conducted themselves with firmness and bravely. Lieutenant Sim- mons of cavalry acting as infantry, and Captains Carey, Dickinson and Blair of the artillery, rendered essenlial service, and Charles Despallier and Robert Brown gallantly sallied out and set fire to houses which afforded the enemy shelter, in the face of the enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action, conducted themselves with such undaunted hereoism that it would be injustice to discriminate. The Hon. David Crockett was seen at all points, animating the men to do their duty. Our numbers are few and the enemy still continues to approximale his works to ours. I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his whole force very soon; but I shall hold out to the last extremity, hoping to secure reinforcements in a day or two. Do hasten on aid to me as rapidly as possible, as from the superior number of the enemy, it will be impossible for us to keep them out much longer. If they overpower us, we fall a sacrifice at the shrine of our country, and we hope posterity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my Country! Victory or Dealh!
W. Barret Travis Lt. Col. Com.
[2178)
(WILLIAMSON to GOVERNOR and COUNCIL]
Gonzales 25 February 1836
To the Governor and Council of Texas
By Express from San Antonio under date of the 23d in- stant I have received information that 2000 Mexicans under the command of Siezma have arrived in Bexar and have taken posses- sion of the public square compelling the American troops (150 in number) to confine themselves to the Alamo the American Troops are determined to defend the place to the last and have called upon their fellow citizens for aid under the 4th rule of instructions to me directed by your Excellency dated the 15th day of the present month, I have written the following communication to Capt. J. J. Tomlinson commanding the first detachment of the Ranging corps "Sir Information directed from San Antonio under date of yes- terday is calculated to call forth the United Efforts of all Texas
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