b'F 390 \n.B85 \nCopy 1 \n\n\n\nJ li Willi \n\n\n\n\n\n\nm^ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n^*\'i?j^-^ \n\n\n\n\xe2\x96\xa0 \'\'\xe2\x96\xa0\'\' \xe2\x96\xa0\xe2\x96\xa0\' ,(>\xe2\x96\xa0\',\xe2\x96\xa0\xe2\x96\xa0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nV\'. > \xe2\x96\xa0 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n^^/* \n\n\':\'\'<^^^":\'>^\' \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n^60 \n\n\n\n\nJAMES BOWIE \n\n\n\n"JAMES BOWIE" \n\nA HERO OF THE ALAMO \n\n\n\nBY \n\nEVELYN BROGAN \n\nAUTHOR OF \n\n\xe2\x80\xa2\xe2\x80\xa2The Old Spanish Trail." \n\n\n\nSAN ANTONIO. TEXAS \n\nTheodore Kunzman"<,^^\xc2\xbbl Printer & Publisher \n\n1922 \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCOPYRIGHT 1922 BY EVELYN BROGAN \nALL RIGHTS RESERVED \n\n\n\nFEB 14 72 \n\n\xc2\xa9C1A656775 \n\n\n\nTO \n\n\n\nThe Heroes of the Alamo. \n\n\n\nPREFACE. \n\n\n\nJames Bowie, a hero of the Alamo, and one of the most noted \ncharacters not only of Texas but of the United States, was born in \nSouth Carolina in 1805 of pioneer American parents. While still a \nchild they moved to New Orleans and there James Bowie grew to \nmanhood. The famous "Bowie Knife" received its name from James \nBowie. He or his brother (Rezin Bowie) was the inventor of it. \n\nLove of adventure, so strong in youths of the pioneer age, mani- \nfested itself in James Bowie and he came to Texas, then a Mexican \nstate, about 1828. He spent much fruitless time in searching for \nthe famous silver mine chronicled in the old Spanish Records, as \nbeing located near the site of the former San Saba Mission. Failing \nto find the mine, he settled in San Antonio de Bexar, where he mar- \nried Miss Ursula de Veramendi^ the daughter of Vice Governor Juan \nMartin de Veramendi, of Texas. Their beautiful home, the Vera- \nmendi Palace located on Soledad Street, was the center of Spanish \nhospitality and culture in the early days of San Antonio. The fam- \nous old Veramendi Palace has since been torn down to make room \nfor a modern building much to the regret of tourists and loyal citi- \nzens of old San Antonio. \n\nJames Bowie took a prominent part in the revolt of Texas for \nIndependence from Mexico. His famous scouts did splendid work \nall during the Texas Revolution, at last sacrificing their lives in \nthe Alamo Tragedy. Besides his many Indian battles, James Bowie \ntook part in the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832; La Concepcion in \n1835; the "grass fight" near San Antonio de Bexar in 1835; and \nwas one of the defenders of the historic old Alamo and one of the \nlast to be killed during the final assault March 6, 1836. Although \nill in bed, Bowie used his revolver with such telling effect that \nthree of his assailants were killed before death came to him. Upon \nthe outbreak of hostilities Vice-Governor de Veramendi returned to \nMexico and with him for safe-keeping James Bowie sent his wife. \nShe died there shortly afterwards of smallpox. \n\nThe first meeting of the noted James Bowie and General Sam \nHouston, afterwards Commander-in-chief of the Texan Republican \nArmy; occurred at the little town of Goliad in 1831. From that \ntime on they were fast friends. \n\n\n\nThe cause of the Texas Revolution was the overthrow of the \nRepublic of Mexico and violation of the Constitution of 1824 by the \nruthless and unscrupulous Santa Anna. He made himself dictator \nof Mexico and all her possessions with sole authority to administer \nthe law. Towards anyone who opposed him he showed no mercy. \nHe persecuted Texans and Mexicans alike. Then Texas revolted \nagainst him and united to throw off all allegiance to their mother \ncountry^ Mexico, and form an independent republic This was finally \naccomplished at the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, but many \nfierce battles were fought and great difficulties were overcome be- \nfore Texas was indapendent. \n\nSan Antonio de Bexar, the Mexican stronghold, was captured \nby three hundred Texans commanded by Colonels Milam and John- \nson after four days\' hard fighting in December, 1835. General Cos \nand his army were paroled on condition they would return to Mexico \nand forever lay down their arms against Texas. They accepted the \nterms of surrender and marched away towards Mexico^ but meeiing \nSanta Anna, he forced them to violate their parole and join him \nagainst the Texans. \n\nA Texas sentinel posted in the tower of the old San Fernando \nParish Church gave the alarm of the approach of Santa Anna. Cap- \ntain John W. Smith and Dr. Sutherland riding out before dawn to \nascertain their strength, crossed the Alazan Creek and came within \none hundred and fifty yards of the outposts of the Mexican Camp \non Prospect Hill. In their haste to return to town the horse Dr. \nSutherland was riding, fell injuring his ankle. Unable to fight. Dr. \nSutherland went to Gonzales to get re-enforcements to defend San \nAntonio de Bexar and did not succeed in returning until after the \nFall of the Alamo. \n\nCaptain John W. Smith joined Colonels Travis and Bowie and \nwith all the available men in San Antonio de Bexar, they withdrew \nto the Alamo upon the approach of Santa Anna and his army. \nHastily gathering a few provisions, the Texans prepared to resist \nSanta Anna and his superior force until reenforcements arrived from \nGeneral Sam Houston at Gonzales. \n\nCaptain John W. Smith acted as messenger for Colonel Travis, \nescaping twice and bringing in thirty-two recruits from Gonzales \nthe first time. He was the last messenger to leave the fated Alamo \nfor help and was unable to return until after its Fall. \n\n\n\nWhat became of Moses Rose after he left the Alamo on that fated \nday, March 3, 1836, is still a mystery. Some claim he reached Gen- \neral Sam Houston and was the first to bring the news of the Fall \nOL the Alamo But Mrs. Alman Marion Dickinson, the sole survivor \nof the Texans and in the Alamo, says she gave the first news of the \nfall. As Moses Rose never returned to his home in Nacogdoches, it \nis believed he was killed by Mexican soldiers shortly after he made \nhis escape. Some historians doubt his existence, but General Sam \nHouston affirms there was a man named Moses Rose among the \nAlamo defenders. \n\nThe "deguello" was the Mexican bugle-call for "death \xe2\x80\x94 no quar- \nters" \xe2\x80\x94 as was the blood red flag they planted on the tower of the old \nSan Fernando Parish Church. Like many others who had lost their \nfaith, Santa Anna was a bitter enemy of the Catholic Church, and \nthe flying of his red flag from the tower of the Catholic Church in \nSan Antonio de Bexar, gave a true expression of his sentiments. \n\nSome historians claim the Alamo Tragedy could have been \naverted by the escape of the defenders. But this was an impossi- \nbility, as some twenty of the men were sick or badly wounded. \nWhere would they have taken them and how? San Antonio de Bexar \nwas an almost deserted town, and the few citizens who remained \nwere too fearful of their own lives to harbor the Texan soldiers \nwhom Santa Anna was bent on destroying. Then the nearest settle ^ \nment was Gonzales, between which stretched a wild uninhabited \nprairie infested with roving war parties of savage Comanche In- \ndians, who would have been only too glad to revenge themselves on \nthe whites. \n\nCould they escape and leave the sick and wounded to the horri- \nble fate the butcher, Santa Anna, would give them? Could they \nsurrender themselves and be shot in cold blood? Rather than play \nthe coward\'s part they remained in defense of their fort and fell with \nit Their only hope was to hold out until reenforcements arrived or \ndie. This they did, be it said to their honored memory. \n\nTheir sacrifice was not in vain. "Remember the Alamo" was \nthe battle cry at San Jacinto on April 21, 183 6, when some eight \nhundred Texans commanded by General Sam Houston defeated and \nrouted some two thousand Mexicans under Santa Anna, capturing \nthe Mexican general and over