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GACE English to
119 Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL)
120 Teacher Certification Exam

By: Sharon Wynne, M.S.

Southern Connecticut State University

XAMonline, INC.
Boston
Copyright © 2010 XAMonline, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be
reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval
system, without written permission from the copyright holder.

To obtain permission(s) to use the material from this work for any purpose including
workshops or seminars, please submit a written request to:

XAMonline, Inc.
25 First Street Suite 106
Cambridge, MA 02141
Toll Free 1-800-509-4128
Email: [email protected]
Web www.xamonline.com
Fax: 1-617-583-5552

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wynne, Sharon A.
English to Speakers of Other Languages: Teacher Certification / Sharon A. Wynne. -1st ed.
ISBN: 978-1-60787- 693-9

1. ESOL 2. Study Guides 3. GACE 4. Teachers’ Certification &

Licensure
5. Careers

Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this publication are the sole works of XAMonline and
were created independently from the National Education Association, Educational
Testing Service, or any State Department of Education, National Evaluation System
or other testing affiliates.

Between the time of publication and printing, state specific standards as well as
testing formats and website information may change. Such changes are not
included in part or whole within this product. Sample test questions are developed by
XAMonline and reflect content similar to real tests; however, they are not former
tests. XAMonline assembles content that aligns with state standards, but makes no
claims nor guarantees teacher candidates a passing score. Numerical scores are
determined by testing companies such as NES or ETS and then compared with
individual state standards. A passing score varies from state to state.

Printed in the United States of America

GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ISBN: 978-1-60787-693-9
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

About XAMonline

Founded in 1996, XAMonline began with one teacher in- training who was frustrated by
the lack of materials available for certification exam preparation. From a single state-
specific guide, XAMonline has grown to offer guides for every state exam, as well as the
PRAXIS series.

Each study guide offers more than just the competencies and skills required to pass the
test. The core text material leads the teacher beyond rote memorization of skills to
mastery of subject matter, a necessary step for effective teaching.

XAMonline’s unique publishing model brings currency and innovation to teacher

preparation.

• Print on demand technology allows for the most up-to-date guides that are first to
market when tests change or are updated.
• The highest quality standards are maintained by using seasoned, professional
teachers who are experts in their fields to author the guides.
• Each guide includes varied levels of rigor in a comprehensive practice test so
that the study experience closely matches the actual in-test experience.
• The content of the guides is relevant and engaging.

At its inception, XAMonline was a forward-thinking company, and we remain committed

to bring new ways of studying and learning to the teaching profession. We choose from
a pool of over 1500 certified teachers to review, edit, and write our guides. We partner
with technology firms to bring innovation to study habits, offering online test
functionality, a personalized flash card builder, and ebooks that allow teachers in
training to make personal notes, highlight, and study the material in a variety of ways.

To date, XAMonline has helped nearly 500,000 teachers pass their certification or
licensing exams. Our commitment to preparation exceeds the expectation of simply
providing the proper material for study; it extends from helping teachers gain mastery of
the subject matter and giving them the tools to become effective classroom leaders to
ushering today’s students towards a successful future.

ESOL i
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

How to Use This Book

Help! Where do I begin?

Begin at the beginning. Our informal polls show that most people begin studying up to
eight weeks prior to the test date. Start early. Then ask yourself some questions: How
much do you really know? Are you coming to the test fresh from your teacher education
program or do you have to review subjects you haven’t considered in ten years? Either
way, take a diagnostic or assessment test first. Spend time on sample tests so that you
become accustomed to the way the actual test will appear.

A diagnostic can help you decide how to manage your study time, as well as reveal
things about your knowledge. Although this guide is structured to follow the order of the
test, you are not required to study in that order. By finding a time management and
study plan that fits your life, you will be more effective. The results of your diagnostic or
self-assessment test can to manage your time and point you toward areas that need
more attention.

You may also want to structure your study time based on the percentage of questions
on the test. For example, 25% of the mathematics questions focus on algebraic
concepts.* Note, this doesn’t mean that algebraic concepts are equal to 25% of the
test’s worth. Remember the distribution charts from above: each major content area is
devoted an equal amount of questions, but within the content areas the number of
questions per subject area varies greatly. Depending on your grasp of any one topic,
you may want to devote time comparable to the number of questions. See the example
study rubric below for an idea of how you might structure your study plan.

Week Activity

8 weeks prior Take a diagnostic or pre-assessment test, then build your study plan
to test according to your time availability and areas that need the most work.

7 weeks prior Read the entire study guide. This does not have to be an in-depth
to test reading, but you should take the time to mark sections or areas you’d
like to return to that can be skimmed in further study.

6-3 weeks For each of these 4 weeks, choose a content area to study. You don’t
prior to test have to go in the order of the book. You may start with the content
that needs the most review. Alternatively, you may want to ease
yourself into your plan by starting with the most familiar material.

2 weeks prior Take the sample test, score it, and create a review plan for the final
to test week before the test.

ESOL ii
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

1 week prior to Go back and study the sections that align with questions you got
test wrong. Then go back and study the sections related to the questions
you answered correctly. If need be, create flashcards and drill yourself
on any area that makes you anxious.

Other Helpful Study and Testing Tips

How you study is as important as what you study. You can increase your chances of
mastering the information by taking some simple, effective steps.

Study Tips

1. You are what you eat. Certain foods aid the learning process by releasing natural
memory enhancers called CCKs (cholecystokinin) composed of tryptophan,
choline, and phenylalanine. All of these chemicals enhance the
neurotransmitters associated with memory. A light meal or snacks from the
following foods may help with recall:

• Milk • Eggs
• Nuts and seeds • Turkey
• Rice • Fish
• Oats

The better the connections, the more you comprehend!

2. The pen is mightier than the sword. Learn to take great notes. In our modern
culture, we have grown accustomed to getting our information in small doses.
We’ve subconsciously trained ourselves to assimilate information in neat little
packages. Messy notes fragment the flow of information. Your notes can be
much clearer with proper formatting. The Cornell method is one such format. This
method was popularized in How to Study in College, Ninth Edition, by Walter
Pauk. You can benefit from the method without purchasing an additional book by
simply looking up the method on line. On the next page is a sample of how the
Cornell method can be adapted for use with this guide.

ESOL iii
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

2 ½” 6”

Cue Note Taking Column

Column

1. Record: During your reading, use the note-taking column to

record important points.
2. Question: As soon as you finish a section, formulate
questions based on the notes in the right-hand column. Writing
questions helps to clarify meanings, reveal relationships,
establish community, and strengthen memory. Also, the writing
of questions sets the stage for exam study later.
3. Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper.
Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the cue column
only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the
questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue words.
4. Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions.
5. Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing
your previous notes. Doing so helps you retain ideas and
topics for the exam.
Summary

2”

After reading, use this space to summarize the notes from each page.

*Adapted from How to Study in College, Ninth Edition, by Walter Pauk, ©Wadsworth,
2008.

3. See the forest for the trees. Get the concept before you look at the details. One
way to do this is to take notes as you read, paraphrasing or summarizing in your
own words. Putting the concept in terms that are comfortable and familiar may
increase retention.

ESOL iv
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

4. Question authority. Ask why, why, why. Pull apart written material paragraph by
paragraph and don’t forget the captions under the illustrations. For example, if a
heading reads Stream Erosion, put it in the form of a question (“Why do streams
erode?” or “What is stream erosion?”) Then find the answer within the material.
If you train your mind to think in this manner you will learn more and prepare
yourself for answering test questions.

5. Play mind games. Using your brain for reading or puzzles keeps it flexible. Even
with a limited amount of time your brain can take in data (much like a computer)
and store it for later use. In ten minutes you can: read two paragraphs (at least),
quiz yourself with flash cards, or review notes. Even if you don’t fully understand
something on the first pass, your mind stores it for recall, which is why frequent
reading or review increases chances of retention and comprehension.

6. Place yourself in exile and set the mood. Set aside a particular place and time to
study that best suits your personal needs and biorhythms. If you’re a night
person, burn the midnight oil. If you’re a morning person set yourself up with
some coffee and get to it. Make your study time and place as free from
distraction as possible and surround yourself with what you need, be it silence or
music. Studies have shown that music can aid in concentration, absorption, and
retrieval of information - not all music, though. Classical music is said to work
best.

