disappointment to the enemy & a great deprivation. The documents got possession of by this capture of the Brig Pocket are of much importance. I found Col Harcourt at this post on my arrival but without men or aid of any kind- I had waited for the Steam Boat so long before I cou'd get down that I fear we shall hardly be in time for the enemy-I took down with me two yoke of oxen and all the men I had about me at N Washington-My volunteers had not notice in time to get on board the S. Boat the first trip but will go down the next one-I had made an arrangement with a Gent. for 40 slaves to go down & work on the Island & expected to have contracted with a Company at Mr. Lynchs for nearly 100 hands more (negro men)-their feeding for their labors on the Island, but am informed by Capt Hawkins that the president has authorised him to hire hands to throw up the public works at Galveston Island and to pay at the rate of $8 pr mo. and board. I will, therefore, desist from taking down the negroes I had agreed for, under the impression that Cap H. will be enabled to get more on the terms he is authorised to pay for them than will be wanted-and as I would not be willing to pay the same for the hands I had engaged will leave them there. I find it will be necessary for me to return to N. Washington for more aid that cannot be got unless thru myself Your order-or the order of the Acting Sec. at War of the 4th. April has been attended to-The Cannon with the provisions ordered went up in the Sloop Ohio- Very respectfully I have the honor to be yr Mo. Obt sevt. [Addressed:) Copy to [James i\lorgan) Thos. J. Rusk Sec. War
[2653) [PERRY to AUSTIN]
Lynchs Ferry April 8th 1836
Dr Brother
We are this far on the run. Bad enough but could not be helpd. the hole country West of the Brazos had retreated East of the Brazos and hundreds I expect have gone East of the Sabine Genl. Houstons Army is at Groces said now to be over 2000 strong and encreasing daily. it is reported that there is from One to two
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