Convention Hall, March 2, 1836.
War is raging on the frontiers. Bexar is besieged by two thousand of the enemy under command of General Sesma. Reinforcements are on the march to unite with the besieging army. By the last report our force at Bexar was only one hundred and fifty men. The citizens of Texas must rally to the aid of our army or it will perish. Let the citizens of the East march to the combat. The enemy must be driven from our soil or desolation will accompany their march upon us. Independence is declared. It must be maintained. Immediate action, united with valor, can alone achieve our great work. The services of all are forthwith required in the field.
Sam Houston,
Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
P. S.—It is rumored that the enemy are on their march to Gonzales, and that they have entered the colonies. The fate of Bexar is unknown. The country must and shall be defended. The patriots of Texas are appealed to in behalf of their bleeding country.
The postscript sounded bad, and Ernest turned with whitened face to Dick.
“Do you think they have attacked Gonzales, Dick?”
“No, I don’t. They wouldn’t attack Gonzales until they’ve taken Bejar. We can’t believe all the rumors we hear. The whole country’s panicky. If Fannin marches through and gets in with his men, he and Travis will hold the Alamo ag’in all Mexico. Reckon, too, by this time the Brazos and Colorado people are rallying into Gonzales, and Captain Martin has led a bunch to help Travis. And there are a hundred and more able-bodied men right here who ought to organize and go.”
“Why don’t they go, then, Dick? Why don’t we all go?”
“Chiefly because we’re sorter at sea, yet. Most of the men have families at home. Who’d protect them? And where are our leaders? Fannin and Johnson are like as not cut off, down at Goliad. Travis and Bowie are yonder in the Alamo. And here’s Sam Houston, waiting instructions.”