Albert Martin

January 4 marked the birthday of Alamo defender Albert Martin. His obituary:

"Among those who fell at the storming of San Antonio was Albert Martin, a native of Providence, Rhode Island and recently a citizen of this city of the firm of Martin, Coffin & Co. aged 29. Mr. Martin had a large establishment in Gonzales, about 150 miles from San Antonio where for the last year or two he had been carrying on an extensive business. He had left the fortress and returned to his residence, where he was apprized of the perilous situation in which his late comrades were placed. His determination was instantly taken. In reply to the passionate entreaties of his father, who besought him not to rush into certain destruction, he said 'This is no time for such considerations. I have passed my word to Colonel Travers, that I would return, nor can I forfeit a pledge thus given.' In pursuance of this high resolve he raised a company of sixty-two men and started on his way back. During the route, the company, apprized of the desperate situation of affairs, became diminished by desertion, to thirty-two. With this gallant band he gained the fort and the reinforcement, small as it was, revived the drooping spirits of the garrison ....Thus died Albert Martin, a not unapt illustration of New England heroism. He has left a family, and perhaps a Nation to lament his loss, and he had bequeathed to that family an example of heroic and high-minded chivalry which can never be forgotten and which is worthy of the best days of Sparta or of Rome."

Thanks to Oscar Poppa for the post that reminded me of this American hero's birthday.

"..in the spring of '36, Houston said to Travis
Get some volunteers and go...fortify the Alamo

And the men came from Texas and from old Tennessee
And they joined up with Travis just to fight for the right to be free

Indian scouts with squirrel guns
Men with muzzle loaders

Stood together heel and toe
To defend the Alamo

You may ne'er see your loved ones
Travis told them that day

Those who want to can leave now
Those who fight to the death let them stay.

One hundred and eighty-six
Holding back five thousand

5 days, 6 days, 8 days 10,
Travis held and held again

Then he sent for replacements for his wounded and lame
But the troops that he sent for

Never came, never came never came.

Sending off a Sir to tell Travis to surrender
Travis answered with a shell and rousing rebel yell

Santa Anna turned scarlet, "Play Deguelo!" he roared
"I will show them no quarter, every one will be put to the sword!"

Twice he charged then blew recall
And on the fatal 3rd time

Santa Anna breached the wall, and he killed them one and all.

Now the bugles are silent and there's rust on each sword

And a small band of fighters lies asleep in the arms of the Lord.
Lies asleep in the arms of the Lord."
___________________________
"Let the old men tell the story let the legend grow and grow
Of the 13 days of glory at the siege of Alamo

Lift the tattered banners proudly as the eyes of Texas shine
Let the fort that was a mission be an everlasting shrine

Yes they fought to give us freedom and thats all we need to know
Of the 13 days of glory at the siege of Alamo

Now the bugles are silent and there's rust on each sword

And a small band of fighters lies asleep in the arms of the Lord.
Lies asleep in the arms of the Lord."