Guadaloupe Victoria Octr 10th 1835
11 P. M. 1835
To the Council of War at Gonzales
This moment Col. Milam with an escort of a few men, bringing with
them 3 officers passing from Goliad arrived here, bound for St Felipe—a
copy of the following letter will elucidate the matter—
"Goliad 8 oclock A.M. Octr 10th 1835
"To Captn Benj. Smith
Dear Sir
I arrived here last night at 11 Oclock and marched into the fort, by
forcing the Church doors and after a small fight they surrendered with
3 officers and 21 soldiers, together with 3 wounded and one killed— I had
one of my men wounded in the shoulder— They have dispatched couriers
for Troops to several points and I expect I shall need your aid, there is
plenty of public horses near here, but I have not sufficient forces to send
after them, and protect my self.
Come on as speedily as possible
Geo. M. Collinsworth."
You will please communicate with Col. J. H. Moore on the subject of
my letter and since the above was written I have been informed that 50
Troops were expected today or tomorrow. Come on as speedily as possible
for I never will give up the ship."
G. M. C."
On the arrival of Captn Smith and army yesterday at Burn's we were
informed that Captn Collinsworth had passed this place at 11 clock A M.
yesterday—For supplies the detatchment encamped for the night—This
morning they crossed the Guadalope and pressd for La Bahia and no doubt
will be there by 10 or 11 Oclock to morrow—John Linn and myself came
via this place to hurry on supplies of Sugar and Coffee and will take on 50
lb of Gun powder—to Goliad. The Battallion when formed in Goliad will
be in need of Lead—I have been informed that the Martins of Gonzales
have 300 lb of Lead at Dimmitts or Santa Anna; but the information is
too uncertain for me to rely on so as to send for it—I shall send full copies
of all this to the Committee of Correspondence at St Felipe—I presume to
say that the 3 companies will form a Battallion and march for Bejar But
of this movement you shall be further advised so as to produce concert of
action. My opinion is that no time is to be lost as from Captn
Collinsworths letter you will see that large reinforcements have Been now called
for by Cos—When the Battalion is organised we will be 200 strong. The
name of the Prisoners are Lt Col. Sandarval—Captn Sarriago—and
Ensign Garza
James Kerr
[Addressed:] To the Council of War at Gonzales Texas from James Kerr.