Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/73

 The only comfort then, when we must leave So dear a property behind, is this: To know its keeping trusted to a hand That is as brave, as ours designed to be.

Thanks for the honor of thy compliment, Although my diffidence deserves it not. However much it may be justified. I beg thee to remember, that of all The nineteen-hundred, then in thy command. No more than hundred fifty yet remain To garrison the fort's extended walls. Consider, too, that Santa Anna leads His army's flower, near thirteen-thousand strong. With guns and siege-train 'gainst our time-worn ramparts. Pray, misinterpret not my doubts as fear; For e'en if victory is out of question Save—if you will—the victory of a brave Yet fruitless opposition,—still the wish Is fair, I think, that my defence, my death Prove not quite useless for the weal of Texas.

So let us hasten, Burleson, to reach Sam Houston on the Colorado's banks. And there arrived, not to relent in prayers Till he has sent the Alamo relief.