Fort Travis 31st of May 1836.
Edward Harcourt Col. and [illegible] of Texas
Col. Morgan, Commander of Galveston Island Sir:
The foregoing statements will inform you concerning the existence of [illegible], powder and other articles in Fort Travis, and the Mexican Prisoners delivered up to my [illegible j, Capt. Cahmberlain, together with the expenditures of powder & bullets during my (illegible] of the Fort, and with a statement of the rest of the prisoners, who I received at different times. Concerning the tools, I have to lament, that having not had any control over the camp, by most of the Families, blacks, and private persons, a large quantity of spades, shuffels and axes have been carried off or strayed, so that we are reduced rather to a low rate of them. In order to avoid probably similar occurrence, I have some time ago adopted the precaution, of giving them under particular charge of a gentleman named Drichter, rendering in the Fort, who puts a mark to each of them, gives them out, and receives them, and so he is responsible for them. I hope this arrangement will meet your approval, and be observed, till I return from my present expedition, when if you wish, other arrangements may be made. I shall leave this afternoon for Chocolate bayou, the west bay and pass, and Velsco, and leave the supcrintandance of the execution of my plans of Fortifications, to Mr. Bromley, appointed by Mr. M. Leavers, till I have received new orders from the cabinet, respecting the regulation of the corps of Engineers. Capt. Sherman will remain also in the Fort, till to my return. With respect lo Mr. Stillwell, he is occupied for a few days with the drawings of his and Mr. [illegible] surveys of Bolivar point, and as he is not put under any orders by the cabinet, he will report himself then to you.- I am aware that you intend to make an investigation against him, for disobeying orders of yours. I belive I know the circumstances then occurred, and assure you, that, as I then considered him to be under any command, and [illegible] prepared that expedition to Bolivar point, which was on the moment of starting, it was my my own orders that he disobeyed, now I myself made myself [illegible J for his conduct and the consequences. I take this the liberty of interferring in his favour with respect to this matter, claiming your own then for my self. .Mr. Hunter, after his return from Chocolate bayou, (I expect after to morrow) will likewise report himself to your orders, and Dr. Jaeger will continue to attend lo the hospital of the Fort, as formerly.
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