WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
393
To THOMAS J. RusK 1 Headquarters, Camp West of Brasos, April 3, 1836.
To Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War: Sir: I arrived at this place on the first instant, and pitched my encampment in a secure position, in hopes that I should re- ceive supplies, and more so, that I would be enabled to meet the enemy at any time, and under any circumstances which propriety might dictate. Since my location, rains have fallen; and it is possible the water may invade my encampment, and compel me to remove, either back to the prairie, or to pass over the river to the east side. If I do pass, it will only be to make my camp on a healthy site, secure from water, and to defend our horses from the enemy; for I find that no care whatever will be taken of horses, and if they fall into the enemy's hands it would add to his facilities. My spies return and report the enemy only about one thousand strong on the Colorado, without pickets, and only a small camp- ground. My opinion is, that a detachment I sent to reconnoitre the enemy, will attack him tonight. The detachment was twenty in number, under the command of Major Patton,~ my aid-de-camp. They are among the best hearts of the army. If I should pass the river, my design will be, should I quit a position opposite to this point, to drop down opposite Fort Bend, or some point below. The enemy would not have it in their power to pass the river for at least a month to come; and we could only cross with the -aid of a steamboat,3 which I have pressed, and will retain till I can dispense with it. If I should pass the river, I will leave my most effective cavalry on this side. I send you, in charge of Mr. Este, 4 two prisoners, Peter Kerr/ and Beregardo, a Mexican. I have nothing pointed against them; but suspicion has fallen upon them, -and they are to be secured. You may rest easy at Harrisburg; the enemy will never cross the Brasos, and I hope the panic will soon subside. People are planting corn on the east side of this river. Mr. Zavala 0 has arrived and has reported for duty. I am glad of it. He informed me that I should have the pleasure of seeing you; and indeed it would give me pleasure to do so. I have ordered the troops below to occupy some defensible positions be- low on the river, or coast, and check the enemy. Rumors from the Mexican interior of wars, or difficulty in crossing the Colo- rado, have caused them to delay; and at this time it is almost
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