Mar 6 1836 to Apr 20 1836 - PTR, Vol. 5

Papers of the Texas Revolution, Vol. 5

The Papers of the TEXAS REVOLUTION 1835-1836

John H. Jenkins general editor

Volume 5

Presidial Press Brig. Gen. Jay A. Matthews Publisher Austin 1973

Editorial Advisory Board

Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Bishop Dr. Donnan H. Winfrey Dr. Malcolm D. McLean

Dr. Robert Cotner Dr. James M. Day Robert Weddle Charles Corkran Richard Santos John Kinney

The interest and assistance of the National Guard Association ofTexas in the publication of these works Is gratefully acknowledged.

[2249) [BROWN to SMITH]

Velasco 6th March 1836.

To his Exclleny Henry Smith Governr of Texas- Dear Sir.

It is feelings of the deepest regret I find a division in our political affairs. it ·places me in a peculiously situation I have received the command of lhe Sehr Invincible for the time being from G. F. McKeny-also who does not acknowledge your power-invested in you by. the people also your commission and Instructions for-the Invincible-I know not how to act Should I be an obsticle or any contestive as the Regard to the command of said schr I am willing to resign of the Ben.efit of the country. if it is considered so, I am unprepared to Enter into any investigation as to know how to act, as I have been absent for two months, . most of the time. I am sorry to see so much party feeling, to the Injury of the country. I shall never hope-have any other feeling than to promote the public good, without attaching myself to any party, or at least the one I think correct, if there is to be partyes-Mr Mckeny as I stated before put me in command of the ·Invincible prevous-to Receiving your commission since that time Mr Mckeny has called on me to Remain in command, on the authority invested in him by the former papers.-1 wish you to understand that I am quite Igurent of the movements of the government. I have only been on shoer-about two ours Left Neworleans, on the 1 of .March, with 15 or 20 passengers which I have landed at this place-among them 12 volunteers under the command of Lieut Howth the Invincible has three months provisions on Board mand as you See by the list, mounting two Eighteen-pound pivot guns four Sixes and two nines in the wast.-1 left the Independence and Bnr~us at the mouth of the missipee both Ready to sail. presume she will be at Matagoda To morrow or next day. it is presumed and I hope we shall act in conjunction, and that there may be no delay on my part I am

Ready and shall sail Tomorrow for the west, hoping I may cut off the suplyes of the mcxacans-and use my best Judgment until I hear from the proper authority which I hope will be Immedtly as I am anxious to know what cours to take hoping all things will go right with you. &c-1 forgot to add that I or rather the Invincible commanded by Capt Hurd has had orders, from James W Robison-act Govcnr. which is now in my possession-The fever runs high in politics hear-, but I trust you have many friends E,~denccs of that Is giving heare until I hear from you consider-me your friend and 0bt Humble Servt J. Brown Commadr Invincible in hast I will right more particulars soon I have righten Mr Robinson in his own stile acting Governor of Texas please give me some information soon. [2250) [COLLINGSWORTH and ELLIS to HOUSTON)

Washington, March 6, 1836.

Major-General Sam Houston:-

Sir: As commander-in-chief of the Texan army, you are ordered forthwith to repair to such place on the frontier as you may deem advisable. You will proceed to establish headquarters, and organize the army. You will require all officers of the army, of whatever grade, to report to you. And, as it is impossible, at this time, to determine any particular point of concentration, you will act according to the emergencies of the occasion and the best dictates of your own judgment, for the purpose of protecting our frontier, and advancing the best interests of our country. You will, as often as you may deem advisable, inform this body, or such other authority as they may establish, of both your acts and the situation of the army.

James Collingsworth, Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs. Richard Ellis, President of the Convention.

[ 2251 f [GRAY to BLACKFORD)

[William Fairfax Gray, Washington, lo W. ;\l. Blackford, March 6, 1836, about the debate in the Convention Hall following the motion of Robert Poller that the Convention "adjourn and take the field.") [2252] [GRAY to GRAY J [WiJliam Fairfax Gray, Washington, lo his wife, March 6, 1836, about the activities of the Texas Convention.] [2253] [NIBBS and JOHNSON to BARRETT]

San Felipe, March 6, 1836

Col. D. C. Barrett Sir:

Mr. J. B. Johnson informs me that he sent my horse down in your care with special instructions lo deliver the horse to me. It is strange that we were in camping at Coby some three hours and that you did not inform me of it. I hope you will be able to explain your conduct lo my satisfaction, as I feel under existing circumstances that you have treated me in such a manner as to excite my indignation. You will deliver my horse lo Mr. Wills.

