On
the 23rd of this month I occupied this city, after some forced
marches from Rio Grande, with General D. Joaquin y Sesma's division
composed of the permanent battalions of Matamoros [sic] and
Jimenez, the active battalion of San Luis Potose [sic], the
regiment of Dolores, and eight pieces of artillery.
With
the speed in which this meritorious division executed its marches
in eighty leagues of road, it was believed that the rebel settlers
would not have known of our proximity until we should have been
within rifleshot of them; as it was they only had time to hurriedly
entrench themselves in Fort Alamo, which they had well fortified,
and with a sufficient food supply. My objective had been to
surprise them early in the morning of the day before, but a
heavy rain prevented it.
Notwithstanding
their artillery fire, which they began immediately from the
indicated fort, the national troops took possession of this
city with the utmost order, which the traitors shall never again
occupy; on our part we lost a corporal and a scout, dead, and
eight wounded.
When
I was quartering the corps of the division a bearer of the flag
of truce presented himself with a paper, the original which
I am enclosing for your Excellency, and becoming indignant of
its contents I ordered an aide, who was the nearest to me to
answer it, as it is expressed by the copy that is also enclosed.
Fifty
rifles, of the rebel traitors of the North, have fallen in our
possession, and several other things, which I shall have delivered
to the general commissary of the army as soon as it arrives,
so that these forces may be equipped; and the rest will be sold
and the proceeds used for the general expense of the army.
From
the moment of my arrival I have been busy hostilizing the enemy
in its position, so much so that they are not even allowed to
raise their heads over the walls, preparing everything for the
assault which will take place when at least the first brigade
arrives, which is even now sixty leagues away. Up to now they
act stubbornly, counting on the strong position which they hold,
and hoping for much aid from their colonies and from the United
States of the North, but they shall soon find out their mistake.