“We will only surrender on condition that every privilege of prisoners of war be guaranteed to us,” replied Colonel Fanning.

“I, Santa Anna, commander-in-chief of the Mexican forces, do most solemnly pledge my word, that all the privileges consistent with