7. Get pointed in the right direction. Use arrows to point to important passages or
pieces of information. Arrows are easier to read than a page full of yellow
highlights. Highlighting can be used sparingly, but add an arrow to the margin to
call attention to it.

8. Check your time budget. You should at least review all the content material
before your test, but allocate the most time to the areas that need the most
refreshing. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. You can use the study rubric
above to balance your study budget.

The proctor will write

the start time where it
can be seen and later,
make you aware of the
time remaining,
typically 15 minutes
before the end of the
test.

ESOL v
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

And Another Thing

Question Types

You’re probably thinking, enough already, I want to study! Indulge us a little longer while
we explain that there is actually more than one type of multiple-choice question. You
can thank us later after you realize how well prepared you are for your exam.

1. Complete the Statement. The name says it all. In this question type you’ll be
asked to choose the correct completion of a given statement. For example: “The
Dolch Basic Sight Words consist of a relatively short list of words that children
should be able to:

a. sound out.
b. know the meaning of.
c. recognize on sight.
d. use in a sentence.

The correct answer is A. In order to check your answer, test out the statement by
adding each of the choices to the end of it.

2. Which of the Following… One way to test your answer choice for this type of
question is to replace the phrase “which of the following” with your selection. Use
this example: Which of the following words is one of the twelve most frequently
used in children’s reading texts?

a. There
b. This
c. The
d. An

Don’t look! Test your answer. ____ is one of the twelve words most frequently
used in children’s reading texts. Did you guess C? Then you guessed correctly.

ESOL vi
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

3. Roman Numeral Choices. This question type is used when there is more than
one possible correct answer. For example: Which of the following two arguments
accurately supports the use of cooperative learning as an effective method of
instruction?

I. Cooperative learning groups facilitate healthy competition between

individuals in the group.
II. Cooperative learning groups allow academic achievers to carry or cover
for academic underachievers.
III. Cooperative learning groups make each student in the group accountable
for the success of the group.
IV. Cooperative learning groups make it possible for students to reward other
group members for achieving.

A. I and II
B. II and III
C. I and III
D. III and IV

Notice that the question states there are two possible answers. It’s best to read
all the possibilities before looking at the answer choices. In this case, the correct
answer is D.

4. Negative Questions. This type of question contains words such as “not,”

“least,” and “except.” Each correct answer will be the statement that does not fit
the situation described in the question. Such as: Multicultural education is not

a. an idea or concept.
b. a “tack-on” to the school curriculum.
c. an educational reform movement.
d. a process.

Think to yourself that the statement could be anything but the correct answer.
This question form is more open to interpretation than other types, so read
carefully and don’t forget that you’re answering a negative statement.

ESOL vii
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

5. Questions That Include Graphs, Tables, or Reading Passages. As

ever, read the question carefully. It likely asks for a very specific answer
and not broad interpretation of the visual. Here is a simple (though not
statistically accurate) example of a graph question: In the following graph,
in how many years did more men than women take the PRAXIS II exam?

a. None
b. One
c. Two
d. Three

It may help you to simply circle the years that answer the question. Make
sure you’ve read the question thoroughly and once you’ve made your
determination, double check your work. The correct answer is C.

ESOL viii
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

Testing Tips

1. Get smart; play dumb. Sometimes a question is just a question. No one is

out to trick you, so don’t assume that the test writer is looking for
something other than what was asked. Stick to the question as written and
don’t overanalyze.

2. Do a double take. Read test questions and answer choices at least twice
because it’s easy to miss something, to transpose a word or some letters.
If you have no idea what the correct answer is, skip it and come back later
if there’s time. If you’re still clueless, it’s okay to guess. Remember, you’re
scored on the number of questions you answer correctly and you’re not
penalized for wrong answers. The worst case scenario is that you miss a
point from a good guess.

3. Turn it on its ear. The syntax of a question can often provide a clue, so
make things interesting and turn the question into a statement to see if it
changes the meaning or relates better (or worse) to the answer choices.
{an example would be good here.}

4. Get out your magnifying glass. Look for hidden clues in the questions
because it’s difficult to write a multiple-choice question without giving away
part of the answer in the options presented. In most questions you can
readily eliminate one or two potential answers, increasing your chances of
answering correctly to 50/50, which will help out if you’ve skipped a
question and gone back to it (see tip #2).

5. Call it intuition. Often your first instinct is correct. If you’ve been studying
the content you’ve likely absorbed something and have subconsciously
retained the knowledge. On questions you’re not sure about, trust your
instincts because a first impression is usually correct.

6. Graffiti. Sometimes it’s a good idea to mark your answers directly on the
test booklet and go back to fill in the optical scan sheet later. You don’t get
extra points for perfectly blackened ovals. If you choose to manage your
test in this way, be aware of the risks.Be sure not to mismark your
answers when you transcribe to the scan sheet.

7. Become a clock-watcher. You have a set amount of time to answer the

questions. Don’t get bogged down laboring over a question you’re not sure
about when there are ten others you could answer more readily. If you
choose to follow the advice of tip #6, be sure you leave time near the end
to go back and fill in the scan sheet.

ESOL ix
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

Ready? Ready.

Do the Drill

No matter how prepared you feel, it’s sometimes a good idea to apply Murphy’s
Law. The following tips might seem silly, mundane, or obvious, but we’re
including them anyway.

1. Remember, you are what you eat, so bring a snack. Choose from the list
of energizing foods that appear earlier in the introduction.
2. You’re not too sexy for your test. Wear comfortable clothes. You’ll be
distracted if your belt is too tight, or if you’re too cold or too hot.
3. Lie to yourself. Even if you think you’re a prompt person, pretend you’re
not and leave plenty of time to get to the testing center. Map it out ahead
of time and do a dry run if you have to. There’s no need to add road rage
to your list of anxieties.
4. Bring sharp number 2 pencils. It may seem impossible to forget this
need from your school days, but you might. And make sure the erasers
are intact, too.
5. No ticket, no test. Bring your admission ticket as well as two forms of
identification, including one with a picture and signature. You will not be
admitted to the test without these things.
6. You can’t take it with you. Leave any study aids, dictionaries, notebooks,
laptops and the like at home. Certain tests do allow a scientific or four-
function calculator, so check ahead of time if your test does.
7. Prepare for the desert. Any time spent on a bathroom break cannot be
made up later, so use your judgment on the amount you eat or drink.
8. Quiet, please! Keeping your own time is a good idea, but not with a
timepiece that has a loud ticker. If you use a watch, take it off and place it
nearby but not so that it distracts you. And silence your cell phone.

To the best of our ability, the content you need to know is represented in this
book and in the accompanying online resources. The rest is up to you. You can
use the study and testing tips or you can follow your own methods. Either way,
you can be confident that there aren’t any missing pieces of information and
there shouldn’t be any surprises in the content on the test.

Good luck!

ESOL x
 TEACHER CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

Table of Contents

SUBAREA I. LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

OBJECTIVE 1 UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE

VARIETIES AND WAYS TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE OF THE
CONCEPTS IN THE CLASSROOM ................................................. 1

Skill 1.1 Demonstrating knowledge of the systematic and symbolic nature of

language, unique properties of human language (e.g., cultural
transmission, displacement, productivity), and concepts related to
innateness and universality.......................................................................... 1

Skill 1.2 Demonstrating knowledge of basic aspects of language origins and history
(e.g., language families, the linguistic history of English)............................. 1

Skill 1.3 Recognizing the effect of language contact on changes in a language and
types, sources, and effects of internal variations (e.g., dialects).................. 3

Skill 1.4 Demonstrating knowledge of pragmatic features of oral and written

language that influence or convey meaning (e.g., use of formal and
informal styles, idiomatic expressions, nonverbal elements) ....................... 6

Skill 1.5 Demonstrating knowledge of the influence of various factors (e.g., culture,
politics, society) on a speaker’s choice of pragmatic features and
language variations...................................................................................... 7

Skill 1.6 Identifying strategies that may apply knowledge of pragmatics to help ELL
students respond appropriately and communicate effectively in a variety of
contexts, including formal and informal settings, and for a variety of
audiences and purposes (e.g., interpreting and responding to nonverbal
cues and body language, demonstrating knowledge of acceptable
nonverbal classroom behaviors) .................................................................. 8

ESOL xi
 Another Random Document on
Scribd Without Any Related Topics
and he did not go. Colonel Fannin was not able to sail from Velasco,
and instead garrisoned Goliad. Dr. Grant remained out on the
prairies to the westward, collecting more horses. The soldiers were
very discontented, being without money and supplies.
After having done the best that he could, General Houston learned
that the council had suspended Governor Smith, on account of the
letter that he had written to them, and had appointed Lieutenant-
Governor Robinson to serve in his place until the next convention
met, on March 1. So back north to Washington on the Brazos
hastened Sam Houston, now well discouraged. The army were
presumed to make their winter quarters at Refugio, near Goliad in
the south.
In the United States Stephen Austin, Dr. Branch T. Archer, and Mr.
William H. Wharton, the Texas commissioners appointed by the
convention of last November, were busily obtaining loans of money
for the Texas government, with which supplies were being bought.
This was one bright spot.

