The Fall of the Alamo By Dr. John Sutherland In 1835, I visited Texas with a view to making it my home, and it was my lot to witness her in that struggle with the tyrannical power of Mexico which terminated in securing the liberties we now enjoy. Having acknowledged allegiance to the Provisional Government of Texas, and enlisted in the service of the army for one month, et. cetera, I proceeded, in company with Captain William Patton and ten others, to San Antonio, which place we reached about the eighteenth of January, 1836. From that time until the twenty-third of February, I was cognizant of all that occurred of importance within the garrison of the Alamo, and remember well its hopes, fears, and anxieties for the safety of the country, and her interests. I propose to state such facts as came within my personal knowledge up to the time of my departure from Bexar,2 and such information as I have derived from the statements of others who were witnesses of the siege and fall. How I escaped the fate of my comrades, being crippled by my horse falling on me, will appear in its proper connection with the other incidents which I propose to relate. I have frequently conversed at length with one who was in the Alamo for some days whilst the siege was going on, and with others who were there during the whole of it, and witnessed its beginning, its progress, and its unfortunate termination. The first alluded to was John W. Smith, whose name not only stands prominently connected with this tragic affair, but deserves a conspicuous place in a great portion of the history of our country. The latter were those who were spared from the massacre, Mrs. Dickinson, and Colonel Travis’s servant. I had also an interview with Colonel Almonte, General Santa Anna, and his private secretary, all of whose accounts agree whenever they relate to the same incidents, and with the other three mentioned, as well with my own knowledge of what took place whilst I remained at San Antonio. I should not under ordinary circumstances be disposed to credit the Mexican authorities, for they are not always reliable when left to stand upon their own merits, but since they agree substantially with other witnesses upon whom we may safely rely, there can be no good reason why their statements should not be adopted as true. These statements being made separately, and at different times, and corroborating each other as they do, build a weight of evidence which is not to be obtained from any other source, and which seems substantial and conclusive. Though many years have elapsed since the Alamo fell, I have never, until recently, thought it necessary for me to publish anything in regard to it, supposing the facts would appear from some other source substantially correct. But, since several conflicting accounts have been published, some of which differ widely from my own knowledge of facts, I have deemed it my duty to history and to the children of the worthy patriots, to write out and publish my version of the last noble struggle of the gallant Travis and his noble band. When reaching San Antonio we found the forces there in a manner destitute. Grant and Johnson had left but a short time previous with their companies taking with them almost everything in the shape of supplies and more than their share of the scant allowance of clothing, blankets and medicines. The Government, of course, at that date was not able to meet their demands. They lived upon beef and corn bread. The former they obtained from the numerous stocks of cattle in the country and the later from the few farmers who raised corn by irrigation in the vicinity of the town. But the consumption of these commodities at Bexar had been so rapid for some months past that both were becoming scarce and not easily obtained. They were also out of money. They were all volunteers and their own resources upon which they had relied most of the time were now exhausted. There being no treasury they, of course, had not received anything in the shape of pay. A small amount was obtained from a few individuals from time to time and distributed amongst those in the greatest need, but the liberality of these few soon reduced them to a like degree of want. This state of affairs, with no prospect of relief, was fast bringing about dissatisfaction among the men. Colonel James C. Neill, who was then in command, readily foresaw that something must be done, and that, too, without delay, or his position would be abandoned and left subject to recapture by the enemy should they return. He therefore determined to procure, if possible, a portion of a donation of five thousand dollars which had been given to the cause of Texas by Harry Hill of Nashville, Tennessee, and accordingly he left Bexar about the twelfth or fifteenth of February for that purpose. About this time there were frequent rumors of an invasion of the country, but being generally of an unauthorized character, but little notice was paid to them. It was generally believed that the terms upon which Cos had been permitted to return to Mexico would be complied with by him and that his defeat would serve as a warning to Santa Anna and induce him to postpone operations until summer.By Colonel Neillís absence, Colonel James Bowie was left in command but he was shortly afterwards taken sick and confined to his bed. In a few days, however, Colonel Travis reached Bexar and, by the request of the former, accepted the command. Travis had been commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel and ordered to raise a regiment of men for the regular service, but owing to the distracted state of the public mind and the embarrassing condition of affairs generally, he had been unable to do so. In the meantime, rumors of a suspicious character reached him. It was said that the country would be invaded much sooner than had been expected. Regarding the maintenance of the position of Bexar as of vital importance to the country, and knowing the inadequacy of the forces there, he set out forthwith to join them. On his route he enlisted about twenty men, with which number he reached Bexar a few days after Colonel Neillís departure.Colonel David Crockett arrived a few days later with twelve others, direct from Tennessee. Crockett was immediately offered a command by Travis, and called upon by the crowd for a speech. The former honor he would not accept, but mounted a goods-box on the Civil Plaza, amongst prolonged cheers of the people. The applause, however, was followed by profound silence, when the full-toned voice of the distinguished speaker rose gradually above the audience and fell with smooth and lively accent upon the ears of all. Its sound was familiar to many who had heard it in days past, while the hearts of all beat a lively response to the patriotic sentiments which fell from his lips. Frequently applause greeted him, as he related in his own peculiar style some of those jolly anecdotes with which he often regaled his friends and which he, only, could tell with appropriate grace. He alluded frequently to his past career and during the course of his remarks stated that not long since he had been a candidate for Congress in his native State and that during the canvass he told his constituents that "if they did not elect him, they might all go to----- and he would go to Texas." After which he concluded in substance as follows: "And fellow citizens, I am among you. I have come to your country, though not, I hope, through any selfish motive whatever. I have come to aid you all that I can in your noble cause. I shall identify myself with your interests, and all the honor that I desire is that of defending as a high private, in