Headquarters, Camp near Beason’s, March 19, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

There has been much complaining in camp about General Houston’s decision to abandon Gonzales even though any right thinking man would agree that the lack of manpower, the lack of weapons, the lack of proper military training and the size of the approaching enemy dictated the course of action. Having now put the Colorado between us and the enemy, I believe that we can establish a defensive position that can not be challenged by the enemy. If Fannin and Dimmit can make it to this place with their men, if the artillery pieces from Velasco will arrive and if the government will continue to send supplies and volunteers, here we can make our stand. The river is high and that is to our advantage. From here we can defend the three crossings of the Colorado river, at Dewees, at Beason and at the Atascosito crossing. Our spies continue to seek out the enemy and supply us with valuable reports. There are rumors that Santa Anna is no longer in Texas, but has left the command of his army with General Woll, an Englishman.

This is all that I have time to report today. Stationary is in short supply, but I hope to be able to continue my daily dispatches. Much is in turmoil although we have the talent and dedication to bring about victory.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp near Beason’s, March 20, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

New stationary has arrived and I am able to continue my correspondence, or rather, to share with you the record of our journey in defense of our country. General Houston has busied himself with the drilling of the troops and has not taken time to send correspondences, which allows me the liberty of sending these daily dispatches. We have not received word from Fannin or the government in several days. I fear that the government has vacated Washington as has been feared, but as of this moment we have not received any confirmation of their travels or destination. This action by the government has an unsettling effect on the volunteers.

Captain Logan has arrived with recruits from the Liberty area, along with Dr. Labadie. The jubilation in camp was curtailed when word was received that the Mexican General Sesma has arrived on the opposite bank of the Colorado river. Thus far there has been little contact with the enemy, but surely peace will not last long. Some of the men are anxious to cross the river and to engage the enemy before they can be reinforced. General Houston has denied them satisfaction, desiring to continue to drill the men until a better opportunity presents itself. To maintain an engagement while divided from the battlefield by a fast moving river is inherent with risk that we can ill afford at this time. More volunteers are expected shortly, along with much needed camp gear, food stores and artillery pieces.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp near Beason’s, March 21, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

Robert Calder’s company from Brazoria arrived today with Dr. Anson Jones (although a medical doctor, he carries the rank of private) and John A. Wharton. Mr. Wharton accompanied two pieces of artillery from New Orleans to Velasco, a gift from the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio. However, he was unable to bring them directly to the army due to the threat of the enemy in the area. General Urrea is reported to head a large contingency of the Mexican army coming up the coastline of Texas. The exact route of the field pieces to the army is currently unknown, but surely they will arrive for our aid shortly. The continual arrival of new volunteers and the news that artillery pieces are on their way has lifted the spirits of the men. Sherman has taken up camp opposite Sesma’s position on the Colorado, about two miles upriver from our main camp. We are in a favorable defensive position and the river continues to be swollen and impassable to a large force. John Ingram and others are keeping an eye on the Atascosito crossing down river from here. Unfortunately we are still not in receipt of news from Fannin, Dimmit or the government.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp near Beason’s, March 22, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

Training continues and General Sesma continues to watch. He is reinforced with the arrival of General Tolsa and his company. Our men are restless, but restraint continues. Captain Teal, of the regulars, arrived with his company. Our little army is approaching a thousand volunteers as more arrive daily. But some are leaving; a few to help their families and friends escape the approaching Mexican army, and a few in disgust that Houston will not engage the enemy at this time. General Houston has ordered all deserters detained and their arms taken from them and returned for the use of the army. Families moving for safety will be entitled to one-armed man for their protection. Our spies continue to engage the enemy in skirmishes.

Benjamin Fort Smith is presently serving as the Quartermaster, a temporary position, as well as adjutant to General Houston in the absence of men regularly appointed to these stations.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

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