Yours respectfully, F. W. Nibbs

To Col. D. C. Barrett:

I was much surprised on the arrivaJ of Mr. Nibbs yesterday that you should have met him on his way up on foot and not mentioning to him that I had sent him his horse. It was through my reputation to Mrs. Nibbs that caused her to send him by you in lieu of sending a negro down with his horse. Yours, ]no. B. Johnson

[2254] [NEILL to EGGLESTON]

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Gonzales March 6th 1836 Received of Horace Eggleston a Set of medicines of the amount of Ninety Dollars which sd medicines I have this day purchased from him for the use of the Post of Bexar

J.C. Neill Col. Comdt. of the Post of Bexar

[2255] [PARMER to PARMER]

Committee room, Washington, Texas, March 6th, 1836. Dear Wife: I am well and we are getting along very .well. We have three or four committees who are preparing a constitution, and we will soon have it ready. I shall be at home in ten or fifteen days, we have alarming news continually from the west; Frank Johnson's division is all killed, but five, it is supposed. We saw two shot begging for quarters. Dr. Grant with a company of men is supposed to be all slain. Travis' last express states San Antonio was strongly besieged; it is much feared that Travis and company are all massacred, as despatches have been due from that place three days and none have arrived here yet. The frontiers are breaking up, Gonzales must be sacked, and its inhabitants murdered and defiled unless they get immediate aid. The last accounts, the Mexicans were to a considerable number between Gonzales and San Antonio. Fanning is at La Bahia with about 500 men, and is in daily expectation of a visit from Santa Anna. Texas has been declared free and independent, but unless we have a general turn out and every man lay his helping hand too, we are lost. Santa Anna and his vassals are now on our borders, and the declaration of our freedom, unless it is sealed with blood, is of no force. I say again that nothing will save Texas but a general turn out. You all know my views with regard to our condition; I have given you facts, judge for yourselves. I wish a copy of this letter sent

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immediately to capt. Baily Anderson and col. S. A. Sublett, and publicly read in San Augustine. Travis closes his last expresses with these words-HELP! 0 my country. Martin Parmer: To the committee of vigilance and safely, San Augustine, Texas. [2256) [POE to EDITOR]

Head quarters, Velasco, 6th March, 1836.

To the editor of the Mobile Register.

Sir: I deem it my duty to my fellow citizens to inform our brethren in the United States of our perilous condition at present. Last night an express arrived with the news, that one division of the Mexican army, 4,000 strong, meeting the small force under lieut. Thornton, had driven them in, and are now in full march for the interior of Texas. Col. Travis is beseiged in St. Antonio, with little provisions and a garrison of only 150 men, and we hourly expect an attack on this point of the coasl, from the Mexicans by sea, under Ugarthchea, 3,500 strong. We have in the field now about 700 men to oppose this force. There is here under my command, only 120 men, when we expected at least 2,000-and it is thought the Mexican army is within a few days' march of us. The families at a shorl distance from us are flying before the enemy, and have left their stock, their houses and crops to the mercy of the tyrant, who is in person at the head of his army. We call on you by the sacred ties of country, language, habits and kindred, not to desert us in this our hour of danger. Delay for a time and we may be lost-we want immediate aid, and' men and arms. Do not be deaf to our requests, but come forward as you have heretofore done, and say "forward Lo Lhe rescue." I have the honor to be your obedient servant, Geo. W Poe, assist. inspec. gen. of the army of Texas.

(2257) [ROBINSON to FANNlNl

Executive Department of Texas Washington March 6, 1836.

To Coll. J WFannin Jr. Dr. Sir

Yours of the 1st inst, is just recd. In answer permit us to say that unfortunately we are too much divided for the benefit of our country and promotion of the tme interest to render you that effech1al aid you so much need. Party spirit lays hold with her infernal fangs, upon everything that might be of any service to our country in her deadly struggle for her rights. The spirit of party rages to an unprecedented hight. & its beter rancor is truly alarming & heartrending to any true friend to the country. We however beleive that under the organic ·law we were and are yet clothed with the power that law gives, for some days however we have not acted officially, and in fact the very letters addressed to us by you are siezed by others and Read and comented upon before we are permitted to see them. Not withstanding this we feel that we are stilJ legally in office & will continue to act untill superceded by some future government. In accordance with our official duty & our oaths we have to say & instmct you to use your own discretion to remain where you are or to retreet as you may think best for the safety of the brave Volunteers Under your command, & the Regulars & Militia, and the interest of our beloved country requires unless you shall be instructed otherwise by Genl. Houston who has been by this new convention confirmed & appointed commander in chief of the Army of Texas Militia & volunteers; as well as regulars. The bearer can give you all other information nessesary as well as if it were here written. As we are informed that this new convention intends to form immediatly an other provitional Government, therefore. when you communicate again, it may be well for you to direct your communications to the Provitional Government of Texas This moment information has been given that about 30 men has thrown themselfs into Bears for its releif from Gonsales, that many more is on the way under Coll. Neill Genl. Barlison &

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lo raise the siege if possible. Captn. Dimitt with 200 men I am informed are marching for your relief.- Gen!. Houston has been ordered to the Army by the convention forthwith, it is thought he will go lo day or to [torn] not say how he may order his movemenls The God of Ballles shield your and our countryman from home in Lhe field, is Lhe parting adieu of your friends.

