Exacavations at the Alamo Shrine [page 9]On the morning of February 23, the Mexican forces entered San Antonio de Bexar and began deploying their divisions. Having sighted the approaching army, the Texans withdrew into the fortifications of the Alamo. A column of Mexican infantry entered Main Plaza with orders to take San Fernando church and to display the red flag on top of the spire, signifying no quarter to the enemy. A cannon shot from the 18-pounder at the Alamo thundered the Texans' response.
The Mexican artillery commander was ordered to immediately set up his two 8-inch howitzers and to fire four grenades (spherical case) into the Alamo. Fragments of spherical shells were found during the archaeological excavations. The exploding shells, although doing little actual damage, had definite impact on the defenders, and a white flag was displayed. The artillery ceased firing, and Travis dispatched a written communication addressed to the commander of the invading forces stating that he wished to enter into agreements. Receiving the message, General Santa Anna gave the verbal reply that he would not deal with bandits and that they had no alternative but to surrender unconditionally (Perry, 1975:38-39). The demand to surrender was rejected by the defenders of the Alamo, and the stage was set for an all out confrontation.
On February 29, the siege of the Alamo began. Batteries of 8-pounder cannon and 6-inch and 8-inch howitzers were placed into position across the river and beyond effective musket range, and bombardment of the fortifications commenced. Cannon mounted at the Alamo returned fire, but evidently did no great damage.
The next day Mexican soldiers began crossing the San Antonio River to within small arms range, and for the following nine days, through March 5, the siege continued, with bombardment by field pieces and small arms fire.
On March 5, the general order for the assault was issued by General Santa Anna, after consulting with his field commanders. It would be carried out the following morning.
The initial attack formation, which was probably assembled in Main Plaza, consisted of four marching columns as well as ready reserves, a combined force of about 1500 men. In addition, cavalry was assigned to prevent anyone escaping (ibid.). The first column, commanded by General Cos, included a battalion from Aldama and three companies from the San Luis contingent; it was to advance on the western front of the Alamo compound which faced the city. The second column, under Colonel Duque, consisting of his own battalion and three companies from San Luis, was to go against the north wall. These first two columns totaled about 700 men. The third column, under command of Colonel Romero, was formed of two companies of fusiliers (infantry from the Jimenez and Matamoros battalions, more than 300 men, and was to attack the east wall, including the back of the church. The fourth column, made up of over 100 chasseurs (light infantry) commanded by Colonel Morales, was to assault the main entrance to the quadrangle on the south side, and also the palisade fortification set between the southwest corner of the church and the quadrangle. Held in reserve, but soon committed to battle, were about 400 men of the sapper-battalion (engineers) and five grenadier (elite infantry) companies commanded by Colonel Amat (Perry,1975:45-46). Other reinforcements which considerably increased the attack force would also be employed.
The advance began at one o'clock in the morning of March 6. By three o'clock the columns had reached-the river and were crossing over by some narrow wooden bridges. Then, at dawn's first light, a bugle call ordering death, the dreadful deguello,
See Also: Soldados Mexicanos
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