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THE FALL OF BEXAR; 
 
 A TEXIAN TALE. 
 
 BY B. J. LOSSING. 
 
 As fondly the mother her darling caresses, 
 
 Her tears falling down her cheeks like the rain : 
 She tells of her husband while tearing her tresses, 
 Ah ! never, my child, will you see mm again. 
 The flag led him on by the light of' its star 
 To freedom and glory; he fell at Bexar. 
 
 F. L. Waddell 
 
 Firmly seated in the Executive chair, 
 holding ahnost imperial sway over the fallen 
 realms of Montezuma, and looking with an 
 enlightened mind, with proud and haughty 
 contempt, upon the priest-ridden rulers of the 
 dependent provinces, Santa Anna, the Na- 
 poleon of the West, held an exalted station 
 among the list of conquerors and political 
 benefactors. With a policy supported by 
 those salutary principles upon which our 
 happy Republic is founded, he led on the 
 legions of Mexico against the mercenaries of 
 
190 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 the mother country, and succeeded in break- 
 ing [the bond which bound them to the throne 
 of Ferdinand. Such a glorious achievement 
 won for him the bright laurels of a patriot, 
 and his joyous countrymen, in the plenitude 
 of their grateful emotions, clothed him with 
 the chief executive power, and acknowledged 
 him as the Dictator of all Mexico. To the 
 eye of the warm-hearted Americans, he 
 seemed like a kindred spirit with those who 
 battled upon the field of our revolutionary 
 struggle ; and they were ready to risk their 
 fortunes and their liberties to the discretion 
 of such a ruler. Texas, the Garden of Mex- 
 ico, as respected richness of soil, was a vast 
 uncultivated waste, whose riches were buried 
 beneath the dense forest, or the wild grass of 
 the prairie, for the want of enterprise and 
 industry to exhume them. Such a field for 
 American enterprise, when once known, could 
 not long remain unexplored by the adventur- 
 ous sons of the west, especially when the su- 
 preme government gave such warm encour- 
 agement ; and the banks of the Brassos and 
 the Colorado were soon peopled wuth the in- 
 dustrious yeomanry of the Mississippi. Elat- 
 ed w^ith the golden prospects that shone upon 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 191 
 
 their ejSbrts, they held out every inducement 
 to their friends to follow — and the rich wil- 
 derness of Texas was fast becoming a fruit- 
 ful garden. The mud cottages of San Anto- 
 nio were hastily disappearing before the steady 
 march of improvement, and neat mansions oc- 
 cupying their humble stations. 
 
 But while all this glorious realization of the 
 most sanguine dreams of the colonists, was 
 adding increased strength to enterprise, the 
 uncurbed ambition of the Mexican chief, that 
 had succumbed to temporary restraint by the 
 hand of policy, began to grow eager for an 
 exercise of its strength, and the patriot Santa 
 Anna looked with hope and expectation upon 
 the imperial purple that fell from Iturbide the 
 usurper. By degrees he changed his cabinet, 
 drew tighter the reins of government, abridged 
 the suffrages of the dependent republics, and 
 began the operations of a scheme to nullify 
 their representative privileges, and consolidate 
 the legislative power into sovereign central- 
 ism. The people of Texas were the first to 
 observe this increasing abridgment of their 
 liberties, for the other provinces were peopled 
 with a population who had never tasted the 
 sweets of settled and undisturbed freedom. 
 17* 
 
192 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 Yet they at length saw the aggressions of 
 their chief, and in concert with Texas, asked 
 for a restraint upon the strides of his ambi- 
 tion. Santa Anna saw the disaffection, knew 
 there was no time to be lost, and resolved to 
 secure the throne of Anahuac while power 
 was yet in his hands, with a promise of aid 
 from the other provinces. Texas unfurled 
 her banner, and declared, not hostility to the 
 government, but allegiance to the spirit of the 
 constitution. The chief saw his danger, the 
 priests saw their danger, and their combined 
 power was directed against chivalric Texas. 
 Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, and 
 one or two other provinces, raised the stand- 
 ard of revolt ; but when the anathemas of the 
 growing tyrant went forth, '' Viva los Santa 
 Anna !" rang along their lines, and these cow- 
 ardly and hypocritical allies left Texas to 
 stand or fall, as destiny might determine. 
 
 Now was the time to test the courage, the 
 patriotism, the unwavering determination of 
 the sons of those who battled upon the green 
 at Lexington, the brow of Bunker Hill, and 
 the bloody heights of Yorktown — and nobly 
 did they exhibit the chivalry of their sires. 
 A convention was called, a provisional gov- 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 193 
 
 eminent formed, an army organized, and 
 Houston placed at its head. Success attended 
 the Texian arms, until the Mexican chief ap- 
 peared in person and besieged the Alamo at 
 Bexar. Thus we have taken a bird's-eye 
 view of the events prior to the tragedy there 
 enacted ; and we will leave the task of pen- 
 ning the subsequent political facts which 
 transpired, to a more able pen, while we re- 
 cord some instances of individual bravery. 
 
