was stormed. The attack was
made from different directions, by four columns under the leadership
of his most experienced officers. Each column was provided with
every thing necessary; ladders, pick-axes, crow-bars, &c. The attack
was ordered for midnight; but delays always occur, and it was not
until precisely at four o'clock on the morning of March 6th, the
thirteenth day of the seige, that the bugle sounded the advance along
the whole Mexican line. The garrison, feeling the movement, leaped
to their guns and poured upon their assailants a storm of lead and
iron. Before the fire of the Texans the three columns, on the north,
west, and east, staggered and swung back. Some confusion was
produced, but te solid mass rallied under their officers and renewed
the assault. This time they broke through the wall and took one of
the guns. This cannon was commanded by Colonel Travis himself,
and it is supposed that he was killed early in the action, as he was
found dead near the gun. The Mexicans turned this gun against the
last stronghold and dislodged the Texans, who took refuge in the
different buildings. Then began a deadly, close conflict. Each
building was a seperate battle ground. Each Texan knew that his own
death was certain, and he resolved to have as many as possible of the
enemy
