Thomas G Western and Others to Stephen F Austin, 08-25-1832


Summary: Military commandant refuses to declare for Santa Anna, but civil authorities are ready to do so.


Goliad August 25—1832

Sir

In addition to our representation under yesterdays date handed to you here with, we have further to lay before you the following facts,—

The Military commandant of this post continues obstinately to oppose the Plan of Genl. Sta Anna, after the receipt of the pronouncement of your Ayuntamiento (by the Authorities here) he was called upon by them to attend a meeting of their Corporate body to deliberate upon the reply to be made, he refused, alledging that himself and his officers would continue to adhere to the actual Govmt. of Sr Bustamte untill compelled by force of arms to act otherwise.—

After closing last evening our respects before alluded to, the mail arrived from your quarter— it brought dispatches to the Commandant and this morning he waited upon the Alcalde, shewing him a confidential letter he had received, stating that Mr. Bowie was now on his march to Bejar, with troops,—that a force had been prepared with you to come to this place, but that it had not come hither in consequence of your having been informed that this place had already pronounced in favor of the Constitution and Laws—He demanded of the Alcalde his aid, of the Civicos etc. in case this force should come, the Alcalde told him not to expect from him any aid whatever, that neither he nor the Citizens would oppose the forces of Santa Anna, and that should they come, he might get within his own walls and make what defense he could with his troops—he then said he would communicate with him on the Subject and make his demand officially—to which the Alcalde replied, that he should make him the same answer in writing, that he then did verbally— finally the Commdt. manifested, that should he find no assistance here, he would proceed with his troops to Bejar, and join those of his own party there,—these are the last occurences transpired here up to this hour 4 P. M.—

J. Antonio Vasquez [Rubric] Secrtio. de Ayunto.

Thomas, G, Western [Rubric]

Jno. Hallet [Rubric]

J W. H. Living [Rubric]

To Col. S. F. Austin San Felipe