Twenty-seven years ago today brought us this made for TV movie, the Feral Bumbling Idiots to tears and the rage of the Wonder-Nine.

More on this can be found here and there.

Just remember this, from all incidents such as this (the rending of cloth, the flowing of tears and the cries of anguish echo) comes knowledge...

WP

April 11th- Hopefully A Happy Platt & Matix Day

Twenty-six years ago on April 11th, brought us this made for TV movie, the Feral Bumbling Idiots to tears and the rage of the Wonder-Nine.

More on this can be found here and there.

Just remember this, from all incidents such as this (the rending of cloth, the flowing of tears and the cries of anguish echo) comes knowledge...

WP

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 25th)

To Major-General Sam Houston
February 25, 1836

HEADQUARTERS, FORT OF THE ALAMO: Sir; On the 23rd of Feb., 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. Bartes, 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 virtual 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 many of their dead and wounded.

During the action, the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge of balls, grape, and canister. We know 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 enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted themselves with such 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 prosperity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death!

W. Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Com

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 24th)

To The People of Texas and
All Americans In The World --
February 24, 1836

Fellow citizens & compatriots --

I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --

VICTORY OR DEATH

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn -- We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves -- Travis

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 23rd)

To Andrew Ponton, Judge and Citizens of Gonzales
February 23, 1836

COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR, 3 o'clock p.m.: The enemy in large force are in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the Alamo to the last. Give us assistance.

P.S. Send an express to San Felipe with news night and day.

From W.B. Travis and James Bowie
To James W. Fannin (at Goliad)
February 23, 1836

COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR: We have removed all the men to the Alamo where we make such resistance as is due our honor, and that of a country, until we can get assistance from you, which we expect you to forward immediately. In this extremity, we hope you will send us all the men you can spare promptly. We have one hundred and forty six men, who are determined never to retreat. We have but little provisions, but enough to serve us till you and your men arrive. We deem it unnecessary to repeat to a brave officer, who knows his duty, that we call on him for assistance.

A proper thank you is due to No-Neck who suggested this last year.

WP

Today, February 23rd.

The man who made it possible, for we the masses to strip the Church of it's monopoly, Johnnas Guttenberg died in 1468.

In 1847, General Zachary Taylor defeats Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista.

A flag was raised in 1945, by the United States Marines who took the crest of Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima.

However, the most important of all occurred in 1836 as Texans gathered in the Alamo, Travis dispatched a hastily scribbled missive to Gonzales:

"The enemy in large force is in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the garrison to the last."

WP

PROJECT GUNWALKER - PR FACTORIES ON THE JOB

Noticed another one of those unusual hits in the logs just a bit ago on this post.



Notice it is out of Alexandria, Virginia and the referring URL is this and that it had been E-mailed to the viewer via belong2.com. Notice when you hit that link it shows that the mail server is also used by the BlackRock Group. You can find more information about them here.

So, it seems, pants are brown streaked and specialized PR Software is now in play.

Pay heed to your logs- they reveal quite a bit of information.

WP

ADDENDUM 15:35

David Codrea kindly linked to this post and jon commented the following:

the log doesn't necessarily suggest anything about an email. the host/ip fields mean that that is the client machine making the request to the webserver.

now it is extremely uncommon for a mail server to up and make an HTTP request while providing a "firefox" user-agent. suspicious, yes.

it is even more uncommon for a mail server to be running windows xp. doubly suspicious, yes.

He commented further and made me realize that some may think that the TinyURL links might possibly be nefarious. The links I provided in my post are not.

Further, I posted the following at WoG's to clarify what those TinyURL's are:

jon,

The TinyURL's were created by me due to the fact that Blogger would not take the long ixquick proxy URL's. I used ixquick to find out who and what vocuspr is and that is the PRSoftware firm. Further, I used ixquick to find out what belong2 DOT com is too. From that search, I found a robotex page showing that the Black Rock Group is on the same E-mail server as belong2.

