February 28, 1836 at the Alamo-Day 6

Santa Ana receives word of Col. Fannin’s march to the Alamo’s relief with his forces from Goliad. 

The morale of the Alamo garrison is high.  According to Susanna Dickinson’s account, David Crockett took up a fiddle and challenged John McGregor, a Scot with bagpipes, to a contest of instruments.

At the siege of Alamo David Crockett and his Tennessee Mounted Volunteers were busy with their rifles. The Mexican Captain Rafael Soldana later wrote: “A tall man, with flowing hair, was seen firing from the same place on the parapet during the entire siege. He wore a buckskin suit and a cap all of a pattern entirely different from those worn by his comrades. The man would kneel or lie down behind the low parapet, rest his long gun and fire, and we all learned to keep at a good distance when he was seen to make ready to shoot. He rarely missed his mark, and when he fired he always rose to his feet and calmly reloaded his gun seemingly indifferent to the shots fired by our men. He had a strong, resonant voice and often railed at us, but as we did not understand English we could not comprehend the import of his words further that that they were defiant. This man I later learned was known as “Kwockey”.

Remember the Alamo

Note: Tomorrow will be a double post as it was Leap Year in 1836

February 27, 1836-The Alamo-Day 5

Throughout the day, the Texian forces maintained constant fire upon the Mexican work parties.  According to General Filisola, the Texians were seen working on their own ditch inside the parapet of the cattle pen.  This effort later proved fruitless and was harmful to the Alamo’s defense by undermining the walls, essentially removing any walkway the defenders might have had.

General Gaona received a dispatch from Santa Ana of the 25^th requesting three battalions as quickly as possible.  Gaona complied.

The Gonzales Ranging Company begins their march to the Alamo with 25 men answering Col. Travis call for reinforcements.  Eight others join along the way.  They will become known as the Immortal 32.

Remember the Alamo

February 26, 1836-The Alamo-Day 4

The Texians burned more jacales during the night.  It became apparent water at the Alamo would soon be a problem.  Although there was a well, it was not sufficient for the number of people now inside the Alamo, the garrison plus various others that sought safety there.  Water would need to be obtained from the nearby acequia for the time being.

A Norther blew in overnight reducing temperatures to near freezing.  In the early morning daylight, some of the Texian garrison proceeded outside the walls of the Alamo to obtain water and firewood.  A skirmish erupted with the Mexican troops under General Sesma.  Mexican casualties were sustained  due to the Texian’s cannon that fired in support.

An entry from the journal of Mexican Colonel Juan Almonte

FRIDAY, FEB. 26, 1836
The northern wind continued very strong; the thermometer fell to 39, and during the rest of the day remained at 60.
At daylight, there was a slight skirmish between the enemy and a small party of the division of the east, under the command of General Sesma. During the day the firing from our cannon was continued. The enemy did not reply, except now and then. At night the enemy burnt the small houses near the parapet of the battalion of San Luis, on the other side of the river. Some sentinels were advanced. In the course of the day the enemy sallied out for wood and water, and were opposed by our marksmen.
The northern wind continues.

And this I meant to post yesterday in addition to:

A two-hour engagement occurs when Santa Anna’s troops attempt to occupy jacales (picket and thatch huts) located near the southwest corner of the compound. Members of the garrison venture out and burn the jacales this night. Santa Anna’s soldiers construct artillery batteries south of the Alamo. James W. Fannin leaves Goliad with a relief column bound for the Alamo.

Sorry that this was not posted according to the time frame.  I find some items after I have made my post during my search.  I can't promise it won't happen again.  

February 25, 1836 San Antonio de Bejar-Day 3

To Major General Sam Houston

HEADQUARTERS, FORT OF THE ALAMO: Sir; On the 23rd of Feb., the enemy in large force entered the city of Bexar, which could not be prevented, as I had not sufficient force to occupy both positions. Col. Bartes, the Adjutant-Major of the President-General Santa Anna, demanded a surrender at discretion, calling us foreign rebels. I answered them with a cannon shot, upon which the enemy commenced a bombardment with a five inch howitzer, which together with a heavy cannonade, has been kept up incessantly ever since. I instantly sent express to Col. Fannin, at Goliad, and to the people of Gonzales and San Felipe. Today at 10 o'clock a.m. some two or three hundred Mexicans crossed the river below and came up under cover of the houses until they arrived within virtual point blank shot, when we opened a heavy discharge of grape and canister on them, together with a well directed fire from small arms which forced them to halt and take shelter in the houses about 90 or 100 yards from our batteries. The action continued to rage about two hours, when the enemy retreated in confusion, dragging many of their dead and wounded.

