(2221) [FISHER to SMITH]
Sir
The Schooner Shenandoah, entered this port on the 28th Ult, and proceeded up the river, without reporting, I immediately pursued her, with some of the regulars-belonging to Captain Turners company, we overhauled the vessel, that night and found, that the negroes had ·been landed-the negroes were however found during the Night the negroes I have given up lo Mr Edwards (the owner) on his giving bond and security Lo the amt of their value, to be held subject lo the decision of the Government, Sterling McNeil landed a cargo of negroes (africans) on the coast, I endeavered to sieze the vessel, but was unsuccessful-this traffic in African negroes, is increasing daily, and as no laws has emanated directly from the Council, in relation lo this matter, I am very much in need of instruction, the number of negroes landed from the Shenandoah is 170-The Shenandoah I hold subject to the decision of the convention by laying this before that body you will confir a favour upon Your Obedient Servant William S Fisher Collector Velasco Mar. 2nd 1836- [Addressed:] To His Excellency Henry Smith (2222) (HOUSTON to PUBLIC) Convention Hall, Washington, March 2, 1836 War is raging on the frontiers. Bexar is besieged by two thousand of the enemy under the command of General Sesma. Reinforcements are on the march to unite with the besieging army. By the last report, our force in Bexar was only one hundred and fifty men. The citizens of Texas must rally to the aid of our army, or it will perish. Let the citizens of the east march to the combat. The enemy must be driven from our soil, or desolution will accompany their march upon us. Independence is declared; it must be maintained. Immediate action united with valor, can alone achieve the great work. The services of all are forthwith required in the field. . . Sam Houston Commander-m-Ch1ef of the Army.
490
Powered by FlippingBook