Jack.
Scarce had the mail from Vera Cruz arrived
At Fortress Anahuac yestereve
When Colonel Bradburn, its commander, sent
A squad of soldiers to the town, who seized
My brother Patrick Jack and William Travis
And Munroe Edwards, took them to the fort,
And without hearing, without trial locked
Each separately into a prison-cell.
Russell.
Has Colonel Bradburn a sufficient cause
To warrant this unusual proceeding?
Jack.
His only warrant is that stale excuse
Of servile knaves: his duty to obey
His master's order, whether right or wrong.
Russell.
But is it proven he has received such order?
Jack.
He has, of which this document bears witness.
Which he transmitted unto Nacogdoches
E'en yestereve through one of his couriers,
Though intercepted by our vigilance
He and his letter never reached that place.
[He hands the letter to Austin.]