seven hundred prisoners with as \n\n11 \n\n\n\nmany more killed and wounded. The battle lasted eighteen minutes^ \nand the defeat was final. The loss of the Texans was small, two \nkilled and six wounded. \n\nThe flag the Texans fought under and which waved from a pole \nplanted on the Alamo Church, was the Mexican colors, but instead \nof "the eagle and the snake" of the Mexicans, they had "1824" on \nthe white stripe, which signified the year the Constitution was \nadopted, guaranteeing to the American colonists in Texas full and \nequal rights with other citizens of Mexico; these rights were never \nfulfilled and were completely cancelled by Santa Anna. \n\nThe bodies of the Alamo heroes were dishonored by the Mexi- \ncan soldiers, then placed on a pyre and burned by command of \nGeneral Santa Anna Their few remains were gathered together by \nthe order of Juan Seguin, a friend of the heroes and a participant in \nthe winning of Texas Independence. Juan Seguin had the fragments \nplaced in an urn and given Christian burial, placing the urn in a \nsepulcher in the San Fernando Parish Church. This act of charity \nand honor took place in July, 1836. \n\nSan Antonio, Texas, January 10, 1922. \n\n\n\n\nAPRIL 25, 1831. \n\n\n\nThe Marriage Qf Colonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula de Veramendi \nin San Fernando Pai\'ish Church. \n\n\n\nThe bells of San Fernando ring merrily today, \n\nThe Parish Church is ail adorned in bridal array. \n\nTall waxen candle light the scene and flowers fair \n\nFestoon the altars and shed their perfume on the air. \n\nIn festive dress the Church awaits the happy bridal pair: \n\nColonel James Bowie and Ursula de Vermendi of Bexar. \n\nIn the Veramendi Palace a happy scene takes place, \n\nLoving hands adorn the bride, arrange the veil of lace. \n\nWhile falls in shimmering loveliness this rare heirloom so old, \n\nHow many brides have worn it, admired its clinging fold. \n\nThe long procession wends its way from the dear childhood home, \n\nDown the plaza and across, under the shadowy dome. \n\nThe bride and groom escorted by child flower-bearers gay, \n\nWho scatter vari-colored leaves along the bridal way. \n\nSinging the bridal song they pass, and neighbors join in \n\nWith wishes for a happy life. And all their kin \n\nEscort them to the altar steps, where Padre Garza waits. \n\nIn glistening vestments of pure white, to join them as life mates. \n\nThe happy guests in silence kneel on the earthen floor. \n\nWhile at the altar steps they stand and vow forevermore \n\nTo love and honor each and let none other come between. \n\nThe marriage vows are taken, and the impression scene \n\nIs followed by the Nuptial Mass. How sweet the voices blend \n\nIn the majestic music To heaven the prayers ascend \n\nFor these loved ones, from every heart in that vast throng \n\nThat graces may accompany them, all their life long. \n\nThen homeward to the palace, James Bowie takes his bride. \n\nInto its dear old portals they enter side by side. \n\nThe wedding guests are waiting, the bridal feast is spread, \n\nThe bride and groom their places take at the table head. \n\nA notable company it is that April day sits there: \n\nVice-Governor De Veramendi, the Prefect of Bexar, \n\nDon Martinez, the Governor, in uniform, and sword, \n\nJose Maria Salinas, the Mayor and lord \n\n13 \n\n\n\nOf Spanish San Antonio, their presence lends \n\nWith Jose Navarro and Juan Seguin. And other friends \n\nSit at the bridal board, and as the feast proceeds \n\nMany stirring tales they tell, or recount Bowie\'s deed^. \n\nThen follows a fandago and merrily they dance, \n\nWhiling away the happy hours with many an amorous glance. \n\nA levee at the Governor\'s which all the town attends, \n\nAnd the grand palace is aglow, the lights and flowers blend \n\nWith the brightly colored costumes of silks and rare laces, \n\nWhich adorn the fair young guests, or frame their happy faces. \n\nThe few short years pass swiftly for James Bowie and his wife, \n\nThen in to their wedded happiness comes war\'s alarm and strife. \n\nVice-Governor De Veramendi returns to Mexico, \n\nAnd with him Bowie sends his wife, he would have it so. \n\nShe pleads to stay beside him, it is her proper place, \n\nLove struggles for supremacy and her tear-stained face \n\nTempts him to yield and keep her, then broken is love\'s spell. \n\nFor untold dangers threaten and Bowie loves her well. \n\n\n\nNOVEMBER 3, 1835. \n\n\n\nThe General Consultation Meets. \n\n\n\nIn a fever of activity the Texas convention meets \n\nAt San FeKpe de Austin and their proclamation sweeps: \n\n"Unite one and all and with us strive, \n\nLet us take San Antonio de Bexar and drive \n\nOut of Texas forever the Mexican hosts, \n\nWho have sworn to crush us. Their vainful boasts \n\nMust not be fulfilled, we can keep them at bay, \n\nAnd if all will unite we can win the day." \n\nGeneral Sam Houston assumes command \n\nOf the little army and a bold campaign plans. \n\nWhereby the Mexican soldiers in Texas will be \n\nPut to a confused rout and forced to flee \n\nAcross the Rio Grande into Mexico. \n\nWhile thus Houston plans. General Cos strikes a blow \n\n\\t San Antonio de Bexar, marches in, \n\n14 \n\n\n\nFortifies the town and defies him. \n\nAt the Mission la Concepcion are a thousand men \n\nCommanded by General Austin Fannin and Bowie win \n\nA brilliant victory and four hundred rout \n\nWith ninety stalwart Texas scouts. \n\nGeneral Cos will not surrender and a seige is laid \n\nBy Austin and vain attempts are made, \n\nTo draw the Mexicans out to fight, \n\nBut they very carefully keep out of sight. \n\nOne early dawn a sentinel spies \n\nMexicans at work on the land which lies \n\nNear the river, and hurriedly gives the alarm. \n\nBusily they cut grass, feeling safe from harm, \n\nWhen James Bowie in command of a hundred men \n\nAre upon them before they can get within \n\nTheir fortifications, and the "grass fight" is won \n\nBy Bowie and his Texans, who send on the run \n\nThe frightened enemy. General Austin resigns \n\nThe command and Burleson is elected. He defines \n\nHis reasons for refusing to storm the place. \n\nThen Smith, Holmes and Maverick make their escape \n\nFrom San Antonio and bring such good news \n\nTo the Texan commander, he can not refuse \n\nTo storm the town or longer delay \n\nHis proposed assault. Early next day \n\nBefore dawn they are to make the attack. \n\nAll are ready to march and eager to sack \n\nThe Mexican stronghold. And then comes word \n\nThe assault is put off. Such remonstrance is heard \n\nFrom the disappointed men, that Burleson fears \n\nHis command is endangered. His terrified ears \n\nHear threats of vengeance for his coward\'s act. \n\nWhole companies refuse to parade and a pact \n\nIs made to disobey his orders which say: \n\n"Abandon camp. At seven be on the way \n\nTo La Bahia." Terrible tumult results \n\nAnd confusion reigns among men whose insults \n\nAre flung at each other without thought of fear. \n\nIn the midst of the turmoil a voice calls, "Hear!" \n\nThe turbulent, bitter men rejoice \n\nThat a leader has risen. They hear the voice \n\n16 \n\n\n\nOf Colonel Milam who at once begins \n\nTo speak and their final attention wins. \n\n"Men! Vuavis, a deserter, brings good news. \n\nOur attack is unknown, the soldiers refuse \n\nTo obey General Cos. Discontent abounds." \n\nGreat excitement prevails and a cheer resounds, \n\nAwakening the echoes. Colonel Milam calls \n\nIn a thundering voice and silence falls. \n\n"Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?