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3 himself in a position to dispute every inch of ground with the Enemy. the Mexicans had advanced as far as San Antonio the tributary - Proclamation signed by General Arista, the composition of which /Appendix A/ showed how little he knew of the Texan character, supposing that they would now submit to Santana. With this military promised? of the Enemy it was reported & credited by many, that this was the advanced guard of some 15 or 20.000 men. [written in left margin: Houston]

  At the same time it was reported that three Mexican transports were off the coast laden with Arms & to be conveyed via Copano? to the Mexican Army.
  The Government coffers were empty, but the patriotism^ & munificent ? of the Citizens of Galveston and others equipped the Steamer "Lafitte" and two small crafts to go on the coast to intercept the said transports.  This expedition was under the command of Capt. J. Wade manned by a part of the Galveston Coast Guards x - the Galveston Fusiliers cooperating.  Thus on the 14th March this expedition put to Sea.  It cruised in & about the Bays

X called the "Red Rovers" from wearing Red Shirts.