common with my fellow-citizens, the liberties of our common country."This made many a man who had not known him before Colonel Crockett's friend. The strength of the Texians at Bexar now consisted in one hundred and fifty-two men. Eighty of these were a part of the original garrison, who had not caught the Matamoras fever. Twenty-five had returned with Colonel Bowie from Goliad. Colonel Travis had brought with him about twenty; Colonel Crockett, twelve; Captain Patton, eleven. These detachments, with their respective commanders, made the number. A few days after their concentration, some twenty Mexicans of the city joined them, increasing the number to one hundred and seventy-two. It is, perhaps, proper to notice that very few of the Mexican citizens of the Republic were friendly to the cause of Texas. Some were openly hostile and had gone to Mexico to join Santa Anna, while a majority occupied a kind of halfway ground, yet eager to follow the dominant party. It was said that between a thousand and fifteen hundred of them joined Santa Anna during his stay in Bexar and whilst on the march from that place to the Colorado. Of the one hundred and seventy-two men now at San Antonio, some twenty-five or thirty were on the sick list and suffering through want of medical aid. The surgeon of the command, Dr. Pollard, had exhausted his stock of medicines and no others were to be obtained in the country. In this emergency I was requested to take charge of the sick and appropriate a small quantity of medicines that I had brought with me to their necessities. I did so and finally succeeded in relieving most of them. A few, however, did not recover entirely, one of which was Colonel Bowie, whose disease, being of a peculiar nature, was not to be cured by an ordinary course of treatment. Having taken this hasty view of the manner in which Colonel Travis and his command were brought to Bexar, and of their necessitious circumstances all the while, I will notice briefly the operations of the enemy. Although the frequent rumors of an immediate invasion which reached us failed to arouse the mass of our population to a sense of danger, they were not without their effect upon some, who, notwithstanding the fancied security of the majority, realized the danger of a surprise and the insecurity of our interests and were disposed to contribute their efforts to prevent being taken unawares. One of these was Captain Juan N. Sequin, who, though he has since been charged with hostility to the Texas cause, certainly did not manifest it at the time of which I am speaking. He manifested every desire for the success of our cause. He was then a citizen of San Antonio, and believing that the conditions upon which Cos had been allowed to return to Mexico would be of no avail, and that his inglorious surrender would but exasperate Santa Anna, and cause him to strike an early blow upon the rebellious province, he used the precaution of stationing a spy upon the Rio Grande, with orders to report to him immediately any movements which indicated an advance. This spy was a young man by the name of Blaz Herrera, a cousin of Colonel Seguin. He remained at his post sometime before any signs of a suspicious character were discovered. About the eighteenth of February, however, Santa Anna commenced to cross the river (Rio Grande) with an army of five thousand men. Herrera made some inquiry as to their numbers, plans, et cetera, without being suspected of his motives. According to his instructions he set out post haste for Bexar, where he arrived about dark on Saturday evening, the twentieth, and reported his discoveries to his employer. Colonel Seguin immediately informed Colonel Travis of what he had learned and assured him of his confidence in Herrera. About nine o’clock that night a council of war was held in Colonel Travis’ room. Herrera was brought before it and required to report what he had seen. He reported that he had seen the army crossing the river and through inquiry had ascertained that the main body of the force, numbering thirty-five hundred, would travel slowly, but that the cavalry, fifteen hundred strong, would make a forced march for the purpose of taking the Texians by surprise. This created some considerable discussion. Some held that it was more authentic than anything that had reached them before, whilst a majority declared that it was only the report of a Mexican, and entitled to no more consideration than many others of a like character that were daily harangued throughout the country. The council adjourned without coming to any conclusion as to whether it was necessary to give any heed to the warning or not. In justice to the incredulous part of the council, I will remark that such was the universal distrust of Mexican authority that no report coming from it ever received due consideration. So many false alarms had been given by a degraded class of "Greasers" continually passing to and fro through the west, that no danger was apprehended. Many had persuaded themselves that Santa Anna would never attempt to conquer Texas and the most general reply to any argument to the contrary was that he was afraid to meet us. "He knew better." A majority believed that Cos’ defeat would have the effect of intimidating him and, if not deterring him from invasion altogether, would at least induce him to postpone it till a late day. This will relieve Travis of the charge which has been urged against him that he manifested a want of subordination in neglecting scouting service. He only reached San Antonio, as we have seen, two days before this report, and that area being the extreme western part, information from Mexico was most likely to arrive there first. Finding such an opinion prevailing, it was almost an unavoidable conclusion that the newcomers would fall into it. Until Colonel Neill’s departure, Deaf Smith had been a regular scout, but they too, entertained the common belief, or they would have never left their post. The night and following day, after the arrival of Herrera, passed as usual, without the occurrence of anything worthy of notice. The little excitement which was created passed off as fast as the report which produced it became more and more discredited. The twenty-second passed likewise. On the morning of the twenty-third the inhabitants were observed to be in quite an unusual stir. The citizens of every class were hurrying to and fro through the streets with obvious signs of excitement. Houses were being emptied and their contents put into carts and hauled off. Such of the poorer class who had no better mode of conveyance, were shouldering their effects and leaving on foot. These movements solicited investigation. Orders were issued that no others be allowed to leave the city, which had the effect of increasing their commotion. Several were arrested and interrogated as to the cause of the movement, but no satisfactory answer could be obtained. The most general reply was that they were going out to the country to prepare for the coming crop. This excuse, however, availed nothing for it was not to be supposed that every person in the city was a farmer. Colonel Travis persisted in carrying out his order and continued the investigation. Nine o’clock came and no discoveries were made. Ten o’clock in like manner passed and finally the eleventh hour was drawing near and the matter was yet a mystery. It was hoped by Colonel Travis that his diligent investigation and the strict enforcement of the order prohibiting the inhabitants from leaving the city would have the effect of frightening them into a belief that their course was not the wisest for them to pursue; that he, provoked by their obstinacy