178 Years Ago Today (Texas History)

[ringo1597]

The Travis Letter

Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World—

Fellow Citizens & compatriots—

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna — I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man — The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken — I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls — I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch — The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country — Victory or Death.

William Barrett Travis.

Lt. Col. comdt.

P. S. The Lord is on our side — When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn — We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis

 

[peyton]

Thanks for the posting, I am from San Antonio and take visitors to the Alamo. They are always surprised how small it is, I point out that it was much bigger and someday those dang buildings will be torn down in Alamo Plaza.
My mother in law is from Belgium and we took her there. She does not speak English but told her son to translate
"We have such a place in Belgium, it is the town of Bastogne, where other brave Americans fought for our freedom too"!!

 

[the ringo kid]

I embellished a great article two years ago. Ill see if I can dig it up and post it here?

I stress I did not write the majority of this--only helped it our here and there. The original authors name is unkn to me.

 

[the ringo kid]

Today, Feb 23rd, Battle 4 the Alamo begins.

Didnt want to seem like I missed this important date in Texan history. The Battle for the Mission San Antonio de Bexar (aka) the Alamo, began on this date in 1836. The little Mission was defended by approximately 182-to-185 Texans of American, European and Spanish blood. The battle started in earnest on Feb 23rd 1836-and lasted for thirteen days ending on March 6th 1836. I have a LOT more to add to this and will be doing so hopefully completing it by the end or this weekend. I have to say though, Rest in Peace Cols: Crockett, Bowie and Travis. I :salute: :salute: :salute: you all. Also rest in Peace for the others and including Cols Fannin (Commander at Goliad) as well as Col. James C. Neill-who was the first commander of the garrison stationed at the Alamo-but had relinquished command to Bowie and Travis when he left to try to get reinforcements and supplies for the fort. I have loads to post on the subject and will be doing some in a day or so? depending on Weather and time. Ive been wanting to do something like this for ages and had notes plus what I gleaned form the link posted.

 

[the ringo kid]

Ill start this off with a Davy Crockett quote:

"Always be sure you are right, then go ahead." :thumpsup: On February 23rd, 1836, the Battle for the Alamo began--lasting for thirteen days and ending in the morning hours of March 6th, 1836; after a 90 minute series of assaults. The Mexican Forces were commanded by: President/ General: Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- who would later be resoundly defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto-by Texans screaming battle cries of: "Remember the Alamo & Remember Goliad." General Sam Houston was in command of the Texan forces at that battle that lasted mere minutes and with only 9 Texan fatalities. Months prior to the Battle of the Alamo, the Texans had driven out all Mexican Troops from San Antonio de Bexar and several other localities. The Mexicans in San Antonio were under the command of Santa Anna's Brother-in-Law: General Martin Perfecto de Cos. At that time, approximately 100 Texans were then garrisoned at the Alamo and Colonel James C. Neill was the commander. At that time, there were only about 100 Texans manning the fort. The Alamo force grew slightly in size with reinforcements led by Jim Bowie and Colonel William Barret Travis.

On February 23rd, approximately 1,500 Mexican Soldiers marched into San Antonio, as a first step to retake Texas. For the next thirteen days, both armies engaged in skirmishes with minimal casualties. Travis was aware that his garrison could not withstand an attack by such a huge force. Travis sent multiple Couriers carrying letters advising for more men and supplies, but few reinforcements actually arrived. In the early morning hours, the Mexican Army approached the Alamo. After repulsing two attacks, the Texans were unable to beat off a third attack as Mexican Soldiers scaled the walls and poured through the breached made into the walls by cannon-fire. Most of the defenders then moved into interior buildings with the exception of Davy Crockett and his men from Tenneessee who were defending the low wall near the Alamo's Chapel. Approximately 5-7 men were said to have surrendered and were executed. A total approximate 182 Texans were killed there as well as about 700 Mexican Soldiers.

 

[ringo1597]

Don't forget about the Gonzales 32. They came a running when they heard Travis needed help.

