SONS OF DEWITT COLONY TEXAS
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1997-2019, Wallace L. McKeehan, All Rights Reserved
Independence-Index

Remember Bexar" should be an equally strong symbolic cry against corruption, greed, dictatorship and for self-determination as "Remember La Bahia", "Remember the Alamo."--Don Guillermo

......"the most glorious feat of arms of the Texas Revolution."---Francis Lubbock

....."the departure of the forces under Cos was the turning point in the struggle for Texas independence. Hereafter, all Mexican troops in Texas would be invaders, not defenders, and Texas was destined to remain Texan evermore."---Richard Santos

"All has been lost save honor!"---Centralist officer Sanchez Navarro

For Biographies, Search Handbook of Texas Online

Gen. Stephen F. Austin

Muster at Gonzales
Siege and Battle of Bexar
October 3-December 11
1835

Gen. Edward Burleson
Texian Mexican Federalists
12 Oct--300 men; 28 Oct--ca. 400; 4 Nov--ca. 450; 5 Nov--ca. 600-800; 14 Nov <600
11 October-24 November 1835
Commanders & units not all concurrent
(DeWitt Colonists**)

Commander-in-Chief:
Gen. Stephen F. Austin

Regimental Officers
Lt. Col./Col. Edward Burleson
Col. John H. Moore
Maj. Alexander Somervell
Lt. Col. Philip A. Sublett

Staff
Col. James Bowie (Adj. Gen.)
Col. Warren D.C. Hall (Adjutant Gen.)
Col. F.W. Johnson (Adjutant Gen.)
Col. David B. McComb (Asst. Adj. Gen.)
Patrick C. Jack (Quartermaster Gen.)
Valentine Bennet** (Asst. Qtr. Gen.)
Noah Scott (Dep. Asst. Qtr.)
William H. Jack (Brigade Insp.)
Peter W. Grayson (Aide de Camp)
William T. Austin (Aide de Camp)
Thomas J. Rusk (Aide de Camp)
Maj. William H. Wharton (Judge Adv. Gen.)

Companies:
Capt. Thomas Alley
Capt. Plácido Benavides
Capt. Andrew Briscoe
Capt. Mathew Caldwell**
Capt. Robert W. Coleman
Capt. Jacob Eberly
Capt. James W. Fannin, Jr.
Capt. Michael R. Goheen
Capt. I. Hall

Companies:
Capt. Byrd Lockhart**
Capt. Albert Martin**
Capt. Morris (NO Greys)
Capt. J. Robison**
Capt. James G. Swisher

Artillery
Capt. James C. Neill
Capt. T. L. F. Parrott

Scouting Companies:
Col. Benjamin R. Milam
Capt. Juan Seguín
Capt. William B. Travis

Spies
Kendrick Arnold
Erastus "Deaf" Smith**
John W. Smith**

Surgeon-General/Chaplain
William P. Smith

Medical Corp
Joseph E. Field
Thomas J. Gazely
T. Kenney
Amos Pollard**

24 November-11 December 1835
24 Nov--517 men; 25 Nov--350; 30 Nov--400-500; 6 Dec ca. 300
(Participants "Grass Fight"+)

Commander-in-Chief: Gen. Edward Burleson
Staff
Col. F.W. Johnson (Adj. & Insp. Gen.)+
Col. Philip A. Sublett (Asst. Adj. & Insp. Gen.)+
Col. Wm. T. Austin (Aide de Camp)
N.R. Brister (Adj.)
Col. William H. Jack+
Maj. Alexander Somervell+

Commander First Division
Col. Benjamin R. Milam
Maj. Robert C. Morris
Companies:

Capt. John Crane
Capt. George English
Capt William Landrum
Capt. Thomas Llewellyn
Capt. William Patton
Capt. John York**+
Lt. Col. Nidland Franks (artillery)

Commander Second Division
Col. Francis W. Johnson
Col. James Grant
Companies:

Capt. Thomas Alley+
Capt. Plácido Benavides
Capt. Thomas H. Breece
Capt. William G. Cooke
Capt. Peter J. Duncan
Capt. H. H. Edwards
Capt. J. W. Peacock
Capt. James G. Swisher+

Reserve & Scouting:
Col. James Bowie
Capt. Thomas W. Borden
Capt. John M. Bradley+

Spies/Guides
Kendrick Arnold
Erastus "Deaf" Smith**
John W. Smith**

Companies:
Capt. James Cheshire
Capt. Robert W. Coleman+
Capt. M. B. Lewis
Capt. John S. Roberts
Thomas J. Rusk
Capt. Michael Ruth
Capt. Juan Seguín
Capt. Peyton Splane+
Capt. William Sutherland**
Capt. Henry Teal+
James C. Neill (artillery)

