WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1835-1836
15
To J. W. FANNIN 1 Head Quarters, 30th Deer. 1835, Washington.
Sir Today's intelligence through a private source, has reached me (Doct. J. B. Miller) that several hundred volunteers, are at the mouth of the Brasos, and one or Two Companies at Matagorda :-I understand further that those at Velasco, have formed a Battalion and awa"it orders-If these are facts, I wish you to communicate to the officer in Command, that all volunteers for the present, are ordered to Copano, and there to construct such improvements for the preservation of the supplies ordered to that point, as may be requisite. Not failing at the same time to make the Necessary preparations for the defence should it be attacked. It is ordered that the volunteers remain in posse [ss] ion of the station (meaning in command of the post) until such time as they will receive orders to advance, which will be at the earli- est possible day-at the same time, consulting the comfort of the troops, and a successful issue of a Campaign. Let no cam- paign be undertaken without orders. Colo Wyatt with about seventy men is on His march from this place to Copano, and will unite with those at the mouth of the river, and at Matagorda- the Major elected to the command of Battalion, will assume the Command of the Station, until a Regiment is organized agree- ably to the laws on the subject of the auxiliary Corps of the army. Captain Poe will furnish you with a Copy issued of this date; on the subject of Reports &c. and you will please to Communicate the same to the officers Commanding the Volunteers. The Volunteers may rely upon my presence at Copano, by the earliest moment that a campaign should open for the success of the army, and the good of the country. Tents will be necessary at Copano, (or Refugio;) where it may be most proper to station the Troops. Be pleased to make my best salutations to all Volunteers. Sam Houston Comdr in Chief of the Army. [Addressed] : To Colonel J. W. Fannin, Velasco, Texas, Capt. Geo W. Poe. [Endorsed] : Gen Houston to Fanning. Left in my hands by Fanning. Filed 13th June 1837. D. P. Richardson.
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