does however seem certain that an attack is shortly to be made 011 this place & I think & it is the general opinion that the enemy will come by land. The Citizens of 13cjar have behaved well. Col. Neill & J\Iyself have come to the solemn resolution that we will ralher die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy. These citizens deserve our protection and the public safety demands our lives rather than to evacuate this post to the enemy.-again we call aloud for relief; the weakness of our post will at any rate bring the enemy on, some volunteers are expected: Capt Patton with 5 or 6 has come in. But a large reinforcement with provisions is what we need. James Bowie I have information just now from a friend whom I believe that the force at Rio Grande (Presidia) is two thousand complete; he states further that five thousand more is a little back and marching on, perhaps the 2 thousand will wait for a junction with the 5 thou- sand. This information is corroberated with all that that we have heard. The informant says that they intend to make a decent on this place in particular, and there is no doubt of it. Our force is very small, the returns this day to the Comdt. is only one hundred and twenty officers & men. It would be a waste of men to put our brave little band against thousands. We have no interesting news to communicate. The army have elected two gentlemen to represent the Army & trust they will be receivd. James Bowie · (1990) [BRYAN to SMITH]
Agency Office New Orleans Feby 2nd 1836
To His Excellency Henry Smith & Honble Council of Texas Gentn. Duplicate of No 7 original pr mail I have the honour to enclose duplicate of my respects by Wm A Turner No 6 by which vessel I also forwarded duplicate No 5 Jany. 26. The schooner met with some damage going down the river and will be detained until 6th inst. I have to day received letters from the Commissioners, advising of their having given an order upon this agency in favour of Col T D Owings for Five
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