us

their train and fled into the town. The packs - ;,!;„. contain grass for the cavalry horses.

STORMING OF SAN ANTONIO—DEATH OF MILAM.

On the 4th of December, Colonel Ben Milam, alarmed lest the entire encampment should disband and go home, moved restlessly to and fro like a caged lion. Late in the day, when the men were in liner »e suddenly called out: "Who will follow old Ben MilamL into San Antonio? Let all who will form a line here. With loud cheers for Ben Milam and Texas, three hundred men responded. The attack began early on the morning of the 5th of December, the storming party being formed i n two divisions, under Colonels Milam and Johnson, while a reserve was held in camp by General Kdward Burleson. Ine divismn under Milam consisted of 8ix parts of companies with their several captains, two pieces of artillery, and fifteen artillerymen. Johnson had eight parts of companies with their captains.

At three o'clock in the morning of the 5th, Colonel Neill was sent across the river to be in readiness to make a feint upon the Alamo, to divert the attention of the Mexicans from the advance of the two divisions. This was done with the desired effect. The two divisions advanced together Milam took possession of the stone house of Garza, and Johnson'of the stone house of Veremendi, the families having left Both divisions wore for a time exposed to a heavy fire from the whole of the enemy's line of fortifications, and at seven o'clock a heavy cannonading from the town was seconded bv a well-directed fire from the Alamo. This prevented a safe communication between the divisions. Colonel Milam's two guns could not be used to advantage, but with close and well aimed lire from their rifles they compelled the enemy to slacken their fire, and several times to abandon their artil lory- The casualties on this day were one killed and fifteen

The two divisions passed the night in strengthening their positions, opening trenches, and making a communication between them, constantly exposed to a heavy cross-fire from the enemy. At daylight on the 6th a portion of the enemy occupying the tops of the houses, protected by the palisadoes, poured through loopholes a furious fire of small arms on the whole Texan line, followed by a steady cannonading from the town in front, and from the Alamo on the left, with little intermission all day. The Texans, under a heavy fire, obtained possession of another house, extending their line at the same time that they returned the enemy's fire, and strengthened their trenches so that they were able to mount their two guns and do good execution with them. On the second day five were wounded.

During the night the enemy opened a trench on the Alamo side of the river and on the left, and strengthened their battery on the cross street leading to the Alamo. The Texans made and filled sandbags and strengthened their lines.

By eleven o'clock on the 7th—third day of the fight—the superior fire of the Texans had silenced the cannonading and small arms of the Mexicans, which was soon renewed. At twelve o'clock Henry W. Karnes, of Captain York's company, under a heavy fire, forced an entrance with a crowbar into a stone house in front, the whole company rushing in. In the afternoon the enemy opened fire from every available position. At half-past three, as Colonel Milam was entering the yard of the Veremendi house, he was struck on the head with a shot which killed him instantly. The death of Colonel Milam, the master spirit of this most hazardous undertaking, was a calamity which might have proved disastrous ; but his men were fired with the determination to avenge the loss of their loved and trusted leader. Colonel Johnson was invested with the chief command. Later in the day four companies forced their way into the Navarro house, an advanced 1824;" the cavalry to retire with the general, also the convicts and their escort. The private soldiers were disarmed and allowed to go or remain in the country. On the 15th General Burleson left the command to Colonel Johnson, and retired to his home on the Colorado. Most of the volunteers returned in triumph to their homes, leaving a small force at San Antonio under Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph C. Neill.

When the official report of the victory reached the Council they immediately passed appropriate resolutions expressive of their intense rejoicing, and admiration for the heroes who had won the "unparalleled victory," and of most profound sorrow for the death of "so pure a patriot, so brave a soldier, and so true and valuable a friend to Texas," Benj. R. Milam.

Questions.—Give an account of the Grass Fight. What was the result? Describe the occurrences of the 4th of December. When did the attack begin? How was the storming party formed? For what was Colonel Neill detailed? Was he successful? Describe the advance and plan of attack. What were the casualties? How did the Texans pass the night? What occurred on the 6th? now many were wounded? How was the second night passed by the two armies? Give an account of what occurred on the 7th. Describe the calamity of the 8th. How was the night spent? What occurred on the morning of the 9th? How long did the fight continue? What were the losses on both sides? What was done with the prisoners? Whom did Burleson leave in command? What of the volunteers? What took place in the Council when the news of the victory reached them?

CHAPTER XXXIV.

POWERS OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR—POWERS OF THE COUNCIL—JOHNSON AND GRANT—ACTS OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL.

Governor Henry Smith and the committees of the Council did not at all times harmonize in their views and acts. The Governor was clothed with full and ample executive powers; was made commander-in-chief of all the military forces of Texas by sea and land, to lead and conduct them by -iiis proper officers, by sea or land, within or without the limits of Texas; and with all other powers which may be thought

by the Council, calculated to aid and protect the .-onntry from her enemies. The Council had no powers separate and apart from the Governor, but were devisers of ways

and means for the support of the army, and to advise and assist the Governor in the discharge of his duties. The powers granted to both were ample for all emergencies that might arise. The Governor and Council were authorized to contract for loans, not to exceed one million dollars, and to hypothecate the public lands and pledge the faith of the country for the security of the payment.

It was the Governor's pol icy to increase the army .inU'l TvnviiC. who was already in that ,* 'iu»u>;l. agents already appointed ..uv \iih at I he discretion of General li v liiof. that they might be able , «....v vil Santa Anna, which were

.'i :lui Council developed a v u.:':.ll y tvsourvos of the connv . .U'.i ,'»u appointing, whose k.. t'o itavomplish this they .. i vv ,v. Mvi{ n harmony with . .'.~. Ou :lie 'iSth of Dei 'vm.'lu:wh fsToring v. v;'o. -* vkvisiv* blow at

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