Letter from Benjamin Tennille to Dr. Alexander St. Clair Tennille

[text of recently handwritten copy of original letter, which is not available for proofreading comparison; the copier notes that "Sandy" is Dr. Alexander St. Clair Tennille; the copier also notes: "letter to Dr. Alexander St. Clair Tennille, Pontitoe, Chickisaw Nations, State of Mississippi. From Benjamin Tennille, son of Benjamin Tennille who was brother of Francis Tennille, A. S. C. T.'s father. Original letters are in the Old Tennille Leather Trunk. Benjamin writes about the battle against Santa Anna.":]

Linches Ferry on the San Jacinto
24 April 1836

Dear Sandy,

On the 22nd Inst. we met the center division of the Mexican Army 12 hundred in number commanded by the celebrated Santa Anna in person assisted by Generals Cofs [sp.?] and Almonta and many other of his distinguished officers who had taken a favorable position and temporarily fortified himself to receive us. Our force was about six hundred and fifty all raw militia armed principally with rifles. At 4 P.M. we attacked them being compelled to march upon them in open prairie and they under cover of woods and breastworks and in ten minutes captured their cannon and compelled them to retreat. A close pursuit was given which lasted one hour and a half when we succeeded in killing and capturing the whole Army. The loss of the enemy was about 500 killed 4500 made prisoners. Our loss was eight killed and twenty wounded. This battle frees Texas. Santa Anna continues to withdraw all his troops from Texas and acknowledge our Independence and remain as a hostage until the Mexican government shall ratify the treaty. I will write you more fully upon the political condition of Texas in a few days.

Your friend,
B. Tennille

P.S. Among the prisoners captured there are two hundred wounded.