Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Eyewitness reports from Alamo debacle

The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, falls to Mexican forces after a 13-day siege resulting in 187 Texan deaths and 1,544 Mexican deaths. March 6, 1836

Democrats declare Texas Folly unwinnable, demand subpoenas be issued.

American insults replied to after Mexican diplomacy rejected.
On our side we suffered heavy losses both of officers and troops, and about
200 wounded, a regrettable loss but small if one considers the strong position
of the enemy and its kind. The former insult which we have received has been
avenged. His Excellency the President made a beautiful speech to all of the
divisions inside the Alamo in view of the dead enemies, and is pleased with everyone's behavior.
anonymous Mexican soldier

Women witness troop violence.
They were even raised on the points of the enemy's lances, let down and raised
again and again, whilst invoking as a favor, instantaneous death to terminate
their anguish, till they were at last too weak to speak, and then expired in
convulsion. Susanna Dickinson


Washington may BURN!
Santa Anna took much notice of him, and questioned him about Texas and the state
of the army.-Among other things, he asked if there were many soldiers from the
United States in the army, and if more were expected? On being answered in the
affirmative, he sneeringly said he had men enough to march to the city of
Washington if he chose. Joe.


Right wing ex-Congressman met his match.
This was the fate of poor Crockett, and in which there can be no mistake.
Who the five others were, I have not been able to learn. Three other wounded
prisoners were discovered and brought before "His Excellency," and were ordered
to be instantly shot. There are certain reasons why the name of the narrator of
these events should not be made known. I will only repeat that he was an
eye-witness. anonymous Source: Morning Courier and New York Enquirer on July 9, 1836

Melee, confused troops and lack of will belies no government plan for post battle.
Sixty-two Texans who sallied from the east side of the fort, were received
by the Lancers and all killed. Only one of these made resistance; a very active
man, armed with a double barrel gun and a single-barrel pistol, with which he
killed a corporal of the Lancers named Eugenio. These were all killed by the
lance, except one, who ensconced himself under a bush and it was necessary to
shoot him. Manuel Loranca (Mexican Sergeant)

Hatred of Americans grow with each day of insurgency and occupation.

So there was not a man left. Even a cat that was soon after seen running
through the fort, was shot, as the soldiers exclaimed: "It is not a cat, but an
American."

The slain were collected in a pile and burnt.

Fernando Urriza (Mexican Colonel)


Congressional panel concludes Texas War lost. Love of troops cited as need for immediate withdrawal.

(Note: Repeated requests for interviews with American troops went unanswered.)