The siege of the Alamo is a battle which represents the struggle of Texan forces against Mexican conquerors for independence. Stressing the importance of the Siege of the Alamo in the whole battle, it should be stressed that both sides fought with courage and the victory of Mexican forces in the particular event can be explained by their superior forces. The battle was lost, however, it still remains as one of the most important events in the fight for independence. The courage and reimbursement of each of the soldiers who tried to protect the Alamo Mission could not be overestimated. Speaking of the hero who can perfectly represent the events of the battle, William Barret Travis should be referred to. Much is known about the duration of the fight and occupation from the letters he sent from the Alamo Mission to John W. Smith, a Texas politician and mayor who supported the fighters during their fight for independence.
The siege of the Alamo is the first fight between Mexican and Texan armies during the fight of independence. Being invited by John W. Smith to taking part in this fight William Barret Travis could not refuse the invitation, but he had serious concerns about the successful outcome of the affair referencing to the number of Mexican forces and Texan ones. The situation appeared to be worse than Travis predicted, there were between 1,800 and 5,000 of soldiers from the Mexican side, and between 189-257 soldiers from Texan side as per different sources (Gunderson 20). However, the soldiers fought for death. To understand the situation Texan soldiers appeared while the siege of the Alamo, a letter from William Barret Travis to public pronouncement should be presented here.
I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country. Victory or Death.
P.S. The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves (Hansen 32).
This letter is the explanation of the situation which was inside the mission. The number of soldiers was too little and the forces of the enemy increased every day. Asking for assistance Travis understood that the situation was too complicated and the necessary forces could not come on time. However, the mood of the soldiers, their desire to make their place free from occupation and power of Mexicans made those fearless. As a result, the fight took place. Even though the siege of the Alamo was lost and Mexicans managed to fought down Texan forces on March, 6. This date is considered as the end of the siege of the Alamo, but not the end of the battle of the Alamo in general.
Much attention should be paid to the rivals of Texan forces. Antonio López de Santa Anna was the Mexican political leader who headed the military forces of conquerors. The historical worthy of Santa Anna in being a villain in the drama may be explained by the strategy used by the leader while taking the mission. Santa Anna grouped his forces into four colons and on the 6th of March they began silently approach the mission. Texan soldiers did not expect such intrusion waiting for a loud fight. Therefore, the result of the battle was predetermined and expected. Santa Anna’s actions may be explained and easily understood. There was no another way out as the victory of Mexicans, but in case of loud and predicted fight many Mexicans could be killed and injured. Texan forces did not have any intention to leave the mission without a fight. Therefore, being interested in fewer loses of its army Santa Anna acted in the way he did.
In conclusion, it should be stated that William Barret Travis and Antonio López de Santa Anna are two heroes of the siege of the Alamo who deserve attention. The actions of these two people are prominent and important. Dwelling upon the event under consideration, these people were the leaders of their armies and their decisions made the history as it was.
Works Cited
Gunderson, Cory. The Battle of Alamo. New York: ABDO, 2010. Print.
Hansen, Todd. The Alamo Reader: A Study in History. New York: Stackpole Books, 2003. Print.