(2200) [HASSELL to HASSELL J
Texas Austins Colony Febbruary 29th 1836
Dear Father
I once more lake my pen in hand lo write you a few lines present I am not well I have had the chill and fever for a few davs tho nothing of a serious kind I have injoyed helter health tl{is winter than I have had for several years past. Last summer I had the fever for seven or eight weeks tho not dangerous, I hope these lines may find you and family all well- tho I am a great way from you aJI dayly I think of you all. Perhaps you would like to hear something of the war in Texas and I can inform you there is plenty al present sir. We received news a few days since that the Mexicans were coming on to a a large nember but the people were careless about it also there was general orders for the militia to turn out in mass they were still careless. But Sir we received by express from San Antonio this evening which was written on the 24th of the present month stateing that the Mexicans had arrived at San Antonio and had attacked our garrison there which was only ISO strong and the enemy about 2000 and increasing all the time, the enemy had bin Bombarding and Cannonaiding for 24 hours but with no success they had demanded surrender of the fort but our commander replied lo them with Cannon ball- they also slated that they would put all our men all to the sword but our men think they can sustain themselves until we can reinforce them out commander says he will never give up the fort tomorrow evening or next morning I shall start for San Antonio with all speed the people are all to arms now and well they may be. the distroyer of Iiberty the great Santa Anna of whom you have heard so much of now commands in person he swears that he will over run Texas or lose Mexico. I think the Dictator will come out at the little end of the horn if he is not very careful. We have just given his right hand man a very complete drubing to wit general .Marlin perfccto de Cos who had four times our nember all of which were regular troops this was at San Antonio. I served in all that campaign as a lulenant and was honorably discharged at the close of said campaign I was in every battle and skirmish except one, and was never struck with shot I was nocked down with a cannon ball one day but it only burnt my face and ear it made me feel quite foolish . for a bit I also had a bullet lo cul my hat I can tell you sir I have bin where balls flew as thick it seemed to me as ever I heard hail fall in that Campaign we
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