CHAPTER XXXV.

SIEGE AND FALL OF THE ALAMO.

By the middle of February, 1836, the plans of Santa Anna for a general invasion of Texas became positively known: to enter in three divisions—Sesma, Filisola, and Cos to take San Antonio; Urea and Garay to take Goliad, and march by the lower route through Victoria to Nacogdoches; and Santa Anna to penetrate into the heart of the country—the object being to exterminate the Americans.

The siege of

the Alamo was made known to the country by an appeal from Travis, February 23d, to Andrew Ponton, judge, and the citizens of Gonzales, for men and provisions. The enemy were then in sight. He added: "Send an express to San Felipe night and day." The express hastened forward with the news to Washington, on the Brazos; Governor Smith, by proclamation, made a most stirring and earnest appeal to the patriotism of the country for aid in supplies and men for the relief of the Alamo.

On the 24th Travis wrote: "I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours and have not lost a man." He adds: "The enemy have demanded a surrender, otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon

THE ALAMO.

and important position close to the square. The weather was exceedingly cold and wet.

On this day Colonel Milam was the only one killed; two wounded.

At nine o'clock on the fourth day of the fight the Texans succeeded in making an entrance into the Zambrano row of houses, occupied by Mexican troops, every inch of their advance being disputed by a heavy fire of artillery. They continued tunnelling from room to room, the Mexicans retreating, until they had possession of the whole row of buildings.

Late in the day Ugartechea arrived with about three hundred men and entered'the Alamo—convicts in chains, and guarded by a body of one hundred infantry. It added but little strength to the Mexican army, already suffering for the want of food occasioned by the long siege.

At half-past ten o'clock, p. M., under fire of a battery of three guns and a large body of musketeers, the New Orleans Grays, with a Brazoria company, forced their way into the priest's house on the square. The enemy opened a furious cannonade from all their batteries, with incessant volleys of small-arms, against every house in possession of the Texans. This was kept up until six in the morning of the 9th, when they lowered their black flag and sent a flag of truce and a proposal to capitulate. Commissioners on both sides were immediately appointed, and the terms agreed upon. This was accomplished on the 10th.

The Mexicans lost one hundre'd and fifty killed, a large number wounded, and fourteen hundred prisoners. The Texans lost two killed (Milam and one private) and twentythree wounded. The Texans captured twenty-one pieces of artillery, five hundred muskets, and considerable army supplies.

General Cos and his officers agreed to retire into the interior of Mexico, under parole of honor "not in any way to oppose the reestablishment of the federal constitution of 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 hrave 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? How 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 -his proper officers, by sea or land, within or without the limits of Texas; and with all other powers which may be thought necessary by the Council, calculated to aid and protect the country from her enemies. The Council had no powers separate and apart from the Governor, but were devisers of ways

by a recruiting service under Travis, who was already in that field; to collect supplies through agents already appointed for that service, and place both at the discretion of General Sam Houston, commander-in-chief, that they might be able to meet the invading armies of Santa Anna, which were confidently expected in the spring.

The Military Committee of the Council developed a policy which would place the military resources of the country at the disposal of agents of their own appointing, whose movements they could direct. To accomplish this they passed decrees over the Governor's veto not in harmony with the plans of the commander-in-chief. On the 25th of December the Military Committee reported a resolution favoring an attack upon Matamoras. "Striking a decisive blow at

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 policy to increase the army