 

[the ringo kid]

Battles that led up to the Alamo fight included: a battle fought in October 1835, which would become known as the 1st Battle of the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna then began to build up his army by assembling a huge force and the Army of Occupation in Texas, to restore order. The Texans systematically defeated the Mexican Army in Texas. The last group in the region were commanded by Santa Anna's Brother-in-Law General Martin Perfecto de Cos. who surrendered on December 9th, following the siege of Bexar (now knows as Bear County) When the Mexican army left San Antonio de Bexar, Texan Soldiers established a garrison at the Alamo Mission-formerly a Spanish Religious Outpost-which had been converted into a fort. Santa Anna said of the fort "An irregular formation hardly worth the name!" He was soon to find out otherwise. The fort itself was designed to withstand an attack by Native Indians-not a modern Artillery-equipped Army. The Alamo covered 3 acres of land space and provided almost 1,300 feet of perimeter to defend. An interior Plaza was bordered on the East of the Chapel-to the South of a 1-story building-known as the Low Barracks. A wooden Palisade stretched between the two buildings. (this is the wall that Davy Crockett and his men defended) The two-story Long Barracks, extended North form the Chapel. At the Northern corner of the East wall, was a cattle pen and a horse corral, The walls surrounding the complex were about 2 & 1/2 feet thick and from 9 to 12 feet high. To compensate for the lack of firing ports, Texas Engineer: Green B. Jamison constructed Catwalks to allow the defenders to fire over the walls. Because of this, it left the Riflemen's upper body exposed. Incorporated into the defenses were 19 cannon-one was an 18 pounder-all of which had been left behind by the Mexican Army.

 

[the ringo kid]

By January 6th, 1836, less than 100 Texans were stationed at the Alamo-leaving it well undermanned. The then acting commander: Colonel James C. Neill, wrote to the Provisional Government: "If there has even been a Dollar here? I have no knowledge." Neill requested more troops and supplies-stressing the garrison would be unable to survive a siege lasting more than four days. The Texas Government could not provide much. On January 14th, Neill approached General Sam Houston, for supplies, clothes and ammo. Houston could not spare the men necessary to defend. Instead, he detailed a newly promoted: Colonel William B. Travis and 30 men to remove the artillery and destroy the Alamo. However, because of a lack of draft animals, Colonel Jim Bowie could not remove the artillery. Colonel Neill persueded Colonel Bowie that the location was of important stretegic importance. Neill and Bowie sent a letter to Governor Harry Smith saying: "the situation of Texas depends on great measure on keeping Bexar out of the hands of the enemy. It serves the frontier as a Picquet Guard, and if it were in the possession of Santa Anna; there is no stronghold for which to reel him in his march to the Sabine." (Sabine River) The letter ended with: "Colonel Neill and myself will rather die in these ditches, than to give it up to the enemy." Bowie also wrote the Provisional Government, asking for more: Men, money, rifles and cannon powder." Few reinforcements were authorized, and General Houston dispatched the newly promoted Cavalry Officer, Colonel Travis-who arrived in Bexar with 30 men on February 3rd. Five days later, a small group of volunteers including Davy Crockett arrived. On February 11th, Colonel Neill left the Alamo to recruit additional volunteers and to gather more supplies-and thus the command of the Alamo fell into Colonel Travis's shoulders. As most of the men at the Alamo were volunteers, they were unwilling to accept Travis as their leader, and they elected Bowie to become their leader. As the Texans struggled to find more men and supplies, General Santa Anna continued to gather more men at San Luis Potosi. By the end of 1835, his forces numbered at least: 6,019 troops. The army began to march North on late December-using the long journey to further train the men. On February 12th, they crossed the Rio Grand River. Temperatures in Texas recieved record lows and by February 13th, an estimated 15-16 inches of snow had fallen. On February 21st, Santa Anna and his vanguard had crossed the Medina River--only 25 miles from Bexar. Unaware of how close the Mexican Army really was, the majority of the Alamo garrison had joined the Bexar residents at a Fiesta. After learning of the celebration, Santa Anna ordered General Joaquin Ramirez y' Sesma to seize the unprotected Alamo, but sudden rains halted that raid.

