Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, April 4, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

The firing squad for John P. Garner was formed, his grave was dug and the prisoner placed at one end for the completion of his sentence from April 1st. At that moment, General Houston granted him mercy with a reprieve. Houston proclaimed that he would rather spare the lives of all that would be useful to the Country, but any future crimes of mutiny and desertion will be dealt with according to the Law. What an experience, and one that will undoubtedly insure better discipline among the men.

The General feels secure with this place, as the bottoms nearby will soon overflow with the rain we have experienced. If the weather continues we may have to move again, either out beyond the timer, or to cross the Brazos for higher ground. He is most concerned that the horses be protected from the enemy, as they are our only burden for travel. He expects the Mexican army to possibly move south to visit Matagorda and then Velasco and has therefore instructed his agents and the government to land provisions at Galveston and to bring them overland to this camp. If we cross over the Brazos, which we can do only with the aid of the steamboat Yellowstone, we will drop down opposite Fort Bend. With the state of the river and that to come due to the continued rains, the enemy will not be able to cross for at least a month. As for the moment, Capt. Kimbro has been ordered to join Capt. Baker opposite San Felipe and keep that crossing secure.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, April 5, 1836

Dear Fellow Texians,

Col. Rusk, the Secretary of War, arrived in camp last night. His support is greatly appreciated by the General. I am sure that his presence will encourage the men in our cause.

General Houston has dispatched Captains Kimbrough and Bryant to Captain Mosley Baker’s camp opposite San Felipe on the Brazos to assist him in his defense of that position. He has also instructed Baker to protect the remaining stores at San Felipe.

Major Ira Ingram has been dispatched to the east to raise men and forward troops for the service of the Army of Texas. Houston plans to concentrate his forces at this place and feels that the enemy currently offers no threat due to their high losses at the Alamo and in combat with Fannin before his surrender.

Suspicious persons are being detained in order to stem the flow of information to the enemy. Although men are regularly leaving camp, it is their intention of putting in this season’s corn crop with the hostilities now at a lull and that they will return once their mission is accomplished.

There is little more to report as the daily routine of drills continues, so I will retire early and hope for good news tomorrow.

Respectfully yours, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, 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, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp

Headquarters, Camp West of Brazos, 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, Alexander Horton, aide-de-camp.

Next Dispatch set (April 8-11), April 12-15, April 16-20.

Previous Dispatch sets: March 11-14, March 15-18, March 19-22, March 23-26, March 27-30, March 31-April 3

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