expresses sent to me, may be highly beneficial to the army. I fear La Bahia (Goliad) is in siege. Sam Houston P. S. I have this moment learned that Captain Byrd's company, from the Brazos, consisting of one hundred men, will join me tomorrow.
(2314) [HOUSTON to RAGUET]
Gonzales, 13th March 36. My dear Friend, On the 11th Inst I reached this place assured that I would find 700 men-only the rise of 300 unorganized were on the Gr~mnd-since then my force has increased to near 500. A few moments after my arrival the awful news of the fall of the Alamo reached us. I statement will be forwarded from Washington the last of the facts. Our friend Bowie, as is now understood, unable to get out of bed, shot himself as the soldiers approached it. Despalier, Parker, and others, when all hope was lossed followed his example. Travis, 'tis said, rather than fall into the hands of the enemy, stabbed himself. Our spies have been driven back from within 12 miles of Bexar. They heard none of the previously concerted signals, which were to be given by our friends: all was silent, as the report. I will send two spies in a few minutes to view Bexar, and they will report in 3 days. Colonel Fannin should have relieved our Brave men in the Alamo. He had 430 men with artillery under his command, and had taken up the line of march with a full knowledge of the situation of those in the alamo, and owing to the breaking down of a waggon abandoned the march, returned to Goliad and left our Spartans to their fate! We are now compelled to take post on the east side of the Guadeloupe, and make battle if the enemy should press upon us. I am informed that Fannin has upward of 700 men now under his command. I have ordered Goliad to be blown up and if possible, prevent all future murders where our men have no alternative but to starve in forts, or remain inactive, and useless to the defence of
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