On
the 23rd of February the enemy in large force entered the city
of Bexar, which could not be prevented, as I had not sufficient
force to occupy both positions. Col. Batres, the Adjutant-Major
of the President-General Santa Anna, demanded a surrender at
discretion, calling us foreign rebels. I answered them with
a cannon shot upon which the enemy commenced a bombardment with
a five-inch howitzer, which together with a heavy cannonade,
has been kept up incessantly ever since. I instantly sent express
to Col. Fannin, at Goliad, and to the people of Gonzales and
San Felipe. Today at 10 o'clock A.M. some two or three hundred
Mexicans crossed the river below and came up under cover of
the houses until they arrived within point blank shot, when
we opened a heavy discharge of grape and canister on them, together
with a well directed fire from small arms which forced them
to halt and take shelter in the houses about 90 or 100 yards
from our batteries. The action continued to rage about two hours,
when the enemy retreated in confusion, dragging off many of
their dead and wounded.
During
the action the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge
of balls, grape and canister. We knew from actual observation
that many of the enemy were wounded-while we, on our part, have
not lost a man. Two or three of our men have been slightly scratched
by pieces of rock, but have not been disabled. I take great
pleasure in stating that both officers and men conducted themselves
with firmness and bravery. Lieutenant Simmons of cavalry acting
as infantry, and Captains Carey, Dickinson and Blair of the
artillery, rendered essential service, and Charles Despallier
and Robert Brown gallantly sallied out and set fire to houses
which afforded the enemy shelter, in the face of the enemy fire.
Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted
themselves with such undaunted heroism that it would be injustice
to discriminate. The Hon. David Crockett was seen at all points,
animating the men to do their duty. Our numbers are few and
the enemy still continues to approximate his works to ours.
I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his whole force
very soon; but I shall hold out to the last extremity, hoping
to secure reinforcements in a day or two. Do hasten on aid to
me as rapidly as possible, as from the superior number of the
enemy, it will be impossible for us to keep them out much longer.
If they overpower us, we fall a sacrifice at the shrine of our
country, and we hope posterity and our country will do our memory
justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death!
