It is proper to state that efforts were made by some in behalf
of Travis, though many were tardy in their movements. Captain P. Dimmitt after
leaving San Antonio on the twenty-third of February, went forthwith to his residence
near Texana, where he raised a small company and started on the return, but,
on reaching Gonzales about a week after the fall, and finding that the town
was on fire and that General Houston had retreated on the previous night, he
returned home.John W. Smith, after starting with the second squad of recruits
on Sunday morning, the sixth of March, rode rapidly and came within a short
distance of the Cibolo where, not hearing the gun of the fortress, he stopped
and remained until the next morning, when he proceeded to the Cibolo, about
twenty-three miles from Bexar. The signal gun being still silent, he became
satisfied that the Alamo had fallen, and remained there until Wednesday morning,
when he sent eight men, as scouts, towards the city. They had only gone about
six miles when they met the advance of the enemy who pursued them. Being well
mounted they made good their escape. Smith retreated forthwith, reaching Gonzales
on Thursday evening. On Friday night, Mrs. Dickinson and Travisí boy also reached
that place, confirming the fact indicated by the silence of the signal gun,
which few had been willing to believe.Of those who fell in the Alamo on the
sixth of March, the proportion was about equal between the Texians and the volunteers
who had lately arrived from the United States and other countries. The former
were colonists who had long enjoyed the rights guaranteed them by the constitution
of 1824, and were willing that that instrument should govern them without modification,
but to be deprived of representation in the councils of the government was a
wrong to which they had never been subjected and a usurpation to which they
would never submit. These colonists were from all parts of Texas as then settled.
The numbers from each section I am unable to say. I may say, however, that Gonzales
county suffered more than any other. Being nearer to Bexar than any other American
settlement, such of her inhabitants as responded to Travisí calls, were enabled
to reach the scene of action sooner than any others. Many of her best citizens,
some of them with large families to support, fell on this gloomy Sabbath.
12Those
noble spirits sought neither emulation nor distinction nor the empty praises
of mankind. "Liberty or death" was the motto, not only of Travis, but of all,
and when the alternative threatened them, they feared it not, but with a consciousness
of rectitude, forsook their homes with all their sacred endearments, and seized
the sword in defense of the former. Texas may never forget that sad but glorious
day. She may revel in the enjoyment of her liberties, but those liberties, which,
wherever obtained the world over, are stained with the blood of heroes.