Medical Corp
Joseph E. Field
Thomas J. Gazely
T. Kenney
Albert M. Levy
Amos Pollard**

List of the Texian Wounded During the Storm of Bexar Between 5 to 10 Dec 1835

Mortal (2):  Lt. John Cook, George Alexander

Dangerous (7):  Capt. J.W. Peacock, Lt. Thomas W. Ward, Lt. John L. Hall, Alexander Abrahams, William Thomas, James Knowlin, John Beldin

Severe (11):  Col. Grant, Edward S. Pullam, James McGee, Greenberry Logan, Samuel G. Everett, William McDermott, George W. Main, D.C. Mitchison, James M. Cass, Erastus Smith, James West

Slight (3):  Outlaw, John Cornil, Boyle

The two reported mortal have since died.  The rest are doing well.   Albert M. Long

From a battle contemporary roster in the Texas Archives.

Gen. Antonio Lopez Santa AnnaGen. Martin Perfecto de Cos

Mexican Centralistas
24 Oct: ca. 750 men; 28 Oct. ca. 650; 4 Nov ca. 700; 1 Dec: ca. 570; 8 Dec: ca. 1045
Casualties: ca. 150
Deserted +

Commander-in-Chief:
Gen. Martin Perfecto de Cos

Permanent Battalion of Morelos:
Col. Nicholás Condelle

Presidial Cavalry Corps:
Col. Domingo de Ugartechea
Col. Mariano Cos

Companies:
Agua Verde+
Álamo de Parras
Second Alamo

Bavia:
Capt. Jesus de la Garza

Béxar
Lampazos

Morelos:
Capt. Apolinario Morales

First Nuevo León
Second Nuevo León
Pueblo
Río Grande

First Tamaulipas:
Capt. Pedro Quintero

Second Tamaulipas

The following is the story of the Siege and Battle of Bexar which shaped the course of the Texas struggle for independence as told through the eyes and original letters of the participants.  "Remember Bexar" should be an equally symbolic cry against corruption, greed, dictatorship and for self-determination as "Remember La Bahia" and "Remember the Alamo," whose glamour and myths have shadowed it.

Samuel Maverick's Diary 1835
Herman Ehrenberg's Account 1843
William T. Austin's Account 1844
Role of Col. Burleson Wm. T. AUSTIN TO EDITOR  3 Aug 1844
The Grass Fight--John Hancock Hunter 1860
On raising the siege or storming Bexar.  Francis Johnson 1880's
March to Bexar--Battle of Concepcion--by Noah Smithwick ca. 1898
The March, Siege and Battle for Bexar-DeWitt Colonist Creed Taylor ca. 1900
Who will Go With Old Ben Milam?
San Antonio Express 1930
Significance of the Battle for Bexar--Don Guillermo 1998
Andrew Kent-David Boyd Kent-Ben Highsmith-Andrew Sowell

Original Archival Letters and Documents
(From diverse sources, in largest part The Papers of the Texas Revolution 1835-1836, John Holland Jenkins, ed.)

3-15 Oct | 16-31 Oct | 1-15 Nov | 16-30 Nov | Dec | Post-Battle

Confrontation at Gonzales--Arrival of Cos AUSTIN TO KERR 3 Oct
Appeal for muster at Gonzales WHARTON TO PUBLIC
Call for volunteers in Gonzales FISHER TO AUSTIN
3 Oct
Description battle--muster at Gonzales TRAVIS TO JONES 3 Oct
Call for muster at Gonzales WHARTON TO PUBLIC 3 Oct
Call to Arms AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE 4 Oct
Circular announcing war AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE 4 Oct
Reward offer for Cos and Williams VOLUNTEERS TO PUBLIC 5 Oct
War preparations on the coast.  McKINNEY TO WILLIAMS 5-6 Oct

Austin's goals AUSTIN TO BURNET 5 Oct
Inquiry on status of invasion J.H. BELL TO AUSTIN 6 Oct
Flores pleasure with arrival of Cos GASPAR FLORES TO ZENTENO 6 Oct
Request for aid at Gonzales GRAYSON ET AL TO AUSTIN 6 Oct
Reconciliation of Austin and Wharton at Gonzales Early Oct
Bowie's resignation as officer BOWIE TO AUSTIN 9 Oct
Election of Austin to Commander GRAYSON TO AUSTIN 11 Oct
March to Bexar begins AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE 11 Oct
Austin General Orders-Appointments AUSTIN ORDERS 11 Oct
Parole of Lt. Col. Sandoval of Goliad KERR/LINN TO GRAYSON 11 Oct
Staff appointments AUSTIN ORDERS 13 Oct
COS TO TROOPS 13 Oct 1835
Dimmit support's Austin DIMITT TO AUSTIN l3 Oct
William Jack's cautionary advice JACK to AUSTIN 13 Oct
Situation report from San Felipe ROYALL TO AUSTIN 13 Oct
Rules for troop discipline AUSTIN GENERAL ORDER 14 Oct
Orders to scouts HALL to MILAM 14 Oct
Angel Navarro to Bexar public 14 Oct
Organization and procedures AUSTIN ORDERS 15 Oct
Control of entry/exit in Bexar COS TO NAVARRO 15 Oct 1835

