Headquarters, Camp near Beason‘s, March 23, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

Word has been received this day that Fannin finally began his retreat on Saturday last (the 19th). His command was attacked by the Mexican Army before sundown. The battle continued into the night, and the result is not known. If what is heard is true, his ill luck is based in an attempt to begin his retreat in daylight in the face of superior force. He is an ill-fated man. The express also states that Col. Ward’s command had not returned and their situation is likewise not known. Spies have been dispatched to obtain more information.

Besides the Beason crossing, the army controls the upper Colorado crossing at Mosley's with 200 men and the lower Colorado crossing at Atascosito. There are upwards to 700 men in camp and not one on the sick list. There is good order and discipline among our troops. Today a wagon, with arms, ammunitions and other goods arrived. It is much needed and the men were joyous. Captured enemy soldiers report that Gen. Sesma has from 500 to 600 men, 150 cavalry and two small artillery. His troops are badly clad and the state of the weather such as to render them almost ineffectual due to the cold. However, they are building a boat with the intention of crossing.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp near Beason‘s, March 24, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

The feeling persist that the enemy poses no threat to our current position. On the Colorado we will make our stand. We must not respond to the enemy in haste, but rather deploy our forces in strategic positions and engage the enemy when the terms are favorable to our forces. Strict silence is ordered in camp for the night times.

Men are flocking to the camp and we expect even more shortly. Hopefully Maj. Ira A. Lewis has been appointed agent for the Cherokees so that they may be used for our defense, or at least persuaded to remain neutral. Gen. Gregory of North Carolina, Col. Nibbs and several other gentlemen of Washington have arrived in camp with Major Poe. They report that 200 men will arrive tomorrow.

Forty-eight muskets and a supply of ammunition arrived last night. But we are still without tents and other basic necessities of life. Even the General is sleeping in the open. Capt. B. J. White has been dispatched to Coxe’s point and Dimit’s landing to remove or secure the supplies at that place.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp near Beason‘s, March 25, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

Dreadful news has been received by way of Peter Kerr. He has reported that Fannin has surrendered his forces. Fannin had delayed his departure of his four hundred men from Goliad in order to assist evacuating settlers in the area. The men he sent chose to engage the enemy and were thus defeated. Upon hearing this news, Fannin continued to delay his departure from Goliad. Instead of immediately withdrawing as light and swiftly as possible, he chose to haul the nine cannons and 500 spare muskets, which greatly slowed his rate of retreat. His command was caught on the open plains, just eleven miles from Goliad and was immediately surrounded and put under assault. It was then that they discovered that they had failed to pack food and adequate water. Although the men fought bravely and used the cannons until they were too hot to reload, the position was hopeless. The oxen were shot by the Mexicans so there was no way to evacuate the serious wounded. During the night the enemy bought up fresh reserves and three field pieces. By then it became obvious even to Fannin that their position was hopeless and he surrendered to Urrea that next morning. The prisoners where marched back to Goliad and held prisoner in their own fort.

This sad news has been received with great panic and anger by the troops. What will we do? What can we do?

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp east of Beason‘s, March 26, 1836:

Dear Fellow Texians,

With the excitement in camp, time is quite short for writing. This afternoon we again find ourselves in retreat. Despite our current force of some one thousand and two hundred or four hundred men, the lack of adequate supplies and weapons as well as the unknown presence of various units of the enemy causes great uncertainty for General Houston. He has sent Col. Wallace to notify all persons that the Army is moving out of the post oaks, and will probably fall back towards the Brazos river. All troops in movement to the Army should also fall back to Columbia and to protect the mouth of the Brazos and the supplies arriving at that point. Capt. William Fisher has arrived with a company of volunteers. The Army will march slowly to provide a rear guard defense for those seeking to leave the country. Deserters are again a problem. Most assuredly are leaving to protect their families since the enemy is now entering into our settlement areas. Orders have been sent to put Beason and Dewees’ crossing to the torch.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Next Dispatch set ( March 27-30), March 31-April 3, April 4-7, April 8-11, April 12-15, April 16-20.

Previous Dispatch sets: March 11-14, March 15-18, March 19-22

Return to Route/Campsites

8.27.01