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

entering the west at San Antonio De Bexar and south al San Patricio. In Bexar we had only 150 men under the command of Col Travis, who at the size of the immense force which presented themselves before him, shut himself up in the little fort of the Alamo resolved to conquer or die. And to our disgrace, he was not reinforced in time, as we had no government, and thus fell this valiant champion, with his heroic companions overwhelmed attached by 2000 men. But this bloody victory cost the enemy 800 men. Col Fannin who occupied Goliad with 500 men was attacked by the invaders who committed acts of atrocity in St Patricio and Refugio, they met in these defenceless villages a vigorous resistance in our little garrison at Goliad. 3d. The enemy strengthened themselves daily under the walls of Goliad, and the Col who had divided his forces with those at Refugio bcleiving it better to retire, destroying the fort according to the orders of General Houston. 4th. Col Fannin was afterwards attacked by a superior force of six times its number, but not being dismayed in his undertaking, he and his little division sustained a combat with the enemy (according to information recieved) was eighteen hundred. Fannin and his army not being able to undcrgoe the fatigue was cut up and destroyed by the enemy, the fate of this brave chief nor of his fellow soldiers is not known 5 In the meantime a Mexican division advanced by the south on the GuadaJoupe and Colorado whose numbers according to information amounted to 1500 men We had a small force under the command of Gen Houston situated at Gonzales on the GuadaJoupe. The Texian General deemed it prudent to retire for reasons which are only known to those who direct an organised army. And after having remained a few days at the Colorado, on the road to San Felippe continued to retire untill he occupied the point on the Brazos where the army now is. 6th. The Enemy has followed the movements of our army with slowness which indicated the respect which has inspired them of a force composed of free citizens commanded by a valiant and talented chief. Since the commencement of the war Texas has not had a greater probability of a happy result. 7th. The strength of the enemy has been diminished considerable by his losses in battle through sickness and desertion and in garrissoning St Antonio Goliad Petricio and Refugio, and other points. Our strength daily increasing and the Volunteers are anxious for battle. The

326

' • i

Powered by