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[2444] [PORTILLA to URREA]
I I ! )
Commandant at Goliad to General Urrea.
My Dear General: .I feel much distressed at what has occurred here; a scene enacted in cold blood havii1g passed before my eyes which has filled me with horror. All I can say is, that my duty as a soldier, and what I owe to my country, m·ust be my guaranty. My dear general, by yon was I sent here; you thought proper so to do, and I remain here in entire conformity to your wishes. I came, as you know, voluntarily, with these poor Indians, to co-operate, to the best of my humble means, for my country's good. No man is required to do more than is within the scope of his abilities; and both they and myself have doubtless been placed here as competent to the purposes you had in view. I repeat it, that I am perfectly willing to do anything, save and excepting the work of a public executioner by receiving orders to put more persons to death. And yet, being but a subordinate officer, it is my duty to do what is commanded me, even though repugnant to my feelings. I am general, your devoted and sincere friend J. N. de La Portilla. Goliad, March 27, 1836. [2445) [ SHARP to -----] Brazoria, March 27, 1836. Having just returned on express forty hours from camp, and finding great alarm prevailing among the people, many. of them flying with their families to the United States, and bemg called upon by the Committee of Safety and Vigilance in this place, to give a statement of facts, in relation to our army, and what its movements are, &c.: I take this method of informing them, that there is no cause for the excitement now prevailing in this part of the country. Our army, now encamped at and near Beason's on the Colorado, consists of from 1,000 to l ,:WO men, and reinforcements hourly coming in, they are all well armed, with plenty of provisions, ammunition, &c, are in good spirits, and have .perfect confidence in themselves and l.heir officers. From all the
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