 Jose Hernanda, son of a proud Hidalgo 
 of Tenochtitlan, fired with a love of liberty 
 and liberal principles, had left his native city, 
 where it existed but in name, and took up his 
 residence among the free-minded people of 
 Texas : when the encroachments of Santa Anna 
 were complained of, his importunities were 
 sent among the rest, and he implored his fa- 
 ther to use his influence in checking the inva- 
 sion of the chief. But his father, who was 
 warmly attached to Santa Anna and to Po- 
 pery, refused his prayer antl discarded his son 
 as a rebel. Fearing to return to become re- 
 conciled to his parent, and still clinging fondly 
 to the reared standard of liberty, he threw his 
 life and his fortunes into the arms of Texas, 
 and joined the standard of the intrepid Hous- 
 
194 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 ton. Previous to this, and while the smiles 
 of prosperity gladdened the hearts of all Tex- 
 as, he had contracted a matrimonial alliance 
 with the daughter of an American merchant 
 at Harrisburg, and their nuptials were now 
 only delayed by the change of political circum- 
 stances. He owed a duty to his adopted 
 country, superior to considerations of self, and 
 mutual pledges were exchanged for the con- 
 summation of their marriage, as soon as vic- 
 tory should perch upon the standard of Texas. 
 It was with acute feelings of pain, that the 
 young Mexican gave a last embrace to his 
 betrothed Mary, whose tears bespoke the emo- 
 tions of her heart. 
 
 "Go," said she to Hernanda, "and may 
 the God of battles give strength to your arm 
 and weight to your sword. I freely renounce 
 my happiness for the cause of Liberty, and 
 should your grave be dug upon the battle-field, 
 I will search it out and water its herbage with 
 my tears. My hourly prayer shall be for 
 your success : let your watchword and war- 
 cry be God and Liberty." 
 
 Hernanda left her with emotion, and joining 
 ing the eager volunteers, who were impa- 
 tiently waiting his coming on the banks of a 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 195 
 
 little stream not far distant, he endeavored to 
 calm his feelings by reflecting upon the field 
 of glory that spread out before him. Hearing 
 that the forces of the Texian army were con- 
 centrating for the purpose of forming a power 
 sufficient to besiege San Antonio, they made 
 a rapid march thither, and joined them the 
 evening previous to their departure. Here 
 Hernanda witnessed several scenes of parting, 
 similar to his own, and it seemed to give his 
 bosom relief, when he could communicate his 
 feelings to sympathetic hearts. 
 
 It was just at evening when they reached 
 the banks of the Brassos, and they resolved 
 to delay the crossing until morning, as few 
 were acquainted with either bank. Hernanda 
 strolled to the dark shade of a sycamore, 
 where he sat down to indulge a few moments 
 in memory of the past, and the pleasing anti- 
 cipation of future happiness, when the tumult 
 of war should cease, and his destiny become 
 identified with that of his beloved Mary. 
 While indulging in this pleasing reverie, he 
 w^as suddenly startled by a horseman, who 
 dashed by at full speed in the direction of their 
 little camp. Hernanda hastened thither, and 
 found him surrounded by the eager soldiery, 
 
196 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 who were listening to the gloomy message 
 which he brought. He had been commis- 
 sioned by the authorities of Harrisburg, to 
 communicate to the army the fact, that up- 
 wards of two thousand Mexicans were on the 
 march for that place, and calling upon the 
 Texian arms to defend them. Hernanda heard 
 the messenger coupling the names of Mexicans 
 and Harrisburg, and he burned with anxiety 
 to fly to the rescue of his betrothed. He 
 pressed forward, and seizing the hand of the 
 messenger, demanded his attention. 
 
 " Tell me," said Hernanda, '' have the peo- 
 ple fled Harrisburg, or are they left to the 
 mercy of an armed enemy." 
 
 " Some have fled," said the courier, " others 
 have armed for the defence of the town, while 
 a great many of the lower classes are either 
 unable to arm or fly. Mr. , the act- 
 ing magistrate, is endeavoring to rally a force 
 sufficient to repel them until aid may arrive." 
 
 "Signor. !" cried Hernanda, with 
 
 emotion, for it was the father of his Mary ; 
 " does his family still remain amid the threat- 
 ening danger !" 
 
 '' I cannot tell," answered the courier, " nor 
 have I time to answer further questions. 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 197 
 
 Here," said he, pulling a letter from his bo- 
 som, "is a dispatch given me by a charming 
 young lady for one Jose Hernanda. Does 
 such an one belong to this battalion ?" 
 
 " It is I !" exclaimed Hernanda, eagerly 
 seizing the proffered letter. He drew away 
 from his companions and broke the seal. It 
 was from Mary — she wrote thus : 
 
 "The Mexicans are advancing — the fires of their 
 camp were seen last evening — Harrisburg is all con- 
 fusion, and we know not whither to escape. If you 
 have influence, use it for us, and save us from the pow- 
 er of Cos. God give you strength. 
 
