(2076] [BAUGH to SMITH]
Garrison of Bejar Fcby 13/36
Sir,
Lt. Col. J. C. Neill being suddenly calld home, in consequence of the illness of some of his family, requested Col. Travis, as the Senior officer, to assume the command of the Post during his abscnce,-Col. Travis informed the volunteers in the Garrison, that they could, if not satisfied with him as a commandant Pru Tcm, elect one out of their own body-The volunteers being under a wrong impression, and ever ready lo catch at any popular excitement, objected to Col Travis upon the grounds of his being a Regular Officer, and immediately namd Col Bowie as their choice. An Election was consequently orderd by Col. Travis and Bowie was Elected.-without opposition none but the volunteers voted & in fact not all of them-The consequence was, a split in the Garrison, Col Travis, as a matter of course, would not submit lo the control of Bowie and he (Bowie) availing himself of his popularity among the volunters seemd anxious lo arrogate lo himself the entire control.- Things passd on in this way yesterday & to-day until al length they have become intolerable-Bowie as Commandant of the volunteers, has gone so far as lo stop carts Laden with the Goods of private families removing into the Country, He has orderd the Prison door to be opend for the release of a Mexican convicted of Theft who had been tried by a Jury of 12 men, among which was Col. Travis and Col. Bowie himself- He has also ordered, and effected, the release of D. H. Barre a private in the Regular army attachd lo the Legion of Cavalry, who had been tried by a court-martial and found Guilty of mutiny, and actually liberated him from Prison with a Corporal Guard with Loud Huzzas.- But the most extraordinary step of all, & that which sets aside all Law, civil & military, is that which foUows ---- Commandancy of l3ejar Feby 13th 1836 Capls of Co'ys. You are hereby requird to release such Prisoners as may be under
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