During the action, the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge of balls, grape, and canister. We know from actual observation that many of the enemy were wounded -- while we, on our part, have not lost a man. Two or three of our men have been slightly scratched by pieces of rock, but have not been disabled. I take great pleasure in stating that both officers and men conducted themselves with firmness and bravery. Lieutenant Simmons of cavalry acting as infantry, and Captains Carey, Dickinson and Blair of the artillery, rendered essential service, and Charles Despallier and Robert Brown gallantly sallied out and set fire to houses which afforded the enemy shelter, in the face of enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted themselves with such heroism that it would be injustice to discriminate. The Hon. David Crockett was seen at all points, animating the men to do their duty. Our numbers are few and the enemy still continues to approximate his works to ours. I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his whole force very soon; but I shall hold out to the last extremity, hoping to secure reinforcements in a day or two. Do hasten on aid to me as rapidly as possible, as from the superior number of the enemy, it will be impossible for us to keep them out much longer. If they overpower us, we fall a sacrifice at the shrine of our country, and we hope prosperity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death!

W. Barret Travis

Lt. Col. Com

This letter below was sent February 23 and arrived this day February 25, 1836

To James Fannin from W.B. Travis and James Bowie:

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.

And from the Mexican side ( a day late)

Colonel Juan Almonte, February 24, 1836

Wednesday, Very early this morning a new battery was commenced on the bank of the river, about 350 yards from the Alamo. It was finished in the afternoon, and a brisk fire was kept up from it until the 18 pounder and another piece were dismounted. The President reconnoitered on horseback, passing within musket shot of the fort. According to a spy, four of the enemy were killed. At evening the music struck up, and went to entertain the enemy with it and some grenades. 

So It Begins-1836-The Letter

William B.Travis to Major-General Sam Houston
HEADQUARTERS, FORT OF THE ALAMO:

Sir; On the 23rd of Feb. the enemy in large force entered the city of Bexar, which could not be prevented, as I had not sufficient force to occupy both positions. Col. Batres, the Adjutant-Major of the President-General Santa Anna, demanded a surrender at discretion, calling us foreign rebels. I answered them with a cannon shot, upon which the enemy commenced a bombardment with a five inch howitzer, which together with a heavy cannonade, has been kept up incessantly ever since. I instantly sent express to Col. Fannin, at Goliad, and to the people of Gonzales and San Felipe. Today at 10 o’clock A.M. some two or three hundred Mexicans crossed the river below and came up under cover of the houses until they arrived within virtual point blank shot, when we opened a heavy discharger of grape and canister on them, together with a well directed fire from small arms which forced them to halt and take shelter in the houses about 90 or 100 yards from our batteries. The action continued to rage about two hours, when the enemy retreated in confusion, dragging many of their dead and wounded. 

During the action the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge of balls, grape, and canister. We know from actual observation that many of the enemy were wounded—while we, on our part, have not lost a man. Two or three of our men have been slightly scratched by pieces of rock, but have not been disabled. I take great pleasure in stating that both officers and men conducted themselves with firmness and bravery. Lieutenant Simmons of cavalry acting as infantry, and Captains Carey, Dickinson and Blair of artillery, rendered essential service, and Charles Despallier and Robert Brown gallantly sallied out and set fire to houses which afforded the enemy shelter, in the face of enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted themselves with such heroism that it would be injustice to discriminate. The Hon. David Crockett was seen at all points, animating the men to do their duty. Our numbers are few and the enemy still continues to approximate his works to ours. I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his whole force very soon; but I shall hold out to the last extremity, hoping to secure reinforcements in a day or two. Do hasten on id to me as rapidly as possible, as from the superior number of the enemy, it will be impossible for us to keep them out much longer. If they overpower us, we fall a sacrifice at the shrine of our country, and we hope prosperity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death!

W. Barret Travis

Lt. Col. Com

More Doctor and The Alamo

Not for me but the wife this time.  Her surgeon had suggested she see a GI doctor after her big blow out had healed some.  Today she saw the GI.  He had done his homework on her history it appears.  His plan is to get more tests to see if there is anything else going on in there and take preventive measures.  So a colonoscopy is scheduled but that won't happen until May 2.  They are that busy.  She will also need an MRI so they can see more of the small intestine that the colonoscopy can't see.  Until this is done we don't have a definitive plan.  He did tell her if she begins to have any bowel distress at all to call him immediately and he will get her some antibiotics.  That would be to prevent any diverticulitis from getting any worse, to the point it gets like it was before.  We are hopeful and are remaining positive.

