F ^^^^^M o10 ^^^^^^^^^^^^1 : i 1 1 ! 1 i j !■ i i: i 1' Class . BookXi2. I |®g^^©ig©®^se^®^^^®^g©.ggQ©K^)©@®^'a®®£?@^5S®(DQQ®SX^ ^ 1SS1 ol ^4-7^ Origin and Fall ^w^^of the AlO-lHO March 6, 1836. • BY JOHN S. FORD, One of a Comnnilef of' the Alamo Associatiov . 1895: Johnson Brothers Phintinc. Company. San ,\ntoiiio, Texas. •# #■ P (of San Antonio, May 30, 1895. The committee, appointed to prepare a history of the Alamo, report as follows: In treating of the Alamo it is dne to the people of Texas to give, at least, a short account of the settlement of Americans in Texas, and of the causes leading to the revolution of 1835 and 1836. There were Americans in Texas previous to the advent of Moses Austin, December, 1S20 Anterior to this period of time Americans had entered Texas with a view of assisting the revolu- tionists in the war they were waging against the King of Spain. They effected good service on several occasions. In the interior portions of Mexico, Americans rendered considerable aid to the Mexicans. The United States in throwing off the yoke of England was an example many States in America endeavored to imitate. The effect of these causes gave to Americans a distin- guished consideration. It was, no doubt, one of the main inducements causing a favorable answer to be made to Moses Austin when he applied for authority to introduce settlers into Texas. This authority was granted in 182 1. It must be remembered that La Salle had entered Texas in 1685, and had made a settlement of Frenchmen and had built Fort St. Louis, on the Lavacca river. This fact, with others of a later date, induced the Viceroy of Mexico, the Duke of Litiares, to take steps for the permanent occupation of Texas. He sent Don Domingo Ramon with troops and a party of Franciscan friars to civilize and christianize Indians. This occurred in 17 15. Ramon established some forts and missions. He located a fort, ox presidio as the Spaniards call them, on San Pedro creek, three- fourths of a mile from the public square of the city of San Antonio. The name given to this presidio was San Antonio de Valero. In 17 18 the Franciscans established a mission at this place. It was removed on more than one occasion, and was located on what is now the Military plaza of San Antonio. From there it was removed, in 17 18, to its present site, the east bank of the San Antonio River, and is known as the church of the Alamo. •• MISSION CONCEPCION ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 3 It received a supply of water by means of the Alamo ditch — Aceqida Madre del Alamo. The erection of the church was com- menced in 1716. It faces to the wes!:. There were other build- ings connected with the church. East of the church stood the Convent, 191 feet in length; it ran north to the south line of East Houston Street. There was an enclosure north of the Convent yard. There were houses attached to the mission, which had been inhabited. Outside of the mission were houses occupied, at one time by christianized Indians. They abandoned them wht n the Texians took possession of the Alamo. It was in these hotises that the Texians found eighty or ninety bushels of corn. The walls of the Alamo and the adjoining buildings were too exten- sive to be occupied and defended by 150 men. After the death of Moses Austin, his son, vStephen F. Austin, proceeded to carry into effect the introduction of settlers into Texas. Great attention to Texas has been drawn by the reports of men who had been engaged with officers who had entered Texas to aid the Mexicans in acheiving their independence. It was known that Mexico was encouraging emigration. When Austin visited the City of Mexico, he found a number of influential gentlemcii asking for permission to become empresarios, that is to become leaders of immigrants. They were oflfered, and, as a rule, receiving a grant of land for the introduction of each person. Austin succeeded, and began his settlements on the Brazos riv^er. Other gentlemen were also successful. The country began to fill up vvith settlers. It was full of Indians, who were opposed to the introduction of white people. They waged an incessant and cruel war upon the Texians, The leaders in Mexico became jealous of the accession of Americans as citizens. They evincec^ their opposition by acts of oppressiot\ The American settlers had sworn to obey and sup port the Mexican constitution of 1824. By several acts of Gen. Santa Anna indicating his intention to a.ssunie the dictatorial position the people of Texas became assured of his intention to overthrow the constitution of 1824. The people of Texas had given the Mexican government some very convinci?ig proofs of their intention not to submit to the exercise of any illegal and tyrannical acts against them. The government of the United States had proposed to pay ,.he Mexican government $4,000,000 for Texas. This proposition 4 ORIGIN AND FALL OF TIIF ALAMO angered the Mexicans and increased their antipathy to Texians. They began to prosecute them by sending troops, not to chastise Indians, but to check and punish Texians for their adhesion to correct and liberal principles. These military aiders of tyranny were expelled from Texas. One of these envo3's of a despotic president was an American by birth, Col. Bradburn. He robbed Texians, and made prisoners of William B. Travis, Patrick H. Jack and Monroe Edwards. The Texians embodied, elected Col. Francis W. Johnson to command. By their representation to Col. Piedras, commander at Nacogdoches, Col. Bradburn was removed from Texas. This event took place in 1S31. Bradburn was posted at Anahuac. On June 25th Capt. John Austin, at the head of sixty men, defeated lyt.-Col. Ugartechea, at Fort Velasco. He had 125 men. August 2, 1832, Col. James W. Bullock defeated Col. Piedras at Nacogdoches. These affairs took place while president Bustamente was in power in Mexico. The Texians took sides with Santa Anna at that time. He was beaten by Gen. Santa Anna, who succeeded to the presidency of Mexico. The people of Texas reposing confidence in Santa Anna declared for him. He had been one oi the heroes in the Mexican struggle for independence. He soon undeceived them; became dictator; overthrew the constitution of 1824, and issued an order for the disarming of the people — one man out of every five hundred was allowed to own a firelock. On May 16, 1833, Santa Anna took his seat as President of Mexico. At that date vStephen F. Austin was a prisoner in the City of Mexico. Austin had belonged to a convention to form a constitution for Texas. That body electedJVustin, W. H. Wharton and Miller to present to the President of Mexico a statement of affairs in Texas. It was written by David G. Burnet, afterwards President of Texas. Stephen F. Austin was the only person who visited Mexico. This was in March, 1833. Santa Anna, at that time, had retired from the Mexican capitol. He was scheming to eflfect the work he afterwards performed, that is, to be made President under the laws he dictated. He, after various trials to have Austin condemned by court, allowed him to return to Texas. He arrived in September, 1835. Col. Austin found the people of Texas in great excitement They had discovered that Santa Anna was unfriendly to them The municipalities of different sections had held public meetings, and announced their intention to support the Mexican' constitu- 5^- ■Ms. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 5 tion ot 1824. It must be remembered that the Indians had made war upon them, and they were compelled, as a measure of per- sonal safety, to carry arms at all times. Circumstances made them watchful and efficient soldiers. War was forced upon them; necessity caused them to bear arms; God had implanned in their natures the principal of honor and integrity; and practice had converted them into heroes in the cause of right. The Texians appealed to their fellov/ citizens of Mexico with- out eftect. They used every effort in their power to prove their disposition to be peaceful and useful citizens of the Republic of Mexico. It was all of no avail. In 1834 Santa Anna deter- mined to send 4,000 troops to San Antonio. Pie sent Col. Juan N. Almonte into Texas; as a spy, no doubt. On October 13, 1834, the first revolutionary meeting in Texas was held at San Antonio. They approved the calling of a convention at that place to meet November 15. This motion was made by Don Erasmo Seguin. October 20th another meeting was held, at San Felipe. They proposed a dissolution of Texas from the State of Coahuila. In January, 1835 the Congress of Mexico met. The State of Zacetecas had declared tor the constitution of 1824. The Con- gress declared Zacetecas in a state of rebellion. This induced