Position report AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE 16 Oct
Centralista military reports OFFICERS TO COS 16 Oct
Call to Arms against Texians GOMEZ TO INHABITANTS 17 Oct
Linn report from Goliad LINN TO AUSTIN 17 Oct 1835
Offer of truce to Cos AUSTIN TO COS 17 Oct
Austin General Orders AUSTIN COUNCIL OF WAR 18 Oct
Rejection of truce by Cos
COS TO AUSTIN 18 Oct
Cos Report to War Minister COS TO TORNEL 19 Oct
Continue march to Salado AUSTIN COUNCIL OF WAR 19 Oct
List of Bexar supporters NAVARRO TO COS 20 Oct
Report of Tamaulipas Co. QUINTERO TO COS 20 Oct 1835
Report from Goliad DIMITT TO AUSTIN 20 Oct
Request for supplies FANNIN TO JONES 21 Oct
List of passports NAVARRO TO COS 21 Oct
Orders to Bowie/Fannin AUSTIN TO BOWIE 22 Oct
Report to Goliad AUSTIN TO DIMITT  22 Oct
Report from mission Espada BOWIE/FANNIN TO AUSTIN 22 Oct
Appointment of Juan Seguin AUSTIN TO DIMITT 23 Oct
Commission to Juan Seguin AUSTIN TO SEGUIN 23 Oct
Report from missions San Juan/San Jose BOWIE/FANNIN TO AUSTIN 23 Oct
Release of Capt. Savarigo ROYALL ORDER 23 Oct
Supplies for Bexar LETTER TO MCKENNEY ET AL. 23 Oct
Response to Troop Requests AUSTIN TO BOWIE/FANNIN 24 Oct
Report to Council AUSTIN TO COUNCIL 24 Oct
Supply Authorization AUSTIN TO SEGUIN 24 Oct
Reports and Requests BOWIE/FANNIN TO AUSTIN 24 Oct
Ruiz Evidence NAVARRO TO COMMANDANT 25 Oct
Move to Mission Espada AUSTIN TO COUNCIL 26 Oct
Should members of convention depart? BRYAN TO PERRY 26 Oct
Commission to Moore AUSTIN TO MOORE 26 Oct
Report COS TO TORNEL 26 Oct
Orders AUSTIN TO BOWIE 27 Oct
Orders AUSTIN TO TRAVIS 27 Oct

General AUSTIN ORDERS 27 Oct
Report-Battle of Concepcion BOWIE/FANNIN TO AUSTIN ca. 28 Oct
Report-Battle of Concepcion AUSTIN TO CONVENTION 28 Oct
Dispatch of guides AUSTIN TO RUSK 28 Oct
Order on discipline AUSTIN ORDER 28 Oct
Description of Concepcion BRYAN TO PERRY 28 Oct
From Goliad-LIST OF STORES 28 Oct
Protest of Houston's traitorous conduct HUFF/JACK TO COUNCIL 28 Oct
Receiving deserters AUSTIN TO BOWIE/FANNIN 31 Oct
Bowie's offer of truce to Cos BOWIE TO COS 31 Oct

Appeal to maintain siege ROYALL TO TROOPS 31 Oct
Barragan-Tornel to Governors and Commanders 31 Oct

