177
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
ELECTION REPORT
[Volunteers at Goliad, October 12, 1835. See Calendar.)
PHILIP DtMMITT TO AUSTIN
[Goliad, Octobr 13, 1835. Glad Austin is Commander-in-Chief. En- dorses Jack's letter below.]
WILLIAM H. JACK TO AUSTIN
Goliad, 13 th Oct 1835.
or. SIR . You will allow me to congratulate you, on Lhe high command lo which you have been called by the free and unbiased voice of your fellow-citizens. Rely upon it, Sir I conceive this appointment, lo be fortunate for Texas. Because it will unquestionably have the effect of uniting all parties. You have been truly fortunate in your appointment of an adjutant Genl. for I conceive Coln Hall, to be one of the first military men in Texas; and I think his incorporation into your family will greatly promote the cause. The orders rec'd here this morning were not agreeable to a large major- ity of the men; but they almost unanimously determined to obey without a murmur. We are but illy supplied with ~tores of any kind, but immediate arrange- ments will be made to do the best we can. I Aatter myself that the place will be dearly bought if the Mexicans ever regain it. You will pardon me for expressing my views and opinions to you / reely, fully and frankly. It seems the army has left Gonzales for Bexar. I under- stand your force does not possibly exceed 400; I cannot conceive that it is serfously contemplated Lo attack Bexar with that number. The fate of Texas must not be risked upon one battle; unless the advantages are so decidedly in our favor, as to place the result beyond a Shadow of doubt. If the force of Cos be such as the statement furnished by Mal· Smith Shews, they will be more than two to one against you; and though I have Lhe utmost confidence in the firmness and bravery of our countrymen yet il is drawing too heavily on that confidence, Lo be willing to risk a general engagement, on which so much depends against such fearful odds. They have Lhe numerical strength. They have artillery, cavalry, mus- kets, bayonets, lances, against all these you present a band (brave perhaps lo a fault} of untrained militia, with such arms only as could be procu;ed in the·immediate emergency. The case being thus, I give it as my decided opinion, that an engagement ought not to be. risked, unless success is next lo certain.
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