 

[the ringo kid]

In the early morning hours of February 23rd, residents began fleeing Bexar-fearing the Mexican Army's arrival. Not convinced of the reports of the arrival of the Mexican Army, Travis stationed a soldier in the San Fernando Church bell tower (which was the highest location in town) to watch for signs of the approaching enemy. Several hours later, Texan Scouts reported seeing Mexican troops 1 & 1/2 miles out of town. A group of Texans herded cattle into the Alamo-while others looked for food in recently abandoned houses. Several men living in town, brought their families with them into the Alamo. one of these was the wife of: Captain Almeron Dickenson, who brought his wife: Susanna & Daughter: Angelina. Jim Bowie accompanied by his deceased wife's Cousins: Gertrudis Navarro & Juana Navarro Alsbury, and her young Son: Gregorio Esparza- whose family had climbed through the window of the Chapel when the enemy arrived. By late in the afternoon, Bexar had been occupied by 1,500 Mexican troops. Those troops had raised a blood red banner-signifying that: "No Quarter" would be given to the defenders inside the Alamo, as well as the Mexican army band played the song the: "Deguayo"
http://youtu.be/AR-KbvXvBd8
which was the: "Cutthroat song" which also meant that no quarter would be given. Travis responded to those "messages" by having a shot fired from their 18 pounder cannon-signifying that he intended to fight them and to give them one hell of a fight that they would never forget.

I want to stress that I am not the original author--I added stuff here and there-making up a small percentage of this article.

 

[the ringo kid]

The first night of the siege was fairly calm, the next few days were a different matter. Mexican Soldiers established Artillery Batteries about 1,000 feet from the Alamo Eastern and Southern walls. Another battery was positioned Southeast of the fort. Each night, those batteries inched closer to the Alamo walls. During the first week of the siege, over 200 Mexican cannonballs fell into the Alamo Plaza. The Texans matched the Mexican fire-by reusing the Mexican cannonballs. On February 26th, Travis ordered his artillery to conserve powder and shot--not to fire until dire necessity. On February 24th Bowie collapsed from illness and Travis took full command of the Alamo. Late in the afternoon of the 24th, a Mexican Scout became the first fatality of the siege. The next morning, approximately 200-to-300 Mexican Soldiers crossed the San Antonio River and took cover in abandoned shacks near the Alamo's walls. A small group of about 7 Texans went out to burn those huts-while the Alamo defenders provided covering fire. After a two hour skirmish, the Mexican troops retreated-leaving two of their men dead and four wounded. There had been no Texan casualties. Later on the 25th, a "Blue Norther" blew through, and the temperatures drastically fell to about 39 degrees-neither side was prepared for such temperature changes. Texan attempts at gathering more firewood were thwarted by Mexican Lancers. On the evening of February 26th, Colonel Juan Bringas and his men, engaged several Texans and killed one of them-while they were engaged in burning more huts.

 

[the ringo kid]

Santa Anna posted 1 Company of men East of the Alamo on the road leading to the town of Gonzales. Almonte and 800 Dragoons were stationed along the road to Goliad (where Colonel Fannin and his men were Garrisoned) Throughout the siege, these towns had received multiple Couriers sent by Travis pleading for more troops and supplies.. One of these messages was addressed: "To the People of Texas & Americans in the World" Copies of this letter were distributed across Texas-then later the USA as well as in Europe. This letter is considered to be one of many masterpieces of American Patriotism. The letter: "To the People of Texas and all Americans of the World. Fellow Citizens and Compatriots--I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment and Cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the Fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat--Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of Patriotism and everything dear to the American Character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to 3,000-to-4,000 in four or five days--If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a Soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his Country--VICTORY OR DEATH." William Barret Travis Lt.Col. comdt. PS: The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not 3 bushels of Corn--We have since found in deserted houses--80-or-90 bushels and got into the walls-20-30 head of Beeves (Cattle)

Travis.