If you live in Texas you might be aware of the controversy surrounding the Alamo.  If you are a registered voter in Texas the primary is March 6th.  If you care about the Alamo at all it would behoove you to learn what is going on with the Alamo.  The current Commissioner of the General Land Office has stepped in it.  He has riled a lot of Native Texans and others that care, with the plans he had to destroy the Alamo as it stands today, a memorial to those that sacrificed their lives in 1836, to some sort of politically correct tourist attraction that completely changes the meaning of what happened there.  Who is this Commissioner?  It's another Bush, Jeb Bush's son to be exact.  He is NOT a Native Texan as the Bush family calls themselves Texans, and has proved his lack of understanding of all things Texan and most importantly the Alamo.

Get informed, go vote in the primary.  There are alternatives.

Happy Trails

Thoughts

Today another young soldier friend heads out for deployment.  This is his 12th and he is not yet 30 years old.  It is a bit different for him this time.  He is the sergeant in charge of over 30 men (no officer avaliable) and only 4 have any previous deployments.  By deployments, I mean to a war zone.  This time is different than anything he has done before.  I don't want to be too specific as you can imagine.  But he and his family have been heavy on my mind.  

How long have we been in Afghanistan?  Seventeen plus years is it?  I am getting to the point that I am fed up with our involvement there.  I don't know what our goals there are anymore.  I don't think we have accomplished any meaningful change to that primitive society.  That is something that will take many generations to effect any real change there.  At least enough to be significant.  Are we prepared to do that that long?  At what cost?  Yes, I understand some, not all, the ramifications of us leaving.  But I can't stop thinking of these young soldiers that put everything on the line over there.  At this point, it doesn't seem I will see an end to it in my lifetime.  This saddens me.

My thoughts are a jumble right now.  I am frustrated that we are still there, fighting a seemingly endless war, with little results.  The rest of America seems to have forgotten we are still at war there and American lives are in jeopardy every day.  The press has moved on to other things that they think are more important, like destroying a president or undermining our society.

I am currently reading T.R. Feherenbach's, This Kind of War.  It is the classic history of the Korean War. 

 I see so many parallels in that book to today's press and the liberals that want to gut our military.  That approach got a lot of our young men slaughtered in that war.  The attitudes bled over into the military.  Lack of preparation, lack of discipline all added up.  Yes, we were tired of war as a country, this just 5 years after WW 2.  I see some of the same happening recently, especially under the previous administration.  Hopefully the current can correct some of that.  I would suggest that every military man be required to read this book.  

Not so happy trails today. my apoligies

Dreary

The weather here if very dreary.  Rarely has the sun been seen in over a week and it will be scarce for all of this week if what the prognosticators say is correct.  The rib tells me that she heard that we have had cloudy days for over 50% of the days since September.  That is a lot.  This is the area where the sun goes for the winter.  Well he has gone somewhere else this year.  We generally have a warming trend and quite a lot of sun by now.  Not this year.  But then again, weather has had some unusual patterns the last few years.  Why should I expect it to be any different.

About 4 weeks ago I dropped a deer off to be processed at new place.  It still isn't ready.  They had said 3-4 weeks.  However when I finally got hold of someone they said it was 5-6 weeks and the person that gave me that info was 'new.'  We have been holding off on stocking up on meats waiting for this deer.  I am beginning to wish I had used my usual place.  But this one was much closer, not sure that is good enough to use them again.  My old place usually got it done in 2 weeks.  We will see.

This past weekend, a lady that was a big inspiration to me, by the way she handled her cancer, succumbed to the disease.  I saw her last about 3 weeks ago and had been shocked at how much weight she had lost.  Then about that time she started struggling with various issues all related to her cancer or the treatments.  Things were not looking good.  She was always cheerful when we talked and she did what she always did, inspired me.  Her demeanor was a great testament to her approach on dealing with cancer.  I wanted to approach cancer like she did.  No one wants to be around a defeatist unhappy attitude regardless of what that person is going through.  She certainly was a joy to be around despite her struggle.  My heart breaks for her family.  I will miss her but not forget her.

Happy Trails

Technology and Grandparents

For the most part I do pretty well with technology.  I can make things work like I want them to and play around with it in order to learn 'how to' with various functions.  It was a matter of survival for me as it became a huge part of my job.  I learned mostly by OJT, no classes, just hands on, figure it out for yourself.  I think that method was better for my level of need, it stayed with me.  Learning via a class situation would not have been as productive for me.

