PAPERS OF MmABEAU BuoNAPARTE LA~1AR
273
selves out of the enemies re ource , but likewise be able to ensure to Tejas a speedy reimbu[r)sement of her expenses in sustaining the present question with which our liberties and properties are so closely a(ll]ied.- ~fatamoras is not a fortified•Town, but its possessiQn by us will serve too important purposes---cripple the enemy in his re- sources, already worn thread bare, and support our Armies and Country amply, besides which it will scare [ Y] the liberal party to action and give employment to San-Anna and his minions in other parts of the Republic so as not to be able to make face[ Y) against · us.-AJvarez in the South has already gained two important victories -and Montenegro and Guzman in Guadalaxara are said to have drawn the attention of Ramires Sesma, who was ordered to assist Oos.-The moment is appropriate and should not be lost and you maY, rely on my embracing it with every soldier that can be spared, now that I know your sentiments and those of several members of the Council.-The discipline already established in the Volunteer Army will render us doubly formidable, and if we are not interfered. with by the officers of the regular army, (~ccording to the provi- _sions of the Genl. Council in the decree establishing a regular army) you may rely on all going well and to your wishes.- Your frankness merits a due corrispondence and for your private ~uidance I beg to acquaint you that the Volunteers arriving from the U. S. all declare that if we pretend to independence they will im- mediately quit us, as they consider the War in that case almost in- terminable.-It is likewise important that you should be aware that Genl. B lost entirely the confidence of this army in consequence of bis having opposed offensive measures against the enemy, and above all from his having impedeuously given the attacking party O[per]- ating against this place an order to retire about half an hour before the enemy sent us their flag of truce, offering to capitulate on reason- able terms, of which order I send you a copy, he is as brave and hon- orable a soldier as any in the Army, but the extent of his capacity I leave you to learn from others.-! esteem him as a ma'n but my duty to the service compels me to say so much.- I wrote a long letter to the provisional Governor on the 17th Deer. requesting supplies which doubtless he has submitted to the council --Among others I requested some funds for our absolute wants and f.or the proposed expedition 2000$ at least are of urgent necessity.- Yon will particularly honor me by an occasional notice of the stat'e of affairs with you.-
I am -Dear ~ir respectfully
Your most obt. servt. · F. W. Johnson
[rubric]
[Addressed] To,
James W. Robinson Esq Lieut. GoverJ;J.or Sanfelipe de Austin
[Endorsed] Private
From Col. Johnston
18-Llbrary.
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