An American family enjoying their white privilege in high style.

Presidio La Bahia at Goliad 

It was a warm Palm Sunday 184 years ago when on that 27th day of March.  The Mexican army under the command of Jose Nicolas de la Portilla murdered Colonel James Fannin and approximately 340 of his soldiers in cold blood, as if they were animals.  The facts are still shocking to this day.

On June 3rd, two months after the massacre, General Thomas Rusk was escorting the defeated Mexican army back to Mexico. While making sure they avoided Goliad and La Bahia, Rusk took his men there and found the burned remains of the 340 partially burned in a long ditch.  He ordered his men to properly bury the dead there and declared:

ARMY ORDER  June 3, 1836  A Genl. parade of the army will take place tomorrow morning half past 3 Oclk A.M., The funeral is ordered at 9 Oclk A.M. Sherman will take command and conduct the procession in the following order:  First Artillery, 2nd. Music, 3rd Majr. Morehou’s Command, 4th 6 company officers—6 company officers, 5 Mourners.  Those of Fannins comd. who were in the army & who have so miraculously escaped will attend as mourners, 6. commander in Chief & Staff, 7. Medical Staff, 8. 2nd Regt. comd. by Majr. Wells, 9. 1st Regnt. Comd. by Lieut. Col. Summerville, 10. Regulars Comd. by Lieut Col. Millard, Major Poe will order a minute gun fired from the fort, commencing with the time the procession moves until it arrives at the grave. Majr. Morehouses’ Comd. will fire 3 rounds of Blank Cartridges at the grave.   Signed Thos J. Rusk Brigr. Gn Com.

Here is the transcript of the speech General Rusk delivered that day in providing the best funeral rites he could given the horrific circumstances.

“FELLOW SOLDIERS: In the order of Providence we are this day called upon to pay the last sad offices of respect to the remains of the noble and heroic band, who, battling for our sacred rights, have fallen beneath the ruthless hand of a tyrant. Their chivalrous conduct entitles them to the heartfelt gratitude of the people of Texas. Without any further interest in the country than that which all noble hearts feel at the bare mention of liberty, they rallied to our standard. Relinquishing the ease, peace, and comforts of their homes, leaving behind them all they held dear, their mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, they subjected themselves to fatigue and privation, and nobly threw themselves between the people of Texas and the legions of Santa Anna. There, unaided by re-inforcements and far from help and hope, they battled bravely with the minions of a tyrant, ten to one. Surrounded in the open prairie by this fearful odds, cut off from provisions and even water, they were induced, under the sacred promise of receiving the treatment usual to prisoners of war, to surrender. They were marched back, and for a week treated with the utmost inhumanity and barbarity. They were marched out of yonder fort under the pretense of getting provisions, and it was not until the firing of musketry did the shrieks of the dying, that they were satisfied of their approaching fate. Some endeavored to make their escape, but they were pursued by the ruthless cavalry and most of them cut down with their swords. A small number of them stand by the grave-a bare remnant of that noble band. Our tribute of respect is due to them; it is due to the mothers, sisters, and wives who weep their untimely end, that we should mingle our tears with theirs. In that mass of remains and fragments of bones, many a mother might see her son, many a sister her brother, and many a wife her own beloved and affectionate husband. But we have a consolation- yet to offer them: their murderers sank in death on the prairies of San Jacinto, under the appalling words, “Remember La Bahia.” Many a tender and affectionate woman will remember, with tearful eye, “La Bahia.” But we have another consolation to offer. It is, that while liberty has a habitation and a name, their chivalrous deeds will be handed down upon the bright pages of history. We can still offer another consolation: Santa Anna, the mock hero, the black-hearted murderer, is within our grasp. Yea, and there he must remain, tortured with the keen pain of corroding conscience. He must oft remember La Bahia, and while the names of those whom he murdered shall soar to the highest pinnacle of fame, his shall sink down into the lowest depths of infamy and disgrace.”

Yinchuan, China, 2017 Solar Panel Farm

America Was So Blessed to Have This Man as President

Looking at events in the state it looks like my last Saturday trip to the swamp could very well be the last for some time.  BSue and I made it to the beach in the fog and rain and our efforts were rewarded.  Captured an American Avocet and a couple thousand friends.  A couple white faced Ibis arguing over politics were a lot of fun to watch.  Belted Kingfisher as elusive as ever and provided quite the chase for us.  A boat tailed grackle grabbing a drink.  A flower shot a couple years ago for the ladies.  When all is said and done I would rather watch God’s critters than TV anytime.  Much more enjoyable.

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Back When People Had Real Problems – The Blitz of London

ATS Spotters in London, 1940, Looking for Nazi Luftwaffe Aircraft

Although the raids caused enormous destruction and heavy civilian casualties—some 43,000 British civilians were killed and another 139,000 were wounded—they had little effect on Britain’s ability to continue in the war and failed in its immediate purpose of dominating the skies in preparation for a German invasion of England.

Queensboro Bridge

Connecting Manhattan and Queens – Built 1901-1909

Photo by Eugene de Salignac, 1910

In the early years, the Queensboro Bridge epitomized elegance. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the Queensboro Bridge played an important role in the travels of wealthy Long Islanders to Manhattan. Over the years, however, this crossing played a more utilitarian role, transforming Queens from a rural outpost into a borough with a population of over one million by 1930s, and swelling to over two million by the 1950s.

Hey let’s be safe out there and know your possible resources.

Shannon was six and I was nine when we took our first airplane flight from Houston to Dallas to visit our cousins and go see the brand new Six Flags Over Texas.  It was an unusual experience because people in our family didn’t really take vacations.  We flew up on a plane like this from TTA/TIA.  The prop noise was so loud you could barely have a conversation.

We returned on a nice, quiet plush Braniff jet.  It was exciting in those days to know you had actually flown in a jet.