\' \n\nWith cheers they shout, \'I and I and I will go." \n\nThree hundred and one in all volunteer \n\nTo follow Ben Milam into town without fear. \n\n\n\nDECEMBER 5, 1835. \n\n\n\nThe first streaks of dawn are breaking through \n\nThe night\'s black fastness when a few \n\nBrave men march away in the lifting dusk. \n\nWhile Burleson agrees to await the result \n\nOf their mad adventure before he leaves \n\nFor La Bahia, though failure he sees. \n\nAlong Acequia Street, Milam marches fast, \n\nJohnson comes along Soledad Street and past \n\nThe Garza House to the Veraniendi Palace \n\nWhich he is to occupy. The columns race \n\nThrough the quiet streets before Cos finds out \n\nThey have entered the town or what they\'re about. \n\nInto Main Plaza where the streets debouch \n\nCos has thrown up breastworks, and cannon crouch \n\nBehind raking batteries which sweep the streets. \n\nMilam reaches the Garza House and meets \n\nWith no obstruction against his plan. \n\nA sentinel spies Johnson. "Deaf" Smith shoots the man \n\nBefore he can fire and give the alarm. \n\nThey reach the Veramendi House without harm. \n\n16 \n\n\n\nThe crack of Smith\'s rifle awakens the strife, \n\nThe plaza batteries open and human life \n\nIs naught before the avalanche that falls \n\nFrom rifle and cannon, a shower of balls. \n\nWhistling and shrill the battle hymn rings \n\nThe storming of San Antonio de Bexar begins \n\nFour days, three hundred Texans fight to win \n\nVictory over ten times their number of men. \n\nBy inches they advance through the thick adobe walls, \n\nPecking loopholes with crowbars or breaking small halls. \n\nEagerly they gain one room at a time, \n\nPick off the enemy or plant a mine. \n\nOn the night of the fifth, with great trouble and risk \n\nThe two columns connect, though the fighting is brisk. \n\nBeyond the Garza House they advance on the sixth, \n\nOn the seventh brave Karnes steps forth to fix, \n\nWith a crowbar an entrance into a house midway \n\nBetween the Garza House and the Plaza. They stay \n\nHere a short time and then gain a hold \n\nOn the Navarro place, the stroke is bold. \n\nBrave Milam is shot dead as he enters the yard \n\nOf the Veramendi place. The loss is hard \n\nFor these few brave veterans to bear. \n\nBut no time for any grieving is there. \n\nOn the eighth the Zambrano row is taken, \n\nThe enemy driven room from room and shaken \n\nIs their confidence in Cos and their strong position, \n\nSo with fifty men they attempt a diversion. \n\nBut Burleson is ready and drives them back \n\nWith a six-pounder. Again they lack \n\nResourcefulness against their determined attackers. \n\nAll their waverings are for the Texans good factors, \n\nIn helping them win against overwhelming numbers. \n\nLittle time do they spare for food or slumbers. \n\nAt night re-enforcements reach the Zambrano row. \n\nAnd amid heavy fighting to the Priests\' House they go. \n\nThis last is a great gain and victory is sure, \n\nFor in the Priests\' House they are secure \n\nFrom attack, and of the plaza have command. \n\nBy four days\' hard fighting this little band \n\nHas won a great victory. Next appears \n\n\n\n17 \n\n\n\nWith a flag of truce, a messenger who nears \n\nThe victorious Texans and send a request, \n\nWhich of all their triumphs suits them the best. \n\nThe haughty General Cos asks to surrender. \n\nAnd well do the gleeful Texans remember \n\nHis insulting answer to a similar request. \n\nThey made a few weeks ago. Quite a jest \n\nHis very humble plea now becomes. \n\nOn the tenth General Burleson agrees and sums \n\nUp the Articles of Capitulation, \n\nSan Antonio de Bexar is free from Mexico\'s domination. \n\nA wreck of shattered buildings and blockaded streets, \n\nPlundered stores and homes lie breached. \n\nWith gaping windows and crumbling walls. \n\nFilled with debris and rifle balls. \n\nbhort is the peace for San Antonio, \n\nTo Matamoros the soldiers go, \n\nLeaving but eighty men to stand \n\nGuard over the town against the roving bands \n\nOf fierce Comanches. Rumors are afloat \n\nOf Santa Anna\'s approach with an army that gloat \n\nOver the final defeat of the Texans, and how \n\nThey will annihilate them. Now \n\nTo Laredo, Juan Seguin sends his cousin to learn \n\nIf the enemy is coming, and to discern \n\nThe attitude of the people at large. In haste \n\nHe returns. There is no time to waste. \n\nIn making preparations for San Antonio\'s defense, \n\nBefore Santa Anna arnves and hostilities commence. \n\nColonel Travis, with thirty men, comes and takes \n\nCommand of the small army. This makes \n\nA stronger force, but still he needs \n\nMore men, and to the council pleads \n\nFor re-enforcements. Then James Bowie comes \n\nWith thirty scouts to enlist. This sums \n\nUp a larger force, but still pitifully small \n\nTo defend the town against Santa Anna, and all \n\nThe Mexican hordes that are pouring down \n\nUpon the shattered little town. \n\n\n\n18 \n\n\n\nFEBRUARY 23, 1836. \n\n\n\n"The Siege of the Alamo." \n\n\n\nFour thousand well appointed men appear, \n\nCommanded by Santa Anna. The Texans fear \n\nAnnihilation, and so escape the town \n\nTo the Alamo where a siege closes down. \n\nNow begins that grim tragedy which ends in death \n\nFor all those brave hearts that are bereft \n\nOf help or succor from friends who know \n\nTheir dire needs, but fear to show \n\nThemselves in sight, lest perhaps they too \n\nWill be killed without mercy, they are so few. \n\nDavid Crockett with twelve men comes and joins in \n\nTheir desperate lot. They welcome him \n\nWith cheers. The determined enemy works \n\nBuilding breastworks and batteries behind which lurks \n\nThe murderous cannon which rake the gates, \n\nA white flagged messenger comes; the firing abates. \n\nSanta Anna demands unconditional surrender, \n\nTravis replies with a cannon shot. This engenders \n\nThe attack, and over San Antonio floats \n\nThe blood-red flag of the Mexican hosts. \n\nCaptain John W. Smith slips from the Alamo. \n\nIn the dusk of early morning to go \n\nFor help from their countrymen. The plea \n\nTravis sends is an urgent one. "We \n\nBeg you to come and assist us here \n\nFor we are surrounded by men who fear \n\nNeither God nor man, and help we must have \n\nIf victory be ours. You may salve \n\nYour conscience and refuse to hear \n\nOur urgent call, but never fear \n\nThough we be neglected, I will sustain \n\nMyself, or die like a soldier who has lain \n\nDown his life for his country and own honor. \n\nVictory or Death!" Outside the clamor \n\n19 \n\n\n\nOf the active enemy reaches within \n\nTo the straining ears of the listening men. \n\nThey man the walls and repulse with strength \n\nThe heavy assaults against the length \n\nOf the long defenses. A strange little battle, \n\nNow fast now furious the bullets rattle, \n\nWhipping up the dust in spots all around, \n\nAnd filling the air with a various sound. \n\nWithin the dark church a woman weeps, \n\nWhile clasped in her arms a baby sleeps. \n\nShe has just been held in a last embrace \n\nBy her husband, brave Dickinson, who now must face \n\nThe oncoming enemy and leave those two \n\nWith a last farewell, an eternal adieu. \n\nAloft on the church floats the Texans\' flag, \n\nP.erced with bullets but unconquered its sags \n\nLimply against the rough hewn pole. \n\nWhile beneath it each enacts his role \n\nIn which Death is an unseen player. \n\nAn ominous silence falls over all. A layer \n\nOf dust and smoke begrims the forms \n\nOf the crouching men as the enemy storms \n\nThe weakened defences, and seeks to break \n\nThrough the thick stone walls. Repulsed they make \n\nAn assault by fire. Flaming arrows speed \n\nInto the fort, on the wrecked timbers feed. \n\nA glow of light spreads through the sombre dark. \n\nBut quickly the Texans extinguish each spark. \n\nA wild shout surprises the Mexican hosts. \n\nWho in their encircling have made proud boasts, \n\n"No help shall enter the doomed fort or leave \n\nWith messages for soldiers." They believe \n\nTheir blockade is perfect when into view \n\nDash Captain John Smith and thirty two. \n\nBrave heroes from Gonzales, v/ho have dared \n\nTo come through the enemy ranks, nor cared \n\nFor the fulisade of bullets that showered around. \n\nThey reach the closed gates where their friends are found, \n\nAnd into the for t are conveyed, while a brush \n\nIs had with the cavalry that comes with a rush. \n\nThen riderless gallop the terrified horses, \n\nTrampling or dragging the Mexican corpses. \n\n\n\nMARCH 3, 1836. \n\n\n\n\'^The Failure