 

[the ringo kid]

News of the siege spread throughout Texas, and potential reinforcements gathered in Gonzales-hoping to join with Colonel Fannin who was in charge of 500 or so men in Goliad. On February 26th after days of indecision, Fannin ordered 320 men and 4 cannon and supply wagons, to march to the Alamo-some 90 miles away. This group traveled less than 1 mile before returning to Goliad. The men in Gonzales were not aware that Fannin returned to Goliad and continued to wait for their arrival. On February 27th, Travis ordered Samuel G. Bastian to go to Gonzales "to hurry up reinforcements". Bastian encountered a group of approximately 32 men from Gonzales-who were tired of waiting on Fannin. A Mexican patrol attacked-driving off four of the men including Bastian. On March 3rd, the Texans watched from the walls as approximately 1,000 Mexican Troops-in dress uniform-traveled into Bexar. The Mexican Army soundly celebrated through that afternoon because of their arrival as well as hearing the news that troops under the command of General Jose de Urrea had soundly defeated Colonel Frank W. Johnson and his men at the Battle of San Patricio on February 27th. Most of the Texans in the Alamo believed that General Sesma had been leading the Mexican Forces during the siege and mistook the celebration to be for the arrival of Santa Anna. The reinforcements the totals of the Mexican Army in Bexar, to approximately 2,400 men. The arrival of the forces prompted Colonel Travis to send three men--one of them was Davy Crockett, to find Colonel Fannins force--which he had believed to still be enroute. The scouts discovered a large group of Texans to be encamped 20 miles from the Alamo. Approximately 50 of these, were from Goliad-after Fannins aborted rescue mission. Just before daylight on March 4th, part of the force broke through the Mexican lines and entered the Alamo--the rest were driven away by the Mexican forces.

 

[the ringo kid]

On March 4th, Santa Anna proposed an assault on the Alamo-but many of his officers recommended they wait till the two-12 pounder cannons that were expected to arrive on March 7th. That evening, allegedly a local woman (believed to be Bowie's Cousin-in-Law: Juana Navarro Alsbury) approached Santa Anna to negotiate a surrender for the Alamo defenders. Supposedly, the visit probably increased Santa Anna's impatience, and he announced to his Staff, that the assault would take place in the early morning of March 6th. Santa Anna arranged for troops from Bexar, to be excused from the front lines so that they would not be forced to fight their own families. On March 5th, (as per legend) Colonel Travis gathered his men explaining that the attack was imminent, and that the Mexican Army would win.Travis supposedly drew a line in the dirt with his sword and asked those willing to die for the Texan cause; to cross and stand alongside him. Supposedly 1 man declined. The last Texan verified to have left the Alamo, was: James Allen a Courier who carried personal messages from Travis to several other men on march 5th. At 10:00 PM on March 5th, the Mexican Artillery ceased firing. As Santa Anna figured, the exhausted Texans soon fell into the undisturbed sleep that many had gotten since the siege began. Just after midnight, the Mexican Troops began preparing for the final assault. They were divided into four Columns-commanded by: General Cos, Colonel Francisco Duque, Colonel Jose Maria Romero and Colonel Juan Morales.

 

[the ringo kid]

Veteran Soldiers were positioned on the flanks-while the less experienced were in between. As a precaution, 500 Mexican Cavalry were positioned around the Alamo to prevent the escape of the Mexican or Texan Soldiers. Santa Anna stayed in camp with 400 Soldiers-who were his reserve. At 5:30 am, they silently approached. General Cos and his Column were assigned the Northeast corner of the Alamo. Colonel Duque and his column were assigned the Northwest corner, and were to breech a hole into the Alamo's North wall. Colonel Romero and his Column was assigned the taking of the East wall. Colonel Morales and his Column, were assigned to attack the Low Wall by the Chapel. (This wall was defended by Davy Crockett and his men) Three Texan Sentries were stationed outside the walls, were killed in their sleep-allowing Mexican Soldiers to approach undetected within Musket Range of the walls. At this point, the silence was broken by shouts of: "Viva Santa Anna" as well as the music from Buglers. The noise woke the Texans. Most of the noncombatants gathered in the Church Sacristy for safety. Travis rushed to his post yelling: "Come on boys, the Mexicans are upon us and we'll give them hell." He then addressed a group of Tejanos in Spanish: "No Rendirse, Muchachos" (No Surrender boys."

