Guadaloupe Victoria
Oct 10 1835, 11 o'clk P. M.
To the Council of War at Gonzales
This moment Col Milam with an escort of a few men bringing with them three officers passing from Goliad bound for San Felipe, a copy of the following letter will elucidate the matter.
“Goliad 8 oclock A. M.
Oct 10, 1835
To Captain Ben Smith
Dear Sir, I arrived here last night at 11 oclock and marched into the fort by forcing the church doors, and after a small fight they surrendered, with 3 officers &21 soldiers, together with 3 wounded and one killed. I had one of my men wounded in the shoulder. They have dispatched couriers for troops to several points, and expect I shall need your aid, there are plenty of public horses near here, but I have not sufficient force to send after them and protect myself. Come on as speedily as possible—
Geo. M. Collinsworth.
You will please communicate with Col. J. H. Moore on this subject of my letter, and since the above was written I have been informed that 50 troops were expected today or tomorrow. Come on as speedily as possible for I never will “give up the ship”
G. M. C.”
On the withdrawal of Captain Smith and Alley yesterday at Burns' we were informed that Captain Collinsworth had passed this place at 11 o'clk yesterday, for supplying the detachment, they encamped for the night. This morning they crossed the Guadaloupe and passed for La Bahia and no doubt will be there by ten or 11 o'clk to morrow. John J. Linn and myself came by this place to hurry on supplies of sugar and coffee, and will take on 50 lbs. of gun powder to Goliad. The Battalion when formed in Goliad will be in want of lead. I have been informed that the Martins of Gonzales have 300 lbs at Dewitts or Santanna, but the information is too uncertain to be relied on to send for it. I shall send several copies of this to the committee of correspondence at San Fillipe. I presume to say to you that the three companies will form a Battalion and march for Bexar. But of this movement you shall be advised so as to. produce concert of action. My opinion is that no time is to be lost, as you will see by Capt. Collinsworth's letter that large reinforcements have been called for. When the Battalion is organized we will be 300 strong. I presume to say the battalion will immediately march towards Bexar. The names of the prisoners are Lieut. Col. Zandoval, Captain Savanego, and ensign Garcia.
With respect &c
James Kerr.
11 Oct. 7 O'clk A. M.
Express just received from Captain Collinsworth dated last night 8 o'clock. He is somewhat alarmed, he has 10,000$ in public store, 300 stand of arms and there is a number of Public horses near him. I have returned his correo with information that Smith's and Alley's companys are near him, also I send right off an express to the detachments to pass for La Bahia. Col Milam will go with the Prisoners to Gonzales, their names &c.
James Kerr.
Archives of Texas, Records, Vol. III 61-62 (Copy).