in refusing to reveal the true cause of the uneasiness, would resort to measures which might be more distasteful than any which would probably follow an open confession. But in that he was disappointed. The treacherous wretches persisted in their course, greatly to his discomfiture all the while. Finally he was informed secretly by a friendly Mexican, that the enemy’s cavalry had reached the Leon, eight miles from the city, on the previous night, and had sent a messenger to the inhabitants, informing them of the fact, and warning them to evacuate the city at early dawn, as it would be attacked the next day. He stated further that a messenger had arrived a day or two before and that it had been the purpose of the enemy to take the Texians by surprise, but in consequence of a heavy rain having fallen on the road, their march was impeded and they were unable to reach the place in time. This statement seemed altogether plausible, and substantiated the statement in the report given by Herrera three days before, yet it wore the countenance of so many of their false rumors that it was a matter of doubt that there was any truth in it. Colonel Travis came to me forthwith, however, and informed me of what he had learned, and wished to borrow a horse of me to send out to the Salado for his Caballado 3 that he might start a scout through the country. As I had two, of course he obtained one, when a runner was started forthwith. In company with Colonel Travis and at his request, I proceeded to post a reliable man on the roof of the old church as a sentinel. We all three went up but were unable to make any discoveries. The Colonel and myself returned. The sentinel remained at his post with orders to ring the bell if he should discover any sign which he might deem ominous. Colonel Travis went to his room, and I to the store of Captain Nat Lewis, who requested me to assist in taking an inventory of his goods, saying that he had some suspicion that they would soon be taken from him. We proceeded to the task but had not been long engaged when the sentinel rang the bell and cried out, "The enemy are in view." Immediately I went out and ran across the plaza toward the church, when a considerable crowd soon gathered around. Colonel Travis was also there. Several persons ran up to the sentinel’s post and, not being able to see anything justifying the cry, halloed that it was a "false alarm," and "our fears useless." The sentinel exclaimed with an oath the "he had seen them," and "that they had hid behind a row of brushwood." The crowd disbanded, the greater part of them discrediting the report altogether. I then proposed to Colonel Travis that if any one who knew the country would accompany me, I would go out and ascertain to a certainty the truth or falsity of the whole. John W. Smith was soon at hand. When we started, taking the Laredo road, I remarked to Travis just as I mounted my horse, that "if he saw us returning in any other gait than a slow pace, he might be sure that we had seen the enemy." This arrangement proved of some benefit. A moderate gait soon brought us to the top of town, when we were not surprised to find ourselves within one hundred and fifty yards of fifteen hundred men, well mounted and equipped; their polished armor glistening in the rays of the sun as they were formed in a line between the chaparral and mesquite bushes mentioned by the sentinel; the commander riding along the line, waving his sword, as though he might be giving directions as to the mode of attack. We did not remain long watching their movements, but wheeled around and started full speed back to town. In consequence of a heavy rain through the previous night, the road was quite muddy and my horse, being rather smoothly shod, began to slip and scramble and stopped at the end of fifty yards where, with a tumbling somersault, he pitched my gun out of my hand, throwing me some distance ahead of him, and followed himself, rolling directly across my knees. Smith dismounted and pulled him off of me. Having been slightly stunned, he had made no effort to rise but lay perfectly still holding me fast beneath him. After some moments he managed to get up when, by the assistance of Smith, I did likewise. Picking up the pieces of my gun I found it broken off at the breech. Being again mounted, we resumed our gait and were not long in getting to town. On reaching the Civil Plaza we met Colonel Crockett who informed us that Colonel Travis had removed his headquarters, together with the entire force, from the city to the Alamo. Smith here left me and went to his house. On learning that the Mexicans had arrived, Colonel Crockett returned with me. We crossed the river at the ford below and on our way up to the fort we met Captain Dimmitt and Lieutenant Nobles. The former inquired where we going. I told him, when he remarked that "there were not men enough at Bexar to defend the place, that it was bound to fall"; and insisted that I go with him saying he "would see me safely out," when we would go and bring reinforcements to the garrison. I replied that "I should go and report to Colonel Travis, and could not say that I could accompany him, even then." As we rode on he remarked that he would wait for me down the street at his house. It was not until attempting to dismount in front of Travis’ room, that I was sensible of the extent of the injury caused by the fall of my horse. On alighting from the saddle, my knee gave way and I fell to the ground. By the assistance of Colonel Crockett I got up and went to Colonel Travis’ room, where we found him writing a despatch. 4 He had watched our movements and by this time no longer doubted that the enemy were upon him. I informed him of our discoveries, and of the accident which had happened to me and added that "if I could be of any benefit to him, I was at his service." He replied that he wished me to go forthwith to Gonzales, and rally the settlers, if possible, to his relief. Colonel Crockett yet standing by, remarked to him, "Colonel, here am I. Assign me a position, and I and my twelve boys will try to defend it." Travis replied that he wanted him to defend the picket wall extending from the end of the barracks, on the south side, to the corner of the church. At this time the Texians had well nigh consumed everything they had on hand in the way of provisions. Grant and Johnson had left them but a small supply of coffee, sugar, and salt which had long since disappeared and none of these necessaries were to be found though they might have had ever so much money with which to buy them. Their meat they obtained by driving the beef from the prairies just as they needed it, and as they never had more at one time than would serve them more than twenty-four hours, it so happened that they were in need just at that time. They were out of corn from which they made their bread and had no money to purchase more. Though Travis afterwards thought that the Lord was on his side upon the promise that "he would provide for the upright," if he had claimed his favor under the circumstances it would have been upon the score that, "He chasteneth whom He loveth." While they were retiring from the city to the Alamo they met twenty or thirty beeves coming down Alamo Street, (now Commerce Street), and gathered around them and drove them into the Alamo. They also got their bread by chance. During the hurry and excitement of the day a number of Mexican "Jacales"5 near the Alamo had been vacated. In them they found some eighty or ninety bushels of corn. These were their supplies during the siege. As soon as the Texans entered the Alamo they set about preparing for its defense. The beeves were secured