Remembering Goliad

Most of the Texians dropped on the spot, while a few others, either feeling energetic or portraying those who’d been missed or only slightly wounded, turned and ran for the trees and the river, pursued by those of the Mexican Cavalry who weren’t busy finishing off the Texians on the ground. (Some of the Mexican infantry broke ranks and ran over to bayonet the wounded. Historically this was probably as much a mercy as a matter of bloodlust. Battlefield medicine of the day killed more than it saved, and those who weren’t killed outright would likely die of wounds, bleeding, infection, or exposure; a swift cut to a vital organ was a kinder way to go. Records of the day indicate that many of the Mexican officers and presumably most of the peasant conscripts were in fact opposed to the “kill them all” orders.)

Shortly after, when all the gunshots and screams had died out, a few of the Mexicans came over to speak with the audience and pose for photographs, and then escort them back to the main gate and the road back up to the fort.

Those who remained behind at the back of the procession were privileged to witness a minor miracle as the Texians all returned to life and began making their way to the fortress and camp as well, stopping to talk and shoot pictures with friends, spectators, and each other.

(You’re on page 4, and still there’s stuff happening… – click the next number below to get to it)