Each TinyURL is listed below:

1. ixquick proxy Vocuspr
2. Robotex direct
3. ixquick proxy Black Rock
4. ixquick secure Wiki Entry on Black Rock

Whoever it was that came from Vocuspr received an E-mail suggesting my blog entry from yesterday. Vocuspr is a software that is for automated PR and had never heard of them until I noticed that unusual entry in the visitor logs.

I am going to add this to an addendum so there is no confusion.

The reason for the TinyURL's and the ixquick proxy is to deny them where YOU are coming from, not the other way around. For those that do not know what the ixquick search engine is or what TinyURL does, go here and there respectively.

This should clarify any confusion, if not, post a comment and I will reply.

WP

ADDENDUM II 18:30

Gee SwansonRussel, nearly three hours here! And you being a PR firm too!

No, I won't post the screen grab- not today anyway, but interesting Outdoor Client list that you have, but then again you also have other areas too, right?

I wonder whose E-mails it was that brought those Federal, then Military Network Boys (DoD, Navy Network Information Center, Army AIS, and NATO saclant (amongst others) to visit me today? How about Blackwaters?



Just who was it, I wonder? And so many of you using Google Reader to proxy!

Too many of these visits today, not coming from the regulars or David's kind referral- all from either NO REFERRAL or via Google Reader screams an E-mailed link. Heck, many show that you came from E-mail so I ask, is this how you deal with postings about government crime? Seek out the citizens OPINIONS? To stop by for a simple visit during official working hours? Dig into we citizens? Yes, of course it is but I have this to say, Fuck You! I will post my thoughts and make sure, like so often before, that others have my logs.

If this posting has drawn THIS MUCH government attention, then I must be have been correct when I said: "...pants are brown streaked and specialized PR Software is now in play."

The only thing is, you did not think we would ever figure this crap out, did you?

WP

Mission PD: U.S. law enforcement exchanges fire with gunmen across border

Mission PD: U.S. law enforcement exchanges fire with gunmen across border

June 19, 2011 2:38 PM
Dave Hendricks
The Monitor

MISSION — Drug smugglers opened fire on U.S. law enforcement officers Sunday morning near the Anzalduas International Bridge after Mission police intercepted a 500-pound load of marijuana, police Chief Leo Longoria said.

U.S. law enforcement officers shot back, Longoria said, and no injuries were reported. Details remained hazy Sunday afternoon, and Longoria couldn’t give further information about the brief shootout.

AND

Six police units, several more from the Department of Public Safety and a Border Patrol helicopter were called to assist. As the pickup fled, a green Chevrolet Avalanche with a young woman behind the wheel began harassing officers, Longoria said.

"She went head-on toward a police vehicle," Longoria said. "We're trying to see what her intent was, but obviously it was a very reckless action on her part."

Curious as Bordeland Beat just reported about it being safe to go back in the water as "Tourism rebounds on violence-marred border lake".

Nope, no spillover here, nothing to see, move along, go catch some fish...

ADDENDUM

I knew I had forgotten to mention another story from down on the Lower RGV this week and that is the son of the Mayor oh Pharr, Texas was popped at Falfurrias with 114 POUNDS of dope in his trunk.

Pharr mayor's son caught with 114 pounds of pot at checkpoint
Comments 53
June 17, 2011 10:16 PM

Jared Taylor and Naxiely Lopez
The Monitor

FALFURRIAS — Federal agents arrested the Pharr mayor’s son after they found more than 114 pounds of marijuana inside his vehicle.

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Leo Palacios III after he pulled up to the Highway 281 checkpoint south of Falfurrias about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a criminal complaint. After a secondary inspection, they found the pot stashed in his Mercedes E320 sedan’s trunk.

Palacios, who lives in Austin and is son of the Pharr mayor of the same name, claimed he was in the Rio Grande Valley on business.

“I did not know anything about this,” the mayor said. “All I know was that he was arrested for possession. He hasn’t called me or anything.

Agents say they were about to release Palacios from the checkpoint when he started moving his car forward slowly.

Agents tapped the side of his car and waved their hands while telling him to stop, the complaint states. Other agents yelled at him to stop and he finally complied.

A drug dog alerted to the trunk of Palacios’ car and agents asked him to move it to secondary inspection. Palacios asked the agents why he needed the inspection, saying he didn’t see the dog do anything. Another agent commanded him to move the car to secondary and Palacios complied.