in a pen on the northeast side of the fortress, as shown on the diagram. The corn was stored away in some of the small rooms of the barracks. They did not obtain water from the small canal which runs near but dug a well within the walls. There being no portholes in the walls, it was necessary for them to make an arrangement by which they could shoot over it. This was done by throwing up an embankment against it on the inside. This being done they proceeded to make other arrangements that were necessary. Their guns were placed upon the walls as soon as possible. Of these they had some thirty or forty pieces of various calibre, amongst them an eighteen pounder. Most of them they had taken from the enemy in the previous December when Cos had surrendered. Though they had so many, they were not all mounted. I think not more than about twenty were put to use during the siege. They had also obtained from the same source a considerable number of muskets, swords, and bayonets, together with any amount of ammunition, which came in play, for of their own they had but a small supply. All were armed with good rifles, single barrel pistols, and good knives. Their powder they kept in a small room in the southwest corner of the church which was covered over with an arched roof of stone and plastered perfectly tight so as to make it proof against sparks of fire from the enemy’s shells. So soon as Travis ascertained that the enemy were upon him he sent a despatch to Colonel Fannin, then at Goliad, representing to him his position and requesting assistance as speedily as it could be sent to him. This despatch was borne by a young man by the name of Johnson, and not by J. B. Bonham, as stated in some accounts. On the twenty-third, when Almonte arrived at Bexar, Bonham was absent from the city. He had visited Texas with a view of purchasing land and had not attached himself to the army, though he held himself in readiness to serve the country whenever an emergency occurred. At the time the cavalry arrived he was prospecting the country in the vicinity of San Antonio and on hearing the report of cannon in the city, started on the return. On the way, near the Salado, he met Johnson with the despatch to Fannin, and learned the cause of the cannon fire. He put spurs to his horse and made his way into the walls of the Alamo. Between three and four o’clock P. M. I started, as requested by Colonel Travis, for Gonzales. I first rode down the river a short distance, thinking to meet Dimmitt, but he had gone, taking the main Goliad road. On coming near the ford I fell in with J. W. Smith, also on his way to Gonzales. We halted and were paralyzed for a moment when we saw the enemy march into Military Plaza in regular order. While we sat on our horses for a moment watching their movements, Captain Nat Lewis came to us on foot. He too, was bound for Gonzales with as much of his valuables as he could carry in his saddle bags thrown across his shoulder, leaving the remainder of his storehouse a contribution to the enemy. We soon parted, Captain Lewis taking one direction, Smith and myself another. Thinking the Mexicans might have seen us going off and pursue us, we took the old Goliad road which runs directly south for some distance. After going about half a mile we turned due east into mesquite and chaparral brush, following the winding paths that lead through it. We crossed the Gonzales road between the city and Powder House Hill, about one mile East of town. Turning eastward over the hill we saw three men riding in the distance across the Salado; about a mile and a half from us. We suspected that they might be a scouting party of the enemy attempting to cut off any one leaving the city and kept on our course, rather bearing around them to the left. On reaching the Salado, my injured leg began to stiffen and to give me such pain that I thought of turning back and should have done so if Smith had not urged me on, believing that the enemy had by that time surrounded the fort, for a few minutes had passed since we had heard a cannon shot. After resting a moment and filling our gourds, bought from a Mexican whom we met, for a dollar, we went on, continuing parallel with the road and about a mile from it. After riding about sixteen miles, dark came upon us, when my pains became so acute that I was forced to stop. We spread our blankets upon the ground, and ourselves upon them, and being somewhat relieved of my suffering, I was soon asleep. By daylight on the morrow we were again in the saddle and on our way to Gonzales where, after a hard days ride, and anything else but an agreeable one to myself, we arrived about four o’clock, P. M. So soon as we entered the town we made known our mission and sent notice to all the neighboring settlements with the news of the enemy’s arrival, calling upon the citizens to come immediately to the relief of the besieged. This was on Wednesday, the twenty-fourth. By Saturday we succeeded in getting twenty-five men who were placed under the command of Ensign Kimble. These were principally from the town of Gonzales, men of families and her best citizens. They started for San Antonio on Saturday about two o’clock P. M., with John W. Smith acting as guide. On the Cibolo they increased their force to thirty-two, which number reached Bexar about one o’clock A. M. on Tuesday, March the first. On reaching the suburbs of the city they were approached by a man on horseback who asked in English, "Do you wish to go into the fort, gentlemen?" "Yes" was the reply. "Then follow me," said he, at the same time turning his horse into the lead of the company. Smith remarked, "Boys, it’s time to be after shooting that fellow," when he put spurs to his horse, sprung into the thicket, and was out of sight in a moment, before a gun could be got to bear on him. Some supposed that this was General Woll, who was an Englishman6 in the Mexican service. The little band proceeded silently in single file, towards the fort, but were soon to be saluted again, though not in so friendly a manner. Notwithstanding Smith had taken the precaution to despatch a messenger ahead, there seems to have been some misunderstanding as to the direction from which they should approach the walls, for the sentinel not being aware of their presence, fired upon them without hailing. The ball took effect in the foot of one of the men. The mistake was soon rectified, when all went in without further mishap. This accession to the garrison, counting Smith and Bonham, increased its original strength to two hundred and six, but Captain Patton left the city, and Johnson and myself having gone with despatches, left the actual number now within the walls two hundred and three. Most of these were wearied and worn by the constant duties of the fort, while the remainder suffered from the fatigue of several day’s travel. Their condition was not, indeed, the most desirable in which to sustain a siege against a force so greatly their superior in point of numbers. Some have supposed that Travis and his men were greatly deficient in discipline and a knowledge of the arts of war. That they knew little of military tactics is quite true, but that they were proficient in the use of arms were as well unsaid, as no pioneer, frontiersman ever knew anything better than how to use his arms, his daily and nightly companions. That none knew better how to handle them than the Alamo men, their work during this siege, and on the 6th of March will forever attest. Some of them were fair artillerists.7 Having followed this noble band of patriots to Bexar, and seen them united in that almost hopeless struggle for the defense of this remote outpost as it then