The block-houses have not been commenced yet. The dragoons are encamped on a hill overlooking and commanding the town from the west. The infantry are encamped within the precincts of the town. Everything goes on as usual in this place, although the greater part of the Mexican population have left, and taken their families with them. Colonel Raguel requests me to say that he will furnish any quantity of the following-named articles of army provisions at the prices here stated, viz: beans, or black-eyed peas, al one dollar and fifty cents per bushel; (the contract price is two dollars per bushel, besides transportation;) candles, one-fourth wax, at twenty cents per pound; and salt at two dollars and fifty cents per bushel of fifty pounds. There has been much hauling engaged here at three dollars and fifty cents per hundred pounds, from Natchitoches to this place, and there have been some teams here for employment, which could not be obtained. In your order, you directed one hundred barrels of flour Lo be sent to this place. I have received one hundred and twelve barrels. Upwards of two barrels are required every clay for the troops at present stationed here. I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant, J. Bonnell, 1st lieut. 3d infantry. Major General E. P. Gaines, Commanding Western department, Camp Saline, La. (3924) [BORDEN to LAPHAM]
[Columbia, Texas August 9, 1836 J
[Dear ~1r. Lapham:]
Wonderful changes has taken place since I have wrote we here have experenced the devasting aspects of a horicl and brutual war.... Our Election comes_ on in September for President & vice President and congress men we should be up and a doing now is the time to chose good men I have lost all of my personal property buildings fenceing all burned and I did not even save my own clothes we made out lo save some of Moses' I have been lately to
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