[3177] [ROBERTSON to RUSK]
San Augustine 27th May 1836
Dear General
I am al this place trying to accomplish the thing for which you sent me. I find the people both in this place and Nacogdoches lukewarm and have but little notion of lurning out. I am affraid 11ml I shall not gel many if ru1y lo march lo the field though it is admitted on all hands that men are nessary at this time lo enable you lo follow up the blow of San Jacinlo-however there is a draft ordered and will take place on Monday whether any will go if drafted I cant tell but hope for the best. I learn of many volunteers on the way lo join us (via) New Orleans a gentleman just from there 10 days says that report say upwards of 1000 men he say [saw] them and say the report is exlravaganl but he say at least 500 to put them at the lowest 54 from Mississippi are in one day march of this place mounted on splendid horses armed with Bowie knives & pistols but have no guns this you may rely on as several passed them and counted them they expected lo reach Elisha Roberl'es lasl night but on account of the emmince rain they did not arrive they slate there is a company of 40 men from Tennessee just behind them a few days others give an account of the last named menalsolhavenodoubl. God and the United Stales volunteers may save us if not the thing is out for I believe our men wont fight Judge Hood has accompanied here to give me all the assistance in his power he say the prospects are such that he will return lo camp and is the bearrer of this he can give you every satisfaction and more than I can by writing I refur you to him I will do all I can here and at Nacogdoches and on the way out at least 50 will accompany me from my Colony and the upper part of Austins possibly some of·them may go on with Judge Hood Majr Smith thinks it unnessary to go lo Natchitoches I th.ink so myself Mr Thomas Dillard is gone on there and will have your proclamation printed and do all in his power lo raise men. Majr Smith left for Nacogdoches this morning before I came to Lown from Roberls'es I was anxious Lo have seen him before he went but I will exert myself The two expresses from General Gains passing through lo the army has made the people of this country think because they go there the U.S. will fight their battles
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