Manuscript DS, one page, 15.5 x 9.75, December 24, 1835. Morning report of the troops stationed at the Fort of Goliad, commanded by Captain Philip Dimmit. The report provides counts of the infantry and artillery present for duty, as well as the sick and absent from duty. Right hand side lists the names of the 23 soldiers present for duty, 24 on duty, 9 members of artillery, and four men on the sick list. Report also lists Sgt. John Hancock as the Officer of Guard, and a remark which reads, “In detached Services 4 mules and one horse broughy from the Cavallado yesterday—and now in charge of Wm S. Brown, B. G. White, Lieut Noble Wm. G. Hill and Major Perkins.” Signed in the lower left by First Sergeant Dugald McFarlane. Intersecting folds, with a heavy central vertical fold, small tape repair to two small areas of paper loss to right and left edge, and a few creases, otherwise fine condition.
Four days after signing the Texas Declaration of Independence, Captain Phillip Dimmit is listed among those present at Goliad on this December 24, 1835 roster. Before his December 14 return to the fort, Dimmitt and many of those listed on this muster roll, participated in the Siege of Bexar, driving Mexican Federal forces from Texas. Like many Texans, Dimmitt supported Texas’ remaining within the federation once their grievances had been addressed. Following the battle, his outlook dramatically shifted in support of a complete separation from Mexico and the creation of an independent Texas republic.
In addition to Dimmitt, many of the 92 Texans who signed the Goliad Declaration of Independence on December 20 are also listed here. Among them was William G. Hill, who was the first to sign. Ultimately, the Goliad Campaign of 1835 ended much as it began, foreshadowing the imminent arrival of the government army under Santa Anna. Exactly one month after this roster was assembled, on January 24, Dimmitt and 30 volunteers famously departed Goliad intending to reinforce at the Alamo. The Robert Davis Collection, read more about Robert Davis. RR Auction COA.
