Miller, W. P. (fl. 1836) True copy of the "Whip Handle despatch" re: impending Mexican invasion

Matamoros State of Tamaulipas
June 9th 1836
Tho J Rusk
Dear Sir
The messengers who [illegible] you this is strongly recommended by all the friends in this place. The news he carries is of the greatest importance to Texas, In God be governed by it. I expected to have carried this news to Texas myself but to have been made a prisoner is not what I expected. I was to have left this evening through to the assistance of the friends to our cause at 12 o'clock this day. I have been called up by Genl. [struck: this day], and obliged to give security that I would appear at any time I was called upon or that I would not leave the City or else be imprisoned in the Quartel. Capt. Teal & Karnes, [inserted: are prisoners also. I hope the bad [illegible] at the] Mission of Goliad & elsewhere will not fully open our eyes to the perfidiocyness of the unprincipled wretches in the detention of our commissioners in this place as well as myself, & I am of my [illegible] all with passports [illegible] Genl Filisola will & hereafter act on principles of retaliation [sign?] and less of consequences. If you had shot the officers & prisoners ahead taken I have no doubt this second attack would not have been made. The information in the other document or letter that it is not necessary for me to go into a detail[.] The advice given in this pay all attention too [sic] and for Heaven's sake pay strict attention and profit thereby[.] To Galveston & Malagorda and your prisoners look well[.] our situation is bad enough, but death can c[e]ase all our troubles.
I am your [illegible] prisoner
Maj: WP Miller 1st Legio. Cavly. [2]

Matamoras 9th June 1836

My dear friend
Sorry to inform you of our unfortunate situation[.] we are detained here for nothing but [struck: taken] to keep you ignorant of the enemy's intention[.] they will soon be down on you in great numbers[.] four thousand men will leave here in 4 or 8 days for Labahia[.] it is sup[p]osed via the Nueces or [illegible] San Patricio and as many more in 15 or 20 days by water from - (Verz Cruz) to land at Copauo or Brazoria[.] not assertained [sic] at which place, they make a war of extermination and show no quarter[.] now my dear friends you see what treating with a prisoner is[,] but you must make the best of it[.] you can fall back to the Colorado & call all of the men to the field[.] if you do not Texas is gone[.] they have heard that the president is at Velasco with a very weak guard [illegible] say they will have him in two weeks[.] I think you ought to send all of the prisoners back to San Augustine for safe keeping[.] you will have from 7 to 10,000 men to contend with[.] many of their cavalry well mounted to murder women & children[.] No soldiers! you must not spare any pains, for the sake of saving as [illegible] willing to be lost - to save Texas, Soldiers[,] March to the field and their [sic] defend your rights[.] they say that you are rebels but you must show them that you are soldiers and know how to defend your rights[.] send all of the prisoners to the east. We are not yet in jail but tomorrow they [3] demand our passports[.] as soon as that is done we will have our quarters in the calabouse [sic] [.] we have good friends which [illegible] prudence forbids me to mention for fear of detection[.] Urea is commander in chief of the Mexican army[.] he says he will not stop short of the Sabine River[,] be not discouraged, poison every pool of water on the road[.] you must now work[,] head work as well as fighting, Blow up Goliad and Bexar[.] you must have a sufficient force in the field at once and we will whip them again, be united, but do let the people of the U.S. know what kind of war they make of it, they will continue coming to our assistance[.] I do not consider our lives in danger[.] if we find that we cannot accomplish our object we will endeavour to bolt the first opportunity for you[,] if we are not put in close quarters[.] Do not let my father and [illegible] know that we are prisoners[.] if they do say that I am well treated & remember me to Col Millard and my Lieutenants & all friends[.] tell that I will be with them soon to give you as much information as possible[.] I write any letter in short hand and bid you adieu.

In haste
our cause forever
your friend Henry Teal
Matamoros 10 June 1836

Gen of the Armey [sic]
I concur with all that has been states above and foregoing.
Your obt. servt
H.W. Karnes-

A true copy Mr. D McLeod Sec'y

[address leaf]
Letter from Teal
And Carnes

Letter
[illegible] Teal & Karnes
Matamoros June 9 1836

Major Thomas W. Ward
[illegible] Landing
Matagrdas Bay
By Major Red B