 

[the ringo kid]

Initially the attackers were at a disadvantage because only those in the front could fire safely because of marching in columns-and at the same time, provided excellent targets for the Texan Artillery. Lacking Cannister Shot, the Texans filled their cannon with any metal they could find-ranging from: Nails, Door Hinges to chopped up Horseshoes-turning the cannon into giant Shotguns. According to Colonel Jose Enrique de la Pena, "A simgle cannonnvolley did away with half a Company of Chasseurs from Tolusa." Colonel Duque was wounded and fell off his Horse and was almost trampled by his men. General Manuel Castrillon quickly assumed command. Some Mexican Soldiers in the front ranks wavered under the wiltering fire-but were quickly spurned on by other Soldiers and at Lancer Point-from their rear. The Texans were forced to lean over the walls to fire, thus becoming exposed to Mexican fire. Travis became one of the first defenders to die-shot while he fired his shotgun into a Mexican Soldier below him. Few Mexican ladders reached the walls, and those that climbed them were quickly killed or beaten back. As the Texans fired their previously loaded Muskets, they found it increasingly difficult to reload while attempting to keep the Mexican Soldiers from climbing the walls-being forced to using their muskets as clubs and were also engaged in hand-to-hand combat fighting with their knives.

 

[the ringo kid]

The Mexicans were repulsed, regrouped, and launched a 2nd attack-which was also repulsed. 15 minutes after the first assault, a 3rd assault was launched. During this assault, Col. Romero's Column-heading towards the East wall, was exposed to cannon fire and shifted towards the North, becoming mixed with the 2nd column. General Cos was attacking the West wall, also veered North because of the Texan withering fire. When Santa Anna saw that the bulk of his Army was massed against the North wall, fearing a rout-he sent in his reserves to the same area. The Mexican Soldiers closest to the North wall, realized that the makeshift wall contained many gaps and toeholds. One of the first to scale the 12 foot high wall, was: General Juan Amador. At his urging, his men began swarming up the wall. Amador opened the Postern (a secondary door or Sallyport) in the northern wall-which allowed the Mexican Soldiers to flood into the defenses. Others climbed into the Alamo through gun ports-and on the West wall, which had few defenders. The Texans abandoned the north wall and the northern end of the west wall. Texan gunners on the South end of the Alamo, turned their gun to the North and fired into the advancing Mexican Soldiers. This action left the South end of the Alamo undefended. In minutes, Mexican Soldiers climbed the walls and killed the gunners and taking control of the 18 pounder cannon. By this time. Romero's men had taken the East wall and were pouring through the cattle pen and horse corral. As previously planned, most of the Texans fell back into the Barracks and Chapel. Holes had been carved into the walls to allow the Texans to fire. Unable to reach the barracks, Texans stationed along the West wall-headed West for the San Antonio River. Mexican Cavalry charged, and the Texans took cover in a ditch and fired. General Sesma was forced to send in his reinforcements, and the Texans were eventually killed and Sesma, reported that 50 Texans were killed - but that number was far too high.

 

[the ringo kid]

The defenders of the cattle pen and horse corral discharged their weapons and the small group scrambled over the wall, circled behind the Church-racing on foot for the East Prarie-which appeared to be empty. The Mexican Cavalry charged, and Captain Dickenson and his Gun crew-turned their cannon and fired into the Mexican Cavalry possibly inflicting casualties. The end for the escaping Texans came in hand-to-hand combat with the Mexican cavalry and all were killed. The last of the Texans to remain in the open were Davy Crockett and his men who were defending the Low Wall in front of the Church. Unable to reload, they used their Muskets and long Rifles as clubs, and they fought using their knives. After volley fire and a wave of Mexicans with fixed bayonets, charged the few survivors who fell back to the Church. The Mexican now controlled all of the outer walls and the interior of the Alamo Compound except for the Church and rooms along the East and West walls. The Mexican Soldiers then noticed the Texan Flag waving and went to take it down from the building over which it flew. At least four died making the attempt to take it down and they finally wer able to raise their own flag in its place. For over an hour, the Mexican Army went on to try to take complete control of the Alamo. Most of the remaining defenders were inside the fortified barracks rooms-waiting to continue the fight. In the confusion, the Texans had not had the time to spike their cannon-which were captured and used against them by being fired into the barracks. As each door was blown off, the Mexicans would fire a volley into the room and charge in-where they were engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Bowie was too ill to participate in the battle and was likely killed in his bed. Different accounts of his death include: The Mexicans entered his room and bayoneted him in bed-carrying him alive from the room (to) others claiming Bowie was killed by Soldiers while too weak to lift his head (to) the most accurate account being that of eyewitnesses and a former slave-who said: "Bowie was laying on his cot with his back braced against the wall. He shot and killed Mexicans with his Brace of Pistols, his Rifle and finally his famed: Bowie Knife." The last of the Texans to die were the 11 men manning two-12 pounder cannon in the Chapel. A shot from the 18 pounder destroyed the barricades in front of the Church, and the Mexicans entered the building after firing a volley of Musket fire. Captain Dickenson and his crew fired from the Apse into the Mexican Soldiers at the door. No time to reload, the Texans including Captain Dickenson, James Butlar Bonham and Gregorio Esparza, grabbed muskets and fired before they were overwhelmed and bayoneted to death. Known last words of the Captain to his wife: "Great God, Sue, the Mexicans are inside our walls! If they spare you? save my Child.

