Fort of Goliad, Nov. 6th. 1835—6 o.c. AM.

To Gen. Stephen F. Austin,

Com. in Ch. of the Army of the People,

Dear Sir,

Yours of the 3d. inst by hand of Mr. Kemball, was duly recd, about 9 o. c. last evening. The Volunteers from N. Orleans, have not yet reached here. They were to arrive at the Guardeloupe, last night, and take up the line of march at 4 o.c. this morning. We expect them with us this evening. Your letter will be laid before them immediately on their arrival at this place.

I forwarded to them yesterday by express, a communication addressed to the Officers and privates of that Corps, greeting their arrival, and near approach to this post, and tendering such congratulations as the time and occasion seemed to recommend. I sent also an escort of 7 men to meet them, and by whom as many horses as could be spared, were sent along to mount a part, at least, of those who had not been able to procure horses, at the time of our last advices.

I will here observe, that, we are assured, another company, nearly ready to leave when that now so near us, left N. Orleans, were to embark for Velasco by the next departure, and are supposed to be now on the way. Two other companies from N. Orleans, who proceeded by water to Natchitoches, and were to come through by land, are now supposed to be this side the Sabine.

To those who are expected to arrive here to night, as also to all others, taking a like participation in the present and approaching struggle, every facility in our power to extend, and every aid we can possibly give, will be cheerfully, gratefully, and promptly afforded.

I have now one request to make, and one which carries with it every solicitude of my heart for the success of our arms, every deep, every strong and lively sensibility to the glorious termination of the present campaign— I ask for permission to exercise my own discretion as to the force requisite to sustain this post—and for leave to proceed with the balance, forthwith, to Head Quarters.

Cherishing the hope that you will grant this request, and advise me accordingly, as speedily as possible, permit me to subscribe myself, with sentiments of the highest consideration and Esteem,

P. Dimitt Com g [Rubric]

P. S. Yours of the same date as that above acknowledged, but, we are informed, previously written, and forwarded by Volunteer Baylor, was also recd, at the same time last evening. I infer from the tenor of the one last penned, that, the implied proposal "to fall back," as stated in the first, was ultimately withdrawn, or overruled. Nothing could have been more gratefying than this implied information—as, on the other hand, nothing could have been more unwelcome than even the suggestion that such a step was among possible expedients. The adoption of a retrograde movement, at the present moment, unless coerced by imperious necessity, would, it appears to me, with all due respect for the wisdom of your Council, prove little less than fatal. To develope, at length, all the evils, direct and consequential, mediate and immediate, of such a movement, in our first essay, with the legions to the east, at our backs, cheering and sustaining us, would require pages, whereas it is allowed me to say but little, and that little in few words.

Savriego, I am assured, is below, endeavouring to reorganize—. If I take him again, which I shall try to do, he will hardly be permitted, by me, to rally a second time.

P. Dimitt Com g [Rubric]

[Addressed:] To Gen. Stephen F. Austin Com. in Ch. of the Army of the People, Head Quarters