This afternoon 184 years ago, scouts of the Texian army encountered Mexican calvary forces and the spotter in the bell tower of the San Fernando Church rang the alarm of Mexican forces encroaching upon Bexar. The element of surprise being lost for the Calvary probably saved the mission, for a few days at least. The Texians gathered what supplies they could and fell into the Alamo.
Col. Travis, commander of the regular Texian army at Bexar sent a dispatch to Gonzales.
To Andrew Ponton, Judge and
Citizens of Gonzales
February 23, 1836
COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR, 3 o'clock p.m.: The enemy in large force are in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the Alamo to the last. Give us assistance.
P.S. Send an express to San Felipe with news night
and day.
And another to Col Fannin at Fort Defiance in Goliad.
From W.B. Travis and James Bowie
To James W. Fannin (at Goliad)
February 23, 1836
COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR: We have removed all the men to the Alamo where we make such resistance as is due our honor, and that of a country, until we can get assistance from you, which we expect you to forward immediately. In this extremity, we hope you will send us all the men you can spare promptly. We have one hundred and forty six men, who are determined never to retreat. We have but little provisions, but enough to serve us till you and your men arrive. We deem it unnecessary to repeat to a brave officer, who knows his duty, that we call on him for assistance.
The Mexican army raised the blood red flag of No Quarter. Travis fired the 18-pounder cannon as his initial response. 2 Mexican officers are killed. After both Travis and Jim Bowie, commander of the Volunteer forces, sent messengers to discuss potential surrender agreements with the Mexicans, they both ordered the cannon fired again.
The 13 days to glory had begun.
Col. Travis, commander of the regular Texian army at Bexar sent a dispatch to Gonzales.
To Andrew Ponton, Judge and
Citizens of Gonzales
February 23, 1836
COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR, 3 o'clock p.m.: The enemy in large force are in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men and are determined to defend the Alamo to the last. Give us assistance.
P.S. Send an express to San Felipe with news night
and day.
And another to Col Fannin at Fort Defiance in Goliad.
From W.B. Travis and James Bowie
To James W. Fannin (at Goliad)
February 23, 1836
COMMANDANCY OF BEXAR: We have removed all the men to the Alamo where we make such resistance as is due our honor, and that of a country, until we can get assistance from you, which we expect you to forward immediately. In this extremity, we hope you will send us all the men you can spare promptly. We have one hundred and forty six men, who are determined never to retreat. We have but little provisions, but enough to serve us till you and your men arrive. We deem it unnecessary to repeat to a brave officer, who knows his duty, that we call on him for assistance.
The Mexican army raised the blood red flag of No Quarter. Travis fired the 18-pounder cannon as his initial response. 2 Mexican officers are killed. After both Travis and Jim Bowie, commander of the Volunteer forces, sent messengers to discuss potential surrender agreements with the Mexicans, they both ordered the cannon fired again.
The 13 days to glory had begun.
