On the 24th of February couriers were sent by Travis to
San Felipe and Goliad for assistance. The Mexicans steadily
bombarded the fort without effect. Early in the morning of the 25th,
the Mexicans brought into play all their available guns. Towards
noon Santa Anna left his head-quarters and gave his personal
supervision to the aim of the gunners.
At every opportunity, when screened from view, he
advanced and planted his guns nearer the fort. On the night of the
25th the Texans made a sally into the town and burned some houses
that were near the fort. The next morning there was a brisk skirmish
without any decisive result. The number of Mexicans was not
increased and Santa Anna made great efforts to cut off the supply of
water from the garrison. In this he completely failed. Again at night
Travis' men made another sortie and burnt some houses. Meantime
the Mexicans kept up the bombardment for several days together,
incessantly, but without any serious result.
On the second of March the garrison received a re-inforce-
ment of thirty-two citizen soldiers, who had fought their way through
the ranks of the enemy. These were commanded by Captain John W.
Smith, of Gonzales. On the third, Colonel Travis sent a courier with
a message to the State Convention then in session at