James W. Robinson Acting Governor

Alex. Thomson Geo. Pattillo John McMullen

[2258)

(SANTA ANNA to TORNEL]

Army Of Operations. Most Excellent Sir- Victory belongs to the army, which, at this very moment, 8 o'clock A.M., achieved a complete and glorious triumph that will render its memory imperishable. As I had stated in my report to Your Excellency of the taking of this city, on the 27th of last month, I awaited the arrival of the 1st Brigade of Infantry to commence active operalions against the Fortress of the Alamo. However, the whole Brigade having been delayed beyond my expectation, I ordered that three of its Battalions, viz.: the Engineers-Aldama and Toluca-should force their march to join me. These troops, together with the Battalions of Matamoros, Jimenes, and San Luis Potosi, brought the force at my disposal, recruits excluded, up to 1400 Infantry. This force, divided into four columns of attack and a reserve, commenced the attack at 5 o'clock A.M. They met with a stubborn resislance, the combat lasting more than one hour and a half, and the reserve having to be brought into action. The scene offered by this engagement was extraordinary. The men fought individually, vying with each other in heroism. Twenty-one pieces of artillery, used by the enemy with the most perfect accuracy, the brisk fire of muskelry, which illuminated the interior of the Fortress and its walls and ditches-could not check our dauntless soldiers, who are entilled lo the consideration of Lhe

Supreme Government and to the gratitude of the nation.

The Fortress is now in our power, with its artillery, stores, &c. ~lore than 600 corpses of foreigners were buried in the ditches and intrenchments, and a great many who had escaped the bayonet of the infantry, fell in the vicinity under the sabres of the cavalry. I can assure:: Your Excellency that few are those who bore to their associates the tidings of their disaster. Among the corpses are those of Bowie and Travis, who styled themselves Colonels, and also that of Crockett, and several leading men, who had entered the Fortress with dispatches from their Convention. We lost about 70 men killed and 300 wounded, among whom are 25 officers. The cause for which they fell rend~rs their loss less painful, as it is the duty of the Mexican soldier to die for the defence of the rights of the nation; and all of us were ready for any sacrifice to promote this fond object; nor will we, hereafter, suffer any foreigners, whatever their origin may be, to insult our country an~ t,o pqllute its soils. I shall, in due time, send to Your Excellency a circumstantial report of this glorious triumph. Now I have only time to congratulate the nation and the President, ad interim, to whom I request you to submit this report. The bearer takes with him one of the flags of the enemy's Battalions, captured today. The inspection of it will show plainly the true intentions of the treacherous colonist, and of their abettors, who came from parts of t)1e United States of the North. God and Liberty! 1 Headquarters, Bexar, March 6th, 1836. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna To His Excellency the Secretary of War and Navy, General Jose Marto Tornel. [2259] [VELASCO MEETING]

Proceedings of a meeting held at Velasco on the 6th of March 1836. -

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Intelligence having been recieved that the Mexican Squadron had left Vera Cruz on the 6th Ultimo. with the view of blockading the coast of Texas a meeting of the citizens of Velasco and Quintana was in consequence called on the task above mentioned to adopt measures for the defence of the Port. A

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number of ci lizens -having in consequence assembled. R. M. Poller was elected chairman of the meeting and F. J. Wells Secretary, and the meeting went into deliberation On motion of Gen! T. J Green it was Resolved.- "That a committee of five, to be called the Committee of vigilence and Safety be appointed whose duty it shall he to take measures for the defence of the place and especially to collect funds by subscription for that object, and to appropriate the same to the purchase of ammunition, of the reconstruction of the battery, and the mounting of guns; and that the said committee be authorized to correspond with the Secretary of war, to transmit to him a copy of the proceedings of this meeting and to solicit such aid as the Department may deem honored to give." In pursuance of this resolution T. J Green, Jeremiah Brown, T. G. Hoskins Robt. D. Moore and Joseph Ritchie were appointed members of the committee of Vigilence & Safety. A subscription was then opened and the Sum of three hundred and Five dollars was subscribed by the Company present, after which the meeting adjourned, leaving the junds, and the subscription still open in the hands of the Committee Reuben M. Potter Chairman Velasco 6th March 1836. [2260) [CARLETON to FORSYTH] New Orleans, March 7, 1836. Sir: On the receipt of your communication of the 5th ultimo, I called on Mr. William Christy, and exhibited to him the letter of J. W. Cramp, printed in the Oswego Palladium, of the 20th January last. .He expressed a willingness to appear before some judge, and respond to any proceedings that might be instituted against him. This mode I accordingly adopted, as the most effectual to elicit the truth. Though many witnesses were examined, nothing was proved upon the accused that could warrant further prosecution. In the course of the investigation before Judge Rawle, which continued five days, disclosures were made directly implicating General Mexia (Mehia) for beginning, setting on foot, and preparing the means for a military expedition against the republic of Mexico, which terminated in an attack upon Tampico,

as is known to you. Having ascertained that he was somewhere in this city, I caused him to be arrested, as also Captain Allen, one of his officers, and to be bound over for trial at the next term of the court. Enclosed is the opinion of the judge, discharging Mr. Christy, as also a printed account of the case from a city newspaper.

I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant Henry Carleton.

Hon. John Forsyth, Secretary of State, Washington city.

[Examination before E. Rawle, Associate Judge of the city court.]

The United States versus William Christy.