Oh, and read the comments as some are just too funny- for example:

"ooooollooooo

10:28 PM on June 17, 2011

This comes as a total surprise to us also Polo. Oh wait, look up there, a flying cow."

WP

DOJ Web Search: Did U.S. agency smuggle guns to Mexico to justify its budget

First it was DHS spending lots of time here (more than a day), now it is the DOJ and they are ripping this blog.



For those that do not know what "Rippers" in the Browser type setting in the image, it is any number of different tools used to rip an exact copy of a site. I have seen it before (many times) and in fact the US Navy NNIC, on the West Coast, visited just yesterday, early in the morning, and the browser was Rippers then too, but they only spent about six minutes and their referral was from another blog that I link to and figured it was a bored Seaman and why I am not showing the screen grab.

Now, someone at DOJ is either shocked, dismayed, ignorant, or just plain- well, I won't be insulting since they actually used both Yahoo and Google using two different search terms, but, as I told DHS on February 9th, DOJ- go catch some criminals! You already have had David Codrea, Mike Vanderbough and CleanUpATF.org do much of the heavy lifting. But, if that is not enough, go ask Senator Grassley and CBS for their notes on the "Killer Management" of ATF.

WP

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (March 3rd - Final Letter)

To David Ayers
March 3, 1836

Take care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may make for him a splendid fortune; but if the country be lost and I should perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection that he is the son of a man who died for his country.

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (March 3rd - Second Letter)

To Jesse Grimes
March 3, 1836

Do me the favor to send the enclosed to its proper destination instantly. I am still here, in fine spirits and well to do, with 145 men. I have held this place for ten days against a force variously estimated from 1,500 to 6,000, and shall continue to hold it till I get relief from my country or I will perish in its defense. We have had a shower of bombs and cannon balls continually falling among us the whole time, yet none of us has fallen. We have been miraculously preserved. You have no doubt seen my official report of the action of the 24th ult. in which we repulsed the enemy with considerable loss; on the night of the 25th they made another attempt to charge us in the rear of the fort, but we received them gallantly by a discharge of grape shot and musquertry, and they took to their scrapers immediately. They are now encamped in entrenchments on all sides of us.

All our couriers have gotten out without being caught and a company of 32 men from Gonzales got in two nights ago, and Colonel Bonham got in today by coming between the powder house and the enemy's upper encampment....Let the convention go on and make a declaration of independence, and we will then understand, and the world will understand, what we are fighting for. If independence is not declared, I shall lay down my arms, and so will the men under my command. But under the flag of independence, we are ready to peril our lives a hundred times a day, and to drive away the monster who is fighting us under a blood-red flag, threatening to murder all prisoners and make Texas a waste desert. I shall have to fight the enemy on his own terms, yet I am ready to do it, and if my countrymen do not rally to my relief, I am determined to perish in the defense of this place, and my bones shall reproach my country for her neglect. With 500 men more, I will drive Sesma beyond the Rio Grande, and I will visit vengeance on the enemy fighting against us. Let the government declare them public enemies, otherwise she is acting a suicidal part. I shall treat them as such, unless I have superior orders to the contrary.

My respects to all friends, confusion to all enemies. God Bless you.

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (March 3rd - First Letter)

To the President of the Convention
March 3, 1836

COMMANDANCY OF THE ALAMO, BEJAR: In the present confusion of the political authorities of the country, and in the absence of the commander-in-chief, I beg leave to communicate to you the situation of this garrison. You have doubtless already seen my official report of the action of the 25th ult. made on that day to General Sam Houston, together with the various communications heretofore sent by express. I shall, therefore, confine myself to what has transpired since that date.

