The Alamo Page #3

is now barracks and a makeshift infirmary.

Major Jameson, our engineer,

is emplacing a palisade

between the main gate and the church.

- What was here before?

- Nothing. An indefensible flank.

It still appears indefensible.

Good riflemen and a 12-pounder

should hold it.

The church itself wasn't built till 1756.

It has no roof.

Was it destroyed in battle?

The Catholics never quite finished it.

Saints Dominic and Francis.

Francis had two gifts:

Prophecy,

and the ability to inspire

passionate devotion.

This fort is the only thing

that stands between Santa Anna's army

and our settlements.

As goes the Alamo...

so goes Texas.

If the need arises, I recommend you take

my personal quarters on the west wall.

They're isolated,

yet near the primary defences.

I'm afraid I don't understand, sir.

I have personal matters

to attend to in Mina.

I'm leaving you in command.

I know you fought this posting, Travis.

Forting up is not exactly

a cavalryman's dream.

I'll defend it with my life, sir.

Your biggest task will be keeping

the volunteers and the regulars

from killin' one another out of boredom.

The Mexican army would have to cover

300 miles in the dead of winter

to get here before I return.

(man shouts in Spanish)

(men laughing)

I got one guy around my neck,

I got another guy takin' off half my ear

- with his one good tooth.

- (laughter)

The two that I knocked out are now

wakin' up, realisin' who knocked 'em out.

But I'm fine. I'm fine.

'Cause I know I got my trusty, loyal Ward

right next to me.

So I turn over my shoulder,

and who do I find?

Tortilla lady

and her 13-year-old hound dog.

(laughter)

Where were ya?

I hate to tell you this, Jim,

but you were in the wrong.

Exactly. That's when I need you the most.

(laughter)

(Bowie coughs)

Oh, God. I love this place.

I love it, too.

Colonel?

You look terrible,

almost yellow right around

the cheeks and forehead.

You a doctor now,

along with everything else?

I've heard rumour that you plan to destroy

the mission and remove the cannon.

- Where'd you hear that?

- Men tend to prattle on when they drink.

Your men tend to drink.

It would be a great mistake.

I agree.

And any further discussion on this

will be between myself and Colonel Neill.

Colonel Neill left Bexar this morning

on personal business.

It's my command now.

(chuckling)

Well, my, my, my.

That is a swift rise, Billy.

Might as well break out

those long britches.

Your men exhibit no discipline.

If matters don't change, it will become

my duty, as colonel of this post...

Lieutenant colonel.

Restrain your men... or I will.

(chuckling)

James...

...sentries report hearing horses

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