Bexar. Feby 13th 1836--

To His Excellency Henry Smith,

            Dear Sir, I wrote you an official letter last night
as Comdt of this post in the absence of Col. Neill & if you had taken
the trouble to answer my letter from Burnam's, I should not now have
been under the necessity of troubling you -- My situation is truly awk-
ward & delicate -- Col Neil left me in command -- but wishing to give
satisfaction to the volunteers here & not wishing to assume any command
over them I issued an order for the election of an officer to command
them with the exception of one company of volunteers that had previ-
ously engaged to serve under me. Bowie was elected by two small com-
pany's; & since his election he has been roaring drunk all the time;
has assumed all command -- & is proceeding in a most disorderly & irreg-
ular manner -- interfering with private property, releasing prisoners
sentenced by court martial & by the civil court & turning everything
topsy turvy -- If I did not feel my honor & that my country compro-
mitted

I would have [left] here instantly for some other point with
the troops under my command -- as I am unwilling to be responsible for
the drunken irregularities of any man. I hope that you will immediately
order some regular troops to this place -- as it is more important to
occupy this post than I imagined when I last saw you -- It is the key of Texas from the Interior without a footing here the enemy can do
nothing against us in the Colonies now that our coast is guarded by
armed vessels -- I do not solicit the command of this post but as Col.
Neill has applied to the Commander in Chief to be relieved & is anx-
ious for me to take the command, I will do it if it be your order for
a time until an artillery officer can be sent here. The citizens here
have every confidence in me, as they can communicate with me & they
have shown every disposition to aid me with all they have -- We much
need money -- Can you not send us some? I read your letter to the troops
& made a speech & they received it with acclamation -- Our spies have
just returned from Rio Grande -- The enemy is there one thousand strong

& is making every preparation to invade us. By the 15th of March I
think Texas will be invaded & every preparation should be made to re-
ceive them. E. smith will call on you & give you all the news -- so
will Mr. Williams, the bearer of this --
                       
In conclusion, allow me to beg that you will give me definite
orders immediately --

I have the honor to [be]
resp.

W. Barret Travis

PS: This is a private letter & is directed to Nibbs for fear it may
fall into bad hands.
Travis