Head Quarters Novemr lst 1835
To Col° James Bowie and Captn Fanning,
Your communication of this morning was received and is satisfactory in
every respect to myself and all others—
I sent in a demand today, for a surrender Genl Cos stated that his duty
would not permit him to receive any official communication and of course
it was returned, unopened,— He in a short time after sent out Padre Garza
with a flag to say to me, verbally that he had absolute orders from his
Government to fortify Bexar and hold it at all hazards—that as a military
man His honor and duty required obedience to these orders, that he would
defend the place until he died, if he had only ten men left with him—
This is all that has passed between us— I approached on this side to day
within Cannon shot—they fired four at us—one shot (Ball) passed over
our heads and one of grape fell in the lines but fortunately injured
no one—
From every information the fortifications are much stronger than has
been supposed and the difficulty of storming of course much greater,—The
system of alarms will be kept up as much as possible night and day, and
the place invested as closely as practicable— For this purpose I expect to
station the Adjutant General with a competent force at the old mill, a short
distance from there—
I have no information yet of Travis— A report reached Camp this
afternoon through a person from Bexar that an Express had just been received
there, stating that Savariego had escaped from S. Felipe and had raised
the Irish on the Nueces, and in union with the troops at that place had
attacked Goliad—It is however only a report—
The enclosed papers is from a Confidential source— I had forgotten to
mention that the Adjutant General made a demonstration on the other side
with a Detachment
S. F. Austin [Rubric]
Since the within was written I have received yours of this afternoon—
The forces are not so unequally divided as appears at first view—Travis
is constantly out on some extra duty— He is now out, I expect him to night
and must then send him to escort the cannon— I wish to occupy the mill
and another position— our prisoners are dayly increasing and require a
strong guard.
However as equal a division will be made as is compatible with the
service—we have many sick— Every thing shall be done on my part possible
for the service and to keep up harmony.
Our position here is far from being a strong one— we have no bank for
defense—a good position can not be found without going too far off. I
submit these matters to your calm judgement— It is known that head
quarters are here and the main attack will be here if any is made
I have just heard from Travis he will not be back untill late tomorrow—
S. F. Austin [Rubric]