of Rewenforcements to Ari\'ive. Colonel Travis\' Fare- \nwell to His Men." \n\n\n\nTwo hours before sunset their assailants withdraw, \n\nAnd above the dead and the wounded caw \n\nThe inquisitive daws, and the vultures wheel. \n\nFrantic with torments the wounded reel \n\nAway from the sickening scene, or fall \n\nIn dying agony, a huddled ball. \n\nA disc-like crimson sun hangs low. \n\nAnd the distant murmur of the river\'s flow \n\nComes faintly to the dying ears of those, \n\nWho lie on the Plaza in a last repose. \n\nIn the Alamo Church, Colonel Travis stood \n\nIn front of his able men who could \n\nStill fight, and solemnly addressed: \n\n"My brave companions, we are pressed \n\nBy our many enemies; our fate is sealed. \n\nWithin a few days we all must yield \n\nOur souls to God. But not in vain \n\nDo we die, or are we for our country slain. \n\nMy calls for help have been ignored; \n\nMy messengers are lost or of their own accord \n\nHave deserted me in my hour of need. \n\nBut to you, my brave comrades, now I plead. \n\nStay with me, or if you too must go, \n\nStill will I stay until life\'s last flow \n\nShall have left my body, drop by drop. \n\nShould any wish to go, I shall not stop." \n\nWith dimming eyes of grief they saw \n\nTheir brave commander stop and draw, \n\nWith his sword on the earthen floor, a line: \n\n"Those who v/ill stand by me and mine \n\nLet them remain. Those who don\'t know, \n\nLet them cross that line and they shall go!" \n\nSo intense was the silence that scarce a breath \n\nWas heard. One man seemed bereft \n\n21 \n\n\n\nOf his reason. With hesitating step \n\nHe crossed the fatal line and kept \n\nHis back to the astonished men who stood \n\nLike statues that are carved from wood. \n\n"Moses Rose, do you fear to die?" \n\nWas the curt query of Travis. "I \n\nDo; I am not prepared to go \n\nInto Eternity, and so \n\nI will try to escape and bring the news \n\nOf your direful position to those who refuse \n\nTo aid you in your extremity. \n\nI speak the Mexican fluently, \n\nPerhaps I can pass through their ranks and go \n\nUnnoticed, and thus escape the foe." \n\n"Perhaps you can, you may go and try," \n\nWith a handclasp brave Travis makes reply. \n\nRose climbs the wall in the deepening dusk, \n\nAnd jumps from sight in the thick white dust. \n\nInside the Alamo all is action now, \n\nTo keep their vigil with Death all vow \n\nAn astounding roar the echoes awake. \n\nFrom the cottonwoods the cooing doves make \n\nStrange music to the accompaniment of belching guns. \n\nIn the gathering darkness a tongue of flame runs \n\nThrough the velvet sky and quenches the light \n\nOf the evening star that heralds the night. \n\n\n\nIMARCH 6, 1836. \n\n\n\n\'The Fall of The Alamo." \n\n\n\nA stillness prevails like that of death, \n\nSan Antonio is without a breath \n\nOf life. The crucial hour has come. \n\nThough hands are busy, their hearts are dumb, \n\nNot with fear, but life is sweet to all \n\nAnd when the last hour comes to fall \n\nInto Death\'s embrace, even the brave may feel \n\n21 \n\n\n\nA twinge of regret at the fatal seal. \n\nOne by one the minutes creep slowly by, \n\nCalmly and surely the Texans reply. \n\nTo the avalanche of shot and shell, \n\nThat fires the gray dawn like a living hell. \n\nIn the weird light the tragic scene \n\nShows dancing figures of hideous mien \n\nOn that memorable Sunday is heard the blast \n\nOf the terrible "deguello," all hope is past \n\nThe Mexican infantry advance in hordes, \n\nAnd scaling ladders a way affords \n\nOver the defences of high stone walls. \n\nAnd into the courtyard a multitude falls. \n\nThere a savage continuous fire they meet. \n\nAnd make a hurried disorderly retreat. \n\nBut the Mexican cavalry drive them back \n\nTo the fearful work. The painful rack \n\nOf bullet torn bodies that dying fall \n\nOutside that impregnable wall. \n\nTwice they have come and been repulsed, \n\nNow they are mad with battle lust. \n\nA last asault in semi-circular form, \n\nFrom the northeast to the southwest they storm \n\nThe weakening defences, driving back \n\nThe brave defenders, who withdraw through lack \n\nOf re-enforcements to hold the spaces. \n\nAnd into the church for safety races \n\nThe few defenders for a last stand \n\nAgainst that overwhelming vicious band. \n\nClubbing their guns the Texans keep \n\nAt bay for an instant, those who leap \n\nInto the church through the broken door. \n\nBy the western wall dead on the floor \n\nLies noble Travis, his nerveless hand \n\nStill clasps his gun. The fort is manned \n\nBy the exultant victorious enemy. \n\nCrockett in death by the baptistry. \n\nTo the last is faithful to his friend, \n\nThe helpless Bowie, whose finai end \n\nIs met with a stoicism, as \n\nBefits a courageous hero, who has \n\n23 \n\n\n\nBut one life to offer for his country, \n\nAnd gives it nobly and generously. \n\nBrave Walker is the last to die. \n\nAs to the powder he tries to fly \n\nWith a flaming torch to set it on fire, \n\nThough he perish himself in the ruins dire. \n\nBut he is overtaken in the baptistry, \n\nAnd bullets and bayonets set him free. \n\nAll are now dead and in huddled heaps \n\nThey lie on the blood-soaked ground, which seeps \n\nWith crimson springs, and the tragic day \n\nIs ended. Drifting away \n\nIs a thin film of smoke on the hazy air. \n\nThat but lately glowed with the battle flare. \n\nDestiny played toss with Death and bore \n\nThe Banner of Defeat. Life\'s battle is o\'er. \n\n\n\nJANUARY 1, 1922. \n\n\n\n\'To The Alamo.\' \n\n\n\nOld Battered time-worn silent walls what scenes You\'ve looked upon. \n\nFrom the present bustling hurry to the City\'s early dawn. \n\nYou saw the Franciscan Padres in holy patience teach \n\nThe wild and savage Indians. You have heard them preach \n\nOf Manitou, the Christians\' God, Who loves His children well. \n\nWho on a Cross was crucified to save them all from hell. \n\nIn solemn lonely grandeur You rose upon the plain, \n\nWhile peacefully about You lay many a verdant lane. \n\nVineyards stretched to river\'s flow and pomegranates grew \n\nIn the cheery Mission Gardens with figs and pecans, too. \n\nAnd broad lawns sloped to river bank, green sward with drops \n\nof dew, \nQuiet nooks for meditation and for lovers too. \nThe fragrance of crape-myrtfes and magnolias fill the air, \nA wealth of color radiates from flower harmonies there. \nThe yucca like a candelabra is hung with "Lamps of God," \nThe Spanish Dagger lifts its spikes above the emerald sod. \nGay poppies and verbenas a note of color lends, \nA cloud of brilliant butterflies like sweet-pea blossoms sends \n\n\n\nA rainbow flash of beauty into the golden glow, \n\nAnd down among the cypresses on the river bank below \n\nA horseman spurs his charger along the white roadway \n\nThe mocking birds are carolling to all their gladsome lay. \n\nYou saw the Indian converts who happy in their home, \n\nNo longer chaffed against restraint, or ever cared to roam \n\nAgain into the wilderness amongst their savage kin \n\nYou saw the bloody struggle of the white and the redmen \n\nThe shrill warhoop resounding, the exultant shouts of those \n\nWho grappled with their bitter foes or sent well-aimed death-blows \n\nYou saw the martial Spaniard in helmet and coat-of-mail \n\nBefore whose gun and steady hand the Indian arrows fail. \n\nYou saw the fierce Comanches in war-paint come to town, \n\nLed by Isimanica or some chief of equal renown. \n\nAnd in and out Your doorway through the long years have passed \n\nThe many, many thousands of heroes, first and last. \n\nA brilliant pageant passes by and Memory recalls, \n\nThe varied sounds of Peace or Strife that echoed round Your walls \n\nUnseen musicians fill the night with magic melody, \n\nThe haunting strains of Spanish airs in plaintive minor key \n\nThe background of the dark night sky is hung with glittering stars \n\nA silver radiance touches all and glorifies Your Scars. \' \n\n\n\n\nTHE ALAMO \n\n\n\nIN MEMORIUM.