was, I will return to consider the movements of the enemy. After the entrance of the cavalry into the city which was effected without resistance, some few minutes passed when a white flag was seen descending Commerce Street. Major Morris and Captain Martin were commissioned to meet it and confer with its bearers. This meeting took place on a small foot bridge which led from the Alamo to the city, crossing the river just above the one which now crosses on Commerce Street. An unconditional surrender was demanded in the name and by the authority of Colonel Almonte, which, being reported to Colonel Travis, was answered by a cannon shot from the walls of the Alamo at a group of the enemy which had halted on Main Plaza, at the entrance of Commerce Street. This was the shot that was heard by Bonham, Smith, and myself, the gun which opened that desperate struggle, which said to the foe, "Your demand is insolent, we are not here to surrender nor to retreat, but to fight you, though you be a million, and, if need be, to die here, sword in hand." Colonel Almonte proceeded at once to arrange his forces to the best advantage, and to commence the siege. His main force was stationed at a point on the hill east of the Alamo and one thousand yards from it, though my informants were, of course, unable to ascertain the exact disposition which was made of the numerous small divisions which seemed to be maneuvering around in every direction. This position was assumed by Almonte for the purpose of cutting off supplies for the besieged, and guarding against surprise by any large reinforcement which might be coming on the Gonzales road near which his encampment was made. They seemed to desire that all the Texians that might have been absent from the city at the time of the arrival, and such other persons around Bexar, as were friendly to their cause and had not gone into the Alamo, might do so, that the slaughter might be greater, flattering themselves with the delusion that it would be but an easy matter to take it when their main force should arrive, even against a force twice as strong as that which it now contained. Their conduct toward Mr. Bonham indicated this idea. Whilst going into the fort as before mentioned, he passed their sentinel without being halted or molested. They paid no attention to him. This may not have been the case, and perhaps it is presuming too much upon Mexican vanity, yet the idea is supported by many incidents of this war which warrant the conclusion that Santa Anna regarded the subjugation of the Texians as a matter of easy conquest. The siege, though at first opened with considerable vigor, was not for some hours carried on with very great severity. Towards night frequent skirmishes took place between the Texians and detachments of the enemy which moved up from almost every direction. These seldom if ever occurred without damage to the assailants, whilst the Texians lost not a single man. After dark the Texians tore down and carried into the fort several "jacales" which stood in two rows, near the S. E. and S. W. corners of the wall. These constituted their firewood for which they had need only for the purpose of cooking. During the night the siege grew heavier, and on the following day more vigorous still. The skirmishes became more frequent. Larger forces were employed and nearer approaches made. This, however, was but the more fatal to the enemy for the Texians had only to stand at their position, and drop them as fast as they came within range of the good old "Old Kentucky rifles." We are not to suppose that these assaults were made with a view of storming the fort, for they were generally made by small forces, varying perhaps from one hundred to two hundred men in each. Almonte seems to have feared the result of an assault, even with his whole force, well disciplined as they were. They were doubtless intended merely to keep the garrison constantly harassed and on its guard, and to thereby so weary it by fatigue and want of sleep as to render the storming the easier when the main body of the enemy should arrive. Nor was this plan a useless one as will eventually appear. With regard to the time of Santa Anna’s arrival at San Antonio there is also some difference of opinion between our historians, and indeed they all seem to speak positively with regard to it, as though there could be no room to doubt their correctness. Those from whom I derived my information were of opinion widely different from any of them, and though they made no positive assertions in regard to its truth, entertained no doubt with regard to it. The following circumstances seem to merit some consideration in determining the time of this event. During the twenty-third the siege as before remarked, continued with increasing severity. An incessant bombardment was kept up day and night, while a hail of bombs and cannon balls was poured within the walls, and, strange as it may seem, without the loss of one of our besieged. The garrison replied with great vigor from their guns mounted around the walls. This continued from day to day until the morning of the third of March when, if there was any change, the bombardment increased in severity. Indeed the din and roar of the artillery had become a monotony, which, though it was kept up by the enemy with great loss to them, was, nevertheless, fast subduing the physical strength and vigor of the garrison. Their number being insufficient to man the walls by detail, every man was required at his post and sleep was out of the question. About mid-day on the third of March, whilst the Texians were at their posts, maintaining their position against the charges of the enemy as usual, a hideous yell was raised by the population of the town. The cry "Santa Anna," "Santa Anna," was shouted throughout the city. This attracted the attention of all, and a large body of the enemy was seen entering the streets of the city on the west side. The buildings were at that time so low that the entire city could be viewed from the Alamo. The besiegers for a while slackened the vigor of their operations and joined in the general rejoicing. This incident was related to me by J. W. Smith, Mrs. Dickinson and Travis’ negro boy, all at different times, and in substance the same. To consider it singly, without any connection with others of a like bearing, would be to consider the whole in mystery, unless there were no assertions that Santa Anna’s arrival took place before that time in which case it would be at once fix the time of that event on the third of March. But as it is we could not account for it in any other way. This we must do, we must give it a place somewhere. It was the opinion of Mr. Smith and the other persons mentioned that neither Santa Anna nor his main force were at San Antonio at any time during the siege before this event took place, and that opinion is supported by some very strong circumstantial evidence. First, it is not reasonable to suppose that so large a body of men could have been in and about the city during the siege without being seen from the Alamo, the country around being comparatively open, unless they concealed themselves during the day, and if they had arrived at any time before, why should such a parade, the like of which had not occurred before, be made over them at this late day? Again, we could have no good reason for supposing that Santa Anna could have been encamped around the walls of the Alamo, for nearly two weeks, with an army of five thousand men, and have made no effort to take it, especially when he must have been aware of the importance of an early blow. The question might be asked here, "If he knew so well the importance of