Houston v1

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1836

404,

To DAVID THOMAS 1

Headquarters, Camp West of Brasos, April 9, 1836.

To David Thomas, 2 Acting Secretary of War: Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Peter Kerr,3 who was sent to Harrisburg some days since, had in his possession a letter from on board the Montezuma, written by a lieutenant, recommending said Kerr to the general favor of Mexican officers; and stating that Kerr had befriended the Mexicans, but did not set forth particulars. These facts were known to many in the camp at the time, but never rea,ched me until this moment. I do hope that all prisoners sent by me may be carefully kept, and, at least, prevented from mischief. It is unfortunate for us that the waters are so high as to prevent us from activity which would be desirable. The enemy are not in such great force as was expected. Our numbers increase; and I hope you will hear well of us. The enemy are firing at San Felipe to-day. I reinforced the post by forty-five men. They will now have at least one hundred and fifty men; and in the ·Brasos bottom they cannot' be driven back. The enemy have no idea of our force there, and cannot suppose it to exceed at that point, fifty men. To-day I send out a small partyy well versed in the use of the horse; and I hope to hear well of them. Colonel Rusk is still here, and will probably, remain during the crisis. To-day I am in good spirits, and hope to be in better. I have now organized two regiments, and doubt not but a brigade will be formed under orders of the secretary of war. I look for the waters to fall in the course of a day or so. The camp is healthy. The enemy is confident; and I hope so much the better for us. Wells, a spy, returned today; and after examining the signs, parade-ground, and every indication possible, reports the number of the enemy at six or seven hundred men. Tell our people never again to give way to a panic; but to do their duty.

Sam Houston.

P. S. Please keep all the prisoners safe.

1Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 493--494. 2see Houston to David Thomas, April 6, 1836. asee Houston to Thomas J . Rusk, April 3, 1836.