Subject: Escape from the Alamo
Date: 06/13/00
From: Robert Paul Emmons

In the final days of the siege, as the Mexican army encircled the Alamo, what were an individuals' chances of slipping away in the dark? In other words, how successful would such an attempt have been? Was attempted escape a viable option at that stage that was resisted, or was it probably too risky to try?

Robert Paul Emmons
Berea,KY

The only documented escape (other than Louis Rose) is of 50-60 defenders who left the fort in three separate groups during the last stage of the final battle. These men got no further than the Alameda vicinity, where the Dolores Cavalry Regiment (reinforced) attacked them. Former Jockey, Henry Warnell was a possible survivor of this attempt. Warnell died of wounds received at the Alamo Battle ninety days later at Port Lavaca, Texas. The other questions are too subjective for me to attempt with the available documentation.

Alan C. Huffines

ADP SIDEBAR dialogue behind the scenes

The San Luís report states that Crockett entered the Alamo three nights before. Tom Lindley tells me that Susannah Dickinson reported that Crockett went out to lead the reinforcements from Gonzales into the compound.

Alan, you have the reinforcements coming into the compound on day 8, not on day 9 or 10 (hard to say what exactly three nights before was). [See: Blood of Noble Men, The Siege and Battle of the Alamo by Alan C. Huffines] My thoughts are that if these men were able to break in, it is possible that others could break out. One could certainly argue, on the other hand, that the Mexicans were not focused on break ins. Are any of you aware of Lindley's info. Are there other explanations for the three nights before comment in the San Luís document?

Gregg Dimmick

There are two bodies of reinforcements. The men I have coming in on day eight are the Gonzales Volunteers— nothing new there. The second group arrived late on day 10/11. On 3 March , Almonte discusses a Texian sally at the Sugar Mill. I suggest this was more Texians arriving, not an attack by the defenders on Mexican positions (BoNM pg. 108). 3 March is certainly within the three nights rule. I believe Tom thinks that Crockett went out and brought this second batch into the Alamo. Certainly a possibility. You might want to check out page 102 for more on Dickinson and reinforcements.

Alan C. Huffines

Subject: Mexican Artillery
Date: 06/13/00
From: Joe Regan

It is accepted as fact that Santa Anna launched his assault without heavy artillery. Some historians have speculated that if he had brought heavier siege guns with his army he could have battered the defenders of the Alamo into submission without a massive infantry assault. My question is, what size artillery did Santa Anna have available to him from the Mexican arsenal and was it feasible to move it with his army into Texas. I would appreciate any comments on this question.

Joe Regan
San Antonio

In Memorias para la Historia de la Guerra de Tejas Filisola lists the following artillery pieces as part of the Mexican army. First Division had two eight-pounders, two six ponders, two 4-pounders and two seven pulgado (6.5 inch howitzers). The first brigade of the second division had two 12-pounders, two six-pounders, and two four-pounders. The Second brigade of the second division had two eight-pounders, two four-pounders, and two seven pulgado howitzers. Urrea, who of course never was at the Alamo, had one four-ponder.

Although part of the First brigade of the Second division did have a forced march arriving at the Alamo on 3 March, their artillery did not arrive in time for the battle. Therefore, it seems as though the Mexican army had only the eight pieces of the first division during the siege. De la Peña notes that at the council of War on 4 March several of the officers wanted to wait for the artillery that could open a breach to arrive. This appears to have been the two twelve-pounders that were with the First brigade of the Second division. These were the largest cannons they had in Texas. The San Luis log states that between 7 and 10 March, there arrived two 12-pounders, two eight-pounders, and two howitzers. This seems to be a mixture of the artillery of the First and Second brigades of the Second division. Perhaps the heavier pieces were sent ahead to the Alamo in advance of the smaller pieces and many of the troops.

I'm associated with the Houston Archaeological Society and we have found six-pound balls and seven-inch howitzer shells in some of our excavations. Interestingly we know of a 16-pound solid iron ball that was found very near an archaeological site near Wharton, Texas about 30 years ago. We have felt that either this was from a different period or the Mexicans were carrying it for some reason. (scrap iron?)

I am unaware of any other pieces that were available to Santa Anna at the outset of the campaign. However, we can get a hint from the pieces on display at West Point that were captured from the Mexican American war. Their catalogue of the artillery pieces lists 77 pieces of artillery that were captured between 1846-48. The only pieces that were larger than those listed above manufactured before 1836 were one 16-pound bronze cannon and several 17-inch bronze stone mortars. Realistically, the 16-pounder was likely the only larger piece available.

I will defer to Alan Huffines, Kevin Young et al. as to whether the 12-pounders were sufficient to breach the Alamo walls and to how difficult it would have been to transport a 16-pounder into Texas.

Gregg Dimmick

Gregg Dimmick is an expert in the study of the Mexican army and their artifacts in Texas and is the newest addition to the Alamo de Parras roster of consultants.

With regard to the ability of 12-pounders (or larger guns) to breach the Alamo walls, the answer is (theoretically, of course) yes--at least according to John Muller's 1757 "A Treatise of Artillery." Did Santa Anna follow Muller's advice (even with his smaller field pieces)? Noted Muller in his 1780 reprinted edition:

Hence, if Santa Anna's artillerists were ignorant of Muller (no early 19th century trained artillery officer eschewed Muller's advice) or if their subsequent aimed shots were not accurate (high wall shots instead of low) the resulting damage could have been the rough-hewn shambles that ultimately gave footing—albeit precarious—to those soldados addressing the North Wall.

William R. Chemerka

Subject: Alamo Chapel Paintings
Date: 06/22/00
From: Stephen Oleszek

Is there a listing of all the paintings inside the chapel?

Stephen Oleszek
Florida

Here is a list of paintings that used to be displayed in the Shrine. They were removed in 1994-95 due to preservation concerns. The paintings trapped moisture behind them, which wasn't a good situation for either the artwork or the walls. Some are still in storage but most have been installed in other areas for viewing by the public.

Courtesy Dr. Richard Bruce Winders, Curator/Historian of the Alamo. 06/2000