Situation Report AUSTIN TO BOWIE/FANNIN 1 Nov
Report to headquarters BOWIE/FANNIN TO AUSTIN 1 Nov
Council decision not to storm Bexar COUNCIL OF WAR 2 Nov
Report not to storm AUSTIN TO BOWIE/FANNIN 2 Nov
Order to headquarters AUSTIN TO BOWIE/FANNIN 2 Nov
Bowie resigns BOWIE TO AUSTIN  2 Nov
Report-Battle of Concepcion AUSTIN TO DIMMIT 2 Nov
Report of Bowie's  division FANNIN TO AUSTIN 2 Nov
Situation Report AUSTIN TO CONSUL. 4 Nov
General review/inspection  ORDERS TO BOWIE/RUSK 5 Nov
No Mexicans in Camp Petition JOHNSON ET AL TO AUSTIN 6 Nov
Orders to patrol west of Bexar AUSTIN TO   BRISCO 6 Nov
Resignation of Travis TRAVIS TO AUSTIN 6 Nov
Election of Brigade Colonel ELECTION RETURNS ca. 7 Nov
Burleson Replaces Moore AUSTIN TO BURLESON 7 Nov
Situation Report AUSTIN TO CONSUL. 7 Nov
Company Elections AUSTIN ORDER 7 Nov
About Uncle S.F. Austin BRYAN TO PERRY 7 Nov
Appeal to Houston IRVINE TO HOUSTON 7 Nov
Will Remain with Troops AUSTIN TO CONSUL. 8 Nov
Resignation of Wharton WHARTON TO AUSTIN 8 Nov
Intercept Reinforcements AUSTIN TO FANNIN 9 Nov
Foresees Defeat of Texians GUERRERO TO AYUNTO. 9 Nov
Rules on Discipline AUSTIN ORDER 10 Nov
AUSTIN PROCLAMATION 10 Nov
Report on Capt. Barragan's encounter COS TO TORNEL 11 Nov
Fannin's Position AUSTIN TO TRAVIS 11 Nov
On Security AUSTIN GENERAL ORDER 12 Nov 1835
Report BURLESON TO AUSTIN 12 Nov 1835
Fannin Appointment  HOUSTON TO FANNIN 13 Nov
Orders AUSTIN TO FANNIN 14 Nov
Order to Join Fannin AUSTIN TO FLORES 14 Nov
Appeal for Reinforcement AUSTIN TO HOUSTON 14 Nov
Bexar Situation Report RUSK TO HOUSTON 14 Nov
Ugartechea's Foraging Expedition AUSTIN TO BURLESON 15 Nov
Observations and Opinions MILAM/ROYALL TO FANNIN 15 Nov

Security and Feeding AUSTIN ORDER 16 Nov 1835
Capture of Horses TRAVIS TO AUSTIN 16 Nov
Reduction of Waste AUSTIN TO JACK 17 Nov
Deserter Reports AUSTIN ORDER 17 Nov
For Storming Bexar AUSTIN TO CONSUL. 18 Nov
Appeal to Bexar inhabitants AUSTIN PROCLAMATION 18 Nov
Situation Letter BRYAN TO PERRY 18 Nov
Report from Rio Frio FANNIN TO AUSTIN 18 Nov
Desires Brig. General Appointment FANNIN TO HOUSTON 18 Nov
Resignation W. D. C. HALL TO AUSTIN 18 Nov
Personal Situation Report JOHNSON TO WILLIAMSON 18 Nov
Request for Aid GARZA TO LAREDO 19 Nov
Viesca's Disinterest in Texas PADILLA TO COUNCIL 20 Nov
Erection of battery AUSTIN ORDER 21 Nov
Opposition to Storming BURLESON TO AUSTIN 21 Nov
Opposition to Storming SUBLETT TO AUSTIN 21 Nov
Discharge of Fannin AUSTIN TO FANNIN 22 Nov
Personal Report AUSTIN TO PERRY 22 Nov
Arrival New Orleans Grays AUSTIN ORDER 22 Nov
Roster of the New Orleans Grays
Burleson Elected Commander AUSTIN ORDER 24 Nov
Austin Turns Command to Burleson GENERAL ORDER 24 Nov
Resignation GOHEEN TO AUSTIN 24 Nov
Gonzales Key to Texas Defense HOUSTON TO MARTIN 24 Nov
Situation Report RUSK TO ROBINSON 25 Nov
Declines Commissioner Appointment WHARTON TO ARCHER 26 Nov
Burleson-"Grass Fight" BURLESON TO GOVERNMENT 27 Nov
Jack-"Grass Fight" JACK TO BURLESON 27 Nov
Description of the "Grass Fight"--Thomas Jefferson Rusk
Report of the "Grass Fight" COS TO TORNEL 27 Nov
Situation report and viewpoint AUSTIN TO GOVERNMENT 30 Nov
On arrival in San Felipe from Bexar BRYAN TO PERRY 30 Nov
Appeal for support at Bexar CHESSHER AND McHANKS TO GOVT 30 Nov
Provisions for Bexar troops PATRICK/PETTUS TO GOVERNMENT 30 Nov
Supplies for 1500 troops SESMA TO POLITICAL CHIEF 30 Nov 1835
Orders to Col. Gonzales ROBINSON TO GONZALES 3 Dec