Such was the news as received in Gonzales, by the columns of the

San Felipe weekly Telegraph, and by letters and word of mouth.
Indeed, what with the disputes among the army officers, the quarrel
between the governor and the council, and the opposition to General
Houston himself, as commander-in-chief, things, to Ernest (trying his
best to understand), looked black for Texas. He was glad that the
Matamoros expedition was given up, for Leo probably would have
joined and have been killed. But here was Texas at helpless sixes
and sevens—and General Santa Anna, according to reports, was at
Saltillo, preparing to march with a great army against the “rebels.”
Bejar surely would be among the first places attacked. Lieutenant-
Colonel Neill was there, with scarcely 100 men to man it and the
Alamo and to support the twenty-four cannon. He had sent for help.
Near the close of the third week of January, this 1836, had ridden
into Gonzales, from Goliad sixty miles south, Colonel James Bowie,
and Colonel Bonham, the South Carolinan, with a handful of recruits.
“Where you going, Jim?”
“To Bexar. Neill’s asked again for help. He tells headquarters that a
thousand Mexicans are coming to attack him. The general’s sent us
with orders for him to blow up the place and to pull out with all his
artillery. We can’t raise troops enough to defend it. Captain Dimitt
has orders to follow us from Goliad with one hundred men if he can
get them, but I don’t believe he can. It’s a shame, gentlemen; a
shame on Texas.”
And away rode the courtly James Bowie and the gallant James
Bonham. Ernest and Gonzales never saw them again.
By courier through Gonzales, Lieutenant-Colonel Neill replied to
General Houston that as he had no oxen or mules with which to drag
his cannon, he could not obey the orders, and would hold his post,
in hopes of reinforcements.
“He’ll stay; so will Bowie and Bonham!” groaned Dick Carroll, who
was ill in bed, to Ernest. “And they’ll fight to the death. They’ll never
surrender. After winning Bejar, we’ll lose it. If I was only on my feet
——! Meanwhile, ’stead of sending reinforcements, Texas is fighting
amongst itself, and at the same time depending on Sam Houston.
But what can Houston do—a general without an army to obey him,
or a government to help him. Travis and Bowie and Bonham and a
few others are about all the friends he seems to have, aside from
the governor, who’s a governor no longer.”
Ten days passed, marked by more rumors, and by another courier
bearing through Gonzales an appeal from Lieutenant-Colonel Neill to
the government for help. Then, at the last of January, appeared in
Gonzales William Barret Travis, for Bejar with thirty horsemen.
“Who’s for Bexar?” he challenged, hotly. “What’s the matter with
you Texans? Are you Gonzales people just as cold-blooded as the
rest of the state?”
 “Where’s your regular army, colonel?” retorted somebody.
Lieutenant-Colonel Travis threw up his hand with a gesture of
despair.
“The regular army!” he cried. “I’ve been on recruiting service for
weeks. So has Fannin; so has Rusk. The whole regular army doesn’t
number a hundred men. Since I received orders to march to the
relief of Bexar I’ve worked day and night to get regulars, volunteers,
anybody; and at San Felipe and at Burnam’s on the Colorado I’ve
raised only thirty men—twenty-six of ’em regulars, and four of ’em
volunteers. I had more, but they deserted, with their horses and
outfit. Boys, I’m discouraged. The country seems exhausted, or else
won’t fight. We’ve a few patriots, but they’re about worn out. They
can’t do everything. I haven’t slept, and I’ve pledged my own
money. The governor’s been deposed, and nobody will follow Sam
Houston—the best man who’s yet thrown in with Texas. Looks to me
as if we were counting on the United States to fight our battles for
us. But I’m going to Bexar if I have to go alone. It’s the key to
Texas, and I, personally, shall never surrender it.”
He took Captain Dickinson and Captain Albert Martin and two or
three other Gonzales men with him among his volunteers, and rode
on. He never came back; and came not back Captain Dickinson.
Ernest would gladly have gone with his captain, but he could not
leave Dick.
January merged into February. General Houston was reported to
have been forced out of his commandership, and to have gone on a
mission to make a treaty with the Cherokee Indians in Texas. The
regular army was a failure; and the majority of the volunteers, about
400 (most of them from the United States) were with Colonel Fannin
at Goliad. Lieutenant-Colonel Travis, Colonel Bowie, Colonel Bonham,
and Captain Dickinson (who had been reappointed as lieutenant in
the regular service) were still at Bejar. Captain Dickinson had sent
for his wife and baby to join him and visit relatives there. Lieutenant-
Colonel Neill passed through Gonzales on his way home, sick. He
had left Travis in command of about 150 men—far, far too few.
 For the Mexican soldiery were marching north. Reports from
Lieutenant-Colonel Travis said that he was in command of the
regulars and cavalry, and Colonel Bowie of the volunteers. But
General Sesma, of the Mexican army, he reported, certainly had
arrived at the Rio Grande River and joined General Cos, with 2000
men.

We are illy prepared for their reception [ran his

appeal to the helpless Governor Smith], as we have
not more than one hundred and fifty men here, and
they are in a very disorganized state. Yet, we are
determined to sustain it as long as there is a man left,
because we consider death preferable to disgrace,
which would be the result of giving up a post which
has been so dearly won, and thus opening the door for
the invaders to enter the sacred territory of the
colonies. We hope our countrymen will open their eyes
to the present danger, and wake from their false
security. I hope all party dissensions will subside, and
that our citizens will unite in the common cause and fly
to the aid of the frontier.
I fear it is useless to waste arguments upon them.
The thunder of the enemy’s cannon—the cries of their
famished children and the smoke of their burning
dwellings will only arouse them.
For God’s sake, and for the sake of our country
[implored the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Travis], send
us reinforcements. And he added:
With two hundred men I believe this place can be
maintained, and I hope they will be sent as soon as
possible. Yet, should we receive no reinforcements, I
am determined; and should Bexar fall, your friend will
be found beneath its ruins.
 Colonel Bowie had written, too; and Lieutenant-Colonel Neill had
brought word in person. What could 150, or 200 men, do against
2000? But scarcely had the appeals from Bejar been published in the
San Felipe Telegraph, when on the night of February 26 a dispatch
rider again galloped, horse afoam, into Gonzales. He bore a message
from Bejar to the alcalde or anybody else in authority.

Commandancy of Bexar,
Feb. 23, 3 o’clock p.m., 1836.
To Andrew Ponton, Judge, and the Citizens of
Gonzales:
The enemy in large force is in sight. We want men
and provisions. Send them to us. We have 150 men
and are determined to defend the Alamo to the last.
Give us assistance.
W. B. Travis, Lieut.-Col., Commanding.
P. S.—Send an express to San Felipe with the news,
night and day.
Travis.
 XIV
INDEPENDENCE IS DECLARED