haste in his movements, why did he not attack the fortress as soon as he reached it, instead of waiting nearly three days?" To which I would answer that his men had just been on a heavy march and that he might have doubted the result of an assault with jaded troops, while good judgement counseled a few days rest, and further some time was necessary for reconnoitering the position for a proper disposition of the column for an assault. Furthermore, there can be no sufficient reason why the demand of a surrender should have been made in the name of Colonel Almonte, if the General-in-chief had been present himself. Almonte told me in person that Santa Anna did not reach Bexar until after he did, though he did not state the exact date. Whether these circumstances are sufficient to fix the time on the third of March or not, they certainly have their bearing and are entitled to proper consideration.8 After the salutations and rejoicings of citizens were concluded, the besiegers resumed their operations and prosecuted the siege with renewed violence. Perhaps a few of Santa Anna’s troops assisted them, though the main part took a position on the old Goliad road half a mile from the Alamo, where they no doubt rested, for no assault for the purpose of storming the fort was made until the sixth of March. By this time nearly all of the Mexicans who had joined the garrison at the beginning of the siege had left. They had joined believing that Travis would receive reinforcements sufficient to enable him to maintain the fort, when they would be on the safe side, but, being disappointed in this their hearts failed in view of the fate which they must unavoidably suffer should they stand up to their first resolves. They knew both the weakness of the garrison and the strength of the enemy. Only three of them remained true to our cause. These desertions left the number of the Texians one hundred and eighty-six, counting John W. Smith who had remained, since his entrance on March the first, to take his chance with the rest. One would suppose that this little band of men became aware of their inadequacy to maintain their position and that emotions of despair began to invade their hearts. For eight days and nights they had been constantly on duty, without sleep and on scant rations. They had anxiously expected the hour when assistance would reach them, that hour, which alas, they were never destined to hail. Now they were wearied and worn down by their constant vigilance, yet soon to be called upon to resist a force more than sixteen times their equal in number. What dark emotions they must have experienced in this extremity. All the sacred associations of the past crowded upon them, whilst the embittering prospect of the future silently admonished them that they would never witness that glorious dawn which should hail their country free and independent of despotic sway. But it was not theirs to falter. The rights of their countrymen were seized by the oppressive arm of a tyrant, and they were called upon to rescue them from his grasp. The fondest endearments of time sustained and buoyed them and though they should perish, and their names be forever consigned to oblivion, the noblest considerations of chivalry and honor still pressed upon them and demanded a sacrifice at their hands, which the All-wise disposer of events, for purposes of his own wisdom, allowed that they should make, and for which thoughts, the dearest that humanity could bestow, they should receive the richest reward of a grateful people. It was this consideration which upheld them. That pride of character, love of home and country, the true soldier’s noblest attributes, enabled them to sustain with cheerfulness, if possible, their position, in this, their hour of extremity. It was thus, surrounded with the enemy, and awaiting the hour of attack, not knowing how soon it might arrive, that Travis addressed a letter to the Convention, and several others to private individuals, amongst which was a note to his friend in Washington county. Who, as he reads it does not feel something of that spirit possessed by its author, and whose heart does not swell with increased sympathy, and feel for that officer, this noble man, and his compatriots, that they can never repay the debt of honor he owes to their sacred memory! Those letters from Travis and quite a number of others from his comrades to their relatives were sent out on the night of the third of March by John W. Smith, who reached Gonzales on the following day about three o’clock P. M. Immediately on his arrival there he represented to the citizens the perilous condition of their countrymen at Bexar, assuring them that Travis and his men must inevitably perish unless assistance was despatched in the greatest possible haste. He announced that if one hundred men could be raised that they would be sufficient to sustain the fort, at least until others could reach it, and that he would start with them, as guide, as soon as they could get ready. In a short time he was informed that the number desired could not be raised, but that fifty could and would be ready very soon. The following night passed and he was informed that some of the fifty had declined to go, but that twenty-five men were available and would be at his service the next day. Saturday finally came, when, owing to some unspeakable cause, they were yet unable to set out. After much hurry and confusion, and, consequently, further delay, Sunday morning found them en route for Bexar, well equipped, with good arms and ten days provisions. Travis’ supply of beef and corn had well nigh given out and when Smith left the fort his order was that every may who came to his assistance should bring ten days rations, saying that he would fire the eighteen pounder three times a day, at morning, noon, and night, so long as the Alamo stood. The gun was fired regularly and was distinctly heard at Gonzales. Santa Anna having his position below the Alamo as mentioned, immediately set about making preparations for the assault. New batteries were erected, which opened heavily upon the Alamo, whilst his men were plainly seen from the church making ladders for storming the walls. All the necessary arrangements being made, the main part of the division rested from the fatigue of their march, awaiting the time of attack which was, probably, not yet determined. The siege was continued with great violence, harrassing the Texians constantly on every side, while the heavy batteries, lately erected, thickened "the showers of bombs and cannon balls which had been continually pouncing amongst them." The Texians replied vigorously with rifle and cannon, and made great slaughter amongst the enemy. About ten o’clock on Saturday night all firing ceased. The besieging forces were withdrawn and the batteries hushed. The thunder of artillery was now succeeded by a universal stillness which reigned throughout the Citadel. Not even the trail of a sentinel around the walls broke upon the waiting senses of the little band within. Silence, darkness reigned within and without the Alamo. The moon had retired from the heavens, whilst the dim light of the stars was now shut out by the vail of smoke and mist which settled above. A gloomy pall now enwrapped the walls of the Alamo, fit emblem of the melancholy which hung above the inmates. This cessation was not without its intended effect. In no great while after it took place the hitherto vigilant eyes of the Texians were closed in sleep. For more than eleven days and nights they had been constantly at their posts, partaking of food only at such intervals as were allowed them. A few cooked the corn and beef for the rest