At the request of the district judge of the United States, a notice was sent to the defendant to attend at the hour named, to answer to an accusation "of having, in the fall of 1835, been engaged, with other persons, at New Orleans, in unlawfully setting on foot, and in providing and preparing the means for, a military expedition and enterprise, to be carried on from thence, under the command of General Mexia, against the territory and dominions of the Mexican republic, being a foreign state with whom the United Stales are at peace." The defendant appeare.d and denied the truth of the charge, and stated that he was ready for an examination. Many witnesses were examined, and all on the part of the prosecution. The crime of which the defendant is accused; is found described in the act of Congress of April 20, 1818. The sixth section provides, that if any person shall, within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for, any military expedition or enterpr~se, to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign prince or slate, or of any colony or district or people with whom the United Stales are at peace, any person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, &c. A vessel sailed from New Orleans in the afternoon of last

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year, having aboard a large number of men and cannon, arms.and slores; and sufficient evidence has made it appear that it was an expedition intended by its leader, General Mexia, bolh before and after its leaving New Orleans, lo developed previous to sailing: but from what we learn as to the events of that time, and from what took place on the voyage, and after the arrival at Tampico, the belief must be, that the object from first to last was military operation. Of ils nature and distination, some persons besides Mexia, perhaps, knew: and the inquiry now is, whclhcr Mr. Christy was engaged in beginning or setting on foot, or providing or preparing, Lhe means for this expedition or enterprise. Mr. Christy, it appears, was chairman of what was called the Tcxian committee, and was frequently called upon by persons wishing to emigrate. Among those who visited him at his office, was General Mexia, who avowed that he wished to do something for the cause of Texas, and that he intended to strike a hlow somewhere. The conversations behveen him and the defendant were heard by the witness; and he states that Christy always declined giving any assistance, or aid of any description; and that in all that took place at the office, whether with Mexia or others, the language of Lhe defendant was to dissuade persons from an enterprise to Texas, and from joining Mexia's expedition. There is no evidence on the side of the prosccution which leads to suspicion Lhat Christy had any thing to do with the expedition, or that he provided or prepared any means, pecuniary or other, for i!. The circumstance of an address to the men of Mexia, when Lhcy were about to embark, requires notice. Why it was delivered, and whether it comes within the act of Congress, as beginning or selting on foot the expedition, should be considered. From the address, as it has been described to us by the witnesses, we are to infer that Mr. Christy knew at the time that Mexia, with his men, was to go to some point beyond Texas: and they embarked shortly after. The language of the defendant was not to persuade them to go, and it does not appear that any joined Lhe expedition afterward. The witness, Allen, slates' Lhat "they had all volunteered previous to that time." Taking Lhe speech of i\fr. Christy by itself, we must decide

that it is not such an act as the law of Congress notices; and we may say further, that it is not shown that it contributed in any way to promote the enterprise, by further supplies of either men, money, or means. As regards, therefore, a connexion with Mexia's expedition, or the violation of the law by the defendant, (and penal enactments must be construed strictly,) there is not sufficient evidence to cause him to be held to bail. In a great degree the testimony goes to establish the negative. There is no evidence of the setting on foot any warlike enterprise or military expedition, excepting that of Mexia, which has been noticed. The defendant, William Christy, is discharged. Edward Rawle. [ALLEN RECEIPT]

Articles furnished Captain Allen and

Emigrants

accompanying him on board Sch Equity 60 Cavalry Swords 4 Wall Tents 3 Old axes 3 Old Spades 3 Mess Pans 14 doz. Banyan Jackets 189 2 doz. Pantaloons Ferguson & Hall's Bill of Hardware 3 Bags Bullets Brown & Ewings Bill of Stores

180.00 48.00

.75 .75 .25

206.00 50.08 10.50

March of I Recpt on bill March of I Recpt on bill

1069.57 20.00 250.00 8.75

Cart & Harness 100 Knapsacks 2½ doz Screw Drivers 3 Cases 72 Muskets & Bayonets @$9.00 ll Case 50 pr. 9/4 Duffie Blankets $330 Box & dray I Medicine Chest -- -- -- -

648.25 166.25 30.00 $2089.15 I acknowledge the receipt of the above and promise lo account therefor to the Government of Texas or their appointed officer T. M. Allen

[2261] l GREENWOOD to PRESIDENT or CONVENT ION]

March 7th, 1836 To the president of the Convention for Texas now in Session in Washington Much Honored and Dear Sir being deeply impressed with a sense of the dangers to which this place and the adjoining frontier is Exposed from the Indians who inhabit in great numbers this part of the country (viz) the Ionics, the Cadoes, Anadarchs, the Kickapoos, the Ayish, and the Keecheys and Tawaconies are supposed to be not fare north and frequently through the Country. These all range the woods and now and then steel horses, and with them there has that I know of been as yet no settled principal of action nor of friendship established, which leaves us without any grounds of confidence lo expect any thing more of them than has ever been the practice of the savage when the times and Circumstances afforded a favorable opportunity of venting their Malignant spleen There is now in this place about seventy souls in a Defensless condition but few men and armes most of them late emigrants to the country Twenty five miles from the nearest while setllement and not having their families yet provided for for the present year and almost everry thing to do to provide for the next. Being thus surrounded with danger and difficulty unless some thing is done speedily by the Convention for the protection of our frontier families I think that an abandonment of the place and perhapse of the country will probably be the result. Yours &c. Carrison Greenwood (2262] [HOUSTON to COLLINSWORTH]

Copy.

Doctor I-loxies', March 7, 1836.