*\' \n\n\n\nLike precious gems your names are set \n\nIn History\'s storied pages. Yet \n\nDown the dim-lit pathway of the years \n\nBrighter the lustre grows, endears \n\nTo you, great heroes of humanity, undying fame. \n\nAnd deathless distinction is your claim. \n\nLife\'s budded promise is fulfilled, \n\nYou did the work that God had willed. \n\nThe Watchman of Time\'s Dial turned the key. \n\nOpened yoar prison-house of mortality. \n\n\n\nThe Names of The Alamo Heroes Who Perished in The Fall of \n\nThe Alamo. \n\n\n\nThe monument, of The Alamo at Austin, the capital of Texas, \nhas the name of Travis on the south front, Bowie on the east front, \nCrockett on the north front, and Bonham on the west front. Be- \nneath these are inscribed on the north and south fronts by Mr. \nNagle, the following names: \n\n\n\nM. Autrey \n\nR. Allen \n\nM. Andrews \n\nAyers \n\nAnderson \n\nW. Blazeby \n\nJ. B. Bournan \n\nBaker \n\nS. C. Blair \n\nBlair \n\nBrown \n\nBowin \n\nBalentine \n\nJ. J. Baugh \n\nBurnell \n\nJ. Butler \n\nJ. Baker \n\nBurns \n\nBailey \n\nJ. Beard \n\nBaliess \n\nBourne \n\nR. Cunningham \n\nJ. Clark \n\nJ. Cane \n\nCloud \n\nS. Crawford \n\nCary \n\nW. Cummings \n\nR, Crossman \n\nCockran \n\nG. Cottle \n\nS. Dust \n\nJ. Dillard \n\niv Dickinson \n\nG. Despalier \n\nE. Ijavell \n\nJ. C. Day \n\nJ. Dickens \n\nDevault \n\n\n\nW. Deadruff \n\nJ. Erving \n\nT. R. Evans \n\nD. Floyd \n\nJ. Flanders \n\nW. Fishpaugh \n\nForsythe \n\nG. Fuga \n\nJ. C. Goodrich \n\nJ, George \n\nJ. C. Garrett \n\nC. Grimes \n\nGroyn \n\nJ. E. Garwin \n\nGilmore \n\nHutchason \n\nS. Holloway \n\nHarrison \n\nH.ieskell \n\nJ. Hayes \n\nHorrell \n\nHarris \n\nHankins \n\nJ. Holland \n\nW. Hersie \n\nIngram \n\nJohn \n\nJ. Jones \n\nL. Johnson \n\nC. B. Jamison \nW. Johnson \nT. Jackson \n\nD. Jackson \nJackson \n\nG. Kemble \nA. Kent \nW. King \nKenney \nLewis \nW. Linn \n\n\n\nLanio \n\nW. Lightfoot \n\nWm. Lightfoot \n\nG. W. Lynn \n\nLewis \n\nJ. Lonly \n\nW. Mills \n\nMicheson \n\nE. T. Mitchell \n\nE. Melton \n\nMcGregor \n\nT. Miller \n\nJ. McCoy \n\nE. Morton \n\nR. Musselman \n\nMillsop \n\nR. B. Moore \n\nW. Marshall \n\nMoore \n\nR. McKenney \n\nMcCaferty \n\nJ. McGee \n\nG. W. Main \n\nG. Nelson \n\nJ. Noland \n\nNelson \n\nWm. G. Nelson \n\nC. Ostiner \n\nPelone \n\nC. Parker \n\nN. Pollard \n\nG. Paggan \n\nMcQuerry \n\nS. Robinson \n\nReddenson \n\nN. Rough \n\nRusk \n\nRobbins \n\nW. Smith \n\nSears \n\n\n\nC. Smith \nStockton \nStewart \nA. Smith \n\nJ. C. Smith \n\nSewall \n\nA. Smith \n\nSimpson \n\nR. Star \n\nStarn \n\nN. Sutherland \n\nW. Summers \n\nJ. Summerline \n\nThompson \n\nE.Taylor \n\nG. Taylor \n\nJ. J. Taylor \n\nW. Taylor \n\nBros. \nThornton \nThomas \nJ. M. Thurston \nValentine \nWilliamson \nJ. L. Wilson \nWarner \n\nD. Wilson \nWalsh \nWashington \nW. Wells \n\nC. Wright \nR. White \n\nJ. Washington \nT. Waters \nWarnell \nJ. White \n\nD. Wilson \nJ. Wilson \nA. Wolf \n\n\n\n27 \n\n\n\nDistinjniished Visitors of The Alamo. \n\n\n\nAmong the many distinguished people who have been in the \nhistoric Alamo are personages whose lives and doings are a part of \na larger history than merely that of San Antonio. They have come \nand gone, saintly brown-robed Franciscan priests, the blue and the \ngray-clad soldiers, noted church and civil visitors. \n\nTheirs has been a record of duty performed, be it teaching and \ncivilizing the savage redskin or forcing him to obedience and observ- \nance of the white man\'s law; charging at Gettysburg, or patrolling \nour frontier; or holding faithful vigil on the bloody fields of France. \n\nIn the mesquite wilderness with none save God to note, these \nheroes of all time bore themselves with great courage and faithful- \nness to duty well performed. It has been said that the truly great \nare those who will do in solitude the most daring deed they might \nconceive before men. Surely this is so, and the historic personages \nwho have occupied the famous Alamo, have made the glorious State \nof Texas what it is. They have guarded our frontier and aided by \ngallant population settled aimiably and forever the Indian and Mexi- \ncan question in Texas. In the past San Antonio has seen much of \nthe captured tribes \xe2\x80\x94 villains of the most villainous type. The last \nto be brought in being the notorious Geronimo and his band, cap- \ntured by General Lawton in the Arizona mountains after a long \nchase. \n\nThe saintly Father Antonio Margil de Jesus, O. F. M., Founder \n\nof The Alamo, 1716. \nFather Pedro Ramirez, O. F. M., Builder of The Alamo, 1720. \nDon Manuel Munoz, Governor of Texas, 1794. \nRight Reverend Marin de Parras, Bishop of Linares, 1805. \nThe Alamo Heroes, 1836. \nGeneral Albert Sydney Johnston, 1857. \nGeneral Robert E. Lee, 1860. \n-General Stanley, U. S. A., 1884. \nJames Cardinal Gibbons, 1887. \nFrancis Cardinal Satelli, 1896. \nColonel Theodore Roosevelt, 1898. \nPresident William H. Taft, 1909. \nGeneral Frederick Funston, U. S. A., 1915. \nGeneral John J. Pershing, J. S. A., 1917. \nGeneral James G. Harboard, U. S. A., 1920. \nGeneral Joseph Dickman, U. S. A., 1921. \nGeneral John H. Hines, U. S. A., 1921. \nMarshal Ferdinand Foch, Leader of the Allied Armies in The \n\nWorld War, 1921. \nAnd many others. ., \n\n\n\n\'THE ORIGIN OF THE ALAMO\' \n\n\n\nIn the first Book of the Records kept in the San Fernando \nCathedral is the following note concerning The Alamo: \n\n"This Mission of San Antonio was established in 1703, on the \nbanks of the Rio Grande under the title of Mission of San Francisco \nSolano. In 1712, it was transferred to the neighborhood of San \nYldefonse. Thence it was moved to San Jose on the Rio Grande, \nin 1713, and finally transported to the San Antonio River in 1718." \n\nThe Act of transferring The Alamo Mission to San Antonio Is \nalso recorded in this Book of the Records, and is as follows: \n\n"In the present year and on the 10th of the month of May, \n1718, this Mission of San Jose (on the Rio Grande) on account of \nthe scarcity of water, was transferred to San Antonio de Valero by \norder of His Excellency, the Marquis de Valero, Viceroy of New \nSpain. This Mission being under the direction of Fray Antonio de \nSan Buenaventura y Olivares, and of the officer, Dr. Martin de \nAlarcon, president of these Provinces of the Kingdom of the New \nPhilippines, and of the dependencies thereof. In faith whereof, \n,1 sign as Minister of these Missions the day of the month and the \nyear as above. Fray Francisco Ruiz." \n\nIn the year 1716, the saintly Father Fray Antonio Margil de \nJesus was appointed Superior or President of the Texas Missions \nand visited Texas in that year, founding six Missions in the most \nnortherly part of the Province (Texas). One of these Missions \nfounded by Father Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus was the Mission \nof San Antonio de Valero, now called The Axamo. The founding of \na mission meant the locating of it with the intention of building at \na later date. Hence "The Alamo Mission" was founded in 1716, by \nFather Antonio Margil, on the San Antonio River, opposite Bejar, \nthe Capital of the Province of Texas. Its removal from the Rio \nGrande River took place in 1718. Its actual building began about \nthe year 11 ZO and many years were required to build the extensive \nand beautiful Mission of San Antonio de Valero. The zealous efforts \nof Father Ramirez, President of the Texas Missions with head- \nquarters at San Jose Mission, caused the actual work on The Alamo \nMission to commence and its cornerstone was laid in 1744. \n\nIn another Book of Records in San Fernando Cathedral is \nfound this note regarding The Alamo: \n\n"On the eighth day of May in the year 1744, the corner stone \nfor the new church of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero was \nblessed, the following clergymen being present: Diego Martin Gar- \ncia, Mariano Francisco de los Dolores y Friar Juan de los Angeles, \nand on the twenty-ninth of the month of September, in the year \n1745, the new church was dedicated, the same clergymen as before \n\n\n\nmentioned being present. To the above statement we do hereby \nsign our names on the; twenty-ninth day of September in the year \n1745. Diego Martin Garcia, Mariano Francisco de los Dolores y \nFriar Juan de los Angeles." \n\nThe Alamo received its name from the numerous cottonwood \ntrees which grew along the acequias or irrigating ditches near the \nMission. Alamo is the Spanish word for cottonwood. \n\nThe greater portion of the modern Alamo Plaza was once en- \nclosed within the walls of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, its \ngardens covering about fifteen acres. The Alamo Church is all that \nremains of this once extensive Mission "del Alamo," or Mission de \nSan Antonio de Valero which was bu It to convert to the Catholic \nfaith the Sanes, Payaes and other Indian tribes living in the vicinity. \n\nFrom the time of its founding in 1703, on the Rio Grande until \nits close in 179 4, The Mission of San Antonio do Valero (The Alamo) \nmade many conversions of the Indians brought in contact with its \nvarious zealous missionaries, and accomplished great good for these \nwild children of God. During these years, 1703 to 1794, The Alamo \nM ssion was under the jurisdiction of the Franciscan priests from \nQueretaro and Zacatecas, Mexico. \n\nOn the tenth of April, 17 9 4, Don Pedro de Nava, Commandant- \ngeneral of the Northwestern internal provinces, of which Texas \nformed a part, published a decree by which all the Missions within \nhis jurisdiction should be secularized That is to say, the Franciscan \npriests who until now had been in charge of these many Missions m \nthe Province of Texas, including The Ala:^io, should give up their \nclaim of possession and sign over all records, property and so forth, \nto secular pr.ests who should bs appointed by the Spanish authori- \nties, to have charge of the religious welfare of those living at or \nattending the Churches located in the various Missions. As the \nmoney to build the Missions was furnished by the Spanish Crown, \nthey were the property of the Spanish Government, and the Francis- \ncan priests who had charge of them, were appointed by the Spanish \nGovernment and had no legal claim upon the Missions. They could \nbe discharged at the will of the Spanish authorities. This is what \nis meant by "secularizing of the Missions." \n\nOn the last page of the Book of Baptisms of the Indians and \nothers, extending down to 1783, we find the following notes: \n\n"On the 22nd day of August, 1793, I transferred this book of \nthe Records of the Pueblo of San Antonio de Valero to the Archives \nof the town of San Fernando and Presidio of San Antonio de Bexar, \nby order of the Right Reverend Doctor Don Andres de Llanos y Valdez \nthe most worthy Bishop of this Diocese, dated January 2d, of the \nsame year by reason of the said pueblo having been aggregated to \nthe curacy of Bexar; and, that it may be known I sign it. Fray Jose \nFrancisco Lopez, Parish Priest." \n\n30 \n\n\n\nThe following note in the Records show the receipt of the Book \nof Records of the San Antonio de Valero Mission (Pueblo): \n\n"San Antonio de Bexar, June 14, 1794. \n\n"On the day of this date I received from the Reverend Father \nJose Lopez, who was Minister of the Mission of San Antonio ds \nValero, until it was delivered into the hands of the ordinary, (a \nchurch official appointed by the Bishop) this book, in which are set \ndown the records of baptisms pertaining to said Mission, and per- \nformed up to the year 1783 \xe2\x80\x94 noting that the records which may be \nsearched for from the year 1788 may be found in a new book bound \nin parchment: from leaf 2 to 100, together with these that belong \nto the following year, and whicu may be entered hereafter. I make \nthis note that it may serve as an index and I sign it with the \nsame Reverend Father \xe2\x80\x94 date as above. Bachiller Gavino Valdez." \n\n"I delivered this book, on the day of date, to the Parish-Priest, \nDon Gavino Valdez; and, that it may be known, I sign. Fray Jase \nFrancisco Lopez (Parish Priest)." \n\nAfter the decree of Don Pedro de Nava, published on the 10th \nof April, 1794, went into effect, many of the Franciscan priests re- \nmained in charge of their churches until replaced by secular priests. \nThe secularization of the Franciscan Indian Missions in Texas was \ncompleted in 1825 and the churches were stripped of their valuables, \nthe Indians scattered and all available and useful articles carried off. \nThus ends the wonderful work of the Franciscan priests in Texas, \nand there remains to their everlasting memory these wonderful \nstone structures in the vicinity of San Antonio, of which the most \nfamous is "The Alamo." \n\n\n\nCOPY OF \nLetter of Colonel William Barret Travis, Lt. Col, \n\n\n\nCoramandancy of the Alamo, \n\nBejar, Feb\'y 24th, 1836. \n\nTo the People of Texas and all Americans in the world: \n\nFellow Citizens and Compatriots: I am besieged by a thousand \nor more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a \ncontinual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not \nlost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, \notherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the fort is \ntaken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot and our \nflag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or \nretreat. Then I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, \n\n\n\nand everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid \nwith all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily \nand will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or \nfive days. If this call be neglected, I am determined to sustain my- \nself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets \nwhat is due to his own honor and that of his country. VICTORY \nOR DEATH. \n\nWILLIAM BARRET TRAVIS, Lt. Col. Comdt. \n\nP S. \xe2\x80\x94 The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in \nsight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in \ndeserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls of 20 or 30 \nhead of beeves. TRAVIS. \n\n\n\nCOPY OF \n\nThe Iietter of Juan Seguin Coiicerning thei Disposal of the Ashes of \nThe Alamo Heroes. \n\n\n\nLaredo de Tamaulipas, March 28, 1889. \n\nMr. Hamilton P. Bee, \nSan Antonio. \n\nMy Lord and Friend: \xe2\x80\x94 \n\nI am answering your pleasing letter of the 9th instant which \nI did not do before on account of my health. \n\nThe rest of those who died in the Alamo were ordered to be \nburned by the order of General Santa Anna, and the little fragments \n(bones and ashes) I ordered them to be deposited in an urn; I \nordered a sepulcher in the Cathedral of San Antonio to be opened, \nimmediately in front of the Sanctuary it is, in front of the two \ngates that open in the Communion railing, but very near the steps. \n\nAnd this is all I know about the matter. \n\nI remain your friend and servant, \n\nJUAN N. SEGUIN, \n\n(Rubric). \n\n\n\nAnnexed to this letter is the following note: \n\n"Below find the original letter from Colonel Seguin \xe2\x80\x94 to the \neffect that he buried the remains of "The Alamo Dead" in the Cathe- \ndral on Main Plaza of San Antonio, in July, 1836. San Antonio, \n^yctober 9, 1893. H. P. Bee, Secretary." \n\n32 \n\n\n\nI hereby certify that the above is a true and accurate copy of \nthe original manuscript which original is among the Nacogdoches \nPapers, Miscellaneous, 1844-1889, on file in the Texas State Library. \n\nGiven under my hand and seal this twelfth day of December, \nnineteen hundred and twenty-one, in the City of Austin, County of \nTravis, State of Texas. \n\nELIZABETH H. WEST, \n\nState Librarian. \nNotary Seal of Elizabeth H. West, State Librarian. \n\n\n\nAn Explanation of the Juan Seguin Letter, \n\n\n\nAs the interment of the urn containing the fragments of "The \nAlamo Dead" was made in July, 1836 \xe2\x80\x94 four months after the death \nand destruction of the bodies by order of Santa Anna \xe2\x80\x94 the place of \nburial is not in the present Cathedral of San Antonio on Main \nPlaza, but in the rear part of the present