Louis Wiltz Kemp
The Battle of San Jacinto and the San Jacinto Campaign
"The Battle of San Jacinto and the San Jacinto Campaign" by L. W. Kemp and Ed Kilman is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the pivotal battle that took place on April 21, 1836, which was crucial in establishing Texas independence from Mexico. It recounts the events leading up to the battle, including the broader socio-political context and the consequences of the conflict for both Texas and the United States. In this detailed narrative, Kemp and Kilman describe the Texan army's desperate circumstances as they faced the much larger forces of General Santa Anna's Mexican troops. The book highlights key figures such as Sam Houston, who commanded Texan forces, and includes dramatic descriptions of the events that unfolded during the battle, from the strategic maneuvers to the fierce hand-to-hand combat. It captures the ethos and motivation behind the Texan soldiers, fueled by the desire for revenge from earlier massacres at the Alamo and Goliad. The San Jacinto battle, lasting only eighteen minutes yet resulting in a striking victory, is depicted as not just a military engagement but a transformative moment in American history, reshaping territorial boundaries and the future relationship between Mexico and the United States.