Digital History>eXplorations>The Alamo>Accounts Following the Battle>Unidentified Witness

Unidentified Witness, July 9, 1836

After the Mexicans had got possession of the Alamo, the fighting had ceased, and it was clear day light, six Americans were discovered near the wall yet unconquered, and who were instantly surrounded and ordered by Gen. Castrillon to surrender, and who did so under a promise of his protection, finding resistance any longer in vain-indeed, perfect madness. Castrillon was brave and not cruel, and disposed to save them. He marched them up to that part of the fort where stood ''His Excellency," surrounded by his murderous crew, his sycophantic officers. DAVID CROCKETT was one of the six. The steady, fearless step, and undaunted tread, together with the bold demeanor of this hardy veteran-"his firmness and noble bearing," to give the words of the narrator, had a most powerful effect on himself and Castrillon. Nothing daunted, he marched up boldly in front of Santa Anna, looked him steadfastly in the face, while Castrillon addressed "His Excellency," "Sir here are six prisoners I have taken alive; how shall I dispose of them?" Santa Anna looked at Castrillon fiercely, flew into a most violent rage, and replied, "Have I not told you before how to dispose of them? Why do you bring them to me?" At the same time his brave officers drew and plunged their swords into the bosoms of their defenseless prisoners!! So anxious and intent were these blood-thirsty cowards to gratify the malignity of this inveterate tyrant, that Castrillon barely escaped being run through in the scuffle, himself. Castrillon rushed from the scene, apparently horror-struck-sought his quarters and did not leave them for some days, and hardly ever spoke to Santa Anna after. This was the fate of poor Crockett, and in which there can be no mistake. Who the five others were, I have not been able to learn. Three other wounded prisoners were discovered and brought before "His Excellency," and were ordered to be instantly shot. There are certain reasons why the name of the narrator of these events should not be made known. I will only repeat that he was an eye-witness.

Source: Morning Courier and New York Enquirer on July 9, 1836