Head Quarters on the Canal above Bexar Oct. 31st 1835
To Colo. James Bowie and Capn. Fanning,
I have taken a position on the Alamo Canal at the mouth of a dry gully
about one mile from town,—There is one, a little nearer, but it can not be
occupied to day— I have certain information that all the surplus horses
except about 250 or 200, were started to Laredo last night. The number
that left is reported at 900 head— The escort does not exceed twenty or
thirty men—
I have dispatched Capn. Travis with 50 men to overtake and capture
them— He has good guides and I have no doubt will succeed—
I have to inform you that a servant of Antonio de la Garza came into
camp today bringing a proposition from the greater part of the S.
Fernando Company of Cavalry, and the one of Rio-Grande—to desert— This
man was sent to procure a guarantee for them, when they come out— I
have given the guarantee and have now to communicate, to you the mode
in which they will come out to us—when etc.— He says they will be obliged
to come in the day time, upon some occasion of alarm, when they are
ordered out,— These troops are stationed in the house of Padilla in one of
the lower labors which Col.° Bowie understands the situation of— It would
be well then for you to morrow to make a diversion on that side, so as to
produce the necessary stir; so that they may be ordered out, and thus give
these men the chance to come out as it were on duty and then escape—
They will present themselves with the britch of their guns advanced or a
white flag— Padilla has many acquaintances in those companies, who sent
in Garza's servant (Jose Ortis) to have an understanding with him as to
the guarantee and the mode of joining us.—
In regard to the measure of harassing the enemy to night as was spoken
of, before we parted, by simultaneous firing on the town, I have today
thot I am obliged to decline it; owing partly to the condition of the men
here at present, having lost so much sleep last night; and partly to the
difficulty of crossing the river from here, so as to cooperate in time with
the — As you will make a diversion tomorrow for the purpose
of bringing out the Deserters, you will therefore decline anything of the
kind tonight unless you think it better to proceed on your part— If you
think so you can act as you think best, in that respect, but without expecting
any cooperation from this quarter, for the reason I have mentioned— I will
however mention that a few men from here may probably fire on the Alamo,
which is you know on this side of the River—about moon down—
As there is abundance of corn here, you can use that brought by Seguin
for your Detachment.
I wish you to send to Seguins Ranch for some rockets that are there—
2 or 3 dozen— In Spanish they are called quetes pronounced quates—we
may want them—
Please to give me your opinions and those of your officers as to the mode
of further operation on the enemy.
By order
S. F. Austin [Rubric]
W. D. C. Hall Adjt Gen.
Dispatch the bearer with your answer to night as soon possible
S. F. A.
I wish your opinions as to storming or besieging—
S. F. Austin [Rubric]