The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 41, July 1937 - April, 1938 Page: 325

Analysis of Work of General Council, 1885-1836

It provided for the appointment of John W. Moore as contractor
for the army; and made it his duty to procure and transmit to
the army a given list of provisions, including "666 Cotton Shirts,"
"333 Vests," "666 Pr. Socks," "1,000 lbs. Coffee," "20 Axes, 2
dozen Spades," and numerous other articles of use to an army.
Moore was clothed with ample power to pledge the public credit in
obtaining these supplies.4 This was the first ordinance approved
by Governor Smith.
This was followed, November 27, by a measure ordering the
purchase of artillery, rifles, powder, shot, tomahawks, drums,
bugles, "2,000 suits grey uniforms, with proper number 'Sergeants'
and 'Corporals'," and other war supplies. This at also ordered
the purchase of additional provisions, including flour, bacon, coffee,
whiskey, French brandy, Port wine, and Kentucky chewing tobacco,
as well as certain books and instruments necessary to the proper
operation of an army." The supplies mentioned in this ordinance
were probably intended for the regular army, but since the regular
army never became a reality it is safe to assume that such sup-
plies as arrived were used to best advantage by the volunteers.
On the day following the passage of the above measure, another
was passed appointing John Dunn as commissary to purchase
flour, bread, and beans for the volunteer army. These supplies
were to be shipped to Copano and then transported overland to
Bexar as soon as possible.6
Two acts of interest in connection with the volunteer army
were passed November 27. One of these acts provided for the
stationing of a commissary at San Felipe, whose duty it was to
supply volunteers on their way to the army with suitable clothing
and provisions, and to keep an accurate record of his disburse-
ments.' The other made an appropriation of $1,500 for the use
of the volunteer army. This money was to be forwarded to Austin,
and used at his discretion.8 Before this ordinance was carried into
effect Austin arrived in San Felipe, having left the army in order
to enter upon his duties as commissioner to the United States.
4Ibid., I, 569, 918.
sIbid., I, 938.
6Ibid., I, 598, 941.
7Ibid., I, 936.
slbid., I, 934.

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