First assault BURLESON/MILAM TO GOVERNMENT 6 Dec
Response to attack on Bexar SMITH TO BURLESON 9 Dec
Call for aid to Milam after storm SMITH CIRCULAR 9 Dec
Gonzales appeal GONZALES TO TROOPS 10 Dec
Mexia's appeal MEXIA PROCLAMATION
Burleson/Milam-assault on Bexar BURLESON TO AUSTIN 11 Dec
Surrender of Cos COS CAPITULATION 11 Dec
Acccount of 10-11 Dec by Col. José Juan Sanchez-Navarro Dec 1835
F.W. Johnson's report JOHNSON TO BURLESON 11 Dec
Inventory of Military Stores, 13 Dec
Burleson's report BURLESON TO SMITH 14 Dec
Cos Report to Minister of War Tornel 15 Dec 1835
Congratulations COUNCIL TO ARMY AT BEXAR 15 Dec
Officers Volunteer Army JOHNSON TO GOVERNMENT 17 Dec

W.D. Dewees to Clara Cardello 25 Dec 1835
Letter-Capt. Gus Jones 15 Jan 1836
Henry Dance to Editors 25 Apr 1836
Dr. Joseph E. Field--Three Years in Texas, 2 Sep 1836
Mag Stiff on Storming Bexar STIFF NOTES ca. Dec 1836
W. G. Cook, Washington, Texas Feb 1844
Storming of Bexar--State Gazette 1849
Heroic Action of John Ingram--J.H. Kuykendall 1858
Leandro Chavez Pension Petition 1874
Julian Diaz Pension Petition 1874
Capt. D.L. Kokernot 1878
Heroic Action of Sylvester--S.F. Sparks 1899
J. M. Rodriquez 1913


Confrontation at Gonzales--Arrival of Gen. Cos in Texas 3 Oct 1835 AUSTIN TO KERR
San Felipe Oct. 3. 1835 I have this moment recd. your letters dated 1st instant---The communications which were taken yesterday by Mr Lightfoot, and today by Mr Perkins, will have informed you fully attack made on Gonzales, and that voluntiers from every point of this country have marched and are marching to that point, is at present the general rendezvous of the army of people---Expresses have been sent to Trinity and to Trinity and Nacogdoches, and a large force is expected from that quarter---The campaign is opened, and it must not be closed untill Bexar is taken and all the military are driven out of Texas. A report reached here that the voluntiers from Colombia who were to rendezvous at Kerrs had been turned back, in consequence of news received by them from Matagorda---in consequence of which I dispatched an express to Colombia on receipt of the news of the attack on Gonzales---I also dispatched the same to Matagorda, and yesterday to La Baca. Correct information, as to Cos's movements, and concert between Gonzales and La Baca is very important-It is possible that Cos may attempt a forced march to this place from Goliad, in the absence of the men at Gonzales. It would be well to keep this idea in view and to obtain certain information, when he left Goliad, and where the Morelos Battalion have stopped-whether they went on to Bexar, or have remained at Goliad- I expect the men from Harrisburg will be on by tomorrow or next day to this place, and unless otherwise advised they will continue on to Gonzales I regret that there are no Guns to be had in this quarter for the supply of Capt. Allens company. There is public powder at Matagorda which you can get by applying for in my name to the committee of that place, as they informed me they would hold it subject to my order. I shall dispatch expresses with the information contained in your letters, to every part of the upper and eastern country. I presume you have of course informed them in Matagorda and Bay Prairie from which it will go to Colombia. There are some who will not yet believe that Genl. Cos has come on-send all the positive information you can on this subject in a letter signed by James Kerr, John Alley, George Sutherland, or some others who are well known, in order that it may be printed with the signatures The printing press will be ready to print in this place tomorrow-you can therefore send me what you wish to have published   S. F. Austin   To James Kerr and John Alley

Appeal for muster at Gonzales Oct 1835 WHARTON TO PUBLIC
Arm, Arm, and Out Notice. I am just now leaving for the Camp at Gonzales. All who are backward or refuse to go without the best excuse in the world will in the remorse and bitterness of soul, say to themselves, in after times, the gallant have fallen in vain!!!! My countrymen and have won immortal renoun-or have bled and fallen fighting my battles, and fighting for the great principle of human liberty, and I was not There. Let all who wish to avoid this heart rending reflection march immediately to the Camp at Gonzales. Every person who cannot go himself, and who withholds a horse gun from those willing to go will be considered a traitor to his country and therefore Infamous. Let no one however stop for want of a horse; Soldiers who are in earnest have often marched on foot ten times as far as from here to San Antonio. William H. Wharton Agent for the Volunteers