Gen. Santa Anna to head 3,400 men to march into Zacetecas. May 10, 1835, Don Francisco Garcia, at the head of 5,000 troops, was defeated by Santa Anna. The City of Zacetecas was deliv- ered to the Mexican soldiers, and was plundered for two days. The people of Texas now saw viiat they might expect from President Santa Anna. Gen. Cos, a brother-in-law of Santa Anna, v,?as ordered from Matainoros to Monclova to disperse the legislature of Coahuila, which he accomplished. Meantime the people were preparing to meet the coming war. The municipalities resolved to do their duty. In July, 1835, I,orenzo de Zavala, late governor ot the State and City of Mex- ico, arrived in Texas. He was made Minister to France, but fled from Santa Anna. The Texians formed committees of pub- lic safety. July 17, 1835, there was a meeting of representatives of the mufiicipalities of Austin, Columbia and Mina, held at San Felipe. They did some good. The Mexican forces were expected in October to aid in the thange of Government in Texas. Immigrants from the United States, since the law of April 6, 1830, were to be driven from the # #• m 6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. country. A long list of proscribed Texians had been prepared. They were to be arrested and tiied by a drum-head court. Slaves were to be treed. Empresarios dismissed— none but emi- grants from Mexico admitted. These were among the objects proposed to be accomplished. These intended changes spurred the Texians od to resistance. In 1835 the command of Capt. Tenorio, at Auahuac, were captured bv Col. Wm. B. Travis. The Texians of Columbus isi,ued a call for "a consultation of all Texas.,, It was dated Augnsi 20 1835. Col. Ugartecbea was removed from command, .It Goliad, by Gen. Cos; Col. Candelie took his place. He strip- ped Goliad of arms, forced the citizens to become soldiers, and ordered five soldiers to be quarted on each family. He placed the alcade in iail, and forced the adminisirador to hand over $.S,ooo under penalty ot going to San Antonio in two hours, on foot. Gen, Cos reached San Antonio late in September, 1835. In 1 83 1 a piece of artillery had been furnished the town of Gonzales by the commandant at San Antonio. Ugartechea. in San Antonio, in 1835, sent a messenger to demand the cannon. It was refused. Cos ordered Cap. Castonado to take one hundred men and secure the cannon. He reached Gonzales September 29. 1835- During the interval the committee of safety had sent runners to procure men. The men came. They numbered 168. and elected John H. Moore, Colonel, and J. W. E. Wallace, Lt.-Col. The Texians crossed the river Guadalupe, and firing occurred— some Mexican" reported killed. Capt. Castonado retreated. This affair opened the revolution. • The Texians felt the importance of united action and prepara- tion. The comittee of safety agreed to send one of their num- ber from each municipality to San Felipe, for the purpose of procuring unity and concert in mea.sures. Of this R. R. Royall was chosen president. The people of San Augustine nominated Gen. Sam Houston to command her troops. Nacogdoches approved the suggestion. The money paid for land and custom- house dues was appropriated by the Texians. Efforts were made to secure arms and ammunition. The people were united. The spirit of '76 was in the ascendant. Less than, 100,000 in population, threw down the gauntlet to an organized government of 8,000,000. They knew the penalty of failure was death in all its horrible forms. w*' ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO 7 The volunteers arrived daily at Gonzales. They made a pro- position to defer the meeting of the consultation till November ist. October 12th, five hundred men crossed the Guadalupe river, destined for San Antonio. The resolution had been formed to drive every Mexican soldier out of Texas. Stephen F. Austin arrived at Gonzales October loth. He was elected gen- eral. The fight at the Mission of Concepcion took place on October 28th. The Texians numbered ninety, the Mexicans several hundred. Victory perched on the banner of the revolu- tionists. The members of the consultation in the Texas army were permitted to proceed to San Felipe. The army besieged San An- tonio. Gen. Austin was appointed to visit the United States to procure men and means. His colleagues were Dr. Branch T. Archer and W H. Wharton. Edward Burle.son was elected to command. On December 10, 1835, Gen. Cos surrendered. The incidents of the siege of San Antonio are worthy of notice. It was reported in the Texian camp that Col. Ugartechea was on his way with reinforcements for Gen. Cos. h. force of Texians under Col. Bowie, with Deaf vSuiith as guide, was .sent onl to intercept Ugartechea Gen. Cos had sent men out to ob- tain a supply of grass for his horses, 'i'hey were on their return ar.d about five miles from the city they were discovered. When ihey were within a mile of town, the Texians under Bowie • harged tlitni, A fight ensued. The Mexicans were endeavor- ing to ;eacb their headquarters G-'ii. Cos detached reinforce- ments. Tlie main body of the Texas trnop^^ came up. They charged, ard the Mexicans continued to fight, though moving for town. Their loss was about fifty killed and a number wounded. The Tv.xians had none killed, two wounded and one missing. Tliey capttired about seventy head of horses. This affair is known a;^ the "Grass Fight.'' It occurred November 26, 1S35. Dr. Grant created trouble by advocating a champaign against Matamoras, Mexico. Two hundred and iifty were deluded into the belief that the Mexicans were ripe for driving Santa Anna out of Mexico. November 29th, Grant was reported to have two hundred and fifty men ready to march to the Rio Grande. The annexed happenings, no doubt, prevented Dr. Grant from dividing the Texas force. December 3d, 1835, Messrs. John W. Smith, Holmes and Samuel Maverick entered the Texas lines. They had been .^ ■4lk S ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. detained by Gen, Cos since the affair at Gonzales. They reported the strength of the enemy as exaggerated. The idea of storming San Antonio has been suggested and advocated. It was popular Meantime, about the 4th of December, Arnold, the Texas guide had returned. Lieut. Vuavis, of the Mexican army, had deserted, and was examined by Gen. Burleson. He reported dissatisfaction in the Mexican camp, that the strength in the city was much less than supposed. On the evening of that d^y Col. Benjamin R. Milam cried aloud, "Who will go with old Ben Milam to San Antonic?" There was a general shout of appro- val. The parties advocating the scheme assembled at Gen. Burleson's headquarters. They fell into line, and at once elected Milam to lead them. He directed them to meet him at the old mill at night to complete arrangements. Gen. Burlhsou and the whole command said the matter met their approbation. At the mills the attacking party was formed in two divisions. The first under the immediate command of Col. Milam, assisted by Col. Nidland Franks of the artillery, and Maj. R. C Morris of the New Orleans Greys. Messrs Maverick, Cooke and Arnold acted as guides. The second column was commanded b^ Col. Frank W. Johnson, assisted by Cols. James Grant and Wm. T. Austin, with Deaf Smith and John W. Smith as guide ;. Gen. Burleson agreed to hold his position until the result of the attack was known. Col. J. C. Neill was directed to make a feint upon the Alamo to direct the attention of the enemy, while the others were entering the town. The attacking party consisted of three hun- dred and one men. The companies of Captains York, Dickin- son, English and Ward, composed the first division, under Col. Milam, commander. The companies of Captains Cooke, Breese, Peacock, Swisher and Kdwards, formed the second division under Col. Johnson. Col. Neill performed his part. He opened fire on the Alamo, and drew the attention of the enemy to that quarter. VVhe he heard the guns of Milam on the opposite side of the river he withdrew. Milam moved on Acequia street (Ditch Street). Johnson entered Soledad street (Solitary street). These two streets run nearly south on parallel Hues, and enter the Main square, the first at the northwest and the other at the northeast corner. At the.se points the enemy had erected works. Milanr'.'i division occupied de la Garza's house, Johnson the Veramendi house. Both these houses were about one hundred yards from -m m- ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, q the Main square. The Veramendi house is still standing:.. The door on the street side show signs where balls passed through. On approaching the Veramendi house, a sentinel tired on the Texians. He was killed by Deaf Smith. Upon this, the Mexi- cans