Dear Sir,

Before I proceed on my way this morning, you will allow me to call your attention, if you please, with that of the committee, to the subject of fortifying '"Live Oak Point," on the bay of Copano. Troops coming from the U. States via New Orleans can sail for that point on armed vessels, with artillery and lumber sufficient

for such fortifications as will be necessary for the present. The cannon there placed should be large pieces, ] 2 and 18, and very few will suffice. Col. Power can give you all the information that you may desire; I will only suggest that it will give us command of all the supplies destined for Goliad and San Antonio, if the enemy should even posses.5 them. - If a liberal appropriation of money should be made for the army, although we should not immediately receive it, it will keep down much discontent until it can be had. - I pray you to have the Cherokee treaty ratified, and Major Washington Lewis, residing at Masters' on the road, appointed agent for the Cherokees to reside near Bowls'. This wiU be of important to the safety of the frontier. - If any plan be devised by which the Comanches can be approached by the head waters of the Brazos, and they induced to fall down and range upon the Laredo route to Bexar and steal horses, it will be important. A Mr. Dillard, residing al the Falls of the Brazos will be a proper person to communicate with. Measures should be attended to if possible to prevent the Creek Indians from emigrating to the East of Texas. Col. Rusk can inform you of the fact of A. Hotchkiss' interest in inducing the Indians to emigrate to the country. The evidence is conclusive. - It would be well that the steam packet "Wm. Brown," if purchased, should have such guns placed on her as would enable her to throw grape and canister into the enemy in close contact, as I am told she cannot carry large pieces. - If Copano is occupied by us, the enemy will never advance into the Colonies. God bless you and may you long continue useful to Texas. I rode until late last night, and rose early this morning. - Major Hockley desires to be remembered to you. Please salute my friends who ask for me. Ever yours truly, Sam Houston There is a Mr. Blount in Washington, who deserves a C_aptaincy in the cavalry, if you should think proper to advance him. I pray that all appointments in the army, since the 6th of January, made by the self-styled "Council," may be set aside, if the persons should be afterwards appointed. - Please see Doctor Everitt, and he can speak to you of a Mr. Blount of Jasper. He only received a Lieutenancy when he should have been advanced.

Yours truly, Houston. is a part of

What say you of a resolution, that Texas

Louisiana, and the U. States by treaty of 1803? Hon. James Collinsworth, Chairmn. M. Committee.

[2263] [MENARD to------]

Washington, 7th March, 1836. The Mexicans are upon us. Travis writes, on the 27th ult., that he was besieged by more than a thousand men, and he had only about 150 men. On the 3d March, he writes he had sustained a bombardment for seven days, without losing a man, that he had 20 days' provisions for the men he had, and was besieged by three or four thousand, or more, as he had received the news while writing that 1,000 were arriving from the west, and by the rejoicing in the town, supposed that St. Anna himself had arrived. Reinforcements are going on, but we are in great want of all the implements of war - arms - munitions of every description. Beef is plent, but nothing else. There is a considerable share of provisions at La Bacca. Col. Fanning is at Goliad, in great want of provisions - waiting for their arrival from La Bacca; until then, he cannot relieve the Alamo; besides, he expects the enemy by the lower road. Johnson's party has been surprised and cut off at San Patricio; he escaped with two men. Nothing is heard of Grant; we are fearful he is cut off. There is no doubt that St. Anna is in Texas, with 5 or 6,000 troops, and intends to sweep us from the soil if he can; and if we do not make use of all our means and energy, he will succeed before we can get assistance from the United States. It is now the duty of every citizen of Texas to sacrifice to party feeling, and march to the frontier, fully equipped at his own expense, and equip others if he has the means. Our atmosphere is devilish dark, and if men stay at home, we are lost. We will adjourn in a few days, and repair to our own respective municipalities, and try to dispel the apathy that appears to be moving over Texas. No time to speak of business. God bless you, and may God bless us all, and curse the tyrant with his minions; he will have at least a taste of the Texian rifles. We are in the hourly expectation of farther news from the interior and so soon as I am in possession of farther information, I will give it you. The war in Texas has been to us citizens of the south, a subject of deep and thrilling interest. On Saturday next, a large volunteer company will leave this county for the seat of war; and it is probable that I may be one of the number. But little news from the Convention. We have heard that Judge Ellis, of this county, has been elected President of that body, and that their first acts were to declare themselves a free and independent people. [I\L B. Menard]

(2264] (RODRIGUES to GUERRA]

(San Patricio March 7, 1836]

To col. D. Jose M. Guerra:

My very respectable chief,- Yesterday at 3 p.m. we commenced the attack on the re~el columns, below the habitation of Agna dulce. The surprise occasioned them by our ambuscade was such that they did not perceive us till they were in our power. They fired a few pistol shots; but so badly directed that they only wounded one horse. We charged them in the plain for the distance of two leagues and a half; and pursued them as if they were savage horses (mestanos). They forgot they carried muskets and pistols, with which they had learned to direct their fires. Thirty-two dead were found on the field of battle; and we took 4 prisoners. Among the slain were col. Grant, major-general Morris, a captain and a lieutenant of artillery• The fact is that our troops pursued them with poised lance which was sufficient to achieve all. I am &c. Nicolas Rodrigues {2265] [MOODY to CONVENTION] (J. W. Moddy, Washington, to President and Members of the Convention, March 7, 1836, stating that from January 1, 1836, through March 7, 1836, the total indebtedness of the government was $45,957.80, of which $39,329.79 was military.] [2266] [SANTA ANNA to CITIZENS] Army of Operations The General-in-Chief of the Army of Operations of the Mexican Republic, lo the Inhabitants of Texas: Citizens! The causes which have conducted to this frontier a part of the Mexican army are not unknown to you: a parcel of audicious adventurers, maliciously protected by some inhabitants of a neighboring republic, dared lo invade our territory, with an

