were deceived, the sequel will show: after starving us for a week, they ordered us out, saying we were going after beef, but when we had marched about half a mile from the fort we were ordered to halt. The Mexicans marched all on one side of us, and took deliberate aim al us, but I, as you have seen, was fortunate enough to escape. l have however had monstrous hard times havinu , t, nothine to eat for five successive days and niuhts but at lenuth ~ t, , t, arrived safely here this morning, after a travel of two weeks through prairies and dangers during which time I had some narrow escapes, especially the night before last on the Linc of the picket guards of the Mexican force, I was nearly killed or taken. San Fclip is taken. The Mexicans are in Texas, but I think i shall live to sec her free notwithstanding. We have near 1500 men in camp, and expect to attack the enemy in a few days. I am well with the exception of very sore feel occasioned by walking through the prairies barefooted. Tomorrow I shall go over the river to a farm to stay until I get entirely well, when I will try to avenge the death of some of my brave friends. All of my company were killed.
Your affeclionate son, Chas. B. Shain
Apr 11th, Groce's Crossing on Brazos.
[2719] [SMITH to FORSYTH]
Consulate of the U.S.A., Matamoras, April 11, 1836. Having understood that the brig Jane, of Saybrook, and the schooner Compeer, of Eastport, were forcibly detained in this port by the local authorities, and that no vessel would be permitted to leave the port until General Fernandez had despatched two transports with provisions for the Mexican army before Texas, which he is about fitting out, I addressed an official note on the 3d instant to the captain of the port, inquiring into the cause of the detention of these vessels, a copy of which is herewith enclosed; but as the required information has been unexpectedly withheld I therefore transmit herewith, Lo the Department, the affidavits of the masters, taken al their request, in order that the consequences of a transaction of such notoriety
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