Aroused by the clatter of hoofs in the street, while he and Dick

were getting ready for bed, Ernest had rushed out, curious, for now
every hurrying horseman carried a fresh alarm.
Having delivered the message, the dispatch-bearer was sitting his
horse in the gloom-enshrouded main plaza, and repeating his story
to an ever-increasing group of citizens around him. Captain John W.
Smith, the civil engineer of Bejar, who had guided Sion’s column to
the attack, and now had taken up residence at Gonzales, was there;
and Jacob Darst and others.
“They came on us all of a sudden [was saying the courier]; first
their advance guard, of nigh a thousand, on the twenty-second,
driving in before them a couple of our scouts. We’d just time to
evacuate for the Alamo, taking along what cattle we could pick up
on the way, and some of the women and children. Dickinson
managed to grab his wife and baby from the doorway of a house
where they were staying and carry them on his saddle. We worked
all night arranging things in the Alamo, for we hadn’t men enough to
hold both places; and on the next day the whole Mexican army
appeared—two thousand more infantry and cavalry, with Santa Anna
himself. Travis sent me out with word to Gonzales, and Colonel
Bonham’s gone on south for Fannin at Goliad.”
“Will Travis stay?”
“You’re right he will! He can’t be budged—the bravest, pluckiest
man in Texas. And Bowie’s there, and Davy Crockett.”
“What! Davy Crockett the Tennessee hunter?”
 “Yes, sir; the same. Davy and his rifle Betsy. He got in about two
weeks ago, from Nacogdoches, with a dozen other Tennesseeans, all
hankering to help Texas fight for liberty. But there’ll have to be other
reinforcements. Fannin may try. Whether he’ll get through I don’t
know. The trail in from the east is still open. Who’ll go—and who’ll
carry the news on to the government?”
“I will,” spoke a voice. Twas that of Dick Carroll, who, buttoning
his clothes, had followed Ernest. “I’m too weak to fight, boys—I’ve
been sick, you know; but I can ride. If I don’t get through, Ernest
will. Come on, lad; saddle up.”
Without waiting for any answer, he hurried off to the corral. Ernest
at his heels.
They quickly buckled the bridles and slapped on the saddles,
speaking scarcely a word.
“Finish, and bring the horses,” bade Dick. “Get our fixin’s from the
house. I want to see Ponton and that message. Meet me in the
square.”
He hastened away through the darkness. Ernest cinched the
saddles, ran to the house and got the rifles and ammunition, coats
and blankets; and on Duke, leading Dick’s horse, trotted to the
square.
Throughout the town lights were glimmering in windows, men and
women were stirring, and in the plaza the crowd was larger. The
heavy air was full of fear and excitement. But Dick was waiting; he
seized the bridle of his horse, as Ernest came up, and vaulted into
the saddle.
“Ready?” he uttered, tersely. “We’re off, then.” And with touch of
spur he broke his horse into a trot. Ernest drew beside him.
“We’ll make through to Burnam’s,” he said. “Change horses; make
San Felipe, and I reckon one of us’ll have to go on up to Washington
and find Houston.”
“I’ll do it, Dick,” promised Ernest. “You’ve been sick.”
 “I know you will. If I wasn’t so all-fired weak, I’d be for the Alamo.
Smith is collecting volunteers. They’ll leave in the morning.” He
groaned. “Oh, what’s this country coming to? The state without a
governor—or with two of ’em, rather. The council and the people
divided. Sam Houston without a command—a regular army of sixty
or seventy, they say, and no officers or supplies; rest of ’em mainly
volunteers from the States—four hundred with Fannin at Goliad, a
hundred and thirty with Johnson and Grant at San Patricio, and only
a hundred and fifty regulars and volunteers thrown together at Bejar.
Houston sent to treat with the Injuns, when he ought to be right on
the spot. And the convention, to set things right, not due till March
first, and three thousand Mexicans already across the border, to
sweep the state. If those fellows would only get out of the Alamo
while they have a chance. They could take to the timber and fetch
off some of their artillery, too.”
“Don’t you think they will, Dick?”
“Travis? And Bowie, and Bonham, and Dickinson and Crockett?
No! They don’t know the meaning of retreat. They’ll wait for Fannin.
Maybe he’ll cut through, if he can move his baggage; but I doubt it.
He’ll have a hundred miles to cover and Santa Anna’ll be watching
for him. Same with Grant and Johnson. If the boys can hold out,
they’ll get reinforcements from the east. The Gonzales batch will
likely make it—but they’ll be only a few. Most of the settlers are
scattered at their homes. They’ll wake, and they’ll wake too late.
Darn ’em! Darn us all!”
“But Sam Houston’ll go,” proffered Ernest, hopefully.
“What can he do alone? The council’s ag’in him and the governor,
and the people don’t know which to trust. All sorts of stories are
afloat. The convention’s got to settle matters. You’ll see, though,
how quick they’ll all turn to Sam Houston, with Santa Anna at their
doors. Once let the convention give him authority again, and he’ll
act, he’ll act. Just now he’s only a delegate from Refugio, waiting
orders. But if he gets ’em, and the Texas people will obey him, he’ll
save Texas yet.”
 Occasionally hoping and despairing, all night they rode, and at
dawn reached Burnam’s on the Colorado. While from here the alarm
was carried north and south along the river, they drank, ate, rested a
couple of hours, and on fresh horses rode for San Felipe, although
other messengers had volunteered.
“No. Go to Gonzales, every one of you,” urged Dick.
They arrived at San Felipe with Dick fagged and barely able to sit
the saddle. Ernest, tough and young and well, staggered as he
dismounted and helped his partner off. It had been a hard ride—the
last stretch the hardest of all.
They found San Felipe well-nigh emptied of its able-bodied men;
those not out in the fields had gone up to Washington, where the
convention of March first already was gathering. The quarrel
between the governor and the council was to be settled; and it was
rumored that a declaration of independence from Mexico was to be
passed. Governor Smith had gone. General Houston would be back
from his trip to the Cherokees.
So they found San Felipe quiet, save for its anxiety to ask: “What
about Travis at Bejar?” And when with their message they answered
the questions, speedily San Felipe was aroused as Gonzales had
been. Expresses were sent scouring to summon the Brazos settlers,
and within an hour the Travis call to the government was on its way
again, by new and stronger hands, to the gathering at Washington,
fifty miles up-river.
“I’m all in,” admitted Dick, drooping. “We’ve done our best, the
boy and I. We’ve got to rest a night. Hurry on, hurry on. Maybe we’ll
go up in the morning; one of us, anyway.”
Ernest it was who went. In the morning he felt keen and able
once more. Dick was still laid up, but urged him to leave.
“If there’s a declaration of independence, I want you to hear it,”
he said. “There’ll have to be one. Houston says that’s the only way,
now; and so does Austin. We can’t get the help we need from the
United States unless we stand on our own bottom. Then the word of
Texas will mean something. Now Santa Anna’ll never let us be a
state even. We must fight for independence and not for the
constitution. And you’ll see Houston. Make yourself known to him.
He’ll remember you. Tell him of the doings at Gonzales. Tell him
you’ve just come from there, and that the people all along the route
need him.”
That evening of February 28, Ernest rode, weary and dusty again,
into the town of Washington on the Brazos. It was filling up with
people: there were a few volunteers attached to the regular army,
and encamped, and many settlers attracted by the convention. The
visitors had tethered their horses and had spread their blankets in
the open. The Alamo already seemed to be on every tongue, but
nobody was preparing to leave. All were waiting.
Ernest sought a good spot; then he sought Sam Houston. He
quickly sighted him seated on the porch of the tavern, surrounded
by a group of men. No one could fail to pick Sam Houston out of any
crowd. Ernest elbowed in to him.
“Well, my boy?” queried the general, as Ernest stood before him,
eyed by the little crowd. “Do you wish to speak to me? Excuse me,
gentlemen.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Ernest, saluting. “I’m Ernest Merrill, from
Gonzales. I knew you at Fort Gibson, too.”
“I remember, I remember,” nodded the general, speaking with his
firm resonant voice. “From Gonzales. When did you arrive? You don’t
bring more bad news, I trust.”
“I left Gonzales night before last,” answered Ernest. “Dick Carroll
(he’s my father) left, I mean, to carry Colonel Travis’s dispatch to
San Felipe, and I rode with him because he was sick. Then at San
Felipe we had to rest, but we sent the message on up here.”
“Yes,” soberly nodded the general. “We have the message. It
made quick time—remarkably quick. But what of Gonzales? Are the
people rallying? Did you spread the word along the road? How did
you come?”
 “By Burnam’s, sir,” replied Ernest. “The settlers are going to
Gonzales as fast as they can get ready. Captain John Smith was
getting a company together at Gonzales when we left and I expect
they’ve started for the Alamo, but they won’t be very many. Colonel
Travis’s messenger said that Colonel Bonham had been sent to
Goliad, too, for help from Colonel Fannin.”
The general excitedly rose and stamped back and forth. He talked
as he strode.
“Slowly, slowly,” he declared. “We must take time. It will be
madness for small bodies to attempt the Alamo now. They will go to
destruction. Fannin himself is liable to be cut off, and Goliad will fall.
We must organize. We must have discipline, and a commander-in-
chief. The convention must act. This tragedy would have been
averted if Colonel Neill had obeyed orders and evacuated. Bexar is
too remote on the frontier to be properly defended with the forces at
our disposal yet. Now what are we to do, what are we to do? First,
we must have harmony, and a concerted plan of action. As for Sam
Houston, he is willing to do anything—to lead or to follow, if that will
save Texas. Boy,” he continued, pausing, to Ernest, “you may tell
your people at Gonzales that Sam Houston is at the service of Texas,
whether as a general or a private soldier. The enemy shall be met
and defeated.”
“I thought I’d stay for the convention,” hazarded Ernest. “Dick
Carroll asked me to.”
“You look tired,” mused the general, surveying him. “You’ve had a
hard ride and have done well. Do so, then; stay, and you will see
history made. And, by Heaven, when we march against the enemy
you will see more history made.”
This was Sunday evening. The convention was called for Tuesday,
for February of 1836 had twenty-nine days. To-night, and Monday,
Ernest saw a number of delegates that he knew. Matthew Caldwell,
of Gonzales, was here—“Old Paint” the Indian fighter; and so was
Sam Maverick, of Bejar; and both were near crazed with anxiety
over the fate of their families and their homes. But the convention
must act, and order be restored, or all would indeed be lost. Lorenzo
de Zavala, the ex-president of the State of Mexico, was here; and
Antonio Navarro, formerly of Bejar, a brother of Angel Navarro the
political chief, whose house had been shattered in the taking of
Bejar, but a friend of Texas; and Francisco Ruiz, another patriot; and
Colonel Thomas Rusk, who had commanded cavalry at the siege of
Bejar; and others—not omitting Sam Houston.
Who should blow in, Monday morning, but Dick Carroll, after a
night’s ride. Ernest, for one, welcomed him gladly.
“They’re fighting at the Alamo,” announced Dick, to his listeners.
“I’ve brought another dispatch from Travis, date of twenty-fourth.
Delivered it to Governor Smith. Expect we-all’ll hear it read at the
convention. It’s a humdinger. Travis is holding out, and he says he’s
going to hold out. Boys, there’s some man! You’ll be proud when you
hear his words. Captain Martin fetched it out of the Alamo to
Gonzales; Smither brought it on to San Felipe; and I carried it up
here. Wanted to come anyway. Cos, they say, is out there; he’s
broken his parole. And Sesma, and Santa Anna, and General
Vincente Filisola, the Italian: the best officers in the Mexican army.
But Travis and Bowie will keep them busy. At least,” he added,
“they’ll try to. Martin says the Gonzales company is going straight in.
That will help—a little. Haven’t heard from Fannin, have you?”
All day Monday the crisis at the Alamo lay heavy upon the hearts
of those Texas citizens gathered in Washington on the Brazos. There
was no word from Colonel Fannin, and no further word from Colonel
Travis. Still, among the near 200 men collected in Washington,
nobody seemed disposed to leave and join the rendezvous at
Gonzales. Hanging around the convention hall and the tavern and
the army headquarters, they were waiting for the reorganization of
Texas—for some declaration to be made, a government to be re-
established, a commander to be appointed, and an army provided
for.
 They somewhat reminded Ernest of the crowd that he had read
waited around the old State House in Philadelphia, in July of 1776,
when the Independence of the United States was being declared;
but they also appeared all at sea to know what to do, as if they were
stunned. Meanwhile boyish Colonel Travis, and the brave Jim Bowie,
and probably Colonel Bonham, and young Captain Dickinson with his
wife and baby, and Davy Crockett, and the other 145, were
defending the Alamo against 2000, maybe 3000, of the best troops
of Mexico, led by their best generals!
The members took their seats on this Tuesday morning. There
were about sixty delegates, and they occupied all the benches. The
rear of the room was packed with spectators and listeners, standing,
and the throng pressed against the windows and door. Ernest, being
a boy, might have lost out, had not Captain Matt Caldwell, who was
a delegate, taken him forward and placed him in the front rank
where he could both see and hear. Dick Carroll could be depended
upon to care for himself.
The first thing done was the election of officers. Mr. Richard Ellis,
of Pecan Point, the Red River district, was chosen president of the
convention; and Mr. H. S. Kimball, secretary. President Ellis made a
short address; and then he announced that while the committees
were at work, he would read a document that had been handed to
him—“of the most important character ever received by any
assembly of men”! It was the dispatch brought by Dick Carroll.

