Mission of Espadas, Saturday morning
7. oclk A. M 24th octr 1835
Genl S F Austin
Half an hour since we were attacked by the enimy, who were repulsed,
after a few fires being exchanged
Only a few men were seen—say about fifty—tho, from the dust etc. it is
believed 200 or more, were in the company—Dr Archer says that Col.
Ugartichea was the commandant, as he plainly saw him, and recognised
him—The place is in a good condition, or can be made so in an hour, for
defence, and until we know, of the advance of some aid, or what was
intended by this feint, we will continue to occupy this station, where we have
provisions enough for the army provided means are supplied to purchase
Our forces are too few to hold it, and devide, so as to do effective
service— Will you communicate with us and inform us what we may rely on—
We are decidedly of the opinion, that this is an important post for the army
of Texas— Let us know if you have recd our two dispatches by Black and
Smith, and whether you approve of our movements etc. If you do, and
can spare the fifty men—or the 2d Division of the 1st. Batalion, fowd them,
and your orders etc as to the movements etc and what post, to cooperate
with yours, we should take— We should have marched in half an hour
to the timber, with [in] 3/4 mile ofBexar, and shall yet do so, when we
hear from you— Please advise us as to provisions etc and the means to
purchase and supply the same—and fowd our portion of flour etc. recd- from
Goliad and elsewhere— Permit us to again suggest—nay urge, the
propriety— the necessity of some movement, which will bring us nearer
together, and shut in the enemy, and either starve them out, whip them out,
or dishearten and beat them in small parties, in all of which, our two
parties may agree on an hour and cooperate with each other, and never
fail of success etc
James Bowie [Rubric]
J W Fannin Jr [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Genl. S. F. Austin on Salado, Near Bexar.
pr Russell and Baylor