Lynchs Ferry April 8th 1836
Dr Brother
We are this far on the run. Bad enough but could hot be helpd the
hole country West of the Brazos has retreated East of the Brazos and
hundreds I expect have gone East of the Sabine Genl. Houstons Army is at
Groces said now to be over 2000 strong and encreasing daily, it is
reported that there is from One to two Thousand Mexicans on the East side of
the Colorada. all our men [on] out post have been taken, Travis and Fannin
had between 5 and 600 Men every one of which have been kill'd or taken
(except one) and shot after they had surrendered themselves as prisoners
of war. all of which I have no doubt you will have an ofitial acct. a
dark time for texas but I still have hopes, all our posts are now abandoned
except Galveston: the govt is now fortefying that post and I hope we will
be able to Keep it if not our situation will be very bad.
Emily and the children are down at Mr Scotts I have not got our waggon
across the San Jacinto: but will as soon as the wind abates a little
I am anxious to send Emily and the children by sea to New Orleans
there is several vessels at Galveston but they are so crowded; I think it
will be best to take them on by land, one blessing we are all in tolarble
health except Joel. Who has been quite unwell. He had to leave the
Army in consequence of his health Austin is in the Army
I have not determined whether I will take our Negroes any further at
present but will determine in a day or two. god Knows, when or where we
will meet again, in hast adeu
James F. Perry [Rubric]