 Yours, in danger, Mary." 
 
 Hernanda was almost frantic, and he used 
 every argument to induce their commander. 
 
 Col. F , to turn his steps towards Har- 
 
 risburg. But the success of Texas depend- 
 ed upon securing the strong-hold of San An- 
 ton o de Bexar, while it yet remained weakly 
 guarded, and the next morning they reached 
 the opposite side of the Brassos, and made a 
 forced march towards the Colorado. Gloomy 
 indeed was that march to the young Mexican, 
 for although his heart glowed with the love of 
 liberty, yet the pure and holy flame of affec- 
 tion for Mary occupied a large space therein. 
 
198 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 and the danger to which she was exposed in- 
 creased his love. 
 
 It was early in the morning when they reach- 
 ed the vicinity of Bexar, and they were sur- 
 prised to see the national flag of Mexico float- 
 ing over the Alamo. But the secret was soon 
 told by a deserter from the enemy. The de- 
 termination of Cos was to attack Harrisburg, 
 but hearing that a force was on their march 
 for Bexar, he immediately turned his army 
 and made a forced march for that place, which 
 he reached by an almost parallel route a few 
 hours previous to the arrival of the Texians. 
 This information gave Hernanda joy, and feel- 
 ing conscious of the safety of his treasure, he 
 gave up his whole soul to the momentous pro- 
 ceedings around him. Before him frowned 
 the walls of a fortress filled with an unknown 
 number of his countrymen, thirsting for the 
 blood of patriots, while around stood a few 
 brave men ready to encounter the savage le- 
 gions. His zeal had secured the favor of the 
 commander, and he had given him a situation 
 at the head of a company of riflemen from Na- 
 cogdoches, Every preparation was made on 
 both sides for the contest, and the sun had 
 scarcely emerged above the horizon, before 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 199 
 
 the bugle within the fort sounded to the 
 charge. Like a fierce torrent, the Mexicans 
 poured forth, expecting to crush the besiegers 
 at once with an overwhelming force ; but they 
 braved the onset with an almost unbroken 
 front, and hundreds of the enemy rolled in the 
 dust. The inhabitants of San Antonio cov- 
 ered the rear of the valiant Texians, armed 
 with whatever seemed like an instrument of 
 death, and in less than two hours, a cry for 
 quarter came from the dark wreaths of smoke 
 that curled around the battered battlements of 
 the Alamo. The contest ceased, and the Mex- 
 icans screened from view by the dense smoke 
 that yet hung around the battle-ground, com- 
 menced a sudden retreat ; but Cos, who was 
 wounded, and several other officers, were tak- 
 en prisoners. Hernanda was the first to 
 enter the embrasure over the bodies of the 
 slain. A deep groan that issued from beneath 
 a bloody flag against the base of the fort, at- 
 tracted his attention, and removing it, he dis- 
 covered an aged soldier, with his visage deep 
 scarred by the blow of a broad-sword. He 
 raised up the dying soldier, and endeavored to 
 ameliorate his misery, for humanity bade him 
 18 
 
200 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 treat with lenity the unfortunate of his native 
 soil. 
 
 Suddenly Hernanda started back and gazed 
 upon the old man with a look of horror. It 
 was his father ? Memory, ever faithful to the 
 heart where filial affection dwells, pointed 
 out to the young Mexican the tender parent 
 of his childhood, in the blood-sprinkled form 
 of the old soldier. When the first violent 
 feeling of excited grief had subsided, Her- 
 nanda sprang forward to embrace his parent, 
 and receive a parting blessing from his lips. 
 But those lips were palsied forever — the last 
 fearful struggle w^as over — the soul had eva- 
 cuated its earthly tenement and soared to its 
 native heaven. 
 
 With a heart filled with sorrow, Hernanda 
 took the star from the breast of his father and 
 placed it upon his own, for now he was the 
 ri2:htful owner of the honor and its titles. 
 He buried his parent with all possible decency, 
 and notwithstanding the soldier was an enemy 
 to Texas, his comrades dropped a tear of sym- 
 pathy over his grave, for Hernanda was be- 
 loved by all. When this solemn ceremony 
 was performed, they immediately made pre- 
 parations for the disposal of their force, as it 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 201 
 
 was unnecessary for all to remain in defence 
 of the fort. They had taken from the enemy 
 a great number of muskets, one brass nine- 
 pounder and two howitzers ; and the only thing 
 wanting for a small force to defend it with 
 success, was a supply of ammunition and pro- 
 visions. It was well known that the Mexi- 
 cans were rallying their forces, and would 
 probably attack them in return, and dispatch 
 was consequently necessary. Cos and his 
 officers were released on condition of never 
 again serving in the army against Texas ; but 
 the humane victors little dreamed of the black 
 treachery that lurked in his heart. Contrary 
 to expectations, the Mexicans, instead of hov- 
 ering about Bexar, took up their line of 
 march to the southward to join the forces of 
 Gen. Urrea, who, with nearly five thousand 
 men, was preparing to march into Texas and 
 crush the rebellion at a single charge. 
 