began a furious firing from the town and the Alamo. A twelve-pounder and a six-pounder accompanied the two divisions. The twelve-poimder was soon dismounted, and the six-pounde- made about useless The Texians covered themselves with difti- cultv. They soon opened fire with their rifles, and silenced all the artillery within their reach. The fight continued during the day. The Texians established communications between the two divisions. That day, the 5th of December, they lost one man killed and twelve wounded. Among the wounded were lyieuLs. Hall and Deaf Smith. During the night the enemy kept up a continuous fire, fhey placed men on tops of houses in their possession. They cut loop-holes in the parapet walls of the houses. On the 6th the Mexicans kept up a steady fire of cannon and small arms. On that day L,ieut. William McDonald of Capt. Crane's company captured a house to the right and a little in advance of de la Garza's house. Th^ extended the Texas line westwardly, and in direction of the Military Plaza. They strengthened their works and remounted their twelve-pounder. On this day they had five men vvounded. The morning of the third day the enemy fired briskly from a trench between the Alamo and the river. By 11 o'clock this fire was silenced, and that of some of the Mexican artillery. A house stood between the Garza house and the plaza buildings. This was entered be the gallant Karnes, crow-bai in hand, backed by the company of Capt. York. They held the position. In the evening the fire of the Mexicans was br^sk. Col. Milam was killed at the back of the Veramendi house. He was buried near where he fell. Capt, Swisher was present at the burial, and afterwards pointed out the exact spot. This was an incentive inducing Texians to strike for vengeance. Yoakum says: They immediately set on foot a party 10 take possession of the house of Antonio Navarro, situated on the north side of Main street, one block west of the Main plaza, but commanding a portion of the Military plaza, and the Mexi- can redoubt on the second block west of main square. The party consisted of portions of the companies of Captains I,lewy- *■ lo ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. Hen, English, Crane and York. They advanced from the house taken by Karnes, and forced an entrance. The enemy endeav- ored to retake it by firing through the loop-holes made in the roof ; but the Texians returned the fire through the same loop- holes, and drove them off. On the 8th of December the "Zambrano Row" was taken. The thick partition walls were penetrated by crow-bars. The fight was fierce and stubborn, but the enemy were finally expell- ed. Gen. Burleson sent a detachment under Lieut. Gill to assist the Texians. The Mexicans attempted a diversion by sending a detachment of about fifty men in the direction of the Texas camp. They were forced to retire by the fire of a six-pounder. The occupants of the Zambrano Row were reinforced by the companies of Captains Swisher, Alley, Edwards and Duncan. At this time the Texians had command of the northwesc portion of the enemy's main defenses. On December 8th, at night, a party of abou*^ one himdred Texians attacked the "Priest's House." It commanded the plaza. In approaching the building th'^ men wer-^ subjected to a heavy fire. They moved rapidly, broke down the wails of an out-building, and drove the Mexicans from the priest's house. The}' cut loop-holes, and prepared to use their rifles with effect when daylight appeared. The enera}' abandoned the square and retired to the Alamo. On the morning of December 9th Gen. Cos sent in a flag ot truce, proposing to surrender. Cos had been reinforced by five- hundred convict!;, conducted by Col. Ugartechea. They were chained and guarded by one hundred infantry. They were a source of trouble and disquietude. In addition, there was a derth of provisions. The force of Gen. Cos was estimated at 3oo previous to the arrival of the "volunteers." After that his force consisted of 1,400 men. These he surrended, December loth, 1835. He pledged that he and his men were not to fight against the Texians, unless exchanged. He was allowed to pur- chase provisions. He begun iiis march to I^aredo on the 14th day of December, at the head of 1,105 troops. The balance were allowed to remain in obedience to terms of capitulation. The Mexican loss was about 150 killed. TheTexian loss very small. The disabled and sick Mexicans were allowed to remain, and were cared for by the victors. Col. Johnson, the leader of the attacking party after the fall m ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. zi of Col. Milam, remained in command at San Antonio for a short ivhile. He is now dead. Gen. Edward Burleson returned to his home. He was after- wards Vice-President of the Republic of Texas. He died in the year 1851. Samuel Maverick was a zeaious, useful, and efficient friend of Texas. He was an able citizen, and filled many places of trust. He died several years since. He had the good will, and possessed the confidence of his fellow citizens. The writer took account of the siege of San Antonio princi- pally from Yoakum's history. He had no time to consult other accounts. Mrs. Bradley deserves mention as one of the old-timed resi- dents of San Antonio. The consultation met November first. They consisted of 55 members. They elected Sam Houston general in chief, Henry Smith governor and James W. Robinson lieutenant-governor of Texas. They left one member from each municipality to assist the governor in the discharge of his duties — about 15. These were not all present at. one time ; part of them went home, and returned. They differed with Gov. Smith ; quarreled with him ; assumed unqualified authority, and assumed to displace the governor from office, elected J. W, Robinson governor. All this was done without the sanction of law. These gentlemen were, no doubt, patriots. They appointed men to fill military offices, intending to invade Mexico. The Texians butchered at San Patricio, Refugio, and Goliad, resulted from the action of the opponents of Gov. Smith. Gen. Houston attempted tc con- centrate the army, but his orders were not obeyed. This trouble was the cause of the failure to send men to reinforce Travis at the Alamo. After the surrender of Gen. Cos many of the Texians return- ed to their homes. A garrison was left at San Antonio, under command of Col. Neill. Dr. Grant revived his project of a cam- paign against Matamoros. He illegally took possession of winter clothing, ammunition, provisions, and in addition induced a large number of the garrison to follow him. He seized private property, without authority. He left and proceeded to San Patricio, where outside the town he was attacked 1)y Gen. Urrea, and his party all killed.' His coadjutor, Col. Frank W. John- son was at San Patricio with men. They were surcrised. ■m 12 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. defeated and many of them killed. Gen. Urrea had moved from Matanioros. He destroyed the command of Col. Fan- nin. They surrendered as prisoners, and the main portion of them were afterwards shot, by order of Gen. Santa Anna, in violation of the rules of civilized warfare. The Alamo had pre- viously fallen. The number of soldiers who had been sacri6ced by the vaulting ambition of a few leaders, and the acts of a few members oi the consultation, amounted to nearly one thousand. These, if they had obeyed Gen. Houston's order to fall back, and concentrate, would have been able to meet Santa Anna on the outskirts of the settlements, beaten him, and secured peace. After Dr. Grant had stripped San Antonio of men and means there were left of the garrison 150 men. They had been poorly paid. Col. Neill haci received orders to burn the Alamo, destroy what he was unable to remove, and march to a designated place. He has never published his reason for disobedience cf orders, He left, it is averred, to procure transportation for the arms, and public property, in the city. Deaf Smith accompanied him, which was a deprivation to the men of the garrison. About this time Col. Travis arrived ; he brought about thirty men. He assumed command of the regulars. Col. Bowie commanded the volunteers. He had visited the different commands aiming to march tc Mexico, and endeavored to persuade them to desist, and to obey orders. He came to San Antonio ; it was his home. After the departure of Deaf Smith there was no one the Texians placed confidence in who could inform them of the approach of Gen. Santa Anna. He was expected, but no one knew when he would arrive. Co)- Seguin was in the employ of the Texians. He was afterward? in the battle of San Jacinto. He .sent a rela- tive to Laredo. He returned, and reported