Call for volunteers in Gonzales 3 Oct 1835 WILLIAM FISHER TO AUSTIN
Gonzales, October 3, 1835. Your letter of September 27, has been received, and we are rejoiced to hear that volunteers are on their march to our assistance. The rubicon is crossed, and it is now of vital importance to Texas that we should be immediately reinforced About 12 o'clock on the 20th the Military, about two hundred in number, arrived on the western bank of the Guadalupe, and attempted the passage of the river, but were repulsed by eighteen men (the whole force then in this place,) they then encamped on the mound at DeWitt's. On the 1st Oct, about 12 o'clock, thcy then took tip their march and encamped about seven miles above this place, in a very strong position. Suspecting that their object in this movement was either to wait for reinforcement from San Antonio, or to cross at the tipper crossing, about fifteen miles above, it was determined to attack them before their plans could be carried into execution. Accordingly, on the same night, the whole force on foot, amounting to about one hundred and sixty men, from the Guadalupe, Colorado, and La Baca, commanded by Colonel J. H. Moore, crossed the river, attacked the enemy about daybreak, and put them flight without the loss of a single man. Inasmuch as we expect a formidable attack from Ugartachie, should the forces long remain idle, the determination is to attack San Antonio, as soon as we can receive reinforcements, to prevent this country, as far as possible, from becoming the battle ground. This committee, therefore, earnestly desire that you would use your influence to send to this place, as soon as possible, as many volunteers as possible. Yours respectfully,  Wm. Fisher,   Chairman Colonel S. F. Austin, Chairman of committee of Austin.

Battle and muster at Gonzales 3 Oct 1835 TRAVIS TO JONES
San Felipe, October 3rd 1835 I avail myself of the opportunity of writing to you by Mr. Morton---important news on the carpet is that received by express from Gonzales night before last. Letters from Captains Coleman, Moore, & Albert Martin, dated the 30th Septr note that the Mexicans appeared in force say 125 to 150 men, on the western bank of the Guadalupe, & encamped on that day- That on the 29th there were only 18 Americans in arms at Gonzales-that on the 30th there were 150-collected from Bastrop Colorado & Washington - & that reinforcements were daily arming. That they would elect a commander in chief on that day & the probability was the Americans would attack the Spaniards that evening - Coleman says - "You need not be surprised, if you hear we have attacked them this day"- They expected reinforcements from San Antonio & therefore they call for aid & that with dispatch - All that were prepared have gone from here - Jack - Ewing, Somervell, Jackson Anderson, Bradly, Grayson &c &c &c put off yesterday & some are going daily- Col. Austin approves the whole & writes day & night in the cause-all are united, our frontier is attacked & who says now that we shall not fight? Let us go at it heart & hand-stand up like men & have nothing to fear-I have been quite sick with influenza, or I would have gone. I expect to go in a few days. I want to hear of Capt. W. Martin's taking the field-Altho I regret the course he has pursued yet I would regret to loose his valuable services in the field-where he can be more useful than most men & more serviceable than in any other department. You may say to the people of Fort settlement that among others I am a candidate for the Convention & will feel grateful for their suffrages, if they believe me qualified to serve them at this important crisis. My compliments to Mrs. Jones and family. Your friend  W. Barret Travis    [Addressed: Capt. Randal Jones Fort Settlement]