 

[the ringo kid]

Texan Robert Evans (of whom I am related to and my favorite Cousin was named after him) a master of Ordnance, had been tasked with keeping the gunpowder from falling into Mexican hands. Wounded, he crawled toward the Powder Magazine, but was killed by a musket ball, with his torch only inches from the powder. Had he been successful? the blast would have destroyed the Church-killing the women and children hiding in the Sacristy. As soldiers approached the Sacristy, one child pulled a blanket over his head and was mistook for being an adult and was killed. Possibly the last Texan to die was: Jacob Walker. Walker tried to hide behind Susannah Dickenson but he was quickly bayoneted in front of her. Another Texan, Brigido Guerrero, sought refuge in the Sacristy. He survived the battle by saying he had been a prisoner. But in reality, he had deserted the Mexican Army in December 1835. By 6:30 am, the battle was over. Each Texan was examined and any who twitched were bayoneted and or shot. Even with all the Texans dead, the Mexicans continued to fire-killing some of their own in the process. For at least 15 minutes after the order to cease fire, the Mexican Generals were unable to keep the men from firing into the dead bodies-even after Santa Anna himself-so ordered-as well as having Retreat sounded by the Buglers. Eyewitnesses of Davy Crockett death: this account was also by a former slave, who had been cooking for the Mexicans "Crocketts body was found surrounded by at least 16 Mexican corpses." Crockett was some 60 years of age at the time. Santa Anna reportedly told Captain Urrea: "Twas but a small affair." Another officer then remarked: "With another such victory as this, we'll go to the devil." Santa Anna reported that 600 Texans had been killed with only 70 Mexican Soldiers killed and 300 wounded." More reliable estimates included the Texan casualties at about 182 and the Mexican casualties at about 600 killed and 300 wounded.

 

[the ringo kid]

One Texan Courier survived (Henry Warnell)-who escaped form the battle while sent away as a messenger-had been wounded and died from his wounds several months later. There has been an attempt to rewrite actual history and such of the battle. One of the biggest works and failed attempts at doing so-is called the: de la Pena Papers. The de la Pena Papers were allegedly the memories and rantings from Colonel de la Pena--and were written down by at least 4-5 different people who were reportedly taking down the testimony of the Colonels recollections of the battle. The Colonel while speaking of the battle-had in fact, been severely ill due to Malaria while this was supposedly going on. Back in the 1950s, a book dealer in Mexico reportedly "found" the de la Pena papers in an old book. The papers themselves were written on paper allegedly that of what was used in the period (and probably so) from a stock of original paper that was of approximate age. The University of Texas in Austin, had those papers in hand for some time to authenticate-and came to the conclusion that they were indeed-forgeries. The "de la Pena Papers" if believed? would have negated almost everything we now know of what took place at the Alamo-even with eyewitness accounts and other testimonies.

Im ending this with Major Audie Murphy during a visit at the Alamo.

 

[george minze]

Once again Ringo amazes me....His mind is so full of battle history I'll bet his alarm plays a bugle call....He should write a book...Really !!! I can't remember where I put my car keys....Ringo can't forget anything...Ringo write the darned book I for one would buy it..BTW I watched all but the last 15 minutes of the movie you posted about he Russian fortress surrounded by the Hun..Then I lost the ending...What was the results...?????