7 in the morning, Oct. 20th- 1835

Gen S. F. Austin,

Sir

Since sealing my official of last evening and 5 o.c. this morning, a Deserter from Bexar has been introduced to my quarters who says he lives in Monterey—that, he deserted 8 days ago, intending to return home— that, after leaving Bexar, he heard of the fall of Goliad, and turned his course for this place. He states, that, all the Bexar Troopes will join the Americans, as soon as they present themselves; that, the officers and infantry want a fight, but that the cavalry do not—that, when the men were sent to Gonzales after the Cannon, they were paid only S3 ea. and drew only a little corn.

He says there are 300 infantry and 400 cavalry there—one half of the former convicts—that, Gen Cos was making no preparation whatever, for defence, in the way of fortifying—that, there were 2 pieces of cannon on the western side of Town, near the Church; and 2 in the Alimo. In the Town, his patrol is strong, especially at night, both in cavalry, and infantry—that he keeps 60 sentinels out during the night; besides four cavalry scouts, of 20 men each; that, there is great discontent among the inhabitants, who will almost unanimously join the Colonists, as soon as they enter the place; that, Ugartechea and Candela, are the only Officers, remarkable for their antipathy against us— and these, do every thing in their power to stimulate the men to defend the place to the last extremity.

Mr. Bracken, arrived here last evening from Zacatacas; who left there a short time since; he says, that, a few days before he left that City, all the troops except 400, had been marched to Guadalajara, to oppose Alvarez, who had won two important victories over Santanna's troops. That 4 Generals, amongst whom are, Montenegro and Guzman, had joined Alvarez and that he was daily acquiring strength; and further, that the troops at Saltillo and San Louis, destined for Texas, had been ordered back, after having taken up the line of march.

9. o. c. same day—Col. Powers this moment arrived from the neighbourhood of San Patricio; He states that the cannon there had been removed to the garrison of Le Panticlan, and that the troops there, were fortifying day and night. A courier had arrived there, who gave information of the near approach of 200 Cavalry from Aquaverda and Loredo, to the garrison on the Nueces; and that there were also from 2 to 300 more on the march from Matamoros to the Nueces; intended for the recapture of this post. This information comes through an express sent to the comt. of the Loredo troops; who accidentally passed them, and reached the Nueces without seeing them.

Col. Powers further states that, Cos complains in a letter to the Com'g officer at Le Panticlan, that his whole force, including those on the way, is only 1700. This Garrison has a Piquet of 15 or 20 men, 6 Leagues this side Sn Patricio; and one, about the same distance the other side, for forwarding expresses.

From all this, you can easily judge whether this place ought to be evacuated, and whether 50 men can make a successful defence.

P. Dimitt Comd g [Rubric]

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