March 6. 1936 - REMEMBER THE ALAMO

At 4 o'clock on the morning of March 6, 1836, Santa Ana positioned his men within 200 yards of the Alamo's walls. His first attack was driven back, as was the second. The Mexican soldiers suffered staggering losses. Their officers supposed there were many more men on the walls than there actually were. The soldiers fought as courageously and disciplined as any English grenadier. On the third attempt, several Mexican columns merged and finally secured the north wall.

Out of 800 men in the Toluca Battalion only 130 survived. Inside the fighting was hand to hand with knives, pistols, clubbed rifles, knees and fists. Blood was spilled in the convent, the barracks and in the church interior itself. The battle lasted 90 minutes, and then it was over.

All the Texas defenders died. By mayor Ruiz's account, the Mexican army lost 1,544 men and more than 500 were wounded, of which most would eventually succumb. He numbered the defenders at 182. Santa Ana ordered all the bodies of the Texans to be stacked in three heaps, mixed with fuel, wood and dry branches from the neighboring forest, and set on fire. Gregorio Esparza was the only defender allowed a Christian burial, Santa Ana acceding to his brother's request, who fought on the Mexican side.

One year later, a detail under Captain Juan Seguin returned to recover the ashes and bury them. Afterward a procession and mass were held to honor the defenders.