The Alamo and Goliad A Clash of Armies P. 224 - 228

A Missed Opportunity When General Cos surrendered San Antonio to the Texans in December 1835, Santa Anna was furious. Santa Anna set out for Texas to punish the rebels. Because of distance, it took sometime for him to reach Texas. Texans did not use their time wisely. Texas drifted without strong leadership, and did not use the time to train soldiers. The army became smaller and smaller.

Texas Forces Are Divided The Texan forces were divided because no single leader was in control. General Sam Houston, who was made commander of the regular Texas army and the volunteers, attempted to bring the various military units together but met with little success. Many volunteers refused to recognize General Houston’s authority because they were used to electing their own commanding officers. There was little communication or coordination between the scattered units.

Santa Anna Moves North General Santa Anna moved his army of about 6,000 northward. Most Texans expected Santa Anna to wait until spring to move northward, but marched in the winter. Santa Anna divided his army: Santa Anna and 3,000 men headed towards San Antonio; the remainder went toward Goliad under General Jose Urrea.

Travis Arrives at the Alamo In February, colonel Neill left the Alamo because of family illness and Bowie became commander of the volunteer soldiers. Travis became commander of the regular army soldiers. The two men served as joint commanders of the garrison because the volunteers did not want to take orders from a regular officer. (about 170 men)

Travis Arrives at the Alamo Bowie became ill and passed command of the Alamo to William B. Travis. Travis believed Santa Anna would not enter Texas until spring, but a party of Texan scouts reported that Santa Anna’s army had crossed the Rio Grande. Despite this report, Travis continued to believe he would have more time. Travis was surprised when the advance wing of Santa Anna’s army arrived at San Antonio. Texans barely made it inside the walls of the Alamo before the Mexican cavalry.

In Defense of the Alamo Alamo advantages: Alamo weaknesses: The walls of the old mission were 2-3 feet thick and 12 feet high 21 cannons fortified, or strengthened, the mission. Alamo weaknesses: The wall surrounding the main plaza was incomplete. A fence of sticks and dirt was built to close the gap. The mission was too large for Travis to defend with the few troops he had.

Travis Declares “Victory or Death” In one of Travis’s letters he wrote one of the finest statements of courage in American history, when he wrote “Victory or Death.” On March 1, Travis received 32 volunteer reinforcements from Gonzales. Santa Anna ordered the red flag of “no quartering” to be flown, meaning he did not intend to take any prisoners in the coming battle.

Facing certain Death As Mexican armies encircled the Alamo, it became apparent to Travis that he had no chance for victory. It was clear Santa Anna had most of the advantages. Travis explained to his troops that remaining in the Alamo meant certain death. According to legend, Travis took his sword and drew a line on the ground. All those who wished to stay and defend the Alamo were asked to cross over the line. According to the story, all but one of the men crossed over the line. (Louis “Moses” Rose, a native of France, stayed).

Texan Troops Give Ground Santa Anna ordered the attack on the Alamo to begin at dawn. At about 5:00 am of March 6, the battle began. 5 columns of troops moved forward to attack the Alamo at three different points. The Texans put up a stubborn fight, but the 3rd assault successfully pushed back the Texans and allowed Santa Anna’s men to storm over the walls. By 8:00 am of March 6 the battle for the Alamo was over.

Texan Troops Give Ground It is not known how many people were killed at the Alamo because all the bodies were burned. Bowie, Travis, and Crockett were among those who were killed. Mexican losses in the battle also are uncertain. Santa Anna ordered that all defenders of the Alamo be put to death, but released all women and children.

A Battle Cry for Victory Some believe Texas would not have won its independence without the Battle of the Alamo. The courage of Travis and his forces made Texans more determined than ever to win their independence. The battle also encouraged U.S. citizens to help. “Remember the Alamo!” became the battle cry of Houston’s army.