WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1836
379
the Colorado, it will be some time, as there is such scanty sub- sistence for animals. I have had the impression that the advance upon the Cibolo was to prevent our co-operation with Fannin, and hold us in check. If you can by any means soothe the people, and get them to remain, they shall have notice, if I deem it necessary. Let them entertain no fears for the present. We can raise three thousand men in Texas, and fifteen hundred can defeat all that Santa Anna . can send to the Colorado. We would then fight on our own ground, and the enemy would lose all confidence from our annoy- ance. Let the men from the east of the Trinity rush to us! let all the disposable force of Texas fly to arms! If the United States intend to aid us, let them do it now! I · shall raise a company of spies to-morrow, to range the country from this to Gonzales. Send all the good horses you can get for the army. If possible, let it be done speedily·; and send ammunition for fifteen hundred men; but first send eight hundred men. I will do everything in my power for Texas Sam Houston ( Rubric) P. S. It is reported that General Woll,2 an Englishman is to head the army into the colonies. I entertain the belief that Santa Anna has returned to Mexico, but it will not be known to the troops. In the attack upon the Alamo, the ramparts were swept twice, and the enemy as often repulsed; but Santa Anna was by, and urged the troops. He was not in danger. There was not a man in the Alamo but what, in his death, honored the proud name of an American. Let the men of Texas avenge their deaths! Rouse the Redlanders to battle ! Ratify the Indian treaty; and let the Camanches be approached, and their friendship secured. A campaign from St. Louis, by way of Santa Fe, might be set on foot against Chihuahua. Remember Coxe's point, Dimit's land1ng, and Copano. They are important. I know that the government will do all in its power for the army. vVe want arms, and need stationary. 1 Lette1· Book No. S, Texas State Library. Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 477-478. 2 Adrian Woll was of French parentage, and was reared on the frontier of France and Switzerland. He was trained for a military profession and became a soldier of fortune. He arrived at Baltimore, Maryland, 1816, with letters to General Winfield Scott, recommending him as a young man of integrity and promise. Not finding employment in his profession in the United· States, he joined th~ expedition under General Francisco Xavier
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