Cathedral, in what was \nknown in 1836 as the Parish Church of San Fernando. The \nSanctuary of the present Cathedral occupies the site of the former \nParish Church of San Fernando, and the sepulcher in which Juan \nSeguin interred the urn containing the fragments of "The Alamo \nDead" is either under the present High Altar or immediately be- \nhind it. Two marble slabs with inscriptions on them show the \npresence of sepulchers in this place, and it is to be inferred from the \nletter of Juan Seguin that one of these sepulchers holds the precious \nurn containing the last mortal remains of Colonel James Bowie, of \nwhom this book is written, and the other neroes of that tremendous \nstruggle against overwhelming odds that ended in such a glorious \ndefeat. \n\n\n\nBaptismal Record of James Bowie. Translated From the Original \n\nSpanish in the Book of Baptisms of San Fernando Parish \n\nChurch, San Antonio, Texas. \n\n\n\nAdult. James Box. In the City of Fan Fernando de Bexar on \nthe 26th day of June, 18 28, I, the priest, Refugio de la Garza, \nproper pastor of this City, having proceeded with the necessary in- \nstruction in catechism proscribed by the Roman Ritual, solemnly \nbaptised and put the holy oils and chrism to James Box, twenty- \nthree years old, born in South Carolina, legal son of James Box and \nJane Box. The sponsors were Mr, Juan Martin de Veramendi and \nMrs. Josepha Navarro (de Veramenai). In witness v\xc2\xbb^hereof I \nsign. REFUGIO DE LA GARZA. \n\n\n\nNote: \xe2\x80\x94 The various spelling of James Bowie\'s name must be ac- \ncounted for by it having no corresponding equivalent in Spanish. In \nthe Baptismal Record it appears as "Box" and his father\'s name as \n"James Box"; his mother\'s name as "Jane Box." In the Marriage \nRecord the name is spelled "Buy"; his fatner\'s name is given as \n"Ramon" and his mother\'s name as "Alvina." In the Pre-nuptial \nContract the name is spelled "Bowie" and his father\'s name is given \nas "Rezin"; and his mother\'s name as "Elvy." Presumably his \nfather\'s full name was "James Rezin Bowi^" and his mother\'s name \nwas "Alvina Jane Bowie." As to the age of James Bowie, the \nrecords also differ. In the Baptismal Record his age is given as \n23 in 18 28, while in the Pre nuptial Contract dated three years \nlater, (1831) his age is given as 3 2 years. This discrepancy in \nrecording his age might be due to the person writing the record. \nHistorians are in favor of the first age, James Bowie being known \nto have been a young man. \n\n\n\nCOPY OF \n\nThe Marriage Record of Colonel James Bowie and Mis^ Ursula de \n\nVerainendi, Translated From the Original Spanish in the Book \n\nof Records of the Marrirgcs of San Fernando Parish \n\nChurch, San Antonio, Texas. \n\n\n\nIn the City of San Fernando de Bexar on the 25th of April, \n1831, I, the priest. Rev. Refugio de la Garza, the proper pastor of \nthe City, after having complied with all requirements and ad- \nmonished on three successive feast days, "Inter Missarum Solemnis" \n(during High Mass) which were the 11-17-24 of said month, and \nnot having found any canonical impediments even after more than \ntwentyi-four hours had elapsed from the last banns, I married and \nveiled in the face of the Church, Mr. James Bowie, a native of \nLouisiana of North America, legal son of Mir. Ramon Bowie and \nMrs. Alvina Jones; to Miss Ursula de Veramendi, a native of this \nsaid City, legal daughter of Mr. Juan Martin de Veramendi and \nMrs. Maria Josepha N?varro; their sponsers and witnesses of mar- \nriage were: Mr. Jose Angel Navarro and Mr. Juan Francisco Bueno. \n\nIn witness whereof I affix my signature, Refugio de la Garza. \n\nNote: "Veiled in the face of the Church" means placing the \nHumeral Veil over the heads or shoulders of the bride and groom \nduring the celebration of the marriage. It has a mystical signifi- \ncance emphasizing that the two are now one in spirit as well as in \nbody. The Humeral Veil is an oblong- scarf of the same material as \nthe vestments worn by the priest officiating at the marriage. It is \nan ancient custom, but not used now. \n\n34 \n\n\n\nPre-nuptial Contract of Colonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula \nde Verainendi. \n\n\n\n(Translated from the original Spanish Document in the County \nRecords of Bexar County, City of San Antonio, State of Texas.) \n\n(Note: The paper on which this Pre-nuptial Contract of \nColonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula de Veramendi is written has \nthe following heading printed in large type and means, that this \npaper is to be used for official use only and costs $6.00 per sheet. \nThe Document is quaintly worded, written entirely by hand and \nyellow with age.) \n\nSELLO PRIMERO SEIS PESOS. \n\nFIRST SEAL. SIX DOLLARS. \n\nLegally authorized by the State of Coahuila and Texas for the \nterm of 1828-29. (30-31) In the Absence of the Administrator, \nPedro Flores, testifies. \n\nPromissory Note of the Dowery concerning the Nuptials. \n\nIn the City of San Fernando de Bexar on the 22nd day of the \nmonth of April, 1831, before me, the only Constitutional Mayor of \nsaid City and the assisting witnesses for want of a Notary Public, \nwithin the term of the law, Mr. James Bowie, a single man, of legal \nage, being at the time thirty-two years old, a native of the United \nStates of North America, and the legitimate son of the legitimate \nmarriage of Mr. Rezin Bowie and Elvy Jones, the first now dead, \nand both residents and citizens of the said United States, came \nbefore me and said: "That finding himself near to contract a mar- \nriage in the eyes of the Church (i. e. The Catholic Church) with \nMiss Maria Ursula de Veramendi, a single woman, native of this \ncity, legitimate daughter of Mr. Juan Martin de Veramendi and \nMrs. Maria Josepha Navarro, both residents and natives of the same \nCity (San Fernando de Bexar), and in view of the virtue, honesty \nand other laudable gifts with which his future spouse is adorned, \nhe (James Bowie) offers her as an augment of the dowery, or as an \nAras or pre-nuptial present, on account of the nuptials, according \nas it may be useful in case the concerted marriage should be reali- \nzed, the quantity of $15,000 which are drawn from the most select \nof his estate or property, which he accordingly manifests before \nme, and consists at present of the following articles: \n\nIn the territory of Arcania of the United States of North \nAmerica for the value of 60,000 Arpanis of land valued at the rate \nof 4 reales each one, which is the lowest price. 30,000.00 (presum- \nably reales or pesos. It is not stated.) \n\nIn notes to be paid at various times, Messrs. Walker and Wil- \nkins, Brothers, residents of Neches of said United States. 45,000.00 \n(reales or pesos.) \n\n35 \n\n\n\nIn the same notes of various individuals which shall be paid \nto the Justice of the Peace of the same place 20,000.00 (reales or \npesos.) \n\nFor quantities that the government of the said United Sta\'^es \nhas given me according to documents already granted, 32,800.00 \n(reales or pesos). \n\nIn the possession of Mr. Angus McNeil to whom has been en- \ntrusted the buying of one machine and all the utensils necessary \nto a manufacturing plant of cotton goods and wool in the State of \nBoston, 20,000.00 (reales or pesos.) \n\nMoreover various pieces of valuable furniture of his own use \nand for his house, some farm.s, and other contracts started to buy \nother farms in this country which at present cannot be estimated \nnow. \n\nWith the determination to fix the date himself for the fulfil- \nment of the Nuptial Contract \xe2\x80\x94 the delivery of the Dowery \xe2\x80\x94 within \nthe terms of two years after the marriage has been consummated, \nthe goods that form this dowery are not now here in this country, \nbecause he (James Bowie) has only recently emigrated to this \ncountry under the protection and safeguard of the Federation and \nthe particular laws of the State which he chooses as his adopted \ncountry, he obliges himself to