Thursday we went to visit my parents.  They mentioned they were having issues with their printer.  My brother had been over and messed around with it some and told them it appeared there was something wrong with the printer other than just needing ink or paper.  So I took that as a cue to try my luck.  As it turns out, it was the same type printer I have so I knew a few things about it and would give it a try.  Well, I determined my brother was most likely right.  They rarely if ever print anything.  So I told them if they really felt like they had to have a printer to look around for a really cheap one instead of ponying up what this one cost new, over 250$.  Yes, cheap ones have issues too, but I'm hoping they decide to just pass on getting another printer.

Son #2 was there also and was trying to get their DVD player working with their TV and sound system.  He did that but trying to teach them how to turn everything on and get it working right was turning into an issue.  They wrote down instructions for them in order to watch their movies.  I am not holding out much hope.  This is the second time they have gone through this. 

K was also trying to show Mom some things on her smartphone.  Oh my, the frustration level for my mother was pretty low by this point.  We were not really able to help them much at all the best I can tell, Mom was shutting down on this technology thing.  I could see it in her expression.  She kept saying she was just too stupid.  No, it certainly is not that.  It is more like, they get frustrated too quickly so they avoid using certain things and never really take the time to learn how to use it.  I understand that.  I get frustrated too at times and have to walk away, but I don't give up.  But the old saying 'use it or lose it' applies to being able to use technology in the way they would need too.

Happy Trails

On This Day 1836 at the Alamo

February 12, 1836 (23 Days to the Fall of the Alamo)
William B Travis to Governor Henry Smith:

"You have no doubt already received information, by Express…that tremendous preparations are [being made]…for the Invasion of Texas…We are illy prepared for their reception, as we have not more than 150 men here and they in a very discouraged state- Yet we are determined to sustain it as long as there is a man left; because we consider death preferable to disgrace, which would be the result of giving up a Post which has been so dearly won, and thus opening the door for the invaders to enter the sacred Territory of the colonies. - We hope our countrymen will open their eyes to the present danger, and wake up from their false security...

In conclusion let me assure your Excelly, that with 200 more men I believe this place can be maintained & I hope they will be sent us as soon as possible. Yet should we receive no reinforcement, I am determined to defend this place to the last, and, should Bexar fall, your friend will be buried beneath the ruins."

Sunday Morning

Woke up Sunday morning to a biting cold wind and some light rain.  It was miserable to be out in it.  I had no idea it was coming as I had not checked on what the weather folks were predicting.  After several years of very mild winters and a couple in a row of no freezing temps, Mother Nature has made up for it this year.  It could be worse but I am ready for Spring.  By this time in February the last couple years we have experienced some really warm days and a few buds start peeking out from various trees and plants.  Not this year, and there is no indication this will end soon.  However, we will shortly be complaining about how hot it is.  This Texas, it's what we do.

A lot of folks we know have come down with that flu that has the country in its grip.  We try to avoid coming in contact with people and carry hand sanitizer.  We did make church but limited it to just one service instead of our usual two.  K continues to get stronger and stronger post surgery but I think her system is still too vulnerable and a case of flu' for either of us at this point, won't be good.

Thursday afternoon K had her big show and did really well.  She even sold some of my leather.  She did sell the holster I had thought I would keep for my 1911 if it didn't sell.  Oh well, I would not have used it much anyway.  It was a good finish to all the work that went into it, we couldn't expect better for just a 3 hour show.  

Saturday we met up with Son #1 and his family.  Friday was his 40th birthday and his son's (my Grandson) 8th Birthday was Sunday.  We met at a place to eat and enjoyed that for a couple hours.

So now we have a little time on our hands and I am getting itchy feet for day trips etc.  But the weather isn't cooperating.  So we will just hang around here and try to stay out of the way of the flu.  

Happy Trails

News

Here is one you most likely won't see on the regular news networks:

After 10 years USMC officially exonerates MARSOC 7 from accusations of war crimes SOFREP Original Content

Only question I have is why did it take so freaking long? 

Davy Crocket

How many of you remember the Davy Crocket craze of the 50's?  I had the coonskin cap and watched the Disney mini series.  I was very young and we were poor so I didn't get a huge collection of things Davy that were available at the time.  I don't even remember some of them I have seen on the book of faces.  Then I go over to Ebay and look around and see tons of things I never heard of.  

