7 in the morning, Oct. 20th- 1835
Gen S. F. Austin,
Sir
Since sealing my official of last evening and 5 o.c. this morning, a
Deserter from Bexar has been introduced to my quarters who says he lives
in Monterey—that, he deserted 8 days ago, intending to return home—
that, after leaving Bexar, he heard of the fall of Goliad, and turned his
course for this place. He states, that, all the Bexar Troopes will join the
Americans, as soon as they present themselves; that, the officers and
infantry want a fight, but that the cavalry do not—that, when the men were
sent to Gonzales after the Cannon, they were paid only S3 ea. and drew
only a little corn.
He says there are 300 infantry and 400 cavalry there—one half of the
former convicts—that, Gen Cos was making no preparation whatever, for
defence, in the way of fortifying—that, there were 2 pieces of cannon on
the western side of Town, near the Church; and 2 in the Alimo. In the
Town, his patrol is strong, especially at night, both in cavalry, and
infantry—that he keeps 60 sentinels out during the night; besides four
cavalry scouts, of 20 men each; that, there is great discontent among the
inhabitants, who will almost unanimously join the Colonists, as soon as they
enter the place; that, Ugartechea and Candela, are the only Officers,
remarkable for their antipathy against us— and these, do every thing in their
power to stimulate the men to defend the place to the last extremity.
Mr. Bracken, arrived here last evening from Zacatacas; who left there a
short time since; he says, that, a few days before he left that City, all the
troops except 400, had been marched to Guadalajara, to oppose Alvarez,
who had won two important victories over Santanna's troops. That 4
Generals, amongst whom are, Montenegro and Guzman, had joined
Alvarez and that he was daily acquiring strength; and further, that the
troops at Saltillo and San Louis, destined for Texas, had been ordered
back, after having taken up the line of march.
9. o. c. same day—Col. Powers this moment arrived from the
neighbourhood of San Patricio; He states that the cannon there had been
removed to the garrison of Le Panticlan, and that the troops there, were
fortifying day and night. A courier had arrived there, who gave information
of the near approach of 200 Cavalry from Aquaverda and Loredo, to the
garrison on the Nueces; and that there were also from 2 to 300 more on the
march from Matamoros to the Nueces; intended for the recapture of this
post. This information comes through an express sent to the comt. of the
Loredo troops; who accidentally passed them, and reached the Nueces
without seeing them.
Col. Powers further states that, Cos complains in a letter to the Com'g
officer at Le Panticlan, that his whole force, including those on the way, is
only 1700. This Garrison has a Piquet of 15 or 20 men, 6 Leagues this
side Sn Patricio; and one, about the same distance the other side, for
forwarding expresses.
From all this, you can easily judge whether this place ought to be
evacuated, and whether 50 men can make a successful defence.
P. Dimitt Comd g [Rubric]
[Addressed:] To Gen. Stephen F. Austin Com. in Ch. of the Army of
the People Head Quarters.