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intention of dividing amongst themselves the fertile lands that are contained in the spacious department of Texas; and even had the boldness to entertain the idea of reaching the capital of the Republic. It became necessary to check and chastise such enormous daring; and in consequence, some exemplary punishments have already taken place in Saint Patrick, Lipantitlan and this city. I am pained to find amongst those adventurers the names of some colonists, to whom had been granted repeated benefits, and who had no just motive of complaint against the government of their adopted country.- These ungrateful men must also necessarily suffer the just punishment that the laws and the public vengeance demand. But if we are bound to punish the criminal, we are not the less compelled to protect the innocent. It is thus that the inhabitants of this country, let their origin be whatever it may, who should not appear to have been implicated in such iniquitous rebellion, shall be respected in their persons and property, provided they come forward and report themselves to the commander of the troops within eight days after they should have arrived in their respective settlements, in order to justify their conduct and to receive a document guaranteeing to them the right of enjoying that which lawfully belongs to them. Bexarians! Return to your homes and dedicate yourselves to your domestic duties. Your city and the fortress of the Alamo are already in possession of the Mexican army, composed of you own fellow citizens; and rest assured that no mass of foreigners will ever interrupt your repose, and much less, attack your lives and plunder your property. The supreme government has taken you under its protection, and will seek for your good. Inhabitants of Texas! I have related to you the orders that the army of operations I have the honor to command comes to execute; and therefore the good will have nothing to fear. Fulfill always your duties as Mexican citizens, and you may expect the protection and benefit of the laws; and rest assured that you will never have reason to report yourselves of having observed such conduct, for I pledge you in the name of the supreme authorities of the nation, and as your fellow citizen and friend, that what has been promised you will be faithfully performed. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Head Quarters, Bexar, March 7, 1836_.

[2267) (SMITH to PRESIDENT]

[John W. Smith to President of the Convention, March 7, 1836, about returning from the Alamo on !\'larch 4 and starting back ,,ith fifty men on March 7.] [2268) [-----to the PUBLIC] [Anonymous, Bexar, to the Public, March 7, 1836, describing the attack made on the Alamo by four columns commanded by Cos, under whom were Colonels Juan Morales, Duque de Estrado, anj Romero, and the victory achieved; highly praising Santa Anna.] [2269) [BAKER to JONES, ET AL]

Gonzales 8th March, 1836

Gentlemen:

On day before yesterday I arrived here, accompanied by the companies of Captains McNutt and Robb. I found about one hundred and sixty men here, which, with our force, made about two hundred and seventy, fifty of which started on yesterday for the Alamo. Our force now at this place is about two hundred and twenty men, with an enemy seventy-five miles in our front, fiye thousand strong. Our own situation is critical-too weak to advance, and insufficient to protect this place-and daily expecting two thousand cavalry to attack us. To retreat, however, would be the ruin of Texas; and we have all resolved to abide an attack, and to conquer or die. We are now busily engaged fortifying ourselves, with the hope that the people of Texas, en masse, are on the march to our assistance. Unless they are, the alamo and our post must fall, and all, every man be destroyed. Not one of us will return to tell the dreadful tale or to reproach those that remain for their supineness, or their cowardice. We have come here to repel the enemy, and my company will die beneath their standard sooner than the enemy shall advance, or they retreat. Will the people of Texas longer remain at home? Will any man, under these

circumstances, longer refuse lo turn oul, because his interest requires his allcnlion'? Will any one dare lo have the effrontery lo say, that his interest must be allcnded to, when Texas is in danger of being overrun, and the women and children in cold hlood massacred, when a portion of his fellow citizens are closely besieged, and another portion daily expecting lo he attacked by Len limes their number. The truth is not lo be disguised, unless Texas turns out to a man - unless in lwo weeks from this day, three thousand men arc concentrated here, Texas is gone, and one universal destruction and conflagration will be the result. In the name of God, send us assistance-send out the men; and let aU who remain without satisfactory reasons, be henceforward branded as a coward and a traitor, and an enemy to Texas, and let him be so treated. Their doctrine appears lo be, that we must fight the baltles of Texas, endure all privation, and all toil, and spill our blood and our lives, that they may enjoy the privilege of slaying at home. Such a man is a traitor, and as a traitor lreal him. Send, as faslas possible, arms and ammunition. Some of my company are without guns, and no possible means of procuring them here. Not a pound of lead except what I brought, which 1 have distributed. Send these things, and speedily: and be assured, that unless Texas is victorious, I shall never return.

Yours, truly, Moseley Baker, Captain.

John R. Jones, Thomas Gray,

Wm. Pellus, Committee.

