remarks, in order lo ex lricalc myself from an unpleasant situation, in which I have been placed contrary to my intentions or desires. Every one must lament the height lo which political discord has allained. If ever there was a crisis in the affairs of a country which required the harmonious action of all her citizens, that crisis has arrived in Texas. The foe is in the field with means and men beyond our reach. Extermination is his war-cry. Nothing can save us but unanimity, harmony, concentration and a bold, heroic movement of all our power. With this and ·a complete annihilation of factious feelings, success and glory will yet encircle the banner of our adopted country. With great respect, gentlemen, I am, your obedient servant, Wm. Ward. [2142) [FANNIN to R013INSON] [February 21. 1836) It affords me some little satisfaction to discover that you have so promptly met my expectations, and taken the first sure steps yet taken to force the militia to the field. But you will allow me lo say, I am yet a sceptic, and do not calculate lo see any considerable force in the field, until those already there arc either sacrificed, or forced lo make a retrograde movement. Do not believe, for a moment, that I have any such idea al present, or ever had .... I am fortifying here, so as lo make the place tenable for a reasonable force.... I have caused a trench to be dug five feel from . the old wall, and picketed in, and, four feet from that. another ditch, six feel wide, and four deep, lo fill in from the picketing to the wall'--and Artillery placed to defend it, &c.; also one new block-house, and old ones enlarged and slre11gthcncd; also one masked ballery with old gun-barrels, &c.; lastly. though not the least important, a new sally-port to waler, and a ditch from it to a natural ravine, into which I can back the waler. and have my men entirely covered from the walls to waler, which ll<'ver cari be cut off This will all be completed, and nine piect's of Artillery mounted by " the Ides of March."... I have caused the Old Priest, and thirl<'<'n soldiers, inclu<ling one licutcnanl, (who belonged lo Caplain Saverago's
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