Gen. Santa Anna at Laredo, at the head of an army. The Texians would not believe him. Gen. Santa Anna proceeded up the Rio Grand to a point opposite Presido Rio Grande, to effect a junction with troops coming from the State of Cohuila. At Laredo he met the retiring troops of Gen. Cos. This command was forced to violate the terms of the surrender, and return to Texas. Santa Anna marched upon the road direct from Presidio Note to San Anto- nio. Prairie fires had destroyed the grass. Sergeant Becerra, of Santa Anna's army, afiirms that the members of a mounted regiment had to walk and lead their horses. The want of ■« ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 13 provender had rendered them unable to carrj^ a soldier. Gen. Santa Anna issued orders on the march, indicating his intention to treat Texians with the most relentless severity. When the Mexican command reached the Medina, Sergeant Becerra said Gen. Santa Anna was visited by a Mexican gentleman of San i!Vntonio, Seiior Navarro. The General asked questions about the Texians. He was informed there was a fandango in the city, and quite all the Texians were in attendance, no doubt. The General expressed an intention to move ai once, and sur- prise them. A very heavy rain had fallen recently. The Medina was quite full. The array had camped on both sides the stream. The ammunition wagons were on the south side, and could not be passed over with apparent safety. There was no boat with the Mexican command. In a conversation, Gen. Santa Anna is reported to have said.'^that the Mission of Con- cepcion was better calculated to be defended by a small party than the Alamo, and he anticipated the Texians would occupy it, February 23, 1836, the Mexican army, 4,000 strong, formed by the Desiderio hill. ATexian sentinel on the church, between Main and Military Plaza, reported a force in view. A man went up. The .sentinel said the force had been moved. A spirited altercation ensued. The report of the sentinel caused excite- ment. In order to arrive at the truth Col. Travis directed Dr, John Southerland and Mr. J. W. Smith to ride out and see. They proceeded to Desiderio hill, looked below, and saw an army drawn up, not far trom them. The)'^ retreated rapidly. Southerland' s horse moved badly. His feet seemed clogged with mud. He turned over, topsy-turvy, fell on Southerland, crippled him and broke his gun. He laid on Southerland till Smith alighted, and pulled him off. When they reached the public square the Texians were retiring to the Alamo. On their march they came upon a heard of cattle, twenty-five or thirty in number. Tliese were drove into the Alamo. Dr. Southerland wrote an account of the fall of the Alamo. i L is the nearest evidence of one of the noble defenders of the Alamo we have. The wounds he received from the fall of his horse rendered him incapable of bearing arms. He was employ- ed in the effort to procure reinforcements to the garrison of the Alamo. This will be noticed hereafter. According to Dr. South- erland Gen. Santa Anna sent a couple of officers, under a white flag. They were met by Major Morris and Captain Martin at a foot- -f -# i^. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. bridge on the river, about where Commerce street crosses the San Antonio River. The Mexican officers demanded an uncon- ditional surrender, which was refused. As an answer, Col. Travis ordered a cannon to be fired at the part of town occupied by the Mexican troops. As stated by Sergeant Becerra, Gen. Santa Anna intended to cross the river below town, out of reach of the fire of the Texian artillery. To obtain wood for the construction of a bridge, he directed Gen. Castrillon to proceed with two companies of the Matamoros battalion to the neighborhood of the Alamo, and take wood from the houses. Gen. Castrillon endeavored^to obey the order. He reached the designated point, and was soon under the fire of the Texians. In a short while Castillon reported to Santa Anna, saying in substance . "If you wish any of the two companies of the battalion to remain alive you had better order them to retire at once." They were withdrawn. Within a few -.ninutes they had lost thirty men. Gen. Castrillon reported having met two ladies. The result of the annunciation was the performance of a mock marriage ceremony — Gen. Santa Anna as groom, and a beautiful Mexican woman as bride, and a rascally Mexican soldier as priest. Bacerra says: "Col. Mora was ordered to take possession north and east of the Alamo to prevent escape from the fort." — ' 'A small fort was commenced above the Alamo. ' ' This was finish- ed, but was not approved by Gen. Santa Anna. Another fort was constructed by Gen. Amador, nearer the Alamo, on the hill to the northeast. The firing from the Alamo was kept up with spirt. The intention of Gen. Santa Anna was to take the Alamo by escalade. He brought 4,000 troops to Texas. He awaited the arrival of Gen. Tolas, in command ot 2,000 troops. He arrived on the 3rd day of March. The exultation and shouts of the Mexicans on that day induced Dr. Southerland to believe that S.mta Anna came on that date. Here the Doctor's estimate of the Texian force will be given: ' The strength of the Texians at Bexar now considered of one hundred and fifty-two men. Eighty of these were a part of the original garrison, who had not caught the Matamoros fever; twenty-five had returned with Col. Bowie from GoHad. Col,. Travis had brought with him about twenty ; Col, Crockett twelve; Capt, Patteq dcven, These detachments, with their respective commands, make the number. A few days after their ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. ij concentration, some twenty Mexicans of the city joined them, increasing the number to one hundred and seventy-two." Counting the commanders of these bodies and the twenty Mexicans increases the number to 192. The idea suggesting Itself to any sensible man would be, what did Gen. Santa Anna wai' fc- Gen. Tolsa for? He had 4,000 men. Was he doubtful of attacking less than aoo men ? An expressive compliment to the bravery of the soldiers of Texas. Texas had not paid them. They had not been supplied with medicine, until Dr. Southerland had been appointed surgeon. They had nothing to eat but beef and corn bread, These supplies were obtained by accident, as has been seen. There was a spirit in these men that no earthly power could conquer. Death could visit the body. The heroic resolution passed hence with the soul to another world, unchanged and unchangeable, Thi love of liberty, the determination to maintain it, is a gift from God. In the garrison of the Alamo it ruled. On the 24th of February Col. Travis wrote an appeal to the people of Texas : •'CoMMANDCy OP THK Alamo, Bexar, February 24, 1836. "Fellow-Citizens and Compatriots : I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. / s/ia// never surrender Of retreat. Then I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and of everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy are receiviirj; reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. Though this call may be neg- lected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who forgets not what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death ! "W. Barret Travis, ^'Lieutenant- Colonel Comnia?iding.** P. S. — The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses, eighty or ninety bushels, and got into the walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. "T."' ^ — — — ^ ^ 1 6 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. Col. Travis was unapprised of Santa Anna's number of soldiers. He spoke of what he had seen. Why was his appeal not answered by the appearance of reinforcements ? The reason is obvious — the trouble between the governor and the committee raised to assist him. This committee had forwarded the forces of Texas to Goliad and San Patricio. They had as far as they could superseded Gen. Houston as commander-in-chief. At the same time they named no one to take his place. Col. Fannin and Col. John.son each expected to be commander of the army to invade Mexico. Had they united their forces they could have defeated the force under Gen. Urrea. He defeated them in detail, Gov. Smith, to whom Gen. Houston remained faithful; after his trouble with the committee, granted the General a furlong till March ist. The people of Texas were uncertain what they should do. They did little during the period, and the Alamo fell. Col. Travis wrote to Col. Fannin, February 23rd, asking him to come to his relief. Fanning failed from want of transportion. Gen. Santa Anna was notified of Fannin's effort to reinforce Travis. On the 29th of February he dispatched Gen. Sesma, with a force, to meet Fannin. The return of Fannin to Goliad preventing him meeting Gen. Sesma. Dr. Sutherland and John W. Smith were sent to procure reinforcements for Col. Travis. They visited Gonzales. There they obtained thirty-two recruits. These they conducted to the neighborhood of San Antonio. Smith conducted them to the Alamo, March ist. Sutherland, still unable to perform military service, remained 5utside. The fighting continued without abatement. On the 3rd of March Col. Travis made his last appeal for help to the President of the Convention, which convened at Washington, on the ist of the month. Among expressions used were the following : "The blood-red banners which waved on the church at Bexar, and the camp above him, were tokens that the war was one of vengeance against rebels.'