TO SAN ANTONIO. 
27 
ined buildings of stone, with nothing but their walls 
standing. One of these extends about 150 feet south- 
ward, and appears, from its small apartments, to have 
been constructed for barracks : its walls, like those of 
the church, are very massive. A high wall seems once 
to have surrounded the church, but much of it now lies 
prostrate. The other buildings, which are detached and 
of various dimensions, were chiefly used as dwellings. 
The whole town is in ruins, and presents a sc'ene of de- 
solation, which to an American is at once novel and 
interesting. Each succeeding capture, of course, im- 
paired the buildings ; and after the decisive battle of 
San Jacinto, the Mexicans evacuated it and destroyed 
it as far as they were able. The material of these build- 
ings is a soft white sandstone, which underlays the 
town, and which appears to become hardened when 
exposed to the air. 
We enjoyed the hospitalities of Judge Lea, who is 
domiciliated in the old church, the interior being in 
good condition. To this gentleman we are indebted 
for many facilities for visiting the ruins, and for much 
information respecting the country adjacent. He had 
partitioned the church with a slight frame- work about 
ten feet high, which was covered with calico or brown 
cotton, the top being open ; making it a very comforta- 
ble place for the greater portion of the year. After tea 
we ascended to the roof, to enjoy the cool breeze of the 
evening, and the beautiful landscape which there opens 
to the view. Situated on an eminence, the country 
can be seen for a great distance around. After the 
moon arose and cast a deep shadow from the ruined 
walls, and the long belt of fire from the burning prairie 
