Biv 27 1835 to Jan 13 1835 - PTR, Vol. 3

[ 14181 [SMITH lo BURLESON]

Executive Department of Texas ........ ...... ...................... December 9th 1835 To Genl. Edward Burleson Com'der in Chief of the Volunteer Army al Bejar Respected Sir: An express by Mr. Paine arrived late lo night with the information of a descent of Your Army on the town of Bejar with their success situation &c. calling on me for reinforcements ammunition &c. I have forwarded by the same express aJl the ammunilion that the place could afford, and before day light dispatched a faithful messenger, Dr. Hoxie to Washington who promised that he would without delay fonvard all the ammunition al that place amounting to say 14 kegs powder lead unknown quantity under an escort, if possible under an 100 men. Recruits are on their march daily for Head Quarters. On the arrivaJ of the express l issued my proclamation caJling for Volunteers to rally forthwith to Your assistance armed & equipped for battle which will be circulated by express to every part of Texas, so soon as published So that I have no doubt on my part that as soon as practicable You will recieve a considerable increase to your numbers-You will regularly keep us advised of your situation and movements wants &c. as arrangements have been made lo supply aJI of which we have been advised and it is confidantly hoped supplies will arrive in time to supply aJI your necessities. The eyes of the People of Texas are upon You and their most fervent prayers are up for your success You are expected to entwine your brows with laurels, do it, let not the people be disappointed I much desire thatyou will distinguish yourself by retrieving the imbecillity and past errors of your predecessors. Remember you are surrounded by false friends who are calculated to breed confusion & retard your progress Contrary lo the lrue interests of Texas I fear nothing for you, but those insinuating conspirators who are fond of Mexican policy, for the purpose of promoting their own individuaJ interests lo the ruin of Texas I thus take the liberty lo caution you well knowing if you were aware of their intrigues that you would use every means in your power to Counteract them. The Council contrary lo my Knowledge or Consent furnished lo Colo. Gonzales an outfit of $500 to

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