Santa Ana was one of the most famous of Mexican soldiers and
politicians. He was prominent as a leader in the expulsion of the
Spaniards, and finally became president of the republic. When Texas
seceded, he advanced into that territory, but after his victory at the
Alamo was decisively defeated and captured at San Jacinto by General
Houston. After he had recognized the independence of Texas, he was
released, and twice afterwards he served as president of Mexico.

During our war with that country, the Mexicans under his command were
several times defeated, and Santa Ana resigned his commission. In 1853
he was for the last time made president, but before his term expired he
was for a third time driven from his country in disgrace.

[142-3] William B. Travis, after serving as a scout, had been appointed
lieutenant-colonel and sent by the Texan governor to relieve Colonel
Neill at the Alamo. The volunteers there were not willing to accept
Travis as higher than second in command, but wished to elect their own
colonel. In response to this feeling, Neill issued an order for the
election of a lieutenant-colonel, and was about to make his departure,
but the Texans seeing his purpose resented it and threatened Neill's
life unless he yielded to their demands. Accordingly, under his
direction James Bowie was elected full colonel, and when Travis reached
the garrison he found Bowie in full command. Travis brought with him a
company of regular recruits, but it was evident that trouble might soon
arise between the rival commanders.

[142-4] This Colonel Jas. Bowie had been a popular leader of the Texans,
and had already defeated a large Mexican force. It is said that in one
of his battles he broke his sword, but fought so desperately and
successfully with the stump that afterwards he designed from the broken
blade the terrible knife, which was known during the Mexican War and the
Rebellion as the "Bowie knife."

[142-5] David Crockett is so interesting a character that a longer
account of him is given on page 29 of this volume.

[144-6] The people of Texas assembled in a general convention at
Washington on the Brazos River, and issued their declaration of
independence from Mexico on the second of March, 1836. That same day,
General Sam Houston called attention to the perilous position of the
garrison at the Alamo, saying, "Independence is declared; it must be
maintained. Immediate action united with valor alone can achieve the
g