 In the mean time the valley of the Missis- 
 sippi was giving an almost daily largess of 
 volunteers, eager to join the hitherto victori- 
 ous standard of struggling patriots. Among 
 them came that personification of true cour- 
 age. Col. Crockett, who as little feared the 
 approach of a Mexican lancer or dragoon, as 
 
202 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 he did the growling bruin of his native forests. 
 Having been accustomed from infancy to brave 
 danger, he was a stranger to fear, and his per- 
 sonal safety was never reckoned into the ac- 
 count, when objections arose to the obeisance 
 of the impulses of his generous heart. By 
 his side came a handsome and beardless youth, 
 upon whose cheeks bloomed the rose of beau- 
 ty, and in whose dark eye burned the fire of pa- 
 triotism. He w^as habited in a citizen's dress, 
 and wore a peculiar cap which nearly concealed 
 his face. A broad-sword hung upon his 
 thigh and a pistol in his belt. 
 
 " This youngster," said Crockett, who had 
 taken him under his charge three days pre- 
 vious, " is all grit — stuffed as full of courage 
 as an egg-shell of meat, and vows that he 
 would rather die fighting for Texas than to be 
 Santa Anna himself. And who would'nt, 
 when so many brave hearts have sworn his de- 
 struction .?" 
 
 The youth was silent, and used every means 
 to conceal his face, yet the emotions of his 
 heart were pictured upon his glowing fea- 
 tures. When the commander was shown 
 him, he stepped forward, and bowed respect- 
 fully ; and drawing a letter from his bosom. 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 203 
 
 made a humble request in the Spanish tongue, 
 that he might be permitted to battle in the 
 ranks with the brave Mexican with whose 
 name it was endorsed. That name was Jose 
 Hernanda. The request was granted, and the 
 letter delivered to the young Mexican, who, 
 as soon as he broke the seal, embraced the 
 messenger as a bearer of joyous tidings. The 
 letter was from Mary, and stated that Harris- 
 burg was spared ; a party of Mexicans had 
 been entirely cut up in a skirmish near Gal- 
 veston — and requesting Hernanda to be at 
 rest about her safety, as she believed that the 
 chains which the Tyrant had prepared for 
 Texas, would never be cast upon his intended 
 victim. In his joy, Hernanda would again 
 have embraced the youth, but he modestly in- 
 terposed, and asked, as the only reward of his 
 services, that he might be made a member of 
 the corps under Hernanda's command. 
 
 Fortunately for the tender age and delicate 
 form of the youthful stranger, Hernanda's ri- 
 flemen were selected as a part of the force 
 who were to remain in defence of the fortress. 
 In a few days, the little army who had gained 
 so glorious a victory, was augmented to nearly 
 double their original number ; for the cap- 
 18* 
 
204 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 ture of San Antonio inspired every bosom 
 with hope, and the plough was left in the fur- 
 row, the hammer was silent at the forge, the 
 counter of the merchant was deserted, and 
 one hope, one desire, one common interest, 
 made every Texian a volunteer in the service 
 of his oppressed province. Flushed with vic- 
 tory, they departed from the Alamo with the 
 determination to drive their oppressors from 
 their purchased soil. 
 
 Hernanda became deeply interested in the 
 youthful hero who had joined his standard, and 
 that interest was increased from the near re- 
 semblance of his features to those of his be- 
 trothed bride. Various were the thoughts 
 that revolved in his mind as he gazed upon 
 the meditative stranger, and he desired to 
 know his name and parentage. But the taci- 
 turnity of the youth, and his immediate eva- 
 sion of questions touching the subject, pre- 
 vented the gratification of Hernanda's curi- 
 osity, and he resolved to be content with his 
 friendship. One lovely moon-lit evening, they 
 strolled together to a little grove a few yards 
 from the fort, and while conversing upon 
 home and its associations, Hernanda recol- 
 lected having heard Mary speak of a young 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 205 
 
 brother who was a resident in Natchez, and 
 he doubted not but the one before him was 
 the kinsman of his beloved. Pleased with the 
 thought, he immediately asked, " Do you 
 know Signor of Harrisburg ?" 
 
 " I do," replied the youth. 
 
 " Do you know his daughter, Mary ?" 
 
 " I do." 
 
 " Then you are a brother .?" 
 
 " lam not." 
 
 " Not a brother, and so like ? Why I could 
 have sworn that the features I now look upon 
 
 and those of Mary , were the same, 
 
 did I but see those rich curls beautifying them 
 that always shaded her lovely face. Not a 
 kinsman !" 
 
 '^ I have been intimate with her from in- 
 fancy," said the youth, " and her inseparable 
 companion. I know that you love her, and 
 that your love is warmly requited. She daily, 
 nay, hourly, prays for your salvation from the 
 weapons of the enemy ; and though her sex 
 denies her the toils of the battle-field, yet she 
 would willingly share the privations of the 
 camp with Jose Hernanda. If patriotism ever 
 burned in the breast of woman, it is in hers, 
 and while an oppressor treads the soil of 
 
206 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 Texas, she would glory more in bearing the 
 sword and helmet of War, than the wreath and 
 olive-branch of Peace." 
 