From the 25th to the present date, the enemy have kept up a bombardment from two howitzers (one a five and a half inch, and the other an eight inch) and a heavy cannonade from two long nine-pounders, mounted on a battery on the opposite side of the river, at a distance of four hundred yards from our walls. During this period the enemy has been busily employed in encircling us with entrenchments on all sides, at the following distance, to wit -- in Bexar, four hundred yards west; in Lavilleta, three hundred yards south; at the powder-house, one thousand yards east by south; on the ditch, eight hundred yards north. Notwithstanding all this, a company of thirty-two men from Gonzales, made their way into us on the morning of the 1st inst, at three o'clock, and Col. J.B. Bonham (a courier from Gonzales) got in this morning at eleven o'clock without molestation. I have so fortified this place, that the walls are generally proof against cannon-balls; and I shall continue to entrench on the inside, and strengthen the walls by throwing up dirt. At least two hundred shells have fallen inside our works without having injured a single man; indeed, we have been so fortunate as not to lose a man from any cause, and we have killed many of the enemy. The spirits of my men are still high, although they have had much to depress them. We have contended for ten days against an enemy whose numbers are variously estimated at from fifteen hundred to six thousand, with Gen. Ramirez Sesma and Col. Bartres, the aid-de-camp of Santa Anna, at their head. A report was circulated that Santa Anna himself was with the enemy, but I think it was false. A reinforcement of one thousand men is now entering Bexar from the west, and I think it more than probable that Santa Anna is now in town, from the rejoicing we hear. Col. Fannin is said to be on the march to this place with reinforcements; but I fear it is not true, as I have repeatedly sent to him for aid without receiving any. Col. Bonham, my special messenger, arrived at Labahia fourteen days ago, with a request for aid; and on the arrival of the enemy in Bexar ten days ago, I sent an express to Col. F. which arrived at Goliad on the next day, urging him to send us reinforcements -- none have arrived. I look to the colonies alone for aid; unless it arrives soon, I shall have to fight the enemy on his own terms. I will, however, do the best I can under the circumstances, and I feel confident that the determined valour and desperate courage, heretofore evinced by my men, will not fail them in the last struggle, and although they may be sacrifieced to the vengeance of a Gothic enemy, the victory will cost the enemy so dear, that it will be worse for him than a defeat. I hope your honorable body will hasten on reinforcements, ammunition, and provisions to our aid, as soon as possible. We have provisions for twenty days for the men we have; our supply of ammunition is limited. At least five hundred pounds of cannon powder, and two hundred rounds of six, nine, twelve, and eighteen pound balls -- ten kegs of rifle powder, and a supply of lead, should be sent to this place without delay, under a sufficient guard.

If these things are promptly sent, and large reinforcements are hastened to this frontier, this neighborhood will be the great and decisive battle ground. The power of Santa Anna is to be met here or in the colonies; we had better meet them here, than to suffer a war of desolation to rage our settlements. A blood-red banner waves from the church of Bexar, and in the camp above us, in token that the war is one of vengeance against rebels; they have declared us as such, and demanded that we should surrender at discretion or this garrison should be put to the sword. Their threats have had no influence on me or my men, but to make all fight with desperation, and that high-souled courage which characterizes the patriot, who is willing to die in defense of his country's liberty and his own honour.

The citizens of this municipality are all our enemies except those who have joined us heretofore; we have but three Mexicans now in the fort; those who have not joined us in this extremity, should be declared public enemies, and their property should aid in paying the expenses of the war.

The bearer of this will give you your honorable body, a statement more in detail, should he escape through the enemy's lines. God and Texas! --
Victory or Death!!

P.S. The enemy's troops are still arriving, and the reinforcements will probably amount to two or three thousand.

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 25th)

To Major-General Sam Houston
February 25, 1836

HEADQUARTERS, FORT OF THE ALAMO: Sir; On the 23rd of Feb., 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. Bartes, 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 virtual 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 many of their dead and wounded.

During the action, the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge of balls, grape, and canister. We know 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 enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted themselves with such 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 prosperity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death!

W. Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Com

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 24th)

To The People of Texas and
All Americans In The World --
February 24, 1836

Fellow citizens & compatriots --

I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --

VICTORY OR DEATH

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn -- We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves -- Travis

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (February 23rd)

To Andrew Ponton, Judge and Citizens of Gonzales
February 23, 1836

COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR, 3 o'clock p.m.: The enemy in large force are in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the Alamo to the last. Give us assistance.

