REMEMBERING THE ALAMO

Yesterday was the anniversary of the start of the 13 day battle of the Alamo in 1836.

Much has been written and filmed of these 182 to 257 courageous men who defended their position in the Alamo Mission until death. [contrary to popular opinion, John Wayne was not among them]

We don't know the exact number of defenders, but most count the dead to be in the aforementioned range, while the Santa Anna horde of 4,000 was diminished by 400-600 dead. The defenders were commanded by Jim Bowie and William B. Travis.

The Texas Revolution was accented several months previously when the Texans (Texians) had forced the Mexican troops out of Texas and had garrisoned approximately 100 troops at the MIssion. Travis, sensing the impending disaster wrote letters pleading for reinforcement , but only a few responded. Following several skirmishes with the invading Mexican troops, the reinforced Mexican army marched on San Antonio de B′exar and laid siege to the Mission.

The cry of "Remember the Alamo" inspired many Texas settlers and adventurers to revenge the heroes by joining the Texican forces and defeat the Mexicans at the battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836 in present day Harris County, Texas. Approximately 700 Mexican soldiers were killed and an equal number captured. We are told the battle lasted only 18 minutes. Santa Anna was captured and later signed the treaties requiring Mexico to abandon Texas thus solidifying the Texas Revolution and the Texas Nation.

Texas joined the Union of the United States in 1845, but seceded before Lincoln's inauguration to join 7 other rebelling states. The war between the states presumably settled the issue of whether a state can secede from the United States, yet questions remain.

With Love and Kindness,

THE HATMAN