 Hernanda was enraptured by this unex- 
 pected burst of eloquence from the taciturn 
 young hero, and he embraced him as the re- 
 presentative of his soul's idol. 
 
 " Nay, cease not," cried he, "your words 
 have given me new life, and courage can never 
 forsake, misfortune can never crush one who 
 has such a brave and lovely interceder at the 
 shrine of the God of battles. Another month, 
 and the star-lit banner that waves over yonder 
 battlements, will float victorious over every 
 citadel of Texas where the name of Liberty 
 has been whispered. Peace shall outspread 
 her umbrageous wings — " 
 
 A bugle awakened the echoes of the forest, 
 and the two friends started to their feet. An- 
 other bugle note was heard, and the next mo- 
 ment a tremendous shout broke forth from the 
 bosom of the dense forest that surrounds the 
 southern side of the Alamo, immediately suc- 
 ceeded by the clangor of armor, the tramp of 
 horses, and the rumble of heavy artillery. 
 
 A wild and fearful shout mingled its echoes 
 with the discordant din of the approaching 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 207 
 
 multitude, and a cry of " Mexicans ! Mexi- 
 cans P"^ arose from the walls of the Alamo. 
 Hernanda and his companion flew to the fort 
 unscathed, amid a shower of musket balls, 
 where everything was in the greatest confu- 
 sion. They had been taken by surprise — all 
 were enjoying their evening siesta when they 
 were aroused by the shout of the enemy. So 
 secure did they deem themselves that even 
 the few sentinels were asleep on their post, 
 and became the first victims of the savage foe. 
 But the little band within the fort soon rallied 
 for action, and reserved their fire until the 
 enemy believing few were within, or the fort 
 deserted, marched up in a solid column within 
 a few yards of the outer breastworks. A mo- 
 mentary silence ensued, and nothing was heard 
 but the voice of the giant-like commander of 
 the Mexicans and the tread of the advancing 
 column. Suddenly a poised sword within 
 the Alamo glittered in the moonlight as a sig- 
 nal to the Texians, and the next moment the 
 flash of an hundred rifles glared fearfully from 
 the walls of the fortress. The column of the 
 Mexicans was broken and filled alternately by 
 the platoons which marched up to fill the 
 places of those who fell, and at every advance 
 
208 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 they approached nearer to the broad and only 
 entrance to the fort. As the prospect of their 
 entrance increased in probability, the energy 
 of the Texians was redoubled, and they kept 
 up a constant fire. Still the enemy pressed 
 forward notwithstanding the dreadful slaughter, 
 until the commander with a desperate effort 
 leapt into the embrasure, followed by his 
 blood-thirsty and desperate soldiers. Her- 
 nanda and his companion stood near the en- 
 trance, and being in a portion of the fort which 
 was entirely shaded, did not observe the 
 movement until the massive sword of the 
 Mexican chief was gleaming above the head 
 of the tender youth. The rifle of Hernanda 
 caught the blade as it fell, and with a violent 
 effort he laid the warrior at his feet. His fol- 
 lowers, seeing their chief fall, retreated in dis- 
 may, and the firing soon ceased. 
 
 This respite gave the gallant Texians an 
 opportunity for organizing and making prepa- 
 rations for a siege — a siege which they knew 
 would be protracted if the enemy became con- 
 vinced of their numbers. Ere the dawn of 
 morning their labors were completed and every- 
 thing prepared for action. The ordnance 
 which they took from the enemy was placed 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 209 
 
 in its proper place, and just at sunrise they 
 observed the Mexicans forming their line for 
 battle. A more glorious day never dawned 
 upon the springing beauties of nature, and it 
 seemed that the quietude and harmony that 
 reio-ned amons; the inhabitants of mountain, 
 woodland and river, should have taught man 
 a lesson that would prompt him to lay aside 
 the rod of oppression and the sword of battle, 
 for the plough and the reaping-hook of peace- 
 ful industry. But ambition, whose rapacious 
 maw can receive and contain, and digest ob- 
 jects as extensive as the universe, shuts the 
 eyes and the heart to the glorious and ever- 
 salutary precepts of Nature, and binds man to 
 the throne of his malevolent passions. 
 
 The bugle sounded, and with a formidable 
 front, headed by heavy artillery, the Mexicans 
 advanced to the charge. Hernanda caught 
 the eye of the youthful warrior who had joined 
 his band, which seemed to burn with an in- 
 tense and unearthly light as he gazed upon 
 the approaching battalion ; and his heart sick- 
 ened at the thought that one so young, so fair, 
 so patriotic, so like the idol of his affections, 
 perhaps in one short hour might be numbered 
 among the slain. His own safety he consulted 
 
210 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 not, but an involuntary regard for the youth 
 created these painful suggestions and fears. 
 Hernanda touched the arm of the youth and 
 beckoned him away from the ranks. The 
 young hero followed, but whither he knew 
 not. Hernanda led him to the inner court of 
 the Alamo where were a number of wounded, 
 and requested him to remain in attendance. 
 " Your tender age and delicate limbs," said 
 he, " are better fitted for offices of kindness 
 than to be exposed upon the ramparts of a 
 fortress, battling with a savage foe." 
 
