keeping up a brisk fire all the time. When the attacking force arrived within some 50 yards of the Texans, Smith ordered his men to commence firing.

After an engagement, lasting about forty-five minutes, the Mexicans withdrew, leaving ten of their number dead on the field and carrying off several wounded. Two Texans were wounded. Smith reported later to the Secretary of War that he decided not to attempt to enter Laredo after learning from a wounded Mexican left on the battlefield that a considerable enemy force was in the town. The Texans returned to San Antonio on the evening of March 26 with the twenty horses they had captured from the Mexicans and after a fatiguing march of ten days. "No shout of exultation welcomed our return to Béxar," reported Smith, "the inhabitants plainly evidencing that their sympathies were with the enemy."

Concerning the escapade, President Houston wrote to Colonel Henry W. Karnes, commander of the Texas cavalry on the frontier, as follows: I am afraid our friend Deaf Smith and his men have acted badly, if reports are true. . . . You will let him know if you should meet him that he is to draw no more goods on the merchants of San Antonio, for either his men or himself without your order."[98],  Houston's policy was not to antagonize the Mexicans, although if Mexico wished to