commander-in-chief, as I have never received orders to that effect, nor has the army. Again, I received furlough to the first of April. Again, I am the chosen Commander of this Regiment of Volun- teers. Lastly, I have orders from you not to ·make a retrograde movement, but to await orders and reinforcements. If a large force gets here, and in possession of the provisions and stores of Mata- gorda Bay, being all 110w in Texas, it will be a desperate game for us all. I would, therefore, urge the adoption of such measures as may secure them, and without delay. I have no doubt the enemy at Hexar are already apprized of their location; and knowing our weakness, and want of cavalry, may, and I fear will, make a dash between us and Provisions, and secure them. . .. If ... I am de- sirous to ~e erased from the list of officers, or expectants of office, and have leave to bring off my brave foreign volunteers, in the best manner I may be able. If we should fail in the effort, and fall a sacrifice lo the criminal indifference, cold and unpardonable apathy and neglect of there are people ... who will bestow cen- sure where it is due, and, peradventure, drop a tear over our memory." In a note to this letter, he says:-"Santa Anna has not, and cannot bring here exceeding five thousand men, unless he obtain aid from the South, which it is believed he cannot do. If a general turn out be made, we can make a clean turn,· and then sow and reap our grain in quiet, and rid the world of a l)·rant." In a second note, he says:-"I have 420 men, and as many spare muskets, but no men to back them. [James W. Fannin, Jr.] [To James W. Robinson] [2147] [FISHER to BAKER]
Matagorda F eby. 22-1836
.My Dear Baker-
Herewith you have certified copies of all the electoral re- turns from which you will perceive that Royall has 93 votes and I, 79-but by examination you will perceive that there appears from Squire Norton's certificate, 5 votes altered on the il'lcCoy return- and that there is a difference of I vote in the tallied county, and the written figures of Larche's return-these you can look into- and many other irregularities I am willing to pass by-but I shall
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