Dictator would allow the Mexican-born to leave the besieged fortress Soldiers such as By Robert Kolarik Anna’s soldiers was killed. this fellow have Staff Writer ————————— the Texas forces EXTRA DAY within the Alamo AN ANTONIO de o-day, of course, surrounded. BÉXAR, México, Feb. marks that quadren- Mike Fisher, a 29, 1836 — This Leap nial oddity, the day xylographer S T from the Staff. Year’s Day witnessed a sight added to the Month of Feb- most shocking: His Excel- ruary in the years that also lency, Gen. Antonio López see United States presiden- de Santa Anna, the President tial elections. The added and Dictator of Mexico, 24 hours balance time and attempting to introduce space and make all things the demon of divisiveness right with the world — at within the walls of Fortress least for its calendar-mak- Alamo. ers. Offer did Santa Anna the ————————— opportunity for all Mexican- Travis lost a vote THE VOTE born occupants — but only est there be confusion DAY 7 them — a three-day period on who would be the in the matter of Lt. FEB. 29, in which to leave the com- commander of the Col. William Travis’ 1836 L pound. command of the Fortress Several individuals have Alamo garrison. Alamo, a vote that occurred responded positively to this before the Siege began must most unmagnanimous of of- now be discussed. fers (as the great majority of based on reports that 200 It will be recalled that the force therein are from the troops were marching in when hands were raised and United States or other “for- relief of the Alamo. noses were counted, the ail- eign” lands) and departed. ————————— ing Col. James Bowie — and ————————— IMPORTANT MAN not Travis — was selected as THE WEATHER he self-proclaimed the Texas troops’ leader. o-day witnessed the Napoleon of the This may have given weather in the vicin- TWest continued mov- rise to the misperception Tity of San Antonio ing his troops about like so that the lieutenant colonel de Béxar continue its mod- many pieces on a chessboard is not highly regarded by eration, with Gen. Santa to-day, positioning the bat- the men over whom he now Anna’s aide-de-camp, Col. talion of Allende in the roll- reigns. (Travis and Bowie, of Juan Almonte, reporting a ing terrain to the east of the course, eventually arranged temperature of 55 degrees. fortress. a joint command — which That made a fine, brisk His Excellency, the Presi- the latter surrendered upon day for riding or hiking, dent and Dictator of Mexico falling ill). Rather, the out- and the Jimenez battal- then toured the siege area come of the vote was more a ion — cavalry and infan- personally to admire his reflection of the volunteers’ try troops alike — under handiwork. He did pay a bit disinclination to follow the command of Gen. Joaquín of a price for all this activ- orders of a regular Texian Ramírez y Sesma was dis- ity, though, as Col. Almonte Army man over those from patched toward Goliad, reported one of Gen. Santa one of their own. .