TEXAS' IMMORTAL THIRTY-TWO
The following poem was written by Mr. Jesse Edmonston in March 1925.
Feb. 23, 3 o'clock p.m., 1836
"Commander of Bexar"
"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
Liet.-Col., Commanding"
"P.S.-Send express to San Felipe with news, night and day. - Travis."
TEXAS' IMMORTAL THIRTY-TWO
One bright and sunny morning in the early days of spring,
When all the air was vibrant, with the birds upon the wing,
And the trees along the river and the grass upon the hill
Were responding to the urging of the resurrection thrill.
In the peaceful quiet valley of the River Guadalupe,
Came the clattering of hoofs, and then a courier's startling whoop,
To the village of Gonzales; where defiance had been hurled,
And the shot for liberty was fired, and heard around the world.
The message he delivered when dismounted from his steed,
Was that Travis in the Alamo, was in the direst need.
Beset by heartless enemies, outnumbering ten to one,
He must have help without delay, else all of hope be gone.
The horse that brought him safely, some seventy miles that day,
Was exchanged for another one to take him on his way,
To other towns and settlements, Bastrop, San Felipe,
Lavaca, and old Washington, so rich in history.
Then one and thirty pioneers (no braver ever rode),
Left wives, sweethearts and mothers; avoiding the main road.
Across the hills and valleys in silence grim they went.
While mothers, wives and sweethearts; their prayers to Heaven sent.
Their well-trained eyes were watching for Indians on the scout,
When suddenly they halted; until they could make out
A lone and daring horseman, approaching them full speed,
'Twas Captain Albert Martin, who then assumed the lead.
In darkness of the midnight, when the moon refused to shine,
While the enemy were sleeping, they were slipping through the line.
And before the streaks of dawn appeared to give the east a glow,
These two and thirty valiant men were in the Alamo.
And there upon the altar, of Lone Star Liberty,
With Travis, Bowie, Crockett, and all that company,
Gave up their lives for Texas; not one of them returned,
To the village of Gonzales, with glory they had earned.
All honor due to Putnam, Sheridan and Revere,
We do not wish to minimize their deeds devoid of fear,
But these immortal thirty-two, who nobly did their part,
Should occupy the warmest place in every Texan's heart.
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