Commandancy of the Alamo,

Bejar, Feb’y 24th, 1836.
To the People of Texas &
all Americans in the World.
Fellow-citizens & compatriots:
I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the
Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a
continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours &
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, & 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, & of everything dear to the
American character, to come to our aid, with all
dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily
& 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 & die
like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own
honor & that of his country. Victory or death.
William Barret Travis,
Lt.-Col., com’d’t.
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 & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.
Travis.

“What flag is that he mentioned?” asked somebody behind Ernest.

“The Lone Star flag or the Independence flag you fellows had at the
siege?”
“I reckon maybe,” answered the voice of Dick Carroll, who also
had elbowed to the front. “They’re out there somewhere, like as not.
But Smither said Captain Martin said they’d raised the regular
Mexican green, white and red tri-color, with ‘1824’ on the middle of
it, signifying the constitution.”
However, Chairman Ellis was about to read again.
“I will now read the endorsements from the express carriers, on
the back,” he said. “The first:
 “Since the above was written I heard a very heavy
cannonade during the whole day. Think there must
have been an attack on the Alamo. We were short of
ammunition when I left. Hurry all the men you can
forth. When I left there were but 150 men determined
to do or die. To-morrow I leave for Bexar with what
men I can. Almonte is there. The troops are
commanded by General Sesma.
‘Albert Martin.’”

Captain Martin was this, of Gonzales. And he was going back!

“Now the second endorsement,” continued Richard Ellis. “As
follows:

“I hope every one will Rendeves [gather] at

Gonzales as soon as Possible as the Brave soldiers are
suffering; do not forget the powder is very scarce and
should not be delad one moment.
‘L. Smither.’”

Chairman Ellis refolded the dispatch and passed it aside to the

secretary. Later it was read again by many present.
A hush, thrilled with the murmur and stir of admiration, rage, and
helplessness followed upon the reading. Several men attempted
excitedly to speak; but the chairman motioned them down.
“You have heard the dispatch,” he said, huskily. “You know what is
before us. The delegates will now proceed to the business of the
consultation.”
Committees were appointed; and the convention adjourned, for
the day.
It was a grim evening and night in Washington. The name of the
heroic Travis was on every lip and in every heart was the fear lest a
great Mexican army already had overwhelmed the Alamo and were
sweeping across for the settlements eastward. And Gonzales, Ernest
realized, would be the first to fall victim.
“Houston! Why doesn’t Houston go?”
“He can’t. He’s a delegate.”
“But he’s commander-in-chief.”
“No, he isn’t. He had to quit when the governor was ousted. The
council was ag’in ’em both.”
“Who’s our head, then? Why doesn’t the convention reappoint
him? We’ve got to have somebody, quick.”
“I reckon it will. But maybe he won’t accept. Wouldn’t blame him
any. He’s been treated right shabbily.”
“He’ll take it,” assured Dick Carroll. “There’s nothing small or
picayune about Sam Houston. And fighting for independence, under
Houston, we’ll lick Santa Anna out of his boots.”
Nevertheless, upon the forms sitting enveloped in their blankets,
or lying to try to sleep, rested a gloom not of the night alone. In the
headquarters of General Houston a light burned until almost
morning.
After breakfast the reassembling of the convention was eagerly
awaited. No more news from Colonel Travis had arrived; but report
stated that during the night the delegates had drawn up a
declaration of independence, and that it was about ready for
adoption. The report proved true. Soon after the convention was
called to order, President Ellis arose, a mass of foolscap paper in his
hand, and stated that he would have the secretary read the report of
the committee upon an announcement of the Republic of Texas.