William H. WhartonCall for muster at Gonzales 3 Oct 1835 WHARTON TO PUBLIC
Fellow Citizens In accordance with the request of the Volunteers, I proceed to inform you that I parted with them at midnight, on Friday last under march to join their countrymen at Gonzales. They were to a man in excellent health and spirits. It is now ascertained that Gen. Cos is in La Bahia. It is said that he has with him 800 pair of Iron Hobbles for our benefit. If Texas will turn out promptly, he will be the first man to wear a pair of his own hobbles. In the language of the caption of this article, "now's the day and now's the hour." Five hundred men can do more now than 5000 six months hence. St. Antonio can be starved into a surrender in ten days, if there are volunteers enough to surround the town and cut of their supplies. The inhabitants seldom raise enough for their own consumption, and 800 troops being thrown upon them, has brought the place to the door of starvation. Bread is out of the question with them, and they have no hopes of obtaining meat, except eating their horses or pillaging from the Colonists. The Volunteers are determined never to return until St. Antonio has fallen, and every soldier of the Central Government has been killed or driven out of Texas. One great object of the Volunteers, is to intercept Cos between La Bahia & St. Antonio. After this if enough of our countrymen assemble, they will take St. Antonio by storm-if not they will surround the place-cut off their supplies and starve them into a surrender. Let all who can; turn out, and that immediately- Let no one say that business detains him; for what business can be so important as to crush the enemy advance, and thereby put an end forever, or at least for some time to come to this unholy attempt to bring us under the yoke of Military Despotism, or to expel us from the country. If St. Antonio is not taken, it will be a rallying point, where they will in a few months concentrate thousands of troops. If it is taken they Will have no foothold among us, and the power of the nation cannot reestablish one. Fellow citizens: there are enemy fighting our battles, more from sympathy, and from a detestation of oppression than from any great pecuniary interest they have in the country. These generous and heroic individuals should be sustained and encouraged in their magnammous efforts to render us a service. Arrangements are inaking in Brazoria & Matagorda, to send them supplies of Provisions and Ammunition. &c. Columbia and San Felipe ought to, & I have no doubt will do the same. If subscription papers are [illegible], the people will liberally contribute. Let me again implore you to turn out promptly and universally and repair to Gonzales. In this case we will conquer, and that suddenly. Ours is no rebellious or revolutionary or voluntary warfare. It has been forced upon us. justice, liberty, the constitution, & the god of battles are on our side, and the proud and imperious Dictator, Santa Ana, will be made to feel and know from blood bought experience, that a people who have adopted the motto of their ancesters, "Liberty or Death," will crush & laugh [illegible] his tyranic attempt to enslave them. This campaign [illegible] with the Consultation which is truly indispensible to us at present. If the war is over they assemble at the place appointed if not, let the members equip themselves for battle, repair to the camp and in a short time they may enjoy the proud satisfaction of holding the Consultation within the Walls of San Antonio. I will leave Brazoria for the Camp at Gonzales on tomorrow and would be glad that as many as could equip themselves by that time would bear me company. Those who cannot be ready tomorrow should continue to [illegible]. Their services will be valuable, if they can join us even 10 or 15 days hence. I feel every confidence that there will be within a few days upward of 800 American Volunteers at Gonzales. Wm. H. Wharton Brazoria, October 3d, 1835.

Declaration of war, call to arms 4 Oct 1835 AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE
Committee Room of the jurisdiction of Austin. San Felipe 4 october 1835. The inclosed printed circular will inform the people in that district of the present posture of affairs War is declared-public opinion has proclaimed it against Military despotism- The campaign has commenced- The Military have advanced to Gonzales- Gen Cos has arrived and threatens to overrun the country- But one spirit and one purpose animates the people of this part of the country, and that is to take Bexar, and drive the Military out of Texas. It is now hoped that every man will maturely study this subject, and make up his mind, and act according to the dictates of his own judgement. A combined effort of all Texas would soon free our soil of Military despots-we should then have peace, for the present Gov of Mexico have too much to do at home to sustain themselves against the attacks of the friends of the constitution of 1824, who are now in arms in Zacatecas and other places, to send another army to Texas. This committee hopes that you will send an express to Trinity with copies of this communication, and with the inclosed printed papers.   S. F. Austin Chairman of Com. To the Committee of Safety of Harrisburgh

Circular announcing opening of war 4 Oct 1835 AUSTIN TO COMMITTEE
Circular from the Committee of Safety of the Jurisdiction of Austin to the Committee of Nacogdoches and San Augustin. San Felipe de Austin, October 4, 1835. War is declared against military despotism. Public opinion has proclaimed it with one united voice. The campaign has opened. The military at Bejar has advanced upon Gonzales. General Cos has arrived and threatens to overrun the country. But on spirit, one common purpose, animates every one in this department, which is to take Bejar, and drive all the military out of Texas before the campaign closes. There are about three hundred volunteers at Gonzales at this time, and there will be upwards of five hundred in a few days. It is confidently believed in this quarter, that the people of the department of Nacogdoches will turn out, and join the ARMY OF THE PEOPLE, now in the field, and facing the enemy. Arms and ammunition are needed; we have more men than guns. Could not some musket be procured from the other side of the Sabine? This Committee will contribute, and is responsible that the people here will do the same, to pay a full proportion of the expense. This is all-important; a few wagon-loads of muskets and fixed ammunition would be of the utmost service at this time. Could not volunteers also be had from the United States? Our cause is one that merits the moral and physical aid of a free and magnanimous people; and those who now step forward, may confidently expect that Texas will reward their services. That distinguished and virtuous patriot, Don Lorenzo de Zavala, formerly governor of the State of Mexico, and late minister to France, has just arrived from his residence on the San Jacinto, and is now here, at the house of the chairman of this Committee. He is a citizen of Texas, and enters fully and warmly into the cause of the people. He also approves very much of the position they have taken against military despotism, and of the circular of this committee of the 19th ult. This Committee relies on you to forward copies of this communication to San Augustin and the other committees in that quarter, and also to send the enclosed papers to some printer in the United States for publication, in order that the public may be generally informed of the present state of affairs in Texas. An express has been sent to San Jacinto and Trinty. It would, however, be important for that committee to communicate with the people of Trinity, and of Bevil's Settlement, as it inspires confidence to know that the whole country is acting in union, and with one and the same spirit and purpose. This, as I before observed, is to take Bejar, and drive the military out of Texas before the campaign closes. Respectfully, your obedient servant,   S. F. Austin Chairman of Committee

