During the absence of Luiet. Bordon from the fortress, and whilst he was before the house of Western, Adjutant Westover was ordered to reinforce Bordon with a detachment of 10 men. He refused to obey this order in presence of the Compy., when I informed him thal I considered him no longer an officer. lie retired. During Lhese proceedings, Lhe company under my com- mand behaved in a manner highly creditable, bot11~lo themselves and lhe service- All, excepting Westover, were ready to maintain order, and obey the command of their officers. The proceedings, of which the foregoing is but a brief outline, viewed in connection with the Character, influence and known exertions of several individuals, to encourage insubordina- tion, diffuse discontent, and excite a spirit of opposition, both in and out of the fort, imposed on this commandancy Lhe hard necessity of placing the Town and environs of Goliad, under martial law-This measure has accordingly been adopted, and a copy of the order is herewith enclosed. The detachment sent to the Nuecis, of which I informed your Excellency in a former communication, returned on the l 0th inst. The Cannon, arms and ammunition at Lhat post were taken-7 of the enemy were killed, and 12 or fourteen wounded. Sixty five of Lhc enemy were engaged-and only 14 of our men were brought inlo the action. Savriaso put off, during the action for Matamoros. Among the wounded of the enemy, arc all the Members of the Ayuno. of San Patricio, the Judge, and Sheriff of that jurisdiction. One only of our men, was wounded,-William Bracken- none killed-All returned that went out. Bracken lost three fingers off his right hand. The enemy retreated, and, we are informed, in the direction of Matamoras. As to the particulars of this engagement, I am sorry to inform you, that, all I have here slated, is founded on the verbal statements of the men on the ground. Altho' again and again requested to report, the officer in command, has made no report in writing. If the information of several of the men placed under his command can be relied on, Westover obeyed no p.trl of the order under which he acted. I reserve the particulars of this affair, so dishonourable to the commanding officer, so gallan lly con- tested, and so [successfully I terminated by lhe bra\'c men under his command, for the subject of a future comnnmicalion.
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