manner-interfering with privale property, releasing prisoners sentenced by court martial & by the civil court & turning every thing topsy turvey-lf l did nol feel my honor & that of my country compromitted I would leave here instantly for some other poinl .wilh the troops under my immediate command-as I am unwilling to be responsible for the drunken irregularities of any man. I hope you will immediately order some regular troops lo this place-as it is more important lo ocupy this Post than I imagined when I last saw you-It is the key of Texas from the Interior without a footing here the enemy can do nothing against us in the colonies now Lhal our coast is guarded by armed vessels-I do not solicit the command of this post but as Col Neill has applied to the Commander in Chief lo be relieved is anxious for me lo take the command, I will do it if il be your order for a time until an artillery officer can be sent here. The cilizens here have every confidence in me, as they can communicate wilh me, & they have shown every disposilion to aid me with all they have-we much need money-can you nol send us some? I read your letter lo the troops & made a speech & they received it with acclamation-our spies have just returned from Rio Grande-the enemy is there one thousand strong & is making every preperalion to invade us. By the 15th of march I think Texas will be invaded & every preperalion should be made lo receive them. E. Smith will call on you & give you all the news-so will Mr Williams the Bearer of this- In conclusion, allow me to beg that you will give me definite orders-immediately- I have the honor lo be &c. W. Barret Travis P.S. This is a private letler & is lo Nibbs for fear it may faU into bad hands. r Addressed:] To Thos. W. Nibbs Esqr or Henry Smith Esqr. San Felipe Texas Travis
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