“The Unanimous Declaration of Independence made

by the Delegates of the People of Texas in General
Convention at the Town of Washington, on the 2nd day
of March, 1836,” read Secretary Kimball.
 “When a government has ceased to protect the
lives, liberty and property of the people, from whom its
legitimate powers are derived, and for the
advancement of whose happiness it was instituted,
and so far from being a guarantee for the enjoyment
of those inestimable and inalienable rights, becomes
an instrument in the hands of evil rulers for their
oppression: When the Federal Republican Constitution
of their country, which they have sworn to support, no
longer has a substantial existence, and the whole
nature of their government has been forcibly changed,
without their consent, from a restricted federative
republic, composed of sovereign states, to a
consolidated, central, military despotism....” continued
Secretary Kimball, in a long introduction; then “self-
preservation” and “a right towards themselves and a
sacred obligation to their posterity” warrant a people
“to abolish such government” and to create another
safer and happier.
“Nations, as well as individuals, are amenable for
their acts to the public opinion of mankind [proceeded
the declaration]. A statement of a part of our
grievances is, therefore, submitted to an impartial
world, in justification of the hazardous but unavoidable
step now taken of severing our political connection
with the Mexican people, and assuming an
independent attitude among the nations of the earth.
“The Mexican government had pledged the colonists
liberty of action under a republic and a constitution,
and now had submitted it to a military despotism
under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. It had
refused to grant an appeal, according to the
constitution, for statehood separate from unfriendly
Coahuila. It had imprisoned Stephen Austin. It had
refused to provide trial by jury. It had provided no
schools or other means of public education. It had
allowed the soldiers to oppress the citizens. It had
forced the state congress of Texas and Coahuila to
dissolve. It had demanded the surrender of citizens,
for an imprisonment without a trial. It had seized
trading vessels. It had interfered with religious liberty.
It had demanded the delivery of private arms. It was
invading Texas with an army, to drive the people from
their homes. It was inciting the Indians to attack the
colonists. It was, and ever had been, a “weak, corrupt,
and tyrannical government.”
“These, and other grievances, were patiently borne
by the people of Texas [continued Mr. Kimball, reading]
until they reached that point at which forbearance
ceases to be a virtue. We then took up arms in
defence of the national constitution. We appealed to
our Mexican brethren for assistance. Our appeal has
been made in vain. Though months have elapsed, no
sympathetic response has yet been heard from the
Interior. We are, therefore, forced to the melancholy
conclusion that the Mexican people have acquiesced in
the destruction of their liberty, and the substitution
therefor of a Military Government—that they are unfit
to be free and incapable of self-government.
“The necessity of self-preservation, therefore, now
decrees our eternal political separation.
“We, therefore [and the reader’s voice rose firmly],
the delegates, with plenary powers, of the people of
Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a
candid world for the necessities of our condition, do
hereby resolve and declare that our political
connection with the Mexican nation has forever ended,
and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free
sovereign and independent republic, and are fully
 invested with all the rights and attributes which
properly belong to independent nations; and,
conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, we
fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the
decision of the Supreme Arbiter of the destinies of
Nations.”

The secretary evidently had finished the reading of the

declaration. He turned and resumed his seat at his little table on the
platform. There was an instant of dead silence, while the people
present tried to realize that Texas was no longer to be attached to
Mexico.
“You have heard the report of the committee,” addressed
President Ellis, his voice clear. “Are there any objections?”
A shuffle of impatient feet had begun; and——
“No! No!” swelled the shout, in a great volley, from delegates and
visitors alike.
“The chair hears no objections. All in favor of adopting the report
as it stands will signify by saying ‘Aye.’”
“Aye! Aye!”
“The report, declaring Texas a free and independent republic, is
adopted,” announced President Ellis. “The delegates will please step
forward and sign the declaration.”
One by one, in a constant file, the delegates advanced to the
secretary’s table upon the platform, and attached their signatures to
the paper. The president first; and in due order Antonio Navarro, and
Captain Caldwell, and de Zavala, and Colonel Rusk, and the towering
form of Sam Houston, and all—fifty-eight in number.
Now indeed had the silence been broken, and well broken. From
the crowd in the rear of the hall and pressing outside pealed cheer
upon cheer, echoed from beyond as fast sped the news. Hats were
swung, guns spoke. Ernest, on tiptoe, swung his hat and added his
shrill voice to the clamor. Near him somebody was singing, and the
chant spread.

For this we are determined, that Texas

shall be free;
And Texas Triumphant our watchword shall
be!

And 200 miles to the west, young William Travis and his little band
were fighting desperately for this new Republic of which they were
destined never to be told; while Colonel Fannin’s wagons had broken
down and he had been forced back into Goliad again.
 XV
THE SIGNAL GUNS OF THE ALAMO

Little more was done this day. It was reported that the committees
were busy preparing a constitution for the new Republic of Texas
and revising plans for an army and navy. Most of the delegates
remained in the convention hall, where the committees were
meeting; and the visitors waited outside, under the trees. The office
of governor and council had now passed out of existence, so the
quarrel between the two parties need not be considered.
General Houston was closeted with a committee, the main part of
the day, discussing the military measures. But in the afternoon there
was read a short address from him to the people of Texas.

Convention Hall, March 2, 1836.

War is raging on the frontiers. Bexar is besieged by
two thousand of the enemy under command of
General Sesma. Reinforcements are on the march to
unite with the besieging army. By the last report our
force at Bexar was only one hundred and fifty men.
The citizens of Texas must rally to the aid of our army
or it will perish. Let the citizens of the East march to
the combat. The enemy must be driven from our soil
or desolation will accompany their march upon us.
Independence is declared. It must be maintained.
Immediate action, united with valor, can alone achieve
our great work. The services of all are forthwith
required in the field.
 Sam Houston,
Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
P. S.—It is rumored that the enemy are on their
march to Gonzales, and that they have entered the
colonies. The fate of Bexar is unknown. The country
must and shall be defended. The patriots of Texas are
appealed to in behalf of their bleeding country.

The postscript sounded bad, and Ernest turned with whitened face
to Dick.
“Do you think they have attacked Gonzales, Dick?”
“No, I don’t. They wouldn’t attack Gonzales until they’ve taken
Bejar. We can’t believe all the rumors we hear. The whole country’s
panicky. If Fannin marches through and gets in with his men, he and
Travis will hold the Alamo ag’in all Mexico. Reckon, too, by this time
the Brazos and Colorado people are rallying into Gonzales, and
Captain Martin has led a bunch to help Travis. And there are a
hundred and more able-bodied men right here who ought to
organize and go.”
“Why don’t they go, then, Dick? Why don’t we all go?”
“Chiefly because we’re sorter at sea, yet. Most of the men have
families at home. Who’d protect them? And where are our leaders?
Fannin and Johnson are like as not cut off, down at Goliad. Travis
and Bowie are yonder in the Alamo. And here’s Sam Houston,
waiting instructions.”
“But he signs himself commander-in-chief, Dick.”
“Yes, a commander-in-chief without an army. Besides, he was
commander-in-chief under the old makeshift government, formed to
tide us along. Now we’ve got a new one, a republic, and all officers’ll
have to be sworn in over again. He’ll be appointed, though, as soon
as plans for the army are drawn. You know what day this is, don’t
you?”
 “Yes. March second.”
“And Sam Houston’s birthday! Declaration of Independence was
adopted on Sam Houston’s birthday, and that’s a good sign.”
The next day dragged, filled with wild rumors, while the
convention still prepared for defense and the operation of the new
government. It seemed to be the great hope of everybody at
Washington that Sam Houston would be reappointed to the head of
the army at once; about all the men appeared to think that he would
save Texas from Santa Anna, if anyone could.
A large crowd were already gathered about the hall when on the
next morning, of Friday, March 4, Ernest hastened to learn what was
up. But the program seemed to be devoted mainly to the report of
the military committee. It recommended a strong militia, and
granted 1280 acres of land to every volunteer who served
throughout the war; and there was to be a major-general in
command of the whole army—regulars, volunteers and militia—when
in the field.
This was rather dull reading. General Houston was not present,
but having wormed his way out for a breath of air Ernest saw him on
the tavern porch. A letter had just been handed to him by a
horseman, and, watched by a group of by-standers who had
collected, he was reading it.
“Gentlemen, a letter from Colonel Fannin, to a friend, and
forwarded, in a copy, for my perusal,” he announced, as Ernest
sidled near. “It is the last news from Goliad, date of February
twenty-eight. I hope that the news from the Alamo will be no worse.
I will read an extract from it, which indicates the spirit of a brave
man. A Mexican force has already advanced upon him, and it is
unlikely that he can effect a juncture with Travis. However, he says:

“‘I have about four hundred and twenty men here,

and if I can get provisions in to-morrow or next day,
can maintain myself against any force. I will never give
up the ship while there is a pea in the ditch. If I am
 whipped it will be well done, and you may never
expect to see me. I hope to see all Texans in arms
soon. If not, we shall lose our homes, and must go
east of the Trinity for awhile.’”

