twenty two men taken prisoners. Three hundred Cavalry and three hundred Infantry have arrived at l\lalamoras, which in addition lo Lhe Garrison makes I he effective force now there l 000 men, and more are expected shortly. Cos and all his officers from Bejar are raising troops to march on Texas. One thousand men are already on Lhe Rio Frio. One thousand more on the march near the Rio Grande destined for some point of Texas; and forces are gathering rapidly in all directions for the same object. Jt is believed that an allack is intended on Goliad and Bejar simultaneously. Roderigus has broken his parole since 5 o'clock this evening and as 1 have but 18 effective men here and no horses, I could not pursue him. The inhabitants of Tamaulipas arc generally in favor of (1824) but are so much oppressed by Lhe military, that many of the principal men having been arrested they are completely fettered. Santa Anna caused a report to be set afloat that he was with the troops al Matamoras, but it is ascertained beyond all doubt that he is on the way lo the Rio Grande for the purpose of pushing on those forces. Don Placido deems it of the utmost importance that troops be sent to Bejar as well as others retained in this direction and also assures me that Santa Anna wishes to draw the troops of Texas out to Matamoras in hopes to throw a strong force in their rear while he makes his attack on the upper part of the Colonies. This information he received from the first alcalde of Matamoras. He has been within 20 leagues of the Lown and corresponded with him; The people of Tamaulipas as well as those of the Rio Grande complain much of Dimitl's Proclamation, and would have acted with more decision were it not for that act, but they fear it is now almost impossible; but arc still anxious for the cause. The Cavalry are the choice troops from the interior, they are armed, every one, with lance musket, pistols and sword and Santa Anna has sworn to Talce Texas or lose Mc:rico. Docl. Grant has been out two days with thirty men. I feel very anxious about him. I intended to have sent you more wagons tomorrow morning early, and in fact had the oxen yoked Lo start before day-light but shall now await your further orders. Cos is actually with Scizma and also Ugartehiers. They have 1000 spare horse and a large number of pad, mules.
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