All his intensity of feeling returned with the morning. He was eager to
see what was passing beyond the Alamo, and the first object that caught
his eye was the blood-red flag of no quarter hanging from the tower of
the Church of San Fernando. No wind was blowing and it drooped in heavy
scarlet folds like a pall.
Looking from the flag to the earth, he saw great activity in the Mexican
lines. Three or four batteries were being placed in position, and
Mexican officers, evidently messengers, were galloping about. The flat
roofs of the houses in San Antonio were covered with people. Ned knew
that they were there to see Santa Anna win a quick victory and take
immediate vengeance upon the Texans. He recognized Santa Anna himself
riding in his crouched attitude upon a great white horse, passing from
battery to battery and hurrying the work. There was proof that his
presence was effective, as the men always worked faster when he came.
Ned saw all the Texan leaders, Travis, Bowie, Crockett and Bonham,
watching the batteries. The whole Texan force was now manning the walls
and the heavy cedar palisade at many points, but Ned saw that for the
present all their dealings would be with the cannon.
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