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[2740) [HOUSTON to HOFFMAN]
[Sam Houston to D. A. Hoffman, April 13, 1836, ordering the arrest of Colonel E. P. Bean.] [2741] [MARTIN to HOUSTON]
[April 13, 1836]
[Dear Gen. Houston:]
On yesterday shortly after sunrise the enemy fired on a party of my men who had crossed the river for corn. They effected their retreat without loss. Shortly afterwards the enemy appeared in great force opposite us at Thompson's ferry. We completely succeeded in repulsing them at this point. Having heard the firing I sent Lieutenant Jones to their assistance ,vith ten men, my whole force being 46 men with four crossings to defend. He discovered at least 150 had crossed. As soon as I learned this I left Lieutenants Moore and Stone with eight men to amuse the enemy. They were soon joined by Captain Walker with twelve men from the prairie and they proceeded to give the enemy battle. I learned they had taken Morton's houses, that 300 had crossed and returned lo Thompson's where my men were defending the pass. The day being far spent and the enemy across in great numbers below, I retreated to the prairie where I threw myself in the rear of the retiring families until I reached this place in the night where I will remain until further orders. Then reinforcements from Columbia did not join me and the aid from Captain Walker was less than one-forth of what I expected. You will see that with 46 men joined by 12 after the action began I could not defend four crossings. [Wyly Martin]
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