Goliad, 13th Oct 1835.

Dr. Sir

You will allow me to congratulate you, on the high command to which you have been called by the free and unbiased voice of your fellow-citizens. Rely upon it, Sir I conceive this appointment, to be fortunate for Texas. Because it will unquestionably have the effect of uniting all parties.

You have been truly fortunate in your appointment of an adjutant Genl. for I conceive Coln Hall, to be one of the first military men in Texas; and I think his incorporation into your family will greatly promote the cause.

The orders rec'd here this morning were not agreeable to a large majority of the men; but they almost unanimously determined to obey without a murmur.

We are but illy supplied with stores of any kind, but immediate arrangements will be made to do the best we can. I flatter myself that the place will be dearly bought if the Mexicans ever regain it.

You will pardon me for expressing my views and opinions to you freely, fully and frankly. It seems the army has left Gonzales for Bexar. I understand your force does not possibly exceed 400; I cannot conceive that it is seriously contemplated to attack Bexar with that number. The fate of Texas must not be risked upon one battle; unless the advantages are so decidedly in our favor, as to place the result beyond a Shadow of doubt.

If the force of Cos be such as the statement furnished by Majr- Smith Shews, they will be more than two to one against you; and though I have the utmost confidence in the firmness and bravery of our countrymen yet it is drawing too heavily on that confidence, to be willing to risk a general engagement, on which so much depends against such fearful odds.

They have the numerical strength. They have artillery, cavalry, muskets, bayonets, lances, against all these you present a band (brave perhaps to a fault) of untrained militia, with such arms only as could be procured in the immediate emergency.

The case being thus, I give it as my decided opinion, that an engagement ought not to be risked, unless success is next to certain.

Majr- Smith shewed me yr- post script in which you express a desire to see me. At this particular crisis it would probably be unadvisable for me to leave. By your next express you can command me as I can then leave with propriety.

You will be pleased to accept my assurances of highest regard WM- H. Jack

[Addressed:] Stephen F. Austin Commander of Texas Army.