertain such a proposition."

During this time, when not presiding as chief cocinero (cook), much of my time was employed at the desk, which I had erected by propping up an old door in one corner of the prison. Here I employed my hours in writing letters both to Texas and the United States, and in keeping up a correspondence with General Thompson, the American minister, who evinced the liveliest interest in our welfare.

My health declined so much on account of the coldness of our quarters and want of proper food, as well as the chafing of the mind under such restraint - added to which, the bitter mortification at what seemed to be my country's neglect - that the chief surgeon of the hospital ordered my irons to be removed. This was fortunate both for Colonel Fisher and myself, as it afforded us the privilege of walking about the castle uncontrolled.

The anniversary of the Texians' triumph over Santa Anna at San Jacinto found my finances reduced to the last extremity. Was this day to be passed in silence, though the wheel of Fortune had [259] placed that tyrant at the top and ourselves at the bottom? No! And though I might have never expected to own another ounce, we would have rejoiced in our country's triumph; so that last doubloon was devoted to our country's jubilee.

We purchased seven gallons of vino mascal, and as many of ass's milk, thirty dozen eggs, a large loaf of sugar, and appropriated all our cooking utensils and water jars to the compounding of egg-nog; and such egg-nog as never before was seen or drank under the nineteenth degree of north latitude.

Colonel Fisher, Captain Reese, and Lieutenant Clarke beat up the eggs; the old sailing-master, Lyon, pounded the sugar, which operation he accompanied with one of his best "yarns;" Dan stood by, and was peculiarly eloquent in singing