To me, Fess Parker will always be Davy Crocket.

My FB page has been filled with Davy related posts the last week.  FYI, he prefered to be called David, not Davy.  That moniker had been added by a fiction writer of the times that told tall tales of Davy.  There is also a letter I have seen that is claimed to be the last letter he wrote while he was in Texas, in it he spells his last name as I have spelled it here.  Maybe that is misspelled by him but I prefer to use it the way he did.  Yes there are other letters that have both t's, so who knows.  Here in my neck of the woods, except for the wack jobs that call him a racist murderer and even a coward, Davy Crocket is pretty much revered.  

Today is generally accepted as the day he arrived at the Alamo, to never leave.  I took this off the Historic Davy Crockett Homepage on FB.  'ON THIS DAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1836, DAVID CROCKETT ARRIVED TO SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR IN TEXAS. Researchers have not found the exact day of his arrival, but according to Alamo's engineer, Major Green B. Jameson's letter of February 11, 1836, to the Governor Henry Smith, it reads: "We are now one hundred and fifty strong, Col. Crockett and Col. Travis both here & Col. Bowie in command of the volunteer forces. Col. Neill left today for home ..." This information indicates that Crockett arrived some time between February 6 and 10.'

Here's a description of his arrival from James Donovan's The Blood of Heroes:

"Crockett was greeted warmly when he reached Main Plaza. Someone called for a speech, and the crowd took up the cry. Crockett mounted a wooden crate to enthusiastic cheers. He spoke of the new country of Texas, and patriotism, and told several of his tried and tested anecdotes to frequent applause. He alluded to his career as a congressman, and he delivered his "go to hell" story, now a staple of all his public utterances. He concluded with words to this effect, wisely chosen for his audience and remembered by John Sutherland:

And fellow citizens, I am among you. I have come to your country, though not, I hope, through any selfish motive whatever. I have come to aid you all I can in your noble cause. I shall identify myself with your interests, and all the honor that I desire is defending as a high private, in common with my fellow citizens, the liberties of our common country.

"This made many a man who had not known him before Colonel Crockett's friend," remembered Dr. Sutherland.

Whatever your perception of Crocket is, in my house he will always be remembered fondly.  Mostly because it is a very pleasant memory of my childhood.  But also for the sacrifice he made.  The manner of how he died makes no difference despite his detractors that try to tell us otherwise.

Happy Trails

Leather

Here are a few photos of the Leather work that has kept me out of trouble the last couple weeks.  Just hope we are successful after all this work.

Knife Scabbard

Cuff/Bracelets-there were many more of these in varying styles

Minimalist Holster-fits larger frame semi-autos,  if this one doesn't sell I may keep it for my 1911

Coffee cup sleeves-these are a cooler version of  those paper sleeves you get when you buy your coffee

There was more but I posted a few of those in a previous post.  It doesn't look like a lot but it is pretty labor intensive and takes much time.

Happy Trails

Happy Wife.....

Leather work has kept me out of trouble so far this week, but  I am getting near the end of any additional items.  So there is no telling what kind of trouble I will get into.  I made a couple of Kindle Fire covers a while back that I have on hand to sell at the upcoming show.  However, i seem to have misplaced one of them.  I have looked and looked and it just isn't here.  It would have been great to have it available for this show, but unless it somehow magically re-appears I will only have the one.  I will get some photos up of what I have made in a day or so.

I haven't had enough time to see what is going on in the news, I pick up bits and pieces from the www, but those are just headlines, I don't bother with most of the content.  Consequently I have managed to keep most of my sanity and not get all tight in the jaws with the things that go on in the world.

Today marks the day I become a Medicare subscriber.  I will have to learn the ins and outs of how that works.  My prescription plan will just transfer seamlessly over, since it is basically the same company.  Hopefully the deductible I met for the year in January will apply to this new plan.  Probably not but I hope so.  I just changed insurance companies last September and now have to go through that again.  At least K is still on our old plan.  

Today K came in and told me she would (wanted to) cut my hair if I trimmed my beard.  It was more of a 'you really need to cut your hair and beard' suggestion.  I haven't had my hair cut since the end of August and had no real plans to cut it at all and especially not my beard.  Well guess what.  They both have been cut.  Although I managed to keep most of the beard by leaving the goatee as long as it was as a beard.  She says I look ten years younger.  Maybe, I don't really care, it's all white/gray anyway, not sure how length makes any difference.  But she is happy.

Happy Trails