[2189 I [SMITH to the PUBLIC]
Appeal To The People Of Texas
Fellow Citizens and Countrymen: The foregoing official communications from Col. Travis, now in command at Bexar, needs no comment. The garrison, composed of only 150 Ameri- cans, engaged in a deadly conflict with 1,000 of the mercenary troops of the Dictator, who are daily receiving re-inforcements, should be a sufficient call upon you without saying more. How- ever secure, however fortunate, our garrison may be, they have not the provisions nor the ammunition to stand more than a thirty days' siege at farthest. I call upon you as an officer, I implore you as a man, to fly to the aid of your besieged countrymen and not permit them to be massacred.by a mercenary foe. I slight none! The call is upon ALL who are able to bear arms, to rally without one moment's delay, or in fifteen days the heart of Texas will be the seat of war. This is not imaginary. The enemy from 6,000 to 8,000 strong are on our border. and rapidly moving by forced marches for the colonies. The campaign has commenced. We must promptly meet the ene- my or all will be lost. Do you possess honor? Suffer it not to be insulted or tarnished! Do you possess patriotism? Evince it by your bold, prompt and manly action! If you possess even human- ity, you will rally without a moment's delay to the aid of your beseiged countrymen! Henry Smith, Governor. February 27, 1836. [2190] [TAYLOR to HOUSTON] [WiUiam B. G. Taylor, Balize, to Sam Houston, February 27, 1836, introducing Col. Edward Stanley, who "has been unfortunate with his expedition from New York, but has Documents and vouchers that in my opinion fully acquit him from censure...."]
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