give in effective coin to his future \nspouse, or to whom he represents, in case the marriage should not \nbe realized, or the contract be dissolved on account of some legal \nreason, for any of the motives prescribed by law, the aforesaid sum \nof $15,000 or in goods that represent that amount of money, as \nwell as the expenses incidental that may be incurred, the liquida- \ntion (judgment of costs), he consents in his oath and absolves her \nfrom any other proof, wherefore he renounces the one before the \nlast (law) Book 11, Chapter 4, in the annual term, and that he \nmay comply with the hereto aforesaid with more punctuality and \nexactness, he obliges himself, likewise, not only not to squander, \nnor mortgage, nor place any obligation upon the property, nor to \nsubject it to his debts, crimes or excesses, the import of said Dow- \nery, but rather to deliver promptly so that in all events she may \nenjoy the privileges of the Dowery. \n\nFor the fulfilment of all the aforeaid, and in order to do this, \nhe obliges all his goods, chattels, real estate, pledges, rights and \nactions, present and future, and he gives ample power to the hon- \norable judges of this Republic or of any other nation where he may \nfind himself, that they may compel him, as though by sentence \ngiven by the\' authority as a matter already judged and consented to \nand agreed upon, and as such he accepts this Contract renouncing \nall the laws, privileges as a lawful citizen of this City in her favor, \nand thus he gave in and signed with full faith, the witnesses being: \nMr. Jose Manuel de la Garza and Mr. Jose Maria Balmaceda and Mr. \n\n\n\nJose Maria de Cardenas, residents of this City today of said date \nmonth and year. \' \' \n\nFurthermore, in addition to the aforesaid, he (James Bowie) \nhas manifested likewise to be the owner of 15,000 Arpanis of \nland on the banks of the Colorado River and in Wachita of the \nState of Louisiana, all of which being the least value, they are \nestimated at the rate of 5 pesos each (Arpanis) and all valued at \n75,000 pesos. \n\nJOSE MARIA SALINAS, Acting Mayer. \n(Rubric). \nJAMES BOWIE. \n(Rubric), \n^^itnesses i \n\nJOSE FRANCISCO FLORES, \n\n(Rubric) \nIGNACIO DE ARROCHA, \n(Rubric) \n\n\n\nTHE LAST INTERVIEW \n\n\n\nIn tlje San Antonio Express of Mrs. Alman Marion Dickinson-Han- \nnig, the Only Surviving Texan of the Fall of the Alamo, Made \nDuring Her L.ast Visit to the Alamo on April 27, 1881. \n\n\n\n"After a last kiss and embrace my husband turned away. It \nwas an eternal adieu. The bugles were sounding the charge of \nbattle. The cannon\'s roar was reverberating throughout the Val- \nley of the San Antonio. There were about 160 sound persons in the \nAlamo when the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers upon \nthe environs of the city to the west. The others were sick or \nwounded, among them being Colonel James Bowie who was in the \nlast stages of consumption. \n\nColonel Travis called his well men and drew a line with his \nsword and said: "My soldiers, I am going to meet the fate that \nbecomes me. Those who will stand by me let them remain, but \nthose who desire to go, let them go \xe2\x80\x94 and who crosses the line \nthat I have drawn \xe2\x80\x94 shall go." I came to the door of the room I \nhad (the baptistry) and watched them. It was a most impressive \nscene. \n\nThe Mexican horde came on like a whirlwind. Organized into \ndivisions they came in the form of a semi-circle that extended from \nthe northeast to the southwest. The strongest atack was from \nabout where the Military Plaza is, and from a division that marched \nup from the direction of Villita. Three times they were repulsed \n\n37 \n\n\n\nand the two cannon planted high on the ramparts carried dismay \nwith their belches of fire and lead. The; ill-fated end came and with \nit the horrors of which even Crockett\'s vivid conception could not \nhave dreamed. \n\nThe blood of noble men was seeping into the ground and the \nbodies of he,roes were lying cold in death. The last man to fall was \nWalker. He had often fired the cannon at the enemy. Wounded, he \nrushed into the room where I crouched on my cot with my baby \nclasped in my arms and took refuge in a corner opposite me. The \nAlamo had fallen and the hordes of Santa Anna ware pouring over \nits ramparts, through its trenches, through its vaults. The barbarous \nhorde followed the ill-fated Walker and shot him first, then stuck \ntheir bayonets in his body and lifted him up like a farmer doss a \nbundle of fodder on his pitchfork. An officer rushed to stop them; \nthen they dropped the body. They were all bloody, and crimson \nsprings coursed in the yard. Some say they did this to Bowie\'s body, \nbut it was the dead body of Walker they raised on their bayonets. \nHe was the last to be. killed and they were drunk with blood. \n\nI never saw my husband again after he went from me with his \ngun in his hand to die for his country. I feared for my fate but was \nsave,d by an English Colonel in the Mexican Army. Through the \nintervention of Alamonte I was permitted to leave the Alamo on \nhorseback. Almonte said, "We are fighting men, not women." \n\nI left the Alamo on horseback carrying my baby in my arms. \nI went first to the Muzquiz House where I had lived before the \nAlamo Siege Then from there I rode alone with my baby towards \nGonzales. Out on the Salado (Creek) I met Colonel Travis\' negro \nservant and he went with me. I was glad to see him. Several miles \nfurther out on the prairie we saw horsemen rapidly approaching. \nWe thought they were Indians and made the best preparation we \ncould to defend ourselves. When they came nearer we saw they \nwere white men. They proved to be "Deaf" Smith, Robert E. Handy \nand Captain Karnes, who had been sent by General Sam Houston to \nascertain the condition of the garrison in the Alamo. I told of its \nfall and the terrible end. They went with me and the negro to \nGonzales." \n\nOf several friendly Mexicans reported to have been in the \nAlamo and who survived the Fall, Mrs. Dickinson-Hannig said, "I \ndon\'t know, there may have been." \n\nNote: So Mrs, Alman Dickinson-Hannig was really the first \nto carry the message of the Fall of the Alamo to General Sam \nHouston. There is also a tradition that Aurelino Borgara, a pro>- \nTexas Mexican of San Antonio, was present at the Fall of the Alamo \nand slipped away by way of Wilson county and brought the first \nnews of the Fall of the Alamo to General Sam Houston. There is \nno historical confirmation of this. Mrs. Al. Marion Dickinson was \nmarried twice, her second name being "Hannig." \n\n\n\nCOPY OF \n\nAffadavit of Mrs. Susan Sterling, Granddaughter of Mrs. A. Marion \n\nDickinson-Hannig, Made From the Copy of I. D. Afflect, a \n\nHisi;x)rian of Texas. \n\n\n\nSan Antonio, Oct. 29, 1909. \nTo Whom it may Concern: \n\nI, Mrs. Susan A. Sterling, nee Griffith, do hereby confirm that \nmy grandmother\'s name was Susanna A, Wilkinson, and was the \nwife of Lieutenant Alman Dickinson, who was killed at the Battle \nof the Alamo, March 6, 1836, and my mother\'s name was Angeline \nGriffith, nee Angeline Dickinson, who was the child inside the \nAlamo on that memorable date and that I have heard my grand- \nmother, the above mentioned, confirm often that she was in the \nright hand side upon entering room known as the baptismal room, \non the date of March 6, 1836 in the Alamo, known as the Alamo \nChurch where my grandmother told me the last hand to hand fight \ntook place, and was in the same room with James Bowie and his \nnurse who was wounded at that time. \n\nMRS. SUSAN A. STERLING, \nThe Granddaughter of Mrs. Dickinson of the Alamo. \nWitnesses: \n\nCHARLES WELERT, \nG. S. RAYMOND, \nMRS. T. J. PARTRIDGE, \nMRS. SARAH E. EAGER. \n\nMy mother at the time of the Siege of the Alamo was 15 \nmonths old and was born in Gonzales, Texas, 25th of December, \n1834. \n\n\n\n\nLIBRARY OF CONGRESS \n\n\n\n014 543 884 6 ^ \n\n\n\nv-^- \xe2\x96\xa0:<" . \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n'