* To a friend in Washington he wrote: "Take care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I may make him a splendid fortune ; but if the country should be lost, and I perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection that he is a son of a man who died for his country." William Corner wrote a history of San Antonio in which is published Sidney I^anier's Historical Sketch. He noticed the m r>. I'Y 'ilT n--n,--,iiftriniiT JMaiMi— — MMjaajB— iMCJMaih^ ■m ORIGIN AhW FALL OF THE ALAMO. i 7 withdrawal of the Mexican troops from the Alamo, March 3rd. The following is given as incidents of the day : About two hours before sunset on the third of March, 1836, the l)ombardinent suddenly ceased, and the enemy withdrew an unusual distance. * * * Col. Travis collected all his effec- tive men in a single file, and taking his position in front of the center, he stood for some moments apparently speechless from emotion; then nerving himself for the occasion, he addressed them substantially as follows : "My companions: Stern necessity compels me to employ the few moments afforded by this probably brief cessation con- flict, in making known the most interesting, yet the most solemn, melancholy and yet welcome fact that humanity can realize. * * * Our fate is sealed. Within a few days, perhaps a very few hours, we must be in eternity! I have deceived you long by the promise or help; but I crave your pardon, hoping that after hearing my explanation you will not only regard my conduct as pardonable, but heartly sympathize with me in my extreme necessity. * :^ ^ j have continually received the strongest assurance of help from home. Every letter from the council, and every one that I have seen from individuals at home, have teemed with assurance that our people were willing, read}' and anxious to come to our relief. * * * These assistances I re- ceived as facta. * * * In the honest and simple confidence of my heart I have transmitted you these promises of help and my confident hope of success. But the promised help has not come, and our hopes are not to be realized. I have evidently confided to much in the promises of our friends; but let us not be in haste to censure them. * * * Our friends were evidently not informed to our perilous condition in time to save us. Doubtless they would have been here by the time they expected any con- siderable force of the enemy. " 'My calls on Col. Fannin remain unanswered, and ray mes- sengers have not returned. The probabilities are that his whole command has fallen into the hands of the enemy, or been cut to pieces, and that our couriers have been cut off.' [So does this brave simple soul refuse to feel any bitterness in the hour of death.] 'Then we must die. * * * Our business is not to make a fruitless effort to save our lives, but to choose the manner of our death. But three modes are presented to us; let us choo.se that by which we may best serve our country. Shall we sur- ■KMSaaUiA&^Ki IS ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, render, and be deliberately shot without taking the life of a single enemy? Shall we try to cut our way out through the Mexican ranks, and be butchered before we can kill twenty of our adver- saries ? I am opposed to either method. * * * i^et us resolve to withstand our enemies to the last, and at each advance to kill as many of them as possible. And when at last they shall storm our fortress, let us kill them as they come ! Kill them as they scale our walls ! Kill them as they leap within ! Kill them as they raise their weapons, and as they use them ! Kill them as they kill our companions ! and continue to kill them as long as one of us shall remain alive ! * * * But leave every man to his own choice. Should any man prefer to surrender * ♦ or an attempt to escape * * * he is at liberty to do so. My own choice is to stay in the fort and die- for my country, fighting as long as breath shall remain in my body. This will I do even if you leave me alone. Do as you think best; but no man can die with me without affording me comfort in the hour of death.' "Col. Travis then drew his sword, and with the point traced a line upon the ground extending from the right to the left of the file. Then resuming his position in front of the centre, he said : * I now want every man who is determined to stay here and die with me to come across that line. Who will be the first? March.' The first respondent was Tapley Holland, who leaped the. line at a bound, exclaiming, 'I am ready to die for my country.' His example was instantly followed by every man in the file, with exception of Rose . Every sick man that could walk, arose from his bunk, and tottered across the line. Col. Bowie, who could not leave his bed, said : 'Boys, I am not able to come to you, but I wish some of you would be so kind as to move my cot over there.' Four men instantly ran to the cot, and each lifting a corner carried it over. Then every sick man that could not walk made the same request, and had his bunk moved in the same way. "Rose was deeply affected, but differently from his compan- ions. He stood till every man but himself had crossed the line. He sank upon the ground, covered his face and yieled to his own reflections. ^^ ^- * A bright idea came to his relief; he spoke the Mexican dialect very fluently, and could he once get out of the fort, he might easily pass for a Mexican and effect his escape. He directed a searching glance at the cot of Col. Bowie. Col. David Crockett was leaning over the cot, conversing with ■m ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 19 its occupant in an undertone. After a few] seconds Bowie looked at Rose and said : 'You seem not to be willing to die with us, Rose.' 'No,' said Rose, 'I am not prepared to die, and shall not do so if I can avoid it.' Then Crockett also looked at him, and said : 'You may as well conclude to die with us, old man, for escape is impossible.' Rose made no reply, but looked at the top of the wall. 'I have often done worse than climb that wall,' thought he. Suiting the action to the thought, he sprang up, seized his wallet of unwashed clothes, and ascended the wall. Standing on its top, he looked down within to take a last view of his dying friends. They were all now in motion, but what they were doing he heeded not; overpowered by his feelings, he looked away, and saw them no more. * * * He threw down his wallet, and leaped after it. * * * He took the road which led down the river, around a bend to the ford, and through the town by the church. He waded the river at the ford, and palled through the town. He saw no person, * * * but the doors were all closed, and San Antonio appeared as a deserted city. After passing through the town, he turned down the river. A stillness as death prevailed. When he had gone about a quarter of a mile below the town, his; ears were saluted by the thunder of the bombardment, which was then renewed. That thunder continued to remind him that his friends were true to their cause, by a continued roar, with^ but slight intervals, until a little before sunrise on the morning of the 6th when it ceased, and he heard it no more." Rose Stopped at the house of Zuberr. His account of the inci- dents of March 3d was published in the Texas Almanac of 1873. Mr. W. P. and Mary Ann Zuber are responsible for its authen- ticity as coming from Rose. They affirm that Rose proceeded to Nacogdoches county. After the arrival of Gen. Tolza there was, as previously stat- ed, a suspension of operations for a time. The intentions of Gen. Santa Anna seems to^^have been to allow no cessation of attack, and to allow the small garrison of Texians no time to sleep. They were overworked, worn down, almost asleep when firing, Seargeant Becerra thus describes the preparations for a final assault: "On the 3d of March Gen. Tolza arrived. The greatest activity prevailed in every departniient. The plan of assault was formed and communicated to the commanders of corps, and ?!?