Strike
like men! The cause commends the blow!'"
"And I wish I had been there to strike, John; or, at least, to
strengthen and succor those who did strike."
"We had no drums, or fifes, or banners in our little army; none of
the pomp of war; nothing that helps and stimulates; but the preacher
was worth them all."
"I can believe that. When we remember how many preachers bore arms
in Cromwell's camps, there isn't much miracle in Marston Moor and
Worcester fight. You were very fortunate to be in time for San
Jacinto."
"I was that. Fortune may do her worst, she cannot rob me of that
honor."
"It was a grand battle."
"It was more a slaughter than a battle. You must imagine Santa Anna
with two thousand men behind their breastworks, and seven hundred
desperate Texans facing them. About noon three men took axes, and,
mounting their horses, rode rapidly away. I heard, as they mounted,
Houston say to them, 'Do your work, and come back like eagles, or
you'll be behind time for the fight.' Then all was quiet for an hour
or two. About the middle of the afternoon; when Mexicans are usually
sleeping or gambling, we got the order to 'stand ready.' In a few
moments the three men who had left us at noon returned. They were
covered with foam and mire, and one of them was swinging an ax. As
he came close to us he cried out, 'Vance's Bridge is cut down! Now
fight for your wives and your lives, and remember the Alamo!'
"Instantly Houston gave the order, 'Charge!' And the whole seven
hundred launched themselves on Santa Anna's breastworks like an
avalanche.
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