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

[2294) [FANNIN to .MEXIA]

Head Quarters Army of Texas Ft. Defiance (Goliad) 11th March 1836

Genl. Mexia

Dr. Gent, I avail myself of the politeness of Capt. Guerra, (a soldier of 1824) who feels himself bound to retire from our services for reasons which will be appearant to you. I am pleased to say of him and his men, that since they have been under my command, each and every one has done his duty - and owing to his and their peculiar situation, and political aspect of this newborn nation, so widely different from what it was when they entered its service; I have this day given them an Honorable discharge, with permission and passport to proceed to N. Orleans &c. We are in the midst of a Revolution the ending whereof, no one can foresee. Sa. Anna with 5000 men are in Bejar, and have been since 23rd ult., but has not been able Lo take the Alamo defended by only 146 men. If he does not get it in four days, he never wiJI, as the people en mass are on their march to the relief of their friends-and in all this month, we wiU not have less than from 4 to 5000 Texicans under arms. If 216 could & did take Bejar, how many of Sa. Annas men will be left him, should this force encounter him ? ? I know not as yet what has been the action of our Convention - but do not entertain a doubt but a Declaration of Independence will follow and shortly. This my dear sir [will] not interfere with your favourite project. You can go ahead with more safely, and may calculate upon aid from Texas - and her Volunteers. I know not how long I may remain in the service - circumstances unexpected and over which I had no conLTol, have placed me, where I cannot retreat, but in disgrace. This I am not disposed to suffer - rather preferring Lo encounter death in any shape. If I had men, over whom I could exercise reasonable authority, I should glory in the present opportunity as I should most certainly do myself some credit, and the country great service; and teach Genl. Sa. Anna a lesson, which he might remember, and the states of Mexico profit by.