re: If Tennessee had not saved Texas from the Mexicans,

quote:

---

Travis was co-commander (along with famed frontiersman James Bowie) of the makeshift fortress when the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna arrived in San Antonio.

---

They were some brave men. And, I’m thankful for them. But, legend & facts rarely line up.

Bowie was gravely ill and probably had died by the time the battle began. The men weren’t told as it would’ve been a huge morale blow in an already desperate situation.

For all his fire and brimstone, Travis was too impulsive and foolish to lead well. When he heard the Mexicans were advancing, he grabbed his musket, jumped the wall and was likely the first casualty. 15 minutes in and there was no one left in command.

Crockett made it to the end and surrendered in an attempt to save his life. Santa Anna rode in and asked why there were any left alive since he had expressly said no quarter for white men. The survivors were lined up before a firing squad and executed.