of Rio Grande, and as many more at Laredo, and I believe they know our situation as well as we do ourselves. We have received 100 bushels of meal and 42 Beeves which will last us for two months yet to come, but no other supplies have come to our relief. You have heard so much about our situation from our Commander that I shall say nothing further on the subject. We can rely on aid from the citizens of this town in case of a siege, Saguine is doing all for the cause he can, as well as many of the most wealthy and influential citizens. You can plainly see by the plot that the Alamo never was built by a military people for a fortress, tho' it is strong, there is not a redoubt that will command the whole line of the fort, all is in the plain wall and intended to take advantage with a few pieces of artillery, it is a strong place and better that it should remain as it is after completing the half moon batteries than to rebuild it. The men here will not labour and I cannot ask it of them untill they are better clad and fed. We now have 114 men counting officers, the sick and wounded which leaves us about 80 efficient men. 40 in the Alamo and 40 in Town, leaving all of the patrole duty to be done by the officers and which for want of horses has to be performed on fool. We have had loose discipline untill lately. Since we heard of 1000 to 1500 men of the enemy being on their march to this place duty is being done well and punctually in case of an allack we will move all into the Alamo and whip 10 to 1 with our artillery. If the men here can get a reasonable supply of clothing, provisions and money they will remain the balance of the 4 months, and do duty and fight heller than fresh men, they have all been tried and have confidence in themselves. I can give you full assurance that so far as I am concerned there shall be nothing wanting on my part, neither as an officer or a soldier to promote and sustain the great cause al which we are all aiming, and am at all limes respectfully subject to your orders for the verification of which I refer you to my Commander al this place, as will all the officers and men. I have been much flattered for my exertions at this place. I have more than one time received the vote of thanks of the whole Garrison. I have one other subject which interests me some; to ask of you, if it is not too late, that is lo recommend to your notice Capt. G. Navan, w_ho is clerk in my department for the appointment of Suttler at tins Post as he is in every way qualified to fill the office. I know of no man who merits it more than he does. as an evidence of
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