229
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF w AR
Head Quarters Novr- 2 1~35 At the Counce! of War called on th:s morning, Consisting of Gen 1 S. F. Austin, Commander in chief, Col"· Warren D C Hall Adjl· Genl. Col"· John H Moore, Lieut Coln. Burleson, Majr- Wm H Jack, Col" Patrick Jack Quar• ter Master Gen 1• Majr-Somerville, Ma;r- Benj. w. Smith, CaptD- Caldwell, Capl"· Ehherly, Capn. Bennett, Capt"· Swilcher, Capt"· Bird Capt"; Goheen, Capt"· John Alley, Capt"· Nail, Lieut. Aldridge, Leut. Splan, Lieut. Has- sell, Lieut. Barnett, Lieut- Money, Lieut. Hunt, Lieut Perry Lieut Stapp, Lieut-Hinsley and Lieut Dickenson- - The object of the call of the Council, being explained by the Com• mander in chief to he, to have the opinion and determination of the officers in regard to the best measures of immediate operation on the e~emr., whether by closer investment simply or by storm-after much conversation and discussion, It was proposed by Majr· W H Jack, that the question be directly put to the Council, whether a storm would or would not he expe• client at the present moment-on the information, in possession of the Com- mander in chief in regard to the State of fortifications in Bejar being sub- mitted-The question was accordingly put by the Commander in chief, and the same was decided in the negative by all the officers present, with the exception of Majr. Benj"· W Smith who voted substantially in the affirma- tive, saying that in his opinioi the Town ouglzt to be taken immediately.- It was then decided unanimously by the Council, that such positions should be taken for the Army, at present as would best secure it from the Cannon shot of the enemy and enable it at the same time to carry on offensive operations, whilst we are waiting for the larger 18 lb cannon and addit:onal reinforcements.- [S. F. AUSTIN.]
AUSTIN TO BOWIE AND F ANNIN1
Head Quarters above Bexar Nov., 2 1835
To CoLo. Bow1E AND CAPT. FANNING, I enclose you the result of a council of War held this morning by the officers of this division-you will see that the ·Council has decided it is inexpedient to attempt to take Bexar by storm at present-that the army should take such a position as will enable it to harrass the enemy as much as possible, out of reach of Cannon until the 18.pound battering pieces and additional reinforcements arrive--This decision is submitted to the con- sideration of the offic_ers of your division. •In Austin's Order Book, as cited, page 27.
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