The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-09-06

as the " Massacre OF the Alamo" The
details, however, of this bloody catas-
trophe are meager and unsatisfactory.
Two of the ill-fated garrison only sur
vived the horrors of the massacre, and
their narratives, with the reluctant ad-
mission made by the Mexican butchers,
are all that has come down to us to give
the story of the brave mems martyrdom.
1t was the aim Of the Mexican tyrant to
place the seal of death upon the lips of
his unhappy captives, fully intending
| that not one should live to tell the
bloody story.
In January, 1886, Santa Anna, with
large army, commenced the invasion of
the territory of the rebellious State.
Tho little settlement called the volun-
teers hastily together to meet the threat
ened danger. Colonel Travis, with
detachment of picked men, was sent
forward to the town of San Antonio to
watch the movements and retard the ad-
vance Of the enemy. The colonel had
just arrived at his post and disposed his
men for the night, when his pickets
were violently attacked by the Mexicans
and driven in.
A brief reconnaissance convinced
Colonel Travis that his enemy was vast
| ly superior in numbers, and he accord
| ingly withdrew his little force into
strong stone building in the outskirts of
| the town, known as the Alamo. This
building was constructed by the Jesuits
to serve the double purpose of fort and
church, and was exceedingly we'll calcu-
lated for an obstinate defense. It's walls
were OF stone, 100 feet long and 120 feet
wiIe, and fourteen small pieces of artil-
le'y defended it's approaches. The place
was supplied with water by two aque-
ducts which led from the San Antonio
river to the interior of the works.
1t was in this inclosure that Colonel
Travis withdrew his little army and
awaited the Mexican attack. In the
| meantime the men were employed in
Strengthening the fortifcation, throw
ing up new works, and practicing the
artillery, which was so successful that
the gunnrrs obtained a perfect range of
| every foot of ground commanded by
their guns.
Colonel Travis, however, felt the in
sufficiency in numbers, and resolved to
call for aid. He therefore prepared
stirring appeal, which trusty scout
carried safely through the Mexican lines
anu published in the Mexican news
papers.
In tho meantime the Mexican army
| drew three lines of Investment closer
around the little fort. Fresh troops
were pouring into his camps, new
batteries sprung up in every direction,
and Gordon of offensive works nearly
encircled the doomed garrison. The
bcmbardment was constant, and grew
more furious every hour rs batteries
multiplied and new guns were placed in
position.
Travis continued to send scouts
fhrnrnyh tho
dress, and on the morning of the first
of March, Captain John w. Smith, with
thirty-two men, cut his way through the
Mexican lines aud joined the garrison,
Which increased the effective force to
one hundred and eighty men.
Day after day, without an hours ces-
sation, the Mexican artillery thundered
upon the little fort. An assault was
daily threatened, and the little garrison
was kept constantly under arms, ready
to repel any attack, and the exposure
told fearfully upon their strength. Soon
the stoutest heart begun to realize that
defeat and destruction were inevitable.
The Mexicans had hoisted the black flag
as an assurance that no quarter would
be- given, but not man quailed, each
resolving to die as became Texan
patriot.
On the fifth of March Colonel Travis
addressed last appeal to the country,
ani sent it through the Mexican lines
up'ler cover of darkness. He said:
II am still here in as fine spirits as
could be expected, with one hundred
AMI eighty men. 1 have held the
place ten days against more than thirty
times onr number, and 1 will continue
to hold it until 1 get relief from nv
countrymen, or will perish in the de-
fense. The black flag which is borne by
tho enemy gives token that the fight is
to be one of determination against
rebels"
This address had been prepared early
IN the evening, approved by all the Off
GERS, number of copies made, and one
of the most skillful riders in the COM
mand had volunteered to carry it
through tho enemy's limos. The night
was dark, and a thrilling storm of rain
and SECT was falling, when the courier
mounted, and gave the parting words to
his comrades, Colonel Travis standing
beside him, with folded arms, looking
steadily to the right, where the long
lines of Mexican camp fires blazed in
tho darkness.
Good. bye - criod the messenger,
as he pressed the danks of his horse, and
bounded away.
"Wait moment" cried Colonel
Travis, suddenly awaking from his
reverie. "Wait a moment. want to
send one more letter."
He sat down and rapidly wrote brief
letter to an intimate friend, setting
forth their desperate condition, the dan
ger of massacre, and closed with this
message.
Take care of my little boy. If the