who took it from their hands at the wall. Coffee would have been indeed a boon to them, yet they had no stimulant. However, coffee could not have sustained them long for their physical strength began to fail for the want of rest, and artifice could have resisted the power of nature only a short time. Their number having been too small for a part to sustain the defense while the remainder were at rest, they had seldom enjoyed it, and an opportunity being now offered, it is not surprising that their energies yielded, and the drooping spirit sought repose. Yet they did not leave their posts but lay near the walls with their arms beside them. The rough ground upon which they had stood for nearly two weeks, was to their wearied limbs as an easy couch. They lay unconscious of aught that pertained to life, relieved of the recollections of the post, the anxieties of the present, and the mingled forebodings of the future. The heavings of their slumbering spirits was the only sound that broke upon the gloom and darkness of the scene, whilst none were disturbed from their repose save perhaps a dreamer, pierced by a visionary gleam of that future which awaited him. E’er 9 daylight dawned on the following morning, the enemy advanced stealthily upon the stronghold hoping to complete the escalade before the garrison was aroused, but they were disappointed. Being discovered by a wakeful sentinel the alarm was given, when the Texians were at their posts in a moment. Yet the Mexicans had arrived so close to the walls that there could be no halting, saving more than to advance the more rapidly. The ordnance on the walls, and the rifles both opened upon them with such severity that they were forced to give way. A brief interval passed, and they summoned their stifled courage for a second effort, which, though vigorous, was also repulsed without damage to the garrison. By this time the darkness, which had hitherto enveloped all things, began to recede before the approaching light of the day. This enabled the enemy to operate to more advantage. They rallied their broken columns and made a third charge, which proved successful. This time they reached the walls, erected their scaling ladders and as Travis’ boy, "Joe," expressed it, "commenced pouring over the walls like sheep." The Texians met them with the sword and many a one, as he leaped from the wall, fell lifeless upon the ground. Then it was that those hardy sons of freedom felt the responsibility which rested upon them. They knew well the strength of the enemy and divined that surrender or defeat meant death. Resistance until death was the motto of each and none knew the limit of his strength. The conflict continued some time near the outer barrier, but the area became so crowded that the Texians found it advantageous to retreat near the wall of the long barracks, where the enemy fell in heaps. Finally their number became so diminished that they retired into the church and rooms of the barracks. Here each stood as a lion in his lair, felling his assailants at his feet as they advanced upon him, but they too followed their comrades, one by one, until all had shared the same fate. The struggle did not last longer than half an hour, yet in that half hour, more blood was drawn perhaps, than ever issued before at the hands of the same numbers in the same length of time and under like circumstances. Travis and his boy cut their way through the thickest of the ranks of the enemy and finally came near the northeast corner of the church, when Travis, seeing that the enemy were still rushing over the wall, mounted it, cheering his men to the conflict. After discharging his pistol he continued the slaughter with his sword, dealing blow after blow. As fast as they loosed their holds, they tumbled to the ground beneath him. But he was not long to occupy so conspicuous a place. Receiving a ball through the head, he fell on the inside. His boy, ever faithful, had continued near him, doing good service, but seeing the fate of his master and thinking that all was of necessity, lost, concealed himself in one of the small rooms of the barracks where, after the action was over, he and another man were found by an officer. The former’s life was spared because he was a negro. The latter was promised protection if he would show the bodies of Travis and Bowie which he did, but Santa Anna soon rode within the walls and seeing him asked, "What’s that fellow doing here?" On being informed of the condition upon which he had been spared, he replied that they had "no use for any such men," and ordered him shot. A file of soldiers executed the order at once. So soon as the bodies of Travis and Bowie were shown by this man, they were brutally mutilated by the sword and bayonet. Colonel Bowie, being yet sick, was confined to his room, indicated, on the diagram, which he had occupied from the beginning of the siege. It was there while suffering the tortures of disease, unable to lift his head from his pillow, that he was butchered. He was shot several times through the head, his brains spattering upon the wall near his bed-side.10 Near the picket wall reaching from the corner of the barracks to the southwest corner of the church, lay in one promiscuous heap, disfigured in their mingled gore, twenty-five of the enemy and David Crockett, with his twelve "Tennessee boys." They had bravely defended their position during the whole siege. Captain Dickinson commanded a gun which bore from the small window in the east end of the church. It was in the second story and there being no floor overhead, he erected a scaffold for the gun to stand upon. It was in the church that he fell. The story that he killed himself and child by springing from the window of the church is a romance. I know what part of the house his wife occupied at the time. She told me, however, that he fell as stated. They had but one child, who is still living. Some time ago a donation was made to her by our Legislature as "The Child of the Alamo." Captain Dickinson was a brave, noble man, well worthy the distinction shown him in electing him to command of the Artillery in the absence of Colonel Neill who had been the principal officer in that department. With regard to the number of persons who were found alive after the action, I have never learned that there were more than eight, Mrs. Dickinson and child, the man who was shot by order of the Commander-in-chief, Travis’ boy, two Mexican women and their children. One of these was Mrs. Doctor Alsbury of San Antonio. These persons were all treated with civility by the victors, except those who vainly trusted to the grace of one who knew but little of such a virtue. The number of Texians who fell in the Alamo was one hundred and eighty-five, John W. Smith having gone out on the third. This agrees with Ruiz’s account, which says that the number burned was one hundred and eighty-two, of course exclusive of the Mexicans who fell with them. Though the number of the Texians is thus easily ascertained, with regard to the loss of the enemy, at their hands, unfortunately there is some discrepancy. Mr. Yoakum records it at five hundred and twenty-one killed with a like number wounded; Mr. Potter, about five hundred killed and wounded. Mr. Ruiz says it was estimated at sixteen hundred. Indeed it excites no surprise that the authorities differ so widely about a matter which it seems ought to be free from all doubt. We know not why, and perhaps will never know. Yet, it is, nevertheless, a satisfaction to know that the question may yet be settled. The messenger who was sent by the Navarro family at San Antonio to Colonel Seguin at Gonzales four days after the fall, reported