(2607) [RUSK to BURNET)
Head Quarters of the Army 6th April 1836
To His Excellency David G Burnet Sir
I have been now three days here, I find the Army in fine spirits, ready and anxious to measure arms with the enemy; the Army arc about fifteen hundred strong, though not all al this point. Some are at San Felipe, and I doubt not you have, before this, heard of Capt Wiley .Martin being stationed with a smalJ force al Fort Bend. I am just now in re_ceipt of a communication from him, which breathes the right kind of spirit, and firmness. It is all important that he be immediately reinforced from the ranks of those who are retrcating towards the Sabine. Velasco, I understand is deserted; the importance of maintaining that Post and fortifying, must be apparent to you, and surely men enough can be procured, who are flying about, in addition to those who have been ordered there, to maintain it. When the enemy does make a move, which I do not think wilJ be very soon, they will beyond doubt attempt to possess themselves of the Coast. The enemy al Colorado do not exceed thirteen hundred in number, this information I beleive may be relied on, it was obtained from a prisoner brought into Camp last night. I examined him particularly and he reports, that they arc nearly starving, and are much disheartened, and receive about half pay. The propriety of making a move upon them is apparent, and that course will, I have no doubt, be adopted. We have correct intelligence of four hundred of a reinforcement, being on the road between this and Nacogdoches. The Trinity being high has detained them very much, but they will be in in a few days from this time. Good order and discipline prevail in Camp; there is some little sickness, one death to-day, the son of Capt Scott. I hope you will lose no time or opportunity in procuring munitions and provisions. Genl Houston sends his kindest respects to the Cabinet, his aid de camp, .Major Zavala is in fine health and spirits. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Obedient Servant Thomas J Rusk Sec. al War
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