Benjamin Briggs Goodrich
Little attention has been given to how the news of the Alamo's fall was spread from Texas to the United States. The close family ties and community relationships bound the Texans to their former homes. In this letter, Benjamin Briggs Goodrich, who was a member of the Convention meeting as Washinting-on-the-Brazo, informed his family of death of John C. Goodrich--his brother--on March 6, 1836.1
Washington Texas, 15th March, 1836
Dear Edmund,
Texas is in mourning, and it becomes my painful duty to
inform my relations in Tennessee of the massacre of my poor brother John. He was
murdered in the Texas fortress of San Antonio de Bexar (known as the Alamo) on
the night of the 6th of this month, together with one hundred and
eighty of our brave countrymen, gallantly defending that place against an
invading army of Mexicans, eight thousand strong; not one escaped to tell the
dreadful tale. The Alamo had been surrounded for many days by a besieging army
of the Mexicans, variously estimated at from 3 to 8 thousand men,2
commanded by Genl. Lopez de Santa Anna in person; the fortress, as before
stated, was besieged, and it fell and every man was put to the sword. They
effected their purpose by a general charge aided by scaling ladders. Upwards of
five hundred of the enemy were killed, and as many more mortally or dangerously
wounded. Col. Travis, the commander of the fortress, sooner than fall into the
hands of the enemy, stabbed himself to the heart and instantly died.
Seven of our brave men, being all that were left alive,
called for quarter and to see Santa Anna, but were instantly shot by the order
of that fiendish tyrant. Col. Bowie was murdered, sick in bed.3
Amoung the number of your acquaintances, murdered in the Alamo, were Col. David
Crockett, Micajah Autry, formerly of Haysborough, John Hays, son of Andrew Hays
of Nashville, and my unfortunate brother, John C. Goodrich: but they died like
men, and posterity will do them justice. Santa Anna is now in Texas with an
invading army of eight or ten thousand men strong--determined to carry on a war
of extermination. We will meet him and teach the unprincipled scoundrel that
freemen can never be conquered by the hirling soldierly of a military despot.4
The struggle is great and our difficulties many--but the army
of the patriot is doubly served, when his fireside and his liberties are
invaded-- We rush to the combat, and our motto is Revenge, Liberty or Death.
Approach poor old mother cautiously with this awful news, for I fear her much
worn out constitution will not survive the shock. -Publish this information if
you think proper--We ask for help and in the name of everything that is sacred
to Liberty and Independence.
So soon as the Convention (of which I am a member) adjourns,
I shall proceed forthwith to the army.-- The blood of a Goodrich has already
crimsoned the soil of Texas and another victim shall be added to the list or I
see Texas free and Independent.-- Give my love to my dear mother, sisters and
brothers, and friends generally--
Benj. Briggs Goodrich
P.S. News has just reached that the enemy are on the march to this place and we know not at what moment we shall be compelled to move our women and children beyond their reach. Their mode of warfare is strictly savage; they fight under a Red Banner,5 and we ask nor expect no quarter in the future,--I will advise you from time to time (if alive) and would highly appreciate hearing from you.-- Direct your letters to Cantonment Jessup, pay postage and I will be sure to get them.
Sincerely your brother
& relative
Goodrich
[Addressed:]
Free to the U. States, 1836
B. B. Goodrich
Memb. Convention
Mr. Edmund Goodrich
Nashville
Tennessee