Letters From The Past

[joe817]

Goliad Letters, Fannin to Joseph Mimms:

"Goliad, 28th Feby 1836. Mr. Jos. Mims The advise I gave you a few days back is too true- The enemy have the town of Bejar, with a large force- and I fear will soon have our brave countrymen in the Alamo. Another force is near me- and crossed the river yesterday morning, and attacked a party by surprise, under Col. Johnson, and routed them, killing Capt. Pearson, and several others after they had surrendered. I have about 420 men here, and if I can get provisions in tomorrow or next day, can maintain myself against any force. I will never give up the ship, while there is a pea in the ditch. If I am whipped, it will be well done-and you may never expect to see me. I hope to see all Texas in arms soon, if not, we lose our homes, and must go east of the Trinity for awhile. Look to our property-save it for my family, whatever may be my fate.

I expect some in about this time, by Coghy and wish you to receive and take care of it. I now tell you, be always ready. I have not as much confidence in the people of Texas as I once had. They have been called on and entreated to fly to arms and prevent what has now been done. I have but three citizens in the ranks, and tho' I have called on them for six weeks, not one yet arrived, and no assistance in bringing me provisions, even Texans refused me. I feel too indignant to say more about them. If I was honorably out their service, I would never re-enter it. But I must now play a bold game-I will go the whole hog. If I am lost, be the censure on the right head, and may my wife & children and children's children curse the sluggards for ever. I am too mad, and too much to do-any thing but fight.

If my family arrive, send my wife this letter. Inquire of McKinney. Hoping for the best, being prepared for the worst, I am in a devil of a bad humor, Forever, J. W. Fannin."
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[bGoliad Letters, Fannin to J.W.Robinson:][/b]

"Head Quarters Army of Texas Fort Defiance Goliad Feby 28 1836 6 o'c P.M. To the Acting Governor, & Council of the Provisional Govt. of Texas I have to inform you that I have just received the unpleasant intelligence that Colo. Johnsons command were yesterday morning before day light surprised by the Enemy at San Patricio- I received my intelligence by express from Edwd. Gritten in the Mission del Refugio, who reports that Col. Johnson with two men had arrivd, on foot at a Rancho near that place- I also learn that two others had arrived at the Mission---Capt Pearson was shot down & others when asking for Quarters- From those who have escaped it is impossible to learn the strength of the army or the loss sustained by our countrymen

Mr. Gritten writes that Col. Johnson and his Companions will as soon as fresh horses can be procured proceed to this place They will probably arrive tomorrow morning This morning Col. Ferris left this post with a communication from me informing you of the return of the Troops to this place after crossing the River on the way to Bexar. The propriety of their retrogade movement will now be apparent. It is now obvious that the Enemy have entered Texas at two points, for the purpose of attacking Bexar & this place- The first has been attacked and we may expect the enemy here momentarily- Both places are importent- and this at this time particularly so- All our provisions are at Matagorda Dewitts Landing Coxes point & on the way here- We have not in the garrison supplies of Bread Stuff for a single day and as yet but little Beef and should our Supplies be cut off our situation will be, to say the least disagreeable- & in case we are not reinforced and a sufficient force sent to convey the provisions (as we have no means of transportation) when famine begins to look us in the face, we shall be compelled to cut our way through the enemy leaving the artillery & munitions of war in their hands- We hope, however for the best we hope that before this time the people have risen and are marching to the relief of Bexar & this post- but should the worst happen- on whose head should the burthen of censure fall- not on the heads of those brave men who have left their homes in the United States to aid us in our struggle for Liberty -but on those whose all is in Texas & who notwithstanding the repeated calls have remained at home without raising a finger to keep the Enemy from their thresholds- What must be the feelings of the Volunteers now shut in Bexar- & what will be those of this command if a sufficient force of the enemy should appear to besiege us here without provisions- Will not curses be heaped on the heads of the sluggards who remained at home with a knowledge of our situation

Our present force in Garrison is about four Hundred & twenty, including Guerra's company of Mexicans---(about five white citizens of Texas in this number I omitted to mention that the force on the Nueces was divided into two parties one under Col. Johnson---in the Village of San Patricio & the other under Col. Grant & Maj. Morris on the road above- of the fate of the latter party we know nothing---as yet. I am with respect & Consideration Yr. obt. servt. J. W. Fannin Jr. Col. Comt. &c. Superscription: If this can be fowd early, so as to overtake the Express sent off this morning, it will save much time---Col. Ferris went by Dimmitts landing with it---Speed---go at speed Forward with all dispatch and spread the alarm & call out the whole people to arms---to arms. [Addressed: To/His Excellency James W. Robinson Actg Govr and Genl. Council of Texas Washington Express "
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[b[the Gonzales Relief Force makes it way into the Alamo]][/b]
"The group prepared to find a way into the Alamo through the surrounding Mexican forces. Dr. John Sutherland relates the story that
"on reaching the suburbs of the city they were approached by a man on horseback who asked in English, 'Do you wish to go into the fort, gentlemen?' 'Yes' was the reply. 'Then follow me,' said he, at the same time turning his horse into the lead of the company. Smith remarked, 'Boys, it's time to be after shooting that fellow,' when he put spurs to his horse, sprung into the thicket, and was out of sight in a moment, before a gun could be got to bear on him." After being shot at by Alamo sentries, the gates swung open and the Gonzales force made their dash into the fort at 3 AM, Tuesday 1 Mar 1836. " "

The Gonzales Alamo Relief Force consisting of primarily the men of the DeWitt Colony listed here was the only organized force in Texas which effectively responded without question to the appeals of Travis to aid their doomed colleagues in the mission. Some were single men, but most were husbands and fathers of large families. Concern for families short and long term safety, loyalty to the Constitution of 1824 as Mexican citizens, the hatred precipitated by their betrayal by the centralista dictatorship of Santa Anna, the commitment to Texas Independence and suspicion that the Alamo might be a lost cause in the larger war of independence caused great personal conflict in making the choice to join the Relief Force.