Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1836-08-06
n Il M =.

Under this head we have thrown together some
interesting articles on our first page. We have
no very recent information respecting the move
ments of the Texan and Mexican armies. They
were, at our latest accounts, said to be within
about one hundred miles of each other, and fast
approaching. 1t was thought that decisive bat
tie would be fought some time about the middle
of this month. Nearly all our exchange papers
from the South speak in the most confident terms
of the ultimate triumph Of the Texans The
Mexican soldiers, it is said, are made to take an
>oath upon entering the territory of Texas, to sub
due the country, or never TO return-he latter al
Tentative, we think, with the Grand Gulf Adver-
User, viii most probably be their fate.
Some the statements respecting the cmeltles
Of Santa Anna and his myrmidons, appear almost
incredible; true, he is certainly greater barba-
ran than any Of his reputed allies, the savage Ca
manches. The following is an extract from a
communication in the New York Courier & En-
ourer. We do not krow what confidence is to
be pm, IN the writer's statements.
II will relate one circumstance, detailed by an
ege-tciiaess, not before known, that viii at once
establish Gfnot before established) the blood
thirsty cruelty of the tyrant Santa Anna. After
the Meyicans hadigot possession Of the Alamo,
the fighting had ceased, and it was clear day light,
| sir Americans were discovered near the wall yet
unconquered, and who were instantly surrounded
and ordered by Gen. Castrlllon to surrender, and
who did so under promise OF his protection,
finding resistance any longer in vain--indeed, per-
| ieXmadness. CastliIlon was brave and not cruel,
aid disposed to save them. He marched them
Yup to that part of the fort where stood "Iiis En-
celIency" surrounded by his murderous crew, his
sycophantic officers. David Crockett was one
of the six. The steady, fearless step, and un-
daunted tread together with the bold demeanor of
this veteran-'hls ilrnneSs and noble bearlng,' to
give the words Of the narrator, had most power
full effect on himself and Castrion. Nothing
dalned, he marched up boldly in front of Sana
| Anna, looked him seadfastly in the face, while
Castrillon addressed his 'EXcelency,' Sir, here
are SIR prisoners have taken alive; how shall |
dispose of themP Santa Anna looked at Castril-
lon fiercely, flew into most violent rage, and re-
pneu, IlaNe not tolu you now TO dispose OF
theml Why do you bring them to mer At the
same time his brare officers drew and plunged
their swords into the bosoms of their dcfenceless
prisoners! So anxious and intent were these
blood-thirsty towards to gratfy the malignity Of
this inyeterate tyrant, that Casrlon barely escap
ed beng run through in the scutIle himself Cas-
trilon rushed from the scene, apparently horror
struck--sought his quarters, and did not leave
them for some days, and hardly ever spoke to
Santa Anna after. This was the fate of poor
Crockett, and in which there cn be no mistake.
Who the fire others were, have not been able to
learn. Three other wounded prisoners were dis
covered and brought before His Excelencv, and
were ordered to be instantly shot. There are GER
tain reasons why the name Of the narrator ofthese
events should not be made known. will only
repeat that he was an eye-wiiness."
The same letter has the following postscript:
"Smoe writing the foregoing | have heard the
certain fate poor Fannn. He was condemned
to be shot, When he found that was determined
on, and was ordered out for execution, he handed
his watch to an officer compensation TO have
him buried-deberately tied handkerchief over
his eyes, begged them not to shoot him in the
head-beared his breast and requested to be sho
there. Heteas shot IN the head, and nerer buried!
Such are the monsters we have had to deal With ,