 " I do not fear the enemies of Texas," said 
 the youth, " and it would be a glorious mar- 
 tyrdom to die in so holy a cause. Let me 
 fight the enemies of freedom by the side of 
 one so brave as Jose Hernanda, and with the 
 consequences I shall be satisfied." 
 
 " Nay, listen to my advice," said Hernanda, 
 " and thus you can serve me best. Your de- 
 votion to me I believe sincere, and if fate 
 should mark me as one of the wounded or 
 slain, you can best serve me by binding up my 
 wounds, or soothing my pangs in the hour of 
 death." 
 
 The youth was about to importune, when a 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 211 
 
 gun from the enemy's advance colmnn called 
 the young Mexican to duty. 
 
 " Stay ! stay I I beseech you !" cried Her- 
 nanda, as the youth prepared to follow ; " it is 
 my wish, my desire, my command /" and he 
 flew to the walls of the fortress. 
 
 The young man obeyed, although reluct- 
 antly, and notwithstanding the balls from the 
 enemy were falling in all parts of the fort, yet 
 his attachment to Hernanda made him forget- 
 ful of danger, and he placed himself in a posi- 
 tion where he might see the issue of the con- 
 test. Several of the Texians were slain before 
 night terminated the sanguinary contest, and 
 the slaughter without was dreadful. More 
 than three hundred of the Mexicans were left 
 dead around the Alamo when the army retired 
 to recruit. Thus for four successive days did 
 the siege continue, until the little band within 
 the fort was decimated to only seventy men ! 
 On the morning of the fifth day, just as day- 
 light appeared, a loud shout of acclamation 
 rang through the Mexican camp, and " viva 
 los Santa Anna .'" fell from every lip as the 
 President of Mexico with a reinforcement ap- 
 peared and joined the thinned ranks of the 
 enemy. With him came the chivalry of the 
 19 
 
212 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 south, among which was the perjured Cos, 
 faithless to the stipulations of his releasement, 
 and third in command against those who had 
 generously saved his life and given him hberty . 
 A blood-red flag immediately floated over the 
 Mexican camp as a signal that no quarter 
 would be given. Now came on the desperate 
 
 struggle. Col. B was severely wounded, 
 
 and Lieut. D , whose wife and child M^ere 
 
 within the fort, lay sick with a fever. Her- 
 nanda was left highest in command, and right 
 valiantly did he do his duty. For six hours 
 they kept up a continual firing until only thirty 
 Texians remained, and their ammunition was 
 exhausted. There was no alternative, and 
 they resolved to sell their lives as dearly as 
 possible. The intrepid Crockett was among 
 the number, and placing himself near an angle 
 of a wall at the entrance, he resolved to de- 
 fend the passage to the last. As soon as the 
 firing ceased w^ithin, the Mexicans with a shout 
 of exultation rushed over the dead bodies of 
 the slain to take possession of the fort. But a 
 few patriots yet remained, and for nearly an 
 hour disputed the passage with the over- 
 w^helming force, but at last the hero of Ten- 
 nessee received a blow from the butt-end of 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 213 
 
 the gun of a Mexican musketeer that brought 
 him to the dust, and Hernanda and his worn- 
 out companions were obliged to yield. An 
 indiscriminate massacre of the remaining few 
 commenced. A Mexican officer, who by his 
 badge seemed to be a man of rank, perhaps a 
 hidalgo^ rushed forward and seizing Hernanda 
 thrust him upon the ground and raised the 
 reeking blade for his destruction. A wild 
 shriek stayed his arm for a moment, and the 
 youthful friend of Hernanda rushed in and 
 threw himself on the body of the victim. 
 " Spare him ! spare him !" cried he with 
 maniac emphasis, " Spare him, and let your 
 blade drink the blood of this heart." 
 
 " Boy !" said the stern Mexican, as he 
 gazed upon the face of the youthful suppliant, 
 " thy tender age is all that spares ye both. I 
 do not glory in spilling the blood of children. 
 But no rebel among men shall escape the pen- 
 alty of their crime. Off with thee, rash child, 
 that justice may be satisfied." 
 
 " Will ye then murder him," cried he, 
 " will ye spill the blood of your own country- 
 man — one of your own nobility," and he tore 
 the golden star from the vestment of Hernanda 
 and threw it at the feet of the Spaniard. 
 
214 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 He took it up, examined its central bear- 
 ings, and his dark eye lit up with the fire of 
 the fiercest rage. 
 
