saw this would be a mistake. Texas needed the sympathy and assistance of the outside world. She could most surely gain these by showing that she was only striving for justice.*

The Texan Army.-After the battle of Conception it was decided to lay siege to San Antonio. The soldiers,

*Perhaps nothing will better exhibit the spirit of the men who formed the Consultation than the following Declaration, which they adopted:

"PREAMBLE. Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other military chieftains, have by force of arms overthrown the Federal institutions of Mexico, and have dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and other members of the Mexican Confederacy: Now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, Do SOLEMNLY DECLARE—

"First. That they have taken up arms in defense of their rights and liberties, which are threatened by encroachments of military despots; and in defense of the Republican principles of the Federal Constitution of Mexico of 1824.

"Second. That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact of union, yet stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such members of the Mexican Confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism.

"Third. They do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal Mexican Republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas.

"Fourth. They will not cease to carry on war against the said authorities while their troops are within the limits of Texas.

"Fifth. They hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the Federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the Union, and establish an independent government, or adopt such measures as they may deem best calculated to protect their rights and liberties; but they will continue faithful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed by the Constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the Political Association.

field.

"Sixth. That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies now in the

"Seventh. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of all debts contracted by her agents.

"Eighth. That she will reward by donations in land all who volunteer their services in her present struggle, and secure them as citizens.

66

Ninth. These declarations we solemnly avow to the world and call God to witness their truth and sincerity; and we invoke defeat and disgrace upon our heads should we prove guilty of duplicity."

made hopeful by their recent victory, wished to storm the place at once. Two military companies, "The Grays," from New Orleans, had reached the camp, and this increased the eagerness of the army for an attack. When Austin was selected Commissioner to the United States, Edward Burleson was placed in command of the troops.* Now Burleson knew that General Cos had a strong force in San Antonio, and that the town was well fortified. He hesitated, therefore, to risk an attack. The most trying part of any campaign is the waiting for action. Even to trained soldiers it is wearying; to these farmers, who had wives and children depending upon them, it was doubly so. Cold weather was coming on, and many were forced to return to their homes. Driven by the continued entreaties of those who remained (some eight hundred in number), Burleson announced that an attack would be made December 4. During all the day before the camp was filled with the busy hum of preparations; all were confident of victory. Who can picture their disappointment when the officers informed them that the attack must be postponed? General Burleson had reason to fear Cos had received news of their plans. The troops were so angry that many of them would not obey the order to parade the next morning.

* Edward Burleson was born in North Carolina, in 1798. When his father went to the Creek war, young Burleson accompanied him to keep the musterroll. Here Burleson received his first lessons in military tactics from Andrew Jackson. In 1831, he came to Texas, and at once made himself known by his skill in fighting the Indians. From this time his life is closely connected with

the history of Texas.

Milam's Plan.--It was announced on December 4 that the siege would be raised and the soldiers dismissed. The army grew indignant, so that for a time it was feared a struggle might take place between the Texans themselves. At this time a deserter arrived in camp, who told the Texans that the Mexican troops were dissatisfied, that the fortifications were not so strong as represented, and that General Cos was entirely ignorant as to the plans of our men. Having obtained Burleson's consent, Ben Milam stepped to the center of the camp, waved his hat, gave a ringing "huzza," and shouted: "Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?" Cheer after cheer rose from the soldiers. Nearly four hundred volunteered at once.

The Attack.-While it was still dark on the morning of December 5, the men stole silently to an old mill near by, where Milam was to give orders for the attack. All was soon arranged. At five o'clock, Colonel Neil led his division to storm the Alamo, as it seemed; but in reality this was only a ruse to give Milam and Johnson a chance to enter the city unobserved. The Texans opened a lively fire upon the Alamo. The Mexicans were completely surprised, but the bugle sound quickly brought them to arms. Neil soon heard the report of cannon in the suburbs; this was the sign that Milam had succeeded in making his way into San Antonio. Neil withdrew to join the other troops. The battle now raged with dreadful fury; desperate bravery was shown on both sides. The Texans had to fight their way inch by inch. Now

they gained a house, now only a room, but on, on they went, always advancing, never taking a step backward. Five days and nights they struggled, and still the town was not theirs. At last, by their heroism, they captured a priest's house that overlooked the public square. This enabled them to silence all the cannon of the Mexicans and really won the victory.

Milam's Death.-The saddest of the misfortunes of our men was the death of brave Ben Milam. After three days, filled with many daring deeds, he was killed while passing from one house to another to give orders. the spot made sacred by his fall he was buried.*

On

Surrender of Cos.-During the first day of the attack, a red and black flag had floated from the Mexican quarters. This meant, "Death to every Texan." But on the morning of the 9th, General Cos was forced to raise the white flag. General Burleson at once entered the city, and by two o'clock that night had all the conditions of the surrender arranged. They were as follows: 1. Cos. and his officers were allowed to depart with their arms. and private property, on the promise that they would never oppose the return of Mexico to a purely republican

* Little is known of Milam's early life. In the war of 1812, he was noted for his bravery; next we hear of him as an Indian trader in Texas, then as assisting the Mexican patriots against the tyrant, Iturbide. He was imprisoned again and again, but always managed to escape. He now lies in an unmarked grave in the Protestant cemetery of San Antonio. So brave a hero deserves some remembrance from the State he died to free.

+ During the storming of San Antonio, General Burleson had remained in camp with his troops, ready at any moment to march to Milam's assistance, if he should be needed.

form of government, nor take up arms against Texas. 2. All convict soldiers were to be taken entirely out of Texas. 3. Those Mexican troops who wished to leave the army, or remain in San Antonio, were to be permitted to do so. 4. All public property was to belong to the victors. The sick and wounded were given permission to remain, and food was furnished them. Even Cos and his soldiers were supplied with food, and that, too, at most reasonable rates. Succeeding events show whether the Mexicans remembered this kindness.

Results. The Mexicans had one hundred and fifty killed and wounded; the Texans had three killed and twenty-five wounded. Twenty-one pieces of artillery, five hundred muskets, and a large supply of army stores were taken by the Texans. When it is remembered that General Cos had fourteen hundred men (he received heavy re-inforcements during the battle), that he was well supplied with small arms and cannon, and that the town was strongly fortified, it is indeed wonderful that less than four hundred Texans should have been able to wrest from him a city. The result most gladdening to the hearts of the Texans was the fact, that the withdrawal of Cos left them free from the Mexican soldiery.

The Governor and Council.-Governor Smith and the Council devoted their attention to plans for raising money to sustain the army and the government. The citizens of Texas had done all in their power, private parties in the United States had given liberally, yet these were but drops in the ocean of expense that now deluged Texas.