WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1835-1836
21
Col. Wharton would 1·eport his acts in this matter immediately on reaching the army; and that it would meet the approbation of the Commander-in- Chief. With considerations of esteem, your obedient servant, Wm. T. Austin [The following is Wharton's order to Austin] :. Major Wm. T. Austin: You will proceed direct to VelascO' and fo1•ward [to] Bell's landing arms, ammunition and provisions with the utmost expedition. You are duly empowered to purchase or press any property that you may deem of advantage to the army. You are now in command at the Mouth of the Brazos and your own discretion will govern you in many respects. You will not permit anyone to leave the country without business or circumstances justify it. The Assistant commissaries and other officers of the army are required to respect you in your command. John A. Wharton, Adjutant General I certify that the following is a true copy of the original order. Wm. T. Austin
To THOMAS J. RusKl Head Quarters, Army o,f Texas, Camp near Beason's, 21st March, 1836.
Hon. Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War. Sir, I am ordered by the Commander in Chief to acknowl- edge the receipt of your letters of 16 & 17 Inst-and to inform you of the movement of the army to this place. I have also the pleasure to add that yesterday a detachment of our spies under Capt. Karnes, fell in with a reconnoitering party of the enemy, at Rocky Creek, about twenty miles from this place, consisting of 12 men. They were immediately pursued and one man killed, one taken prisoner, and three Horses captured with some arms and a pair of Saddle Bags containing a small portion of clothing belonging to some one murde1·ed in the Alamo. Captain Karnes had with him at the time but five men. The prisoner states that more than a thousand men are now on their march to this point, and will probably be near us tonight. A detachment of the army of the enemy has also marched from San Antonio to attack Go- liad.- Our army are in very fine spirits, and good health, not having one on our sick list. They are eager to meet the enemy- to check their impetuosity is all that will be required. The enemy have three light pieces of artillery with them. The Commander- in-Chief directs me to assure you of the vigilance and caution
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