 " Wretch ! Rebel ! Parricide !" cried he, 
 looking with awful fierceness upon Hernanda. 
 " Well mayest thou ask innocence to plead 
 for thee, inhuman wretch ! This is the star 
 of thy murdered father ! Thank God, thy life 
 is spared, for all Mexico shall now behold thy 
 degraded form, and curse thee for thy perfidy. 
 Wretch ! the blood of thy father is upon thee. 
 Canst thou ask for mercy ? Mercy herself 
 would shudder and turn pale to look upon thy 
 blood-stained hands. Look upon me if thou 
 canst, and call me brother .'" 
 
 Hernanda rose, and with a firm voice — the 
 voice of conscious innocence, — and looking the 
 enraged Mexican full in the face, said, " Bro- 
 ther .'" and extended his arms to receive him. 
 
 The hidalgo drew back, and with a dark 
 frown bade him beware how he laid his bloody 
 hands upon him. " Thou art no longer a 
 kinsman of the house of Hernanda," said he, 
 " but a denationalized and doomed rebel. 
 Soldiers ! advance and 'bind the parricide." 
 
 Hernanda submitted with composure, for he 
 knew the character of his belligerent brother. 
 
 _ 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 215 
 
 and was aware that entreaties or resistance 
 would be vanity. The youth who had so no- 
 bly saved his life begged the boon of sharing 
 his captivity and shame — but that boon w^as 
 denied, and Hernanda placed under a strong 
 guard. Still the youth importuned — on his 
 knees supplicated mercy for the prisoner, but 
 he was talking to hearts of stone. They at 
 length became weary with his entreaties, and 
 threatened him with death if he did not de- 
 sist. Hernanda placed his finger upon his lip 
 in token of silence, and beckoned his compan- 
 ion away. The devoted young hero departed 
 with a reluctant step, but pausing for a mo- 
 ment as he stood upon the threshold of the 
 Alamo, a flush passed over his pallid cheek 
 and his grief-dimmed eye sparkled with re- 
 newed enthusiasm. He had suddenly con- 
 ceived a design, and hope urged him to the 
 execution of it. 
 
 Hernanda with two or three other prison- 
 ers, among whom w^as the wife of Lieut. 
 
 D ^ were all that remained of the valiant 
 
 band who were left in defence of the fort. A 
 small detachment of soldiers with a sergeant 
 as leader were sent with them to Victoria, on 
 the San Felippe, there to await the arrival of 
 19* 
 
216 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 the conquering army under Santa Anna. 
 Hernanda'fS heart was heavy ; not on account 
 of his own bonds, but he anticipated a per- 
 petual banishment from the society of his be- 
 trothed. All hopes of the consummation of 
 their nuptials were destroyed by the gloomy 
 prospect of either death or perpetual impris- 
 onment that appeared in the perspective. The 
 little party encamped at night in a recess of a 
 dark jungle, on the borders of a prairie which 
 they intended to cross on the morrow. The 
 prisoners were arranged in secure order and a 
 competent guard selected for their security''. 
 They had scarcely laid down for repose when 
 a rustle among the leaves within a few rods 
 of them startled them all to their feet. They 
 listened, but all was silent. Again they heard 
 the rustling, which was immediately succeed- 
 ed by the crack of a rifle, and a sentinel fell 
 to the ground. The next moment and a vol- 
 ley of musketry from the jungle, made nearly 
 every Mexican a stiffened corpse. The as- 
 sailants then rushed forward and secured the 
 remainder, who immediately threw down their 
 arms and cried for quarter. 
 
 Twilight had now closed, and yet the even- 
 ing was a starry one and afforded sufficient 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 217 
 
 light to recognize features. Hernanda was 
 the first to speak. " Tell me," cried he 
 " who is the leader of these valiant deliverers 
 that I may bow at his feet in gratitude." 
 
 His youthful friend of the Alamo stood be- 
 fore him. " It is I, noble Hernanda," said 
 he, " who have fulfilled my duty to my com- 
 mander. These brave men who heard my 
 story of your bravery, your patriotism, your 
 devotion to Texas, believed me and offered to 
 fly to your rescue. Providence gave direction 
 to our steps, and strength to our arms ; let 
 him noble Hernanda have the praise. These 
 bands but ill befit so valiant a soldier," and 
 he loosed the cords that confined him. Her- 
 nanda embraced his deliverer, and with every 
 expression of gratitude offered to resign into 
 his youthful hands the command. 
 
 " I have no longer a brave few to follow 
 me," said he, ^' the wolves of the prairie are 
 feasting upon them. Your valor has won re- 
 cruits — to your command I bow." 
 
 But the youth positively refused the prof- 
 fered honor ; and desired only to have the 
 privilege of fighting beneath his standard. 
 Urged by the young hero, and his views se- 
 conded by the volunteers, Hernanda made 
 
218 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 immediate preparations for departure — after 
 detaching two horsemen who had just joined 
 them from his force to convey the lady of the 
 murdered officer to Harrisburg — to rush for- 
 ward and join the army of the brave Houston 
 on the Brassos. While making this march 
 they were attacked several times by scouting 
 parties of the Mexicans but arrived safe, with 
 only one wounded man. Houston had heard 
 of the fall of Bexar and the massacre at the 
 Alamo, and he enjoined his men to make 
 " the Alamo," their war-cry when they rush- 
 ed to the charge. Fired with indignation and 
 revenge, they started in pursuit of the enemy 
 who were concentrating near San Jacinto. 
 
