News
had come that the Alamo was beleaguered by a force many times as
numerous as its defenders, and that Crockett, Bowie, Travis and other
famous men were inside. They had heard also that Santa Anna had hoisted
the red flag of no quarter, and that Texans everywhere, if taken, would
be slaughtered as traitors. The people of Washington had full cause for
their excitement and suspense.
The little town also had the unique distinction of being a capital for a
day or two. The Texans felt, with the news that Santa Anna had enveloped
the Alamo, that they must take decisive action. They believed that the
Mexicans had broken every promise to the Texans. They knew that not only
their liberty and property, but their lives, also, were in peril.
Despite the great disparity of numbers it must be a fight to the death
between Texas and Mexico. The Texans were now gathering at Washington.
One man who inspired courage wherever he went had come already. Sam
Houston had ridden into town, calm, confident and talking only of
victory. He was dressed with a neatness and care unusual on the border,
wearing a fine black suit, while his face was shaded by the wide brim of
a white sombrero. The famous scouts, "Deaf" Smith and Henry Karnes, and
young Zavala, whom Ned had known in Mexico, were there also.
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