(2270)

[BRYAN to GOVERNOR and COUNCIL]

Agency of Texas New Orleans March 8th 1836

His Excellency the Governor & Hon Council of Texas Gent

With this you will receive notice of the Charter of the Schooner Equity Capt Marlin, for the purpose of forwarding Capt Allen & his men, for particulars of which we refer you lo the letter

of the purchasing agent-The printed documents of the Government dated San Phillipe Fcby 13th naming the advance of the Mexicans has reached this place & caused considerable sensation & fears, from the alarm expressed at the situation of your volunteer troops, we have also heard a rumor of the Loss of the Tamaulipa.s, but are not yet advised as to where or under whal circumstances; she was Insured for Sl6.000 with liberty to Louch at Valasco & proceed to l\latagorda, we hear she sailed from Copano, if she is lost beyond Matagorda the Insurance is void. If lost between Brasos & Matagorda, the amount may be recovered. We advised you under date January 28th that Insurance had been made, & presume in case of her Loss, a regular protest will be forwarded, & a proper sale made by your agents, so that the full amount can be recovered form the Insurors. I need not urge upon you the necessity (In case she is lost) of using every means to secure this large amount to the government. Col Wharton was to have sent us a Bill Lading after taking on his powder below the City, as he did not do it, It will be absolutely necessary that the Government should reh1rn the one we sent to them, or obtain one from Col Wharton to be sent, as the Insurance cannot be recovered without it-The small amounl upon the Emeline was not Insured, we could not effect it-we also hear she is lost-We apprehend much distress from the loss of these vessels, & a remedy cannot be Loo soon applied, as soon as funds are received, & we have information of the actual loss, we shall immediately transmit as near as we can, duplicate Cargoes. We enclose duplicate of my respects pr William & Francis. The Invincible sailed from the mouth on the 2d. The Brutus, Independence & i\latawankeag on the 3d. Instant. The William & Francis (with recruits) on the 5th. We have not yet heard of the arrival of the Commissioners al Washington, nor have we had any ad,~ces from them. We have also no advices from the government. We are waiting with the u tmosl anxiety for an order from you upon the Orleans Bank as requested by the Commissioners, or for some funds from the Commissioners, we have (as we have before slated) without one Dollar of funds in my hands & being largely in advance, sent forward the two last named vessels at an expense of over $4000 in equipment & provisions, the amount by the Equity you will sec by Invoices. Recruits are daily arriving and I k_now not what Lo do with Lhem, nothing can be done without money, & I have nol even the

I I j I

---

consolation of an order, or instruction, either from yourselves or the commissioners. My situation is extremely embarrassing, & calculated to throw me into a position, which will prove highly disadvantageous to me. J again earnestly call your atten lion to the situation of the agency-The message of his Excellency the Governor to the council has been received here & gives much satisfaction. We have been obliged to pay an extremely high Charter for the Equity, lo Copano, on account of the advance of the Mexican troops. We also in the Charter guarantee them against lonage duty in Copano & Matagorda or in two ports- I have the Honour to be Yours Respectfully &c Wm Bryan General Agent

(2271] [FRANKS to CONVENTION]

Nashville Colony March 8th 1836

To the Convention

Now in [illegible] at Washington I beg leave to inform the honorable boddy that during the many depredations [illegible] committed on the frontier, I have taken the responsibility on myself to raise a Volunteer Company to go against the Indians. I have got as fare as Mt. Childnsses with thirty men and a small force of [illegible], which A. Bincoss and myself mounted at our expence in Lenorceillan and a few [illegible] and Baggage Waggon myself and Company have become [illegible] I shall proceed today from this place towards the Colorado Mountains, and the head waters of Little River in search of the Indians and having known [illegible] of ammunition I shall indeavor to keep my men constricted in the Waggon and let them approach us as a moving Family., and shall neither spare him or Bowie. .l should have [illegible l on Horse back Too in advance Too in the rear and Too on each flank which l think will enable me to lay a similar that will kick some of them, by so doing. I think I can [illegible] them from the lands of Country, and then by having a Campaign amcdiately ordered to fit and against their villages I think we shall be able to get rid of Savages l illegible] on our frontiers. any thing that is l illegible I Commanded armys I am [ illegible l the honorable bod<ly will pardon as I have nothing but the good of the Country at heart. I submit the case lo your

better Judomcnt for new consideration and hope and ever pray that " d . you may proceed to such measures as you may cam JUSt

G. B. Franks

[Addressed:] G. C. Childress, Esq. Washington Texas Politeness Capt. Taylor (2272]

[HALL to GOVERNOR and COUNCIL)

Agency of Texas New Orleans \\'larch 8th 1836

To His Excellency the Governor & Hon Council of Texas Gentn

I have the pleasure to advise you of the charter of the Sehr Equity Capt ~lartin, to convey about one hundred Volunteer Emigrants under Charge of Capt Allen to Copano, or Matagorda as may be dcsireable, I also enclose a statement Invoice of the expenses for which Capt Allen has receipted, which receipts will be forwarded with quarterly accounts. I have had to pay a high charter, being obliged to obtain credit, the General Agcn t being at this time largely in advance to this government, I find it extremely dificult to make purchases upon the agency paper, and unless the General Agent is soon pul in funds, the credit of the government will be lost; The late news of the advance of Santa Anna, has had a strong & unfavorable influence upon my purchases. It is extremely unfortunate tha~ the government had not at this critical moment funds here, as I should be enabled to make purchases of provisions that at this moment must be much wanted. The General Agent & myself have pledged our private credit, to obtain ship Bread from Cincinnati & New York (all the Bakers here being engaged for the Florida army by the U States) One hundred thousand pounds has been ordered, part of which may be expected in a month at this port. If it can be obtained it will be of immense advantage in the coming campaign-Every exertion has been used lo forward men & supplies, but as we are now situated it is extremely dificult to forward men, and almost impossible lo give satisfaction either to the Government, or Volunteers I have the llonour to be Yours Respeetfully &c Edward Hall P. agl