■ II I I' r" li— ——■—<■ II I I I f I III ■■■^■■«ected to the Heroes '>f the Alamo." It stood at the entrance of the Capitol iit Au.'tin. This building was burned in 1880, and the monu- m'irt sufferer] injury. On the top of each front were the names of Travis, Bowie, Crockett and Bonham. The inscription on the north front was: "'^o The God Of The Fearless And The Free Is Dedicated This Aitar Of The ALAMO." On tne west front: "Blood >f Heroes Hath Stained Me. Let The Stones Of The At^mo Speak, Thai Their IMMOLATION Be Xot FOR- GOTTFN " On the south front: -Be They Knrobeo With I EONkOAS In The Host Of The Mighty Dead." On the east front: "TotrmopyUe Had Ker Mess-.nger O' DFFEA T. Bu*. The ALAMO Had NOrE." Mrs, Maverick and Mrs. Canterbury, ai iha* tinie M-s. Wilson I. Riddle, boti: were ac(iuainted with Mr. Nagle, and speak . ^-- # # " * 28 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, kindly of him. He received from the Legislature of Texas a small consideration for the monument, and is since dead. His memory should be honored by every friend of Texas, Sergeant Becerra was made a prisoner at San Jacinto. In the war between Mexico and the United States he was in the service of the latter. When he died he was a Mexican veteran of the United States. Col. Travis' son was a member of the Legislature of Texas. He was a captain in the regular army of the United States, and belonged to the regiment -iommanded by Col. Sidney Johnson. He had a daughter also. She was living some years ago. After the fall of the Alamo there were thirty-three wives left widows in Gonzales, Mr, J, W. Smith was highly respected by the Texians. He died while a member of Congress, at Washington, on the Brazos river. He is worthy of consideration as one of the tried and true friends of Texas in her days of peril. Dr. Sutherland lived many years after the revolution of 1836. He was honored by all as one of the able and trusted men who served his country with zeal and fidelity when her cause appeared almost hopeless. He died full of years and full of honors. Mrs. Candelaria is still living. She claims to be over one hundred years of age. The state of Texas has granted her a pension. However, want of space prevents the mention of many who performed important services to Texas in the days of trial and adversity. Capt. Reuben M. Potter, U. S, A,, retired, was an efl&cient friend of the Republic of Texas. In the days of gloom he wrote tne "Hymn of the Alamo," and predicted the success of her cause, which is herewith presented: "Rise! man the wall — our clarion's blast Now sounds its final reveille — This dawning morn must be the last Our fated band shall ever see. To life, but not to hope, farewell; Your trumpet's clang, and cannon's peal, And storming shout, and clash of steel Is ours, but not our country's knell. Welcome the Spartan's death — 'Tis no despairing stife — We fall — we die — but our expiring breath Is freedom's breath of life. # ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO, 29 '•Here on this new Thermopylae < Our monument shall tower on high, And 'Alamo' hereafter be On bloodier fields the battle cry.* Thus Travis from the rampart cried. And when his warriors saw the foe Like whelming billows move below. At once each dauntless heart replied: 'Welcome the Spartan's death — 'Tis no desparing strife — We fall- we die — but our expiring breath Is freedom's breath of life!" "They come — like autumn leaves they fall, Yet hordes on hordes they onward rush; "With gory tramp they mount the wall. Till numbers the defenders crush. The last was felled— -the fight to gain^ Well may the ruffians quake to tell How Travis and his hundred fell Amid a thousand foremen slain. They died the Spartan's death, But not in hopeless strife; Like brothers died — and their expiring breath Was freedom's breath of life." The convention of Texas met at Washington on the Brazos, March ist, 1836. On the second day of that month they issued a declaration of independence They formed a constitution; elected David G. Burnet provisional president, Lorenzo de Zavala vice-president. They also pronounced Sam Houston general-in- chief of the Texas army. President Burnet appointed the follow- ing gentlemen as his cabinet: Samuel P. Carson Secretary of State. Bailey Hardeman Secretary of the Treasury. Thomas J. Rusk Secretary of War. Robert Potter Secretary of the Navy. David Thomas Attorney General. They adjourned, and many of the members proceeded at once to the Texas army. On the 2ist day of April, 1836, the battle of San Jacinto was fought. Gen. Lopez de Santa Anna, president of Mexico, and commander-in-chief of her army, was made a prisoner of war. He recognized the independence of Texas. The balance of the Mexican army, in accordance with its stipulations, was permitted to march out of Texas unmolested. Mexico received the benefits of the treaty, and according to the laws of nations could not go back on that agreement, inuring to her benefit. Texas became sovereign, free and independent by reason of that treaty. ■« ^«5 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. SAN ANTONIO EVENTS. In the papers preserved at San Antonio is an account of a visit to the place of LaFitte, the celebrated pirate. He was placed in confinement, and afterwards liberated. Gen. X. B. Debray translated the document. The general published the account several years since. Below are given some notices of events'without regard to the date. During the contest of the Mexican revolution, there were operations near San Antonio. In i8[2 Ueut. Magee, late of the United States army, conveyed a force into Texas, He assumed the rank of colonel. He captured La Bahia- Goliad. He died there. Major Kemper succeeded him. He marched to San Antonio at the head of 1500 men. Gen. Salcedo, with a force of 2500 men, met him on the Salado, about nine miles from town, where a fight occurred. The Americans were successful, losing only a few men. The Imperials lost more than 1000, with all their camp equipage. This engagement occurred about March 28, 1813. The next day Col. Kemper entered San Antonio. Fourteen officers of rank were made prisoners. Gen, Bernado, who was ostensibly in command of the revolutionists, now assumed more authority. He ordered Capt. Delgado to escort these officers to the coast, where it was pretended a vessel lay, where they were to embark for New Orleans. Delgado proceeded a few miles from the city, where he massacred these officers in cold blood. This criminal act was the cause of profound disapproval by the Americans. Col, Kemper and Maj. Ross resigned and left Texas. It was ascertained that Gen. Bernado had author- ized Capt. Delgado to commit the barbarous tragedv, and he was relieved Irom command. Capt, Perry assumed command of the Americans. Gen. Elizondo, who betrayed Hidalgo to the Spaniards, entered Texas with about 3000 men. He moved to the vicinity of San Antonio, dispersed and killed many of the guard in charge of the American horses, yet failed to enter the city, Elizondo encampted on the Alazan creek, and had erected two bastions. The Americans decided on apian of battle. On the night of October 4, 1815, they marched out of town, and attacked the royalists early in the morning, while prayers were being said. After several hours of hard fighting the Spaniards fled, haviug lost a thousand in killed •• SAN ANTONIO IN 1853 N x/Mf "%^: J 7 "11^ r '•■5 ^ «>W> --- ' '■ ' -' ^. „ ■-. -u.-. ■ -.. ^,- JlCl ORIGIN AND FALL OF THF ALAMO. 