“Signed,” continued the general, ‘J. W. Fannin, Jr.’”

“Fannin makes only the one error in that letter,” spoke Colonel
George Hockley, who was the general’s aide. “A man who will ‘never
give up the ship’ can be killed but he can’t be whipped.”
“If the Alamo can hold out until we relieve it, there will be no
danger to Fannin,” mused the general. “And if he will obey the
orders of his superiors, whoever they may be,——”
But a sudden shout from the convention hall interrupted him. The
cries swelled, spreading to the crowd outside the door.
“Houston! Houston! Speech! Speech!”
A man came running.
“You’re wanted inside the hall, general,” he said. “You’ve been
elected commander-in-chief, on first ballot; fifty-five votes for you,
only one against.”
“I accept,” remarked the general, solemnly. “I will be there
directly, but this is a time for acting, not for talking.”
He strode for the convention hall, and most of the group with him.
Ernest squirmed in. The general appeared on the rude platform, and
spoke briefly, thanking the convention and the people of Texas for
the honor paid to him. Scarcely had he concluded when a delegate
arose.
“I move that it be the sense of this convention that Major-General
Sam Houston immediately depart for the army, or resign.”
A storm of cheers and hisses followed. The general waited. He
levelled his finger at the delegate, and answered for himself.
 “I trust that the gentleman will withdraw his motion. In that belief
I will state that my purpose is to start for the army on the morrow
morning, and I will be glad to have the gentleman’s company!”
What a round of cheers and laughter now resounded!
“I withdraw my motion,” stammered the delegate, much confused
by the unexpected challenge and the uproar, and sat down.
However, the general did not leave on the next day. The
convention had adjourned over Saturday and Sunday, to enable the
committees to prepare further reports. There was much important
work yet to be done, ere the Republic of Texas was organized; a
constitution must be adopted, and the republic’s officers elected.
General Houston had his duties to perform as a delegate; and,
besides, he was waiting for instructions.
The delay was exasperating; but it seemed necessary. If the
Alamo would only hold out! Surely the volunteers at Gonzales were
marching to help it!
Sunday morning, which was March 6, Ernest had taken a walk
about, exploring (for it was rather trying, just to lie ’round), when a
commotion in town caught his ear and eye. Men were hurrying to
gather in a crowd on the street, as if surrounding some speaker. So
back into the excitement sped Ernest. News from the Alamo,
perhaps! Another messenger! Or had Colonel Fannin been attacked,
too! Or Gonzales taken! Or perhaps Colonel Travis had driven off the
Mexicans!
A weary, drooping horse, dust streaked and sweat stained, stood
loosely tethered to the hitching rail in front of the tavern: the horse
of a dispatch-bearer, surely! Beyond, were the group of men,
encircling close another man, who was answering questions. Ernest
lost no time in worming his way where he could peer and listen.
The man was Captain John W. Smith, of Gonzales. Yes—Captain
Smith, himself, who, when Ernest and Dick Carroll had left ten days
ago on their ride to San Felipe, was collecting a company for the
help of Colonel Travis. Now his beard and all his face were covered
with dust and grime, his eyes were weary, and his boots and clothes
likewise showed long, hard travel.
“I left the Alamo before daybreak of the third,” he was answering
to eager questions. “Thirty of us from Gonzales got in there at three
o’clock on the morning of the first. Travis sent me out with this
dispatch, and I came through, night and day, by the shortest trail;
crossed the Colorado at Moore’s Retreat, north of Burnam’s, and
then through the prairie to Washington. Travis was all right when I
left; still holding out. He had about one hundred eighty men.
Bonham managed to break back from Fannin, and arrived just as I
left. He could have stayed away, but he didn’t. He said he’d bring
word from Fannin or die. He’s a great friend of Travis and Bowie, you
know. There were about a hundred and fifty volunteers at Gonzales
when I passed through.”
“Isn’t Fannin going?”
“He sent word by Bonham that he’d try, but we think the Mexicans
have cut him off. He’ll certainly come if he can. There’s no braver
man alive than Jim Fannin.”
“Why don’t the men at Gonzales march?”
“Why don’t you men march? It isn’t a question of a hundred or
two, now. The Mexican lines are drawn too close. I doubt if even
another dispatch will get out; the country around Bejar is thick with
Mexican patrols. Santa Anna’s there, remember; and so is Cos, who
broke his parole just to get a revenge for the licking we gave him.”
“How’s the Alamo? Shot up much? Many killed? What does Travis
say now?”
“Nobody’s been hurt, except Mexicans. We were short of
ammunition, though. Bowie’s sick in bed. The men are fighting night
and day, and they’ll never surrender. I fetched two dispatches: one
for the convention, and the other a letter to a friend of Travis. Travis
says: ‘Take care of my little boy. If the country should be saved, I
may make him a splendid fortune; but if the country should be lost,
and I should perish, he will have nothing but the proud recollection
that he is the son of a man who died for his country.’ Travis told me
to say to the people that as long as he held out he’d fire a signal gun
every morning at sunrise.”
“Everybody to the convention hall!” was the sudden hail.
“Delegates and everybody to the convention hall. Special meeting.”
Men were already pushing in through the doorway; the group
about Captain Smith dissolved quickly. He staggered stiffly in the
rear of the hurrying procession; Ernest nimbly darted ahead, and
squeezed in with the crowd.
Most of the delegates were in their seats. President Richard Ellis
and Secretary Kimball were in their places, waiting. Mr. Ellis held a
piece of soiled paper in his hand. He arose, and amidst a tense
silence looked over the assemblage. His face was pale and haggard,
and Ernest could barely hear his words.
“I have just received by special courier, who has ridden the one
hundred and eighty miles in less than four days, another message
from Colonel Travis in the Alamo, addressed to this convention,” he
said. “It is of such importance that I feel it should be communicated
at once. The date is March 3—or only last Thursday.”
He proceeded to read; but amidst the confusion of shuffling feet
and twisting bodies, as the listeners strained to hear, and amidst the
interruptions by cheers and other exclamations, Ernest missed a
sentence now and then. But he heard enough.

I am still here in fine spirits and well-to-do [wrote

the gallant Colonel Travis]. With one hundred and
forty-five men, I have held the place against a force
variously estimated from between fifteen hundred to
six thousand, and I shall continue to hold it until I get
relief from my countrymen, or I will perish in its
defense. We have had a shower of bombs and cannon
balls continually falling among us the whole time; yet
none of us have fallen. We have been miraculously
preserved. [“Hurrah!” cheered voices, drowning the
 voice of Mr. Ellis.] Again, I feel confident that the
determined spirit and desperate courage heretofore
exhibited by my men will not fail them in the last
struggle; and although they may be sacrificed to the
vengeance of a Gothic enemy, the victory will cost the
enemy so dear that it will be worse than a defeat.
[“Hurrah!”] A blood-red flag waves from the church of
Bexar and in the camp above us, in token that the war
is one of vengeance against rebels. [“Texas and
liberty! Down with tyranny! Hurrah!”] These threats
have had no influence upon my men but to make all
fight with desperation and with that high-souled
courage which characterize the patriot who is willing to
die in defense of his country; liberty and his own
honor; God and Texas; victory or death!
William Barret Travis,
Lt.-Col. Commanding.