[2273) [JOHNSON to CONVENTION]

Laceys Colorado 8th. Mar. 1836

To the Genl. Convention of Texas, Gentlemen,

I hasten to inform you of the disaster of my party at San Patricio and also of that of Col. Grant on the 2nd. Inst.-which I have by Don Placido who was in company with Col. Grant when attacked-Grants party of 26 men were attacked some 15 miles from San Patricio by a party in ambush-At the onset the party were thrown into disorder and soon became an easy prey to the enemy owing to their superiority of numbers-but two of Grants party escaped-Grant himself a prisoner-of my party which consisted of only 25 men four escaped.-1 have from Placido that the Enemie's strength is from 1000 to 1200 men about 200 of whom had advanced as far as Refugio on the 1st-I left Goliad on the 3d. and arrived in Victoria on the 4th where I found but fifteen Volunteers- the people are much alarmed and unless some efficient measures are taken the whole of the settlements west of Colorado will be broken up-all-all have left Labaca & Navidad-But a part of the provisions at Coxes point & Dimitts have been taken off- that part remaining is in great danger of being cut off by the Enemy-Their first object will be to secure Copano, keep a few troops at Refugio and with the main body attack Goliad or advance into the Country-from the best information I get it is Ureah that has advanced by the lower route and Seisma on Bejar-Santa Anna is in Monclova with from 3 to 4000 men with a heavy train of battering & field artillery.- The success of the Enemy at San Patricio and easy entrance into Bexar will stimulate them to turn out and march freely into Lhe Country-Heretofore they have refused- The keeping of Garrisons at a time like this is to deprive the Country of the services of those in Garrison-the Enemy can pass Bexar and Goliad with impunity as soon as they may think proper.- Action, the united action of the whole people is necessary to the salvation of the country-

Col. Fannin should he reinforced so as Lo he able to come out and meet the Enemy-with his prcsenl force and means he cannot do so.-the forces of Texas must be concentrated-one bold front should be presented to the Enemy by doing of which you compel him to do the same and thereby gain time to organize and provide means for carrying on the war-without which from the panic now existing ruin must be the inevitable result-The war is no longer a partizan one but a National one-all-all will unite against Texas under the present declaration.- ~ly present situation is the only appology I can offer for not making this communication in proper person as well as delivering those of Col. Fannin.- I have the honor to be your most obt, servt. F. W. Johnson (2274] [REES to BURCH]

Fort Defiance Laberdee Texas March 8th 1836

Dear Sir,

I avale my self of the opitunity of addrising you a few lines to let you know that I am well & harty I am at this time stationed at Laberdee on the St. Antone river the Enemy is at hand we Expect to be attacked every hour they have arrived at St. Antone six thousand troops & have been Fighting the American Troops for the last fifteen days we received an Exprese this Evening that the americans have not had a man kiled & only three slightly wounded there is about two hundred that has possession of the Fort & will keep possesion of it if there aminition holds out till they can be reenforced the citizens of texas is turning out to a man the Mexicans has got possesion of Sanpertrisio & are consentrating there troops & fortifying that place. Coln. Johnson with about Twenty men was attacked at that place in the knight and only four or five made there Escape and John Love was one of the men Doctor Hart that lived Doct Brodnax was seen to fall in the street & has not been heard of since Rubin Brown & Coln. Grant with about thirty men was attacked in a open perary & Both of them fel and all of there men that was not killed was taken prisoners I have not time to write you the particulars I wish you to attend to my business & not let my famly want for any

Lhing Lill I return stale to my wife Lhat I am well & was going to write to knight & send the letter with Lhis bul since I have been wriling Lhis teller they have been an Exprese received Lhat three thousand Mexicans has landed at a creek in nine miles of us and there is no doubt but what we shall be attacked before day they have four cannons with them I have no time to write more you shall here from me by every oppertunity This letter is senl with a Exprese Thos. B. Rees N. B. the Exprese received to night from the sorce it came by all probibility is not true but we are preparing for meeting them-Texas has declared lndependence- Thos B Rees [Addressed:] Gerard Burch Esqr. Columbus Ga U. States. [2275] [ALLEN RECEIPT] Rec'd of Edward Hall agl The following articles onboard the Sehr Equity for the volunteer Emigrants 880 Cannon Balls assorted sises 1 Cooking Stove 1 Cart 1 Bucket 4/ 1 Coffee 10/ 11 Water Casks (From Invincible) 15.00 20.00 1.75 22.00

New Orleans March 9th 1836 J.M. Allen

[2276] -· [BRIGHAM to HOWE]

(Republic of Texas) Washington March 9. 1836

My Dear Brother & Sisler,

I have no doubt, but what you have heard enough of the difficulties in Texas, to create in your minds some anxiety concerning your Brother, I therefore take this opportunity of informing you what is doing in Lhis country. - You will preccive by this documenl, Lhat Texas has assumed to herself a new and

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