Reward for Cos and Williams VOLUNTEERS TO PUBLIC 5 Oct 1835
$5000 Will be paid to the individual who kills or takes prisoner General Martin Perfecto de Cos, and $500 will be paid for the arrest and detention in close custody of John A. Williams who by the most infamous lying and by the production of forged letters from Santa Anna and Cos prevented 66 Volunteers from joining their countrymen at Gonzales. Volunteers. Brazoria, October 5th, 1835.

War Preparations.  McKINNEY TO WILLIAMS 5-6 Oct 1835
[Thomas F. McKinney, Quintana, to Samuel May Williams, New Orleans, October 5-6, 1835, about preparations in Texas to meet Cos, and the need for vessels to protect the coast.]

Austin statement of goals and strategy 5 Oct 1835 AUSTIN TO BURNET
San Felipe Oct. 5, 1835 My friend-All goes well and gloriously for Texas-the whole country is in arms and moved by one spirit, which is to take Bexar and drive all the military out of Texas-This is as it should be- No half way measures now-war in full I hope you will enter ardently and warmly in the cause Now is the time-no more doubts-no submission- I hope to see Texas forever free from Mexican domination of any kind- It is yet too soon to say this publically-but that is the point we shall aim at-and it is the one I am aiming at- But we must arrive at it by steps. And not all at one jump    S. F. Austin [D. G. Burnet Esqr. San Jacinto.

Inquiry on Status of Mexican Invasion J.H. BELL TO AUSTIN 6 Oct 1835
Columbia Oct 6 1835 Dear Sir We heare nothing that we Can rely on relative to the Expedition against St Antonia and feel very anxious on that affair-it is rumored here that they have had an engagement at Gonzallas and that Cos is in St Antona with a large force all of which we know nothing as to the facts it is also rumered that they are perparing a decent on the mouth of this river by watter with a forse of 2000 men all of which is only rumer-should that be the Case is not the Coast Country in a defenseless situation as it is left bearer of men than any other part of the Country and intirely destitute of armes-if you know any thing of the true state of things do let us know as spedly as possible should we have an attact by watter with our Slave popalation among us as it is would we not be much -Exposed would it be prudent for any more men to leave the lower Country in the present state of things or not- do inform us of Everything you Can by Every opertunity we wish to do for the best in all cases and is only at a loss to know what is best do not omit any oportunity of righting and if any thing occurs send an Express let us know how many men is out and what is the proble amt of the Enemy-and all other things Connected with our intrust. Myself and famaly are some better in health than when you last heard from us   J. H. Bell   [Addressed:] Col. Stephen F. Austin or P. W. Grayson St Filepe

Request for Aid GRAYSON ET AL TO AUSTIN 6 Oct 1835
Gonzales October 6 1835 12 o'clock at night Dr. Col You will receive important dispatches by the Bearer that Col Ugartachea and probably Gen Cos-are now on their march here, with all their forces to take the Gun if it is not delivered You will see by Ugartachea's letter to you., he proposes a sort of compromise. That will give us an opportunity to entertain him a little while, upon the Suggestion that you are sent for, until we can get in more ment. We who subscribe this, request you earnestly to come on immediatelys,, bringing all the aid you possible Can-we want powder and lead. Do all you can to sent on instantly as much as possible.    P.W. Grayson    J.W.E. Wallace     Pat C. Jack    Jno. J. Linn      J.W. Fannin Jr.    S.R. Miller      Thos. P. Gazsley     A. Pollard    [Addressed:] Col. Stephen F. Austin at San Felipe de Austin.

Flores Pleased with Arrival of Cos GASPAR FLORES TO ZENTENO 6 Oct 1835
[Gaspar Flores, Bexar, to Juan Zenteno, Goliad, October 6, 1835, declaring himself pleased at the arrival of Cos in Texas and hoping that the affairs of Texas will soon be settled.]

Resignation of James Bowie BOWIE TO AUSTIN 9 Oct 1835
At Camp above San Antonio, October 9, 1835.  To General Stephen F. Austin:  I have declined further action under the appointment given to me by yourself.  This you will therefore look upon as my resignation.  I will be found in Captain Fannin's company, where my duty to my country and the principles of human rights shall be discharged on my part to the extent of my abilities as a private.  Respectfully, James Bowie.

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