Tcxian citizens, without any renl or alleged crime, who happened to be in parts of the country on busi- ness, where they were unprepared to evade the arbi- trary orders of the despot.-..\.mong these were Col's Milam and Bowie, both of whom were slain, the former in taking San Antonio, the latter in his bed, at the storming of the Alamo. Accounts from the interior were so contradictory, that two gentlemen were sent from San Fillippe to make inquiry as to the true grounds of them, and what was to be expected from that quarter. No report was received from them to dissipate the doubts which occasioned their mission. Great excitement and diversity of opinion existed at this time, among the people, as to the reasons they had for apprehension from the destroyer of Mexican liberty. Many of the well informed, being convinced of the designs of Santa Anna to bring an army, clan- destinely, into the country, made many ineffectual efforts, by calling primary meetings of the people, to assemble a Convention, and adopt such measures against the impending danger, as would not be incom- patible with their allegiance to the Constitution. Others admitted the prospect of a war, but were disposed to hold land-speculators responsible for having made this breach in the public quietude, and brought thPm into this danger for their own pri,·ate emolument. Another and third class would not believe the ~fox- icans so base as to overrun their country, without
178
Powered by FlippingBook