President Ellis had finished, and all the hall was in an uproar. This
last despairing but noble appeal from Colonel Travis in the hard-
fighting Alamo, had stirred every heart and rocked every form. Men
were shouting, crying, gesticulating. A score of the delegates were
on their feet. Delegate Robert Potter made himself heard.
“I now move that this convention do immediately adjourn, arm,
and march to the relief of the Alamo,” he excitedly proposed.
“To the Alamo! To the Alamo!” And the crowd began to surge.
“No! No! Wait!” It was the deep, ringing voice of General Houston.
He had risen, his hand extended commandingly; and at the
summons of his powerful tones and his massive figure every eye
was turned and every tongue was stilled. “Hear me,” he bade. “I
have gathered that there is a sentiment we do immediately adjourn
and proceed, armed, to the Alamo. I have heard the gentleman’s
motion, and know that it springs from a natural impulse, common to
brave men, to succor one’s fellow patriots beleaguered by a ruthless
enemy. No one would be more prompt to obey that impulse than I.
But I must oppose the motion. Such an adjournment of this body
would be a madness worse than treason to the people. We are met
here to form a government. We must have a government, in organic
form; for without an organized government Mexico would be entitled
to regard us as outlaws, and to the world outside we would be only
rebels, and we would fail to obtain the sympathy and the respect of
mankind. What can fifty, or one hundred men do against six
thousand? The delegates to this convention were elected by the
people of Texas to establish a firm and stable government. We have
declared our independence, but the work must not stop there. The
declaration will be nothing without measures of law that will give it
due weight among the other nations of the world. The perils of the
republic cannot be averted by arms alone—and never has Texas
faced a greater crisis than she faces now. I entreat the convention to
be both wise and patriotic. Let it sit calmly, even amidst war, and
with firmness pursue its deliberations. Feel no alarm, gentlemen. We
have already a small but brave force at Gonzales. I will proceed
there at once, interpose a barrier of patriotic citizens between the
enemy and this hall, and while the convention chooses to sit in
session no foreign foe shall approach except over my dead body.
Meanwhile, if mortal power can avail, our brave countrymen in the
Alamo shall be relieved.”
More General Houston said, speaking vehemently. The hall
listened eager and convinced. Never had such an inspiring address
been there delivered, and none to equal it ever followed. Truly, the
general was a great orator.
At the conclusion he bowed, and strode rapidly out. The delegates
remained, and so did most of the crowd; but Dick Carroll clapped
Ernest on the shoulder. Ernest had not known that Dick was so near.
“Come,” said Dick. And Ernest dived through, after him, to the
outside. “Get your horse and fixin’s,” bade Dick. “And meet me
yonder as quick as you can.”
“Where are we going, Dick?”
 “We’re going with the general,” and Dick nodded toward the large
figure in the whitish hat, rapidly making his way toward his
headquarters. “When he starts we start—and I reckon ’twon’t be
long, either.”
“To Gonzales, Dick?” queried Ernest, over his shoulder as he
turned.
“Yes. To Gonzales, and wherever else we’re needed. When Sam
Houston leaves it’s time for us to leave. We aren’t delegates.”
Ernest hastened for his horse and gun and blanket, his heart
beating gladly. Nothing loth was he to go, not even if General
Houston led into the Alamo itself. He could help at Gonzales,
anyway. Perhaps Jim and Sion were there, with the volunteers. And
Leo was liable to turn up, too.
When he had bridled and saddled, and rode back, Dick was ready
and waiting; and several saddled horses had been tethered in front
of the general’s headquarters. Presently the general issued; with him
Colonel Hockley, his chief of staff. They were armed with pistols, and
the general wore a heavy sword, in its scabbard, belted around his
buckskin hunting coat. They stuffed some things into their saddle-
bags, and tied their blanket rolls behind their saddles a little tighter.
Dick pricked his horse, and followed by Ernest rode forward. By
this time two other men had joined, and were sitting their horses
near.
“All ready, general?” queried Dick, saluting.
The general glanced up.
“All ready, sir.” He gazed inquiringly about. His eyes rested a
moment upon Ernest (who tried to sit as manlike as he could), and
his face softened into the glimmer of a smile. “This, then, is the
force that proposes to accompany a general to his army?”
“I reckon it is,” answered one of the first two men.
 The general climbed into his saddle and gathered the lines;
Colonel Hockley did the same.
“Very well,” spoke the general. “Gentlemen, I thank you and shall
be glad of your society. A dispatch will go to Goliad, directing Colonel
Fannin to march at all speed and unite his troops with ours on the
Cibolo beyond Gonzales. We may yet rescue Travis. The result is in
the hands of an all-wise God, and I rely confidently upon His
Providence. Texas shall be free.”
He touched his horse with the spur, and rode off at a smart canter.
Colonel Hockley fell in beside him. The two other men followed, and
Dick and Ernest closed the rear. Less than an hour had passed since
the great speech in the convention hall. But no cheers sent them off.
Scarcely anybody paid attention. It seemed to Ernest rather a forlorn
start.
All day they steadily rode on the trail that conducted westward
across a wide fertile prairie of high grass and flowers broken by tree
islands and by bottom-lands where grew the wild rye and the cane.
Sixty-five miles was it from Washington on the Brazos to the
Colorado at Moore’s Retreat, or Moore’s Ferry, as it was also called.
From Moore’s to Gonzales was forty-five miles. From Gonzales to
Bejar was seventy or seventy-five.
They passed a number of ranches. Most of the men were at
Washington or at Gonzales; and those who were left at home, and
the women-folk, appeared terror-stricken by the rumors that they
had heard. At dusk the general halted for camp, amidst the luxuriant
grasses, by a little stream; the horses were turned out on their
picket ropes to graze, a cold supper was eaten, and blankets were
spread. Only a few words were spoken. The general seemed
depressed and anxious; heavy care had settled on him.
In the morning Ernest was aroused before sunrise. Dick and the
other men were astir, and were standing watching the general. He
had walked aside, to a clear spot, and was stooping, with his ear
against the ground.
 “Listening, Injun fashion, for the signal guns of the Alamo,” spoke
Dick, in a low voice. “Sound travels far along the earth—you can feel
the shaking there when you can’t feel a thing, upright. Smith said he
heard the guns when he was a hundred miles away; but we’re too
far, too far—a hundred and fifty, at least.”
The sun rose, suddenly flooding the green prairie with golden
beams, and illuminating the slight fog which hung in patches over
the bottoms. Everybody held himself tense, watching the general. It
was the moment for the signal guns. For five minutes—yes, for ten
minutes, a long, long space—there was utter silence broken only by
the twitter of birds. The general abruptly straightened, shook his
head, replaced his big whitish hat, and returned to the camp.
“No go,” remarked Dick. “But,” he hopefully added, “we’re too far,
yet, general.”
General Houston did not reply. They snatched a hasty breakfast,
saddled, and rode. This day they approached the Colorado. The next
day they crossed it at Moore’s Ferry, but the Moore house was
deserted. Jim Hill lived a short distance below, and Ernest thought of
him—wondered where he was. Good old Jim! And Sion, too, twenty-
five miles further down.
Nobody had joined them on the road. All the settlers and their
families appeared to be in great alarm, but reported that 300
volunteers were waiting at Gonzales. Each morning at sunrise the
general had listened for the signal guns; they all had listened; and
they had felt not a tremor, heard not a boom. The horses proved to
be of poor average. The general plainly was vexed at the slow
progress necessary.
Here between the Colorado and the Guadalupe settlers were
already on the move, taking their households out of threatened
danger. Wagons and carts were met, loaded with furniture and
supplies and women and children, travelling eastward. But no news
of the Alamo was obtained.
 Now on the morning of the sixth day out of Washington, Gonzales
was only twenty miles westward, and the Alamo was but ninety—
less than that, in a straight line. For the last time, they listened again
at sunrise. The general stood, his head bare.
“Gentlemen,” he solemnly said, “the Alamo has fallen. We would
hear the cannon, at this point—unless, of course, Colonel Travis is
short of ammunition. Possibly, as we ride on, the sound of the
bombardment will reach us. Let us hope so.”
They had struck into the main road between Gonzales and the
Colorado, from which other trails forked: the road on which Ernest
had twice ridden as courier—but that seemed to him very long ago.
At the McClure ranch on Peach Creek, ten miles from town, the
general reined in to inquire, of Mrs. McClure, who looked out upon
them:
“What news from the Alamo, lady?” He always addressed a
woman as “lady.”
She, too, was packed up, as for flight. She recognized Dick and
Ernest, but did not smile.
“Not a thing for several days. Even the guns have stopped. We
used to hear them in still weather. We haven’t heard them since
Sunday morning early. Do you think there’s danger, sir? Ought we to
move out?”
“My advice is for the settlers to be prepared to move east of the
Colorado on a moment’s notice, lady,” responded the general. “With
the small army at its disposal Texas may not be able to hold the
enemy back, and this section will be overrun. Let all supplies that
cannot be taken be destroyed.” And he rode on with head bowed.
At the Berry ranch, six miles further, the same conversation
resulted. And at four o’clock in the afternoon of this March 11 they
entered Gonzales.
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