Houston arrested both men, holding them until he could find out if their news was valid, fearing to start a panic among the settlers. The remainder will be sunk in the river. Houston then set forth his concerns about protecting the helpless and the need to not leave anything that could be of aid to the enemy. Every facility is to be afforded to women and children who may be desirous of leaving that place. The immediate advance of the enemy may be confidently expected. . .
Prompt movements are highly important.
Houston didn't have to wait long for news from San Antonio. Henry Karnes came galloping into town with news from Deaf Smith stating that they had met Susannah Dickinson with her daughter on the road from San Antonio with the news of the fall of the Alamo. I remember most distinctly the shrieks of despair with which the soldiers' wives received the news of the death of their husbands. I now could understand that there is woe in warfare as well as glory and labor. A heavy gloom fell over the recruits of the Texican army and there was much discussion over what route the army should take.