P.S. Send an express to San Felipe with news night and day.

From W.B. Travis and James Bowie
To James W. Fannin (at Goliad)
February 23, 1836

COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR: We have removed all the men to the Alamo where we make such resistance as is due our honor, and that of a country, until we can get assistance from you, which we expect you to forward immediately. In this extremity, we hope you will send us all the men you can spare promptly. We have one hundred and forty six men, who are determined never to retreat. We have but little provisions, but enough to serve us till you and your men arrive. We deem it unnecessary to repeat to a brave officer, who knows his duty, that we call on him for assistance.

A proper thank you is due to No-Neck who suggested this years ago.

WP

Yesterday, February 23rd.

The man who made it possible, for we the masses to strip the Church of it's monopoly, Johnnas Guttenberg died in 1468.

In 1847, General Zachary Taylor defeats Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista.

A flag was raised in 1945, by the United States Marines who took the crest of Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima.

However, the most important of all occurred in 1836 as Texans gathered in the Alamo, Travis dispatched a hastily scribbled missive to Gonzales:

"The enemy in large force is in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the garrison to the last."

WP

DHS Web Search: ATF ARIZONA GUN STORE LINKED TO BP AGENT DEATH

Had a chance to check stats this morning and found the following:



Note the visit is spread over more than one day. StatCounter only reads this way when the visit length is over 24 hours and this says quite a bit- they are very nervous about the release of information of Project Gunwalker if some DHS drone, lawyer or hatchet spends 24+ hours on this blog.

Go spend some time catching a terrorist! Codrea, Vanderbough and CLEANUPATF have provided the basics to make sure those lying bureaucrats get convicted! Oh, that is right, MIAC made those of us who demand you abide by the OATHS YOU SWORE to as nothing more than terrorists.

WP

Happy Platt & Matix Day!

Twenty-four years ago today brought us this made for TV movie, the Feral Bumbling Idiots to tears and the rage of the Wonder-Nine.

More on this can be found here and there.

Just remember this, from all incidents such as this (the rending of cloth, the flowing of tears and the cries of anguish echo) comes knowledge...

WP

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (March 3rd - Final Letter)

To David Ayers
March 3, 1836

Take care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may make for him a splendid fortune; but if the country be lost and I should perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection that he is the son of a man who died for his country.

William Barret Travis - Alamo Letters (March 3rd - Second Letter)

To Jesse Grimes
March 3, 1836

Do me the favor to send the enclosed to its proper destination instantly. I am still here, in fine spirits and well to do, with 145 men. I have held this place for ten days against a force variously estimated from 1,500 to 6,000, and shall continue to hold it till I get relief from my country or I will perish in its defense. We have had a shower of bombs and cannon balls continually falling among us the whole time, yet none of us has fallen. We have been miraculously preserved. You have no doubt seen my official report of the action of the 24th ult. in which we repulsed the enemy with considerable loss; on the night of the 25th they made another attempt to charge us in the rear of the fort, but we received them gallantly by a discharge of grape shot and musquertry, and they took to their scrapers immediately. They are now encamped in entrenchments on all sides of us.

All our couriers have gotten out without being caught and a company of 32 men from Gonzales got in two nights ago, and Colonel Bonham got in today by coming between the powder house and the enemy's upper encampment....Let the convention go on and make a declaration of independence, and we will then understand, and the world will understand, what we are fighting for. If independence is not declared, I shall lay down my arms, and so will the men under my command. But under the flag of independence, we are ready to peril our lives a hundred times a day, and to drive away the monster who is fighting us under a blood-red flag, threatening to murder all prisoners and make Texas a waste desert. I shall have to fight the enemy on his own terms, yet I am ready to do it, and if my countrymen do not rally to my relief, I am determined to perish in the defense of this place, and my bones shall reproach my country for her neglect. With 500 men more, I will drive Sesma beyond the Rio Grande, and I will visit vengeance on the enemy fighting against us. Let the government declare them public enemies, otherwise she is acting a suicidal part. I shall treat them as such, unless I have superior orders to the contrary.

My respects to all friends, confusion to all enemies. God Bless you.