Goliad 14th. Octr. 1835
Genl. Austin
Dr. Sr
yesterday I communicated to you as the commander of the detachment
at this place now I write as a private soldier from the time your order
came here to mantain the post at the risk of all hazzards—Their was shown
a disposition among the men to disobey the order—This morning an open
determination was shown to leave the place in consequence of which I
resigned my command as did officers of the Columbia Company—I could
not do less your orders I am determined to obey even as a private
The whole of the men have the greatest inclination to leave this place
many have upon more reflection promised still to stay untill you can be
heard from
The Company has been reorganized and the same officers reappointed—
some of the discontented will go on to you and I hope under the
circumstances (the situation of the country) this departure from millitary duty
may [be] looked over
When I wrote yesterday it was my desire to have urged you to order on
immediately because I know Millitia could not be kept at a post like this
long at a time—and in this I was correct—take warning by this mishap
you are not upon a bed of roses—and if you are compeled to stay long at
a place; rely upon it, your men will desert you—There is nothing but their
honor to govern them—that is in many cases but a cobweb— I know too
much of my duty to leave this place untill I here from you—I have
prevaild upon many of the company to do so but I have but little confidence
that they can be quiet long without moving somewhare or other—What
influence I may have shall be used to support you in your authority in all
that is just and proper—In this opinion I may be obtrusive but as one who
has much at stake I have a right to make such suggestions as may not be
offensive—Let me urge you to keep your men in motion—be careful in
your operations for I am persuaded you will have to contend for Bexar if
you get it— It is a last hope with Cos and if you should be defeated Texas
must suffer—and the frontier must bleede freely for it—Let us be united
in our forces and make a bold push and all will be right—but a devission
of our little army may be ruinous to our cause
Benja. F. Smith [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Genl Stephen F. Austin Wharever he may be
favd by Mr Hassill