The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-01-02

their own guns, almost as deafening as
the thunder of their assaiIants. Before
the smoke rolls away, and the rever-
berations are Iostin the distance, while
the shouts of the besieged still Iinger on
the ears Of the besiegers, the cannon
ade is renewed, and for seven hours
fiercely continued upon the walls of the
Alamo. But these walls yield no more
than the spirits Of their defenders. The
fire is steadily returned; and though
stones are shivered around them, there
are stout hearts and willing hands rea.
dy to repair every breach, and to re-
store from the interior whatever may
have been destroyed from without
Earth is thrown up, every crack or 6s.
sure closed as fast as created by the
eager efforts of those who will permit
no evidence of success to cheer the
hopes Of their enemy. The sun has
almost sunk behind the western plains
when there is pause IN the work of
demolition. The firing ceases for the
day by order Of the Mexican command
er, with his thirst for blood Insulated.
for not a single drop Of blood has fal-
len within the Alamo. Many Of his
own men have hit the dust before the
ar,ilerists and riAemen of the fort; but
thus far they are unavenged. Dark
ness falls upon bes,eger and besieged;
the former raise new entrenchments to
prosecute the assault; the latter estab-
lish watch for the night, and endeavor
To seek that repose which shall give
Them fresh vigor for the contest which
they know will come on the morrow.
The morning of the 26th dawns, and
reveals to the occupants of the tort the
effect of the midnight labors OF their
enemy, IN the establishment Of two ad-
dItional batteries within the Alameda
of the Alump. The bayone,s OF the in
iantry, crossed over, during the night,
glitter in the morning beams, and the
plumes OF the cavalry are seen waving
on The Eastern hills. TO intercept the
expected aid from that quarter. The
contest is renewed by sIight-skirni-
ish between few of the Texans, sent
IN quest OF wood and water. and de-
tachment under the Mexican general
Sesma: but this is mere overture to
the grand performance of the day. The
thunders OF The heavy ordnance, under
the direction of Col. AmpudIa, are soon
reused INTO action; volley after voley
is poured into the fort, and answered
only at rare intervals, by the shouts of
those within. There is no pause NO
cessation. Still the cannonade goes on;
shells fly Kissing through the air, and
balls bury themselves within the ram
parts; but night e comes on, and the Mex.
ican general can see no progress
Baffled but not discouraged, he advan-
ces his line of posts, and prepares. with
the morning light, to enter upon his
task. The north wind sweeps over the
praries, as it only sweeps in Texas; IA
stormy lullaby to the stormy passions
of those contending hosts. The dark
ness is broken only by the feeble blaze
of a few hnts, fired by the Texans, which
have furnished cover to their enemy.
The flames curl upwards with a sickly
glare, throw fttul light for moment
upon the slunbering army, and expire.
The reign Of darkness and silence is re-
sumed. ..t........,
On the next day the Mexicans ap-
pear inactive. There is but little firing
on either side. Those within the fort,
with spirits unsubdued, and with ener-
gies weakened but not exhausted, are
applying their limited resources TO the
purpose of defence. No heart faIters;
no pulse throbs with dimished power;
no hand shrinks from the labor that ne
cessity imposes; all is confidence and
determination a firm reliance springIug
from the holiness Of the cause, and the
certainty of its final triumph. Sunday
follows but brings no rest.
The fire of the Mexican artillery
keeps compsny with the minutes as
they roll on. Morning, midday, and
evening are passed, yet there is no lal-
lering among those who are defe nding
the Thermoryle Of Texas. Another
sun rises and sets. and yet another; still
the indomitabIe hearts within quail not
before the unceasing efforts of theil
enemy. In spite Of that enemy's vim.
dictiys vigilance. the little garrison re-
ceives from Gonzales reinforcement
Of thirty three men: additional victims
for the funeral pyre, soon TO be kindled
by Santa Anna on the surrounding hills
as human hecatonb TO the Mexican
vengeance. l4a .Iaa, s..,a
New batteries are erected by the be-
siegers, from every point around the
missiles Of destruction concentrate up
on the Alamo. The circles grow small
l,HF u : 1 4 -