31 wounded and prisoners; American loss, forty-seven killed and the same number wounded, most of whom died. Just after this affair Gen. Toledo, a Cuban arrived, and took command. He organized a governing junta, appointed civil officers and restored the reign of law and order. Gen. Elizondo retreated' in the direction of the Rio Grande. Gen. Arredondo was commandant of that section. He united his forces with those of Elizondo and set out for San Antonio. South of the Medina river he threw up a breast-work in the form of a capital A. the open part facing San Antonio. In advance of this he placed some men. The republicans came — attacked the ad- vance. They charged the advance, pursued them into the forks of the work, where the Spaniards opened a terrific fire upon them from cch side of their works. Gen. Toledo had unfortunately placed the Americans uoon the right and left wings of his army. After discovering the trap he had entered. Gen. Toledo ordered a retreat. The American left wing obeyed, but the right wing refused, saying, "they never retreated." These men continued to fight. "They performed prodigies of valor." In the unequal contest nearly all of them were killed. The retreating column was p'lrsued by the Spanish cavalry and many of them were butchered. The retreat was continued across Texas. Seventy or eighty republicans surrendered at Spanish bluff, on Trinity river. They were inhumanly butchered. "Only ninety-three Arnericans succeeded in reaching Nacogdoches." This was the end of the American campaign in Texas in 1812 and 18 13. Arredondo treated the people of Bexar with much cruelty — tried to confiscate property, forced ladies \.o cook for soldiers and mis- treated men. An American, George Antonio Nixon, who came to San Antonio at an early day, affirmed that the day he arrived a swarm of bees settled on the Catholic church in the Main Plaza. He said many Mexicans asserted that the North Americans would soon follow the bees. He seemed to believe that the Mexicans of this section generally entertained that opinion. He died in San Augustine many years ago. During 18 19 Gen. L,ong entered Texas. He established a provisional government at Nacogdoches — declared Texas an in- dependent republic. He sought L,aFitte's assistance, and failed to obtain it. He eventually conducted an expedition to I^a Bahia, which he captured. From this period his history is prob- m ■ S^ ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. lematical. He was carried to the City of Mexico where he was assassinated. His wife remained at Point Bolivar many months awaiting his return. The morning and evening guns were fired with regularity Eventually her friends informed her of the General's fate, and relieved her. She was a lady of fine accom- plishments and great bravery. In 183 1, Col. Bowie, in charge of nine men and two servants, formed a party to visit a silver mine near the head of San Saba river. While on the way they were informed by Isanonie, a chief of the Comanches, that a large party of Wacoes and Twowokanas were following them, determined to take their scalps. The Americans moved on. They had arrived to within a few miles of the San Saba river. They were preparing to break camp when they were saluted by the war hoop by one hundred and sixty-four Indians. Arrangements were promptly made tor defense. A terrific resistance was made. Many Indians were killed. They fired the grass, but with no good effect. During the burning of the grass they removed their dead. That night they cried over their dead. The next morning they carried them to a cave a mile off. They then left. Their loss was reported to be eighty- one killed and wounded; American loss, one man killed, three wounded; one horse killed, three wounded. They remained in camp about eight days, taking care of the wounded, then marched slowly for home. Mr. Hamm, one of the party, oyer eighty years of age, described the fight to the writer. They reached San Antonio after night fall. The people had concluded they had been killed. When it was ascertained that Col. Bcvie and party had returned, the people were rojoiced. They illuminated the place and did all they could to welcome the visitors. Gen. Sam Houston came to Texas in 1832. He was advised to come by Gen. Andrew Jackson. He appears to have had authority as an agent to the Cherokee and other United States Indians. In February, 1840, the Comanche Indians were requested to meet the Texas Secretary of War, Gen. A. S. Johnson and others at San Antonio. They agreed to bring with them thirteen white captives. Theycame, and brought but one, Miss Lockhart. She told they had others in their camps. The Americans very can- didly told the Comanche chiefs they would have to bring in the other prisoners, comply with their words, before they could #- ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 33 or would be liberated. The Comanches seemed to talk with bravado and defiantly. The company of Capt. Tom Howard was marched into the council room. The Comanches were told they would be held as prisoners until the other prisoners were brought in. The Comanches began fighting at once. They wounded Capt. Howard. The fight became general. Thirty-two warriors, three women and two children were killed. Twenty-seven women and children were made prisoners. Texian loss, seven killed and eight wounded. A Comanche woman afterwards brought in six or seven prisoners. This afiair was preceded by a long and bloody war. On August 10, 1840, the battle of Plum Creek was fought; from fitty to eighty Comanches killed. Texians commanded by Gen. Felix Houston. Capt. Ben McCulloch deserves great credit for preparing the citizens to attack the Indians. In that engagement a man shot a squaw, and exclaimed: "By jingo! I am thinning them now." In 1 841 Capt. John C. Hays began gaining distinction as a successful commander. He was situated near San Antonio, and was the defender of the southern and western frontier. On April 7, 1 84 1, he defeated the Mexicans near I^aredo. March 5, 1842, Gen. Rafael Vasquez sent Col. Corazco to de- mand the surrender of San Antonio. The reply was promised the next day by two o'clock, through Mr. Van Ness and Mr. Morris. Meantime Capt. Hays and company had concluded to retreat upon the Guadalupe. Vasquez came into the city. Considerable private property was taken by private soldiers. A goodly number of Mexican citizens left San Antonio with the invaders. They re- mained but two days. April II, 1842, Gen. Adrian Woll entered San Antonio at the head of 1200 men. Capt. Hays had retired to the Salado, about eight miles distant. Capt. Mat he,v Caldwell, with eighty men, joined Hays. The latter was sent to San Antonio to entice Gen. Woll to pursue him. Woll advanced with Soo men, and found Caldwell on the creek with 220 men. Woll attacked Caldwell about eleven o'clock. At sundown he retired, sustaining an estimated loss of sixty killed and sixty wounded; Texians loss, one killed and nine wounded. Capt. Dawson, of LaGrange. Texas, in command of 53 men, was marching to assist Col. Cald- well. He was attacked by a portion of Gen. Woll's command. He halted his men in a grove of uiesquite bushes. The enemy •*!«• '*i\^ -?(«• il 34 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. used artillery. Capt. Dawson sent out a white flag. It wasdls* regarded and fired on. Thirty-two of Dawson's men were killed, fifteen surrendered; many were wantonly butchered after they yielded themselves prisoners of war. Many men were hurrying to the scene of conflict. Gen. Woll seemed to appreciate the fact. He ordered his baggage to leave foi Mexico that night. The command followed the next morn- ing, April 1 8th. He acquired considerable plunder, and several Mexicans abandoned Texas and went with him. Gen. Woll made 63 prisoners at San Antonio, many of them men of distinction. Among them were Col. Sam Maverick, Judge Hutchinson, Major Colquhon, Judge William E. Jones, Wilson I. and John Riddle, John Twohig, Pat Morgan, Dr. Booker, Dr. McKay, John Howard and other gentlemen of re- spectability and influence. Col. Caldwell's force was then increased to] about 500 men. His intention was to force Gen. Woll to fight. It was unfortu- nately the fact that ambitious men desired to command. They converted the expedition into an electioneering hubbub; let Gen. Woll escape, after Capt. Hays had attacked and captured one of his batterieif. Col. Caldwell had done exceedingly well and merited the command. "GOLT'S SIX SttOOTERS." The five-shooters, the invention of Col. Colt, were offered to the public some time before they were recognized and adopted as the best firearm of that class then in existence. Few were sold, and the inventor was losing heart. Mr. Swante Swinson, in early days a merchant m Austin, Texas, and since a banker in the City of New York, was a friend of Col. Colt. He made him a present of two five-shooters. Mr. Swinson had the good sense to discover their value. He was instrnmental in procuring their delivery to Capt. Hays. He approved them. The then govern- ment of the Republic of Texas procured a supply of the pistols and armed Hayes' rangers. In 1844 Hays had a command of about fourteen men on as small creek, probably thirty miles above San Antonio. He dis- covered in his neighborhood a commandof seventy-flve Comanches. They were awaiting for an advantage to attack. Hays was too adroit to give them that advantage. They formed on a hill. He galloped around it and attacked them in the rear. The Indians charged them. They formed in a circle and used both rifle and ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMC Jj pistol. The Comanches used their lances. They were greatly surprised at the repeating pistols. They moved off, followed by the indomitable rangers. On two occasions the chief induced them to charge again. He was making a third effort when Gillespie shot him. The Indians retreated in wild