Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, Friday, April 8, 1836:
Dear Fellow Texians,
Word has been received from Captain John M. Allen that he is on march to our camp with 100 men and possibly two cannons received at Velasco from the good citizens of Cincinnati. The men in camp joyously welcome this news that field pieces are in transit. General Houston has instructed Allen to confiscate the property of those who refuse to join us and to regard those individuals as deserters from our cause.
Shots have been heard from San Felipe and the men grow restless to know the nature of the engagement and whether the Mexican army will march north to our position. General Houston put the army on notice to be in "readiness for action at a moment’s warning." He has put the men on alert in order to discipline but he feels that our camp in the bottoms is secure from any immediate attack. Any approaching army would be slow moving in the terrain and would make enough noise breaking through the cane and timber so as to alert us in amply time to prepare for any encounter.
Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp
Meanwhile the Mexican Army: The cannonade and sniper fire has not dislodged Baker’s company of Texians. Meanwhile barges are being built so the army can pass once it is cleared. The river is scouted north and south for an alternate crossing but none is found nearby. Santa Anna getting impatient as he wants to end the campaign before the spring rains. Sesma commands the First Brigade and Tolsa commands the Second Brigade. Gaona commands the Third Brigade and has been ordered to march to San Felipe. However, his location and arrival is unknown. Filisola travels to the Navidad River on his way to the Colordao. Urrea is still crossing the Colorado at Cayce’s.
The Interim Government: Cabinet still dealing with matters of the new Republic at Harrisburg.
Route of the Twin Sisters: Sloop Ohio arrived at Harrisburg in the evening.
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Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, Thursday, April 7, 1836:
Dear Fellow Texians,
It is now known that the advance of the enemy, only 30 in number, arrived at San Felipe yesterday. One of our sentries was captured and the enemy knows our position, as well as the strength of our forces lead by Captain Baker on the east side of the Brazos. General Houston has issued the statement "The moment for which we have waited with anxiety and interest, is fast approaching. The victims of the Alamo, and the names of those who were murdered at Goliad, call for cool, deliberate vengeance. Strict discipline, order and subordination will insure us the victory."
Regimental Quarter Master E. Winfield has been sent to Washington to procure blankets, domestic for summer clothing and tents. Aide-de-camp Major James Collinsworth has been ordered to take command of the men at Washington, just north of our position, and James R. M. Williamson has been reprimanded for killing two Mexicans instead of sending them to us for interrogation. One can never know the source of valuable information.
With Rusk in camp and the ongoing organization of the men as volunteers arrive, the spirits of the men continue. Although we have not rebuilt to the strength we enjoyed at the Colorado river, our numbers are increasing daily.
Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp
Meanwhile the Mexican Army: Santa Anna, Sesma & Tolsa arrive at San Felipe and find the town in ashes. Texian Mosley Baker’s company is protecting the crossing of the Brazos River. A cannonade is set up to try to dislodge the Texians. Filisola completed the crossing of the Guadalupe River at Gonzales and begins marching towards the Atascosito crossing of Colorado River where Woll is waiting with barges to transport the camp equipment. Gaona’s situation is still unknown. Urrea stated crossing his army across the Colorado. Because the river had expanded due to the heavy spring rains it will take him five days to complete the crossing.. The Interim Government: Cabinet still dealing with matters of the new Republic at Harrisburg. Route of the Twin Sisters: Sloop Ohio traveling from New Washington to Harrisburg with the Twin Sisters on board.
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Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, Wednesday, April 6, 1836:
Dear Fellow Texians,
Dispatches from Acting Secretary of War David Thomas have been received stating that the supplies are on their way. Captain Jacob Eberly has been authorized to raise a company of 56 men. Sergeant Foard should arrive shortly with 25 men raised by Merriweather W. Smith in Alabama. Smith is too sick to bring them himself even though he is presently located at Fort Bend.
General Houston has written Capt. Baker about rumors that Baker allowed for waste and destruction in San Felipe. Baker is supposed to have put the town to the torch, on Houston’s orders. Houston said he did not order it and that Baker might have misunderstood his order. This confusion has created a rift between the two men.
Another deserter from the enemy has been brought into camp and confirms the previous reports about the miserable conditions of the enemy army and the lack of adequate provisioning. Our spies continue to be active in reporting the location and deplorable condition of the enemy’s camps.
Respectfully yours, An Observer and aide-de-camp
Meanwhile the Mexican Army: San Anna with Sesma heading toward the San Bernard River on the way to San Felipe. Leaves General Woll at Atascosito with a battalion and a cavalry picket in charge to build a barge so that the artillery can cross the river as well as the 12 transport wagons, baggage and other equipment that Gen. Filisola was bringing up from the Guadalupe at Gonzales. Advance troops under Gen. Castrillon and Col. Trevino captured an American sentry. Learned that a detachment of 60 men were on the opposite side of the Brazos River. Also that Sam Houston was north at Groce's on the west side of the Brazos with 800 men after 400 recently deserted. The river was running high and frequently flooded due to the frequent spring showers. Gaona’s situation is still unknown. Urrea occupied Cayce’s Crossing of the Colorado River and explored the area.The Interim Government: Cabinet still dealing with matters of the new Republic at Harrisburg. Route of the Twin Sisters: The Flash arrived at New Washington with the Secretary of Navy and the Twin Sisters on board before noon. The Twin Sisters were moved from the Schooner Flash to the steamboat Ohio under the command of Capt. Lt. Aaron Burns.
View a map showing the location of the armies
HARRIS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION MARKER PROGRAM