 It was about noon, on a lovely clear day, 
 that the Texians gained the summit of an 
 eminence that commanded a view of an ex- 
 tended plain which terminated in a point at 
 the junction of the Brassos and a small stream. 
 There in that vale of beauty, dreaming of se- 
 curity, reclined at ease the forces of Santa 
 Anna. He thought Houston far away when 
 in fact the eagle-eye of the brave American 
 was upon him, and the feet of the Texians 
 almost treading upon his tent-cloths. . 
 
 Houston looked upon that warlike scene 
 
THE FALL OF BEXAR. 219 
 
 with pleasure, for he felt as if now wa^ the 
 consummation of the struggle of Texas. Al- 
 though the enemy was more than a thousand 
 strong and his own forces- not more than half 
 that number, yet he counted much upon the 
 valor of the Texians. Their appearance was 
 like a clap of thunder from a clear sky to the 
 tyrant chief, and before the Mexicans had 
 time to prepare for battle the force of Hous- 
 ton was upon them, and m less than an hour 
 the field was strewn with the slain, and the 
 survivors of the enemy flying in dismay. The 
 companion of Hernanda, who was taken ill 
 the day previous, was confined to a litter, but 
 by his request was placed in a position where 
 he might witness the contest. 
 
 When he saw the enemy vanquished aiad 
 dispersed, he forgot his debility, and nerved 
 with the enthusiasm of the moment, he sprang 
 from his litter and flew to the margin of the 
 plain where the oflicers were collected to 
 receive the prisoners who were momentarily 
 brought in. Santa Anna was among the first 
 who fled, in pursuit of whom Hernanda and 
 a few others had gone. They returned the 
 next morning with the prisoner, but they knew 
 neither his features nor his rank ; but Zalava, 
 
220 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 who entered a few moments after, recognized 
 him as the President of Mexico. A shout of 
 joy ran through the camp at this announce- 
 ment. Santa Anna, with Cos, Almonti, and 
 others, were sent immediately to Galveston ; 
 and many of the volunteers, feeling that their 
 work was accomplished, returned to their de- 
 serted homes. 
 
 Hernanda and his companion immediately 
 started for Harrisburg. They arrived in 
 safety, but found the town yet quite deserted, 
 for the success and cruelties of the Mexicans 
 inspired the defenceless inhabitants with terror. 
 
 They soon learned, hovfever, that Mr. 
 
 yet remained, and they flew with hasty steps 
 to his residence. They met the merchant 
 upon his threshold, but instead of meeting 
 them with smiles, grief, deep and settled grief, 
 brooded over his features, that made the warm 
 stream of joy and love rush back with icy 
 coldness upon the heart of Hernanda. 
 
 " Tell me," cried Hernanda, ere the mer- 
 chant had time to speak, " what is it that 
 makes you sad ? We are victorious — the Ty- 
 rant is our prisoner — peace hath returned to 
 our borders." 
 
 " That only can cheer me," said the mer- 
 
THE FALE OF BEXAR. 221 
 
 chant, and the tears rolled down his sallow 
 cheek. "We have both lost a treasure. 
 
 Mary ." 
 
 " Manj .'" exclaimed Hernanda, " Speak ! 
 is she no more ?" 
 
 " Alas ! 1 know not," replied the father. 
 " She has been absent many days, nor can I 
 find a single trace of her, and I fear she has 
 become the victim of some Mexican soldier." 
 " God forbid !" cried Hernanda, almost fran- 
 tic with passion. " Were it so, I would de- 
 vote my future hours to revenge. Texas hath 
 driven oppression from her soil, and revenge 
 for murders and ravishments shall plant her 
 victorious standard upon the citadel of Ten- 
 ochtitlan." 
 
 The youthful companion of Hernanda was 
 heard to sob, and a bright tear ghstened upon 
 his muffled cheek. 
 
 '' Who is your companion in arms ?" asked 
 the merchant. 
 
 " The noblest youth in Texas," said Her- 
 nanda ; " but for him, Jose Hernanda would 
 this day have been food for wolves. But do 
 you not know him? He has said that he 
 knew Mary well, and is he a stranger to her 
 father ?" 
 
222 THE FALL OF BEXAR. 
 
 " The merchant, approaching the youth, had 
 remained in silence since the meeting. " Your 
 name," said he. 
 
 The youth answered not, but rising from 
 his seat he withdrew the cap and appendages 
 with which his features were hidden, and the 
 dark curls of Mary fell from beneath them. 
 Her sweet smile that shone like sunshine 
 through her tears, carried its light to the heart 
 of the mourning father, and spread a halo of 
 brightness over the crushed hopes of her 
 lover. 
 
 Friend ! art thou a tale-reader ? If so, im- 
 agine the sequel. L. 
 

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