confusion. Capt. Gillespie was killed in the fight at Monterey. Sam Walker, afterwards a colonel in Mexico, and killed at Huaraantla, was wounded also. Many others were slightly hurt. The Co- manches suffered a loss of thirty-five. This engagement placed the Colt's five-shooter in general notice and high esteem. Col. Sam Walker, during the Mexican war, visited Col. Colt. He was reported to have recommended a larger weapon than the five-shooter. When Col. Hay's regiment reached Vera Cruz, in Mexico, in the fall of 1847, there they found a supply of six- shooters, and his command was armed with them. The soldiers, some of them, were unacquainted with them and suffered some accidents. The writer remembers one man wounding his own loot, another killing his own horse, and so on. John S. Ford, One of the Committee In addition to the foregoing your committee have condnded to add the annexed: The points occupied by the Mexican forces during the siege of the Alamo, particularly on the morning of March 6th, 1836, are of interest. A fort was built northeast'of the Alamo, which was situated, probably, on what is now known as Dignowity Hill. This conclusion is threngthened by the fact that in making im- provements on that hill cannon balls and other articles of that character were found. These balls may have been thrown from the Alamo. It is probable that the present site of the street, Avenue C, was included by the troops occupying that fort. The cavalry were stationed at the foot of what was then known as Powder House Hill to prevent escapes from the Alamo. That section is now covered by graveyards. The Mexicans moved in four colums when they made the final attack. Of course they advanced trom four different points. The people and the Legislature have endeavored to honor the memory of the men who were prominently engaged in defense of the country. The capital of the State is named in commemoration of Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas. The capital of the 36 ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. Republic of Texas in early days was named Houston, in honor of Gen. Sam Houston, the Washington of Texas. Travis, the county in which the present capital is located, was named for the disinterested patriot, who sacrificed his life in the cause of Texas. Bowie, Bonham, in fact nearly all of the heroes of the Alamo, and quite all the men who distinguished themselves in the service of the Republic and the State of Texas have been remembered by a grateful people. Among these is Col. Juan N. Seguin. who was an officer at San Jacinto, and for whom the town of Seguin is named. The weight of years, and in many instances the hand of poverty is laid heavily upon the old patriots who nobly aided Texas in her days of infancy and feebleness. Some of those who suflFered, fought and talked for the Lone Star State, yet live in San Antonio. We may mention: Mrs. Mary Maverick, Mrs. Elizabeth Canterbury, Mrs. Amanda J. Dignowity, Capt. Nat Mitchell, a former soldier of San Jacinto, William McMasters, veteran of San Jacinto, Gen. H. P. Bee, Col. John S. Ford, Jacob Golls, Mexican veteran, Mr. George Linswiller, Capt. William Edgar, Capt. P. S. Buquor, formerly mayor of San Antonio, and a few others whose names are not remembered. C. It. Dignowity, Chairman, , H. P. Bbb, Wm. H. Youno. m- ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 37 A list of the names of those who fell in the Alamo, Atftonio de Bexar, 6th of March, 1836: at San NAME W. Barrett Travis . . James Bowie J. Washington . Forsyth Harrison William Blazeley.... Wm. CM. Baker... S.B. Evans W. K.Carey 8. C. Blair Glllmore Robert White John Jones J. G. Baugh Robert Evans Williamson. Charles Despaller . . Eliel Melton Anderson . . . Burwell Dr. Michison Dr. Amos Pollard... Dr. Thompson Green B. Jemison . David Crockett E. Neleon Nelson Wm. H. Smith , Lewis Johnson E. P. Mitchell F. Desanque Thurston . . . , Moore IChristopher Parker. C.Huskell Rose Jno. Blair David Wilson JobnM. Hays — Stuart W. K. Simpson.... W. D. Sutherland. Dr. W.Howell Butler Charles Smith McGregor. Rusk Chas. Hawkins.... Sam'lHolloway.... • Brown C. S.Smith. Browne Kedeson Wm. Wells Win. Cummings Voluntine. . . Cockran R. W. Valentine S. Holloway Isaac White Day Robert Muselman... Robert Grossman Richard Starr J. G. Garrett Janaes Dimkin •lobert H. Moore Wra.Linn Hutchinson. Wm. Johnson E. Nelson Geo. Tumlinson Vfm. Deardorf Dan'l Bourne Ingram W.I. Lewis RANK WHERE FROM Lt. -Colonel Captain Lieiaeiiant 1-t. -Adjutant Lt.-Ma t. Ord. Seryt. M^jor Aide to Travis Lt.Qnaiterma«ter Asst. Surgeon Ensign Private Commandant Tennessee New York Tennessee Louisiana N. 0. Greys Mississippi Texas Texas Tennessee N. O. Grey* Ireland Tennessee South Carolina Texas Nacogdoohes Trinity, Texas Georgia Philadelphia, Penn. Kentucky Natcbes, Miss. Nacogdoches Nacogdoches Nacogdoches Tennessee Navidad, Trxas New Orlc ms New Oilcans Scotland Ireland Philadelphia Tennessee Pennsylvania New Orleans New Orleans England New Orleans (1 England New Orleans Boston Philadelphia 3^ ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. *> LIST OF ^hM^^. — Continued. NAME Charles Zanco James Ewing Robert Cunningham. 8. Burns ....,.,„, George Neggin J, B, Bonham.. , . ,. Robinson Marcus Sewell , Harriss ..... . John Flanders Isaac Ryan I. Jackson Almeron Dickinson. George C. Kimbell .. James Geor«e Dolphin Floyd , Thomas Jackson Jacob Durst George W. Cottle.'!. ' Andrew Kent Thomas R. Miller... Isaac Baker William King Jesse McCoy Claiborne Wright.... William Fishback.. Isaac Milisaps Galba Fuqua John Davis Albert Martin John . B. A. M. Thomas..." RANK Private Lieutenant Private WRERE FROM Denmark Ireland South Carrlina Scotland Kentucky Opelousas Ireland Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Gonzales Clerk to Dlsanquo Killed ill Alamo (Shoe Maker) * fl t. o The foregoing list Is not included in the general certiflcate Feb. 17, 1839, A list of the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volun- teers, mustered into service on the 23rd day of February, 1836, by Byrd Lockhart, acting commissioner for that purpose and aid-de- camp to the acting Governor of Texas, attached to Travis' com- mand: NAME RANK REMARKS George c KimbeU William A. Irwin... Li""l' iiiiiit 1st Si'igeant Private • Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed Killed KUled Killed Killed Killed Jeesee MeC IV William Fahbaigh John G. King Daniel McCoy, Jr Jocob Dm- t Frederick ( . mm Prospect MeCoy M. L. Sewell Robert White John Ballard James Nash William Morrison Galba Fuqua A. Devault .!. ' . John Harriss Andrew Kent Isaac Millsans , William E. Summers David Kent John Davis To these Mrs. Candelaria adds the following Mexicans: Jose Marera Cabrera, Tula, Mexico. Jose Maria uimines, Mexico. Elijio or Ellas hosoyo, San Antonio. Jacinto, from the coast ol Texas. These make 1 '; slain. Dr. Sutherland stated 172. ORIGIN AND FALL OF THE ALAMO. 39 Adjutant General's Office, ) Austin, March 11, 1850, ) I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies ol the original muster rolls now on file in this ofl&ce. [seal] ben. F. HII,L, Adjutarit-General. Certificates from James S. Gillett, Adjutant-General, dated March 19 and Dec. 29, 1853, attached to copy of muster roll now on file in this office, show that Micajah Antry and L,ewis Duel were killed at the Alamo. General Land Office, ) Austin, Texas, March 30, rSSg. j I, R. M. Hall, Commissioner of the General Laud Office of the State of Texas, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the copy of the names of those who fell at the Alamo on the 6th of March, 1836, now on file in this office. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set m> Uand [seal] and affix the impress of the seal of said office this, March 30, 1889. R. M. HALL, Commissioner. Jonathan Linly fell at the Alanic, vonched for by J. D. Parker, of Birdville, Tarraut County, Texas, as per his letter to the Asso- ciation, dated October 23, 1892, and on this statement the name of Jonathan Linly will be placed on the Alamo monument. ALAMO MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, H. P. Bee, Sec'y. % — ^ . ^ Alamo Monument Association. San Antonio, Texas. CHARTERED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS. ■■* ^ y ^: ♦ MRS. MARY A. MAVERICK President Nathaniel mitchelIv vice-president JOHN S. FORD : Vice-President HAMILTON P. BEE Secretary DIRECTORS: W.H. YouN4i, Mrs. Geo. Newton, Mrs. Geo. Chabot, Sr. MoRRiivi. Poor, c. l. dignowity, Bryan Cai.laghan, Arthur Seeligson, James McMasters, Mrs. A. J. Dignowity, Sam Maverick, R. B. Green, Carlos Bee, Sam Lytle, Hart Mussey, Published by authority. H. P. Bee, Sec'y Alamo Monument Ass'n. PROPOSED AuAMO MONUMENT LBJa'Zb