the enemy’s loss to have been about fifteen hundred. Mrs. Dickinson and Travis’ boy, on their arrival at Gonzales, six days after the fall, reported the same. But there is another witness whose statement, I think is more conclusive still, since his information is of an official character and more definite. I allude to the private secretary of General Santa Anna, whose name I do not remember. During my interview with this man on the Brazos, I requested Captain Patton to ask him how many men they had brought to San Antonio, and what was their loss there. He did so, and I received substantially these words in reply: "We brought to San Antonio five thousand men and lost during the siege fifteen hundred and forty-four of the the best of them. The Texians fought more like devils than men." Santa Anna and Almonte both were present at the time. If the statement had deviated far from the truth, it certainly derogated sufficiently from their soldierly qualifications for them to have denied it, without scrupling to question the validity of their fellow. The question however arises, did he mean that fifteen hundred and fourty-four men were lost to the service, some killed and some permanently wounded, or did he allude to the latter! Mr. Ruiz says, "Santa Anna's loss was estimated at 1600 men," which would have left us in the dark, had he not indicated plainly from another remark that he meant the killed only. Speaking of one charge made by the Toluca battalion, he says: "They commenced to scale the walls and suffered severely. Out of 800 men, 130 only were left alive." By this remark the former is relieved of mystery, showing that he meant to say that sixteen hundred was about the number killed; for if 670 men fell out of one battalion in one assault, the number slain during the entire siege must have been fully in proportion.This clears the matter of all doubt, for if Ruiz came by estimate so near to the number as ascertained by actual count, it at once shows that Santa Anna's secretary did not allude to the wounded, but meant that fifteen hundred and forty-four was the actual number slain. Now his statement being thus definite and corroborated by those of Mrs. Dickinson, Travis' boy, the messenger to Colonel Seguin, and also by Ruiz, who buried the dead, it is no longer a matter of doubt that he spoke truthfully, and we must accept fifteen hundred and forty-four as the number slain. I never learned how many of the enemy were wounded. Dr. Jack Shackleford, who was taken prisoner at Goliad, when Fannin surrendered, and afterwards was sent to Bexar to administer to their necessities, told me that there were a great many, though he did not state the exact number.The action being over, and the unholy appetite of the enemy having been satisfied in the remains of their victims, Santa Anna ordered the slain of his ranks hauled to the grave yard, which was done, but there being not sufficient room to bury them all, some were thrown into the river.After the Mexicans had been separated from the heaps of the slain, wood was procured, and the bodies of the Texians collected for burning. They were then made into a heap, alternate layers of each being placed together, and kindling distributed throughout the whole. The pile being completed, about five o'clock in the evening it was lighted. Thus was reared the altar upon which the heroic sons of freedom were consecrated to their country. As the flames crackled and increased, the smoke of the sacrifice ascended on high, invoking the wrath of the Almighty upon the oppressors, and of Heaven, the retributive arm of offended Justice was lifting the sword of vengeance which fell upon them at San Jacinto.The pile being consumed, such of the bones of the Texians as remained, lay for nearly a year upon the ground, while the ashes floated upon the breeze that fanned the sacred spot. There was no friend to collect and preserve those relics of the brave. They were scattered about on the ground, unnoticed by an ungrateful populace who knew not how to appreciate their value. On the twenty-fifty day of February, 1837, they were collected by Colonel Juan N. Seguin and command, and placed in a rude but substantial coffin, and interred with military honors, in what was then a peach orchard near the scene of the last struggle. The place is now an enclosed lot. Nothing remains to designate the exact spot where they lay, though there are persons yet living (in 1860) who might find it. A small but elegant monument, 11 made from the stones of the Alamo, is preserved at the State Capitol and stands as a monument of their death. It is proper to state that efforts were made by some in behalf of Travis, though many were tardy in their movements. Captain P. Dimmitt after leaving San Antonio on the twenty-third of February, went forthwith to his residence near Texana, where he raised a small company and started on the return, but, on reaching Gonzales about a week after the fall, and finding that the town was on fire and that General Houston had retreated on the previous night, he returned home. John W. Smith, after starting with the second squad of recruits on Sunday morning, the sixth of March, rode rapidly and came within a short distance of the Cibolo where, not hearing the gun of the fortress, he stopped and remained until the next morning, when he proceeded to the Cibolo, about twenty-three miles from Bexar. The signal gun being still silent, he became satisfied that the Alamo had fallen, and remained there until Wednesday morning, when he sent eight men, as scouts, towards the city. They had only gone about six miles when they met the advance of the enemy who pursued them. Being well mounted they made good their escape. Smith retreated forthwith, reaching Gonzales on Thursday evening. On Friday night, Mrs. Dickinson and Travis' boy also reached that place, confirming the fact indicated by the silence of the signal gun, which few had been willing to believe.Of those who fell in the Alamo on the sixth of March, the proportion was about equal between the Texians and the volunteers who had lately arrived from the United States and other countries. The former were colonists who had long enjoyed the rights guaranteed them by the constitution of 1824, and were willing that that instrument should govern them without modification, but to be deprived of representation in the councils of the government was a wrong to which they had never been subjected and a usurpation to which they would never submit. These colonists were from all parts of Texas as then settled. The numbers from each section I am unable to say. I may say, however, that Gonzales county suffered more than any other. Being nearer to Bexar than any other American settlement, such of her inhabitants as responded to Travis' calls, were enabled to reach the scene of action sooner than any others. Many of her best citizens, some of them with large families to support, fell on this gloomy Sabbath.12 Those noble spirits sought neither emulation nor distinction nor the empty praises of mankind. "Liberty or death" was the motto, not only of Travis, but of all, and when the alternative threatened them, they feared it not, but with a consciousness of rectitude, forsook their homes with all their sacred endearments, and seized the sword in defense of the former. Texas may never forget that sad but glorious day. She may revel in the enjoyment of her liberties, but those liberties, which, wherever obtained the world over, are stained with the blood of heroes. John Sutherland Provided courtesy of Randall Tarin from the files of Alamo de Parras SONS OF DEWITT COLONY TEXAS © 2000-2006, Wallace L. McKeehan, All Rights Reserved