a junction with the main army und~~ Gen. ~ouston and_th_en going into the winter quarters. No expedition of importance 1s mtended this winter. Our time will be cl~iefly employed in orginizing and disciplining the army. It is, however, proposed to attack the City of Metamoras with the Georgia Battalion, to which I am attached. If we succeed in taking it, my next letter wiJl be dated from that place. You have perhaps heard of the expedition to Tampico under Gen. Mexia, who formerly distinguished himself in the Mexican service, but became dissatisfied and joined the Texians. They were compelled to retreat from the want of amunition with the losss of 50 prisoners and we have just learned that they have all been shot by order of the Mexican authorities. This act of wanton barbarity will only bring so many more bayonets into the field against them. We have resolved to show then no quarter, should the chances of battle place them in our power. · It is said that Santa Anna is mustering 10,000 troops for the invasion of Texas, and the 1000 infantry and 500 calvary are now on their way towards out frontier, breathing imprecations against all Americans, but particularily the Volunteers. They have hoisted a black flag as an indication that they will show no quarter. So much the better for us. We will not be burdened with prisoners. It is apparent that there are two parties in this Country who indulge all the virulence of party spirit. One party is strongly in favor of an immediate Declaration of Independence and the other desires a non-politic course. They think that a declaration for the Constitution of 1824 will unite the Liberal party in Mexico with them and thus enable them to establish their independence ultimately with greater ease. There is undoubtedly policy in this course but it is in such an one as I would not like to adopt. I am in favor of pursuing an open, bold and fearless course, such as a Virginian would feel it due to his character to pursue. An immediate Declaration of Independence would insure us the aid of every Liberal in the UnitedStates, either in men or money, and this temporizing policy, this fighting u~der the bush, I do not like. Our enemy is not invincible, o~r ~ause 1s good ~nd at the worst, we can but die in defense of this httle altar which we have erected to Liberty in the wilds of Texas. My he~rt is.in th_is struggle. Every feeling and every sympathy, I posses~, 1s enlisted m the cause and I feel that I can die, if necessary for its advancement, but I hope I shall live to see the terminiation of the war and lo hear the terms of d . t t d by our victorious army from the Congress Hall of the peace 1c a e City of Mexico.
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