Fort Goliad Oct. 21st 1835

To Gen. S. F. Austin

Sir,

This is dispatched to give you intelligence of the intended movements of the Enemy.

By information recd. from a Mexican early this morning, who says he is only two days from Bexar, we are informed that Cos is fortifying rapidly—that 500 men were to arrive there today from the interior; and that, as soon as they should arrive, he intended sending a strong force here, to retake this post. I inclose you intercepted letters on the same subject. They speak for themselves.

Our effective force is still 50 men. By the express which left here yesterday morning for Head Quarters, I wrote to Capt. Alley, urging the necessity of his joining me with his command, as speedily as possible; but 30 odd hours have elapsed, and no answer, nor have I any reason to expect one or to see him, unless he is ordered to return by the Gen.

We have done all we could in the way of repairing arms, and are still doing. About 50 pikes and bayonets are handled. All the breaches in the outer wall are repaired, and the bastions will be done tomorrow. Some of the men are sick—but all are in good spirits. But 50 men, against an army, in so large a field as this, leaves too many blanks, too many points unprotected; in case of an attack by a large force, to promise success. Your orders are solicited. They are expected. Of the little band that entered this place on the night of the 9th., inst., many have returned home, and others say they will go in a few days. Inform me what I shall do in this matter? How shall I keep the men together? Or, shall I permit them to go and come as they please?

I will now add more fully to the above, of the information given by the Mexican this morning.

He says, all the squares of Bexar are fortified that works,are raised at every angle for the effective use of their artillery.

I am decidedly of the opinion from all that I can learn, that the day is gone by for the present when that place can be taken by storm without a great and disheartening loss of valuable men. Starvation by siege, presents itself to my mind as the cheapest, most certain, and most efficient mode of operating at that point under the present state of things allowing my information to be correct.

P. Dimitt [Rubric]

Commanding

P.S. Since writing the above, I have again conversed with the Mexican above Spoken of—He says that he was sent ex. to Cos by Zenteno, with a full statement of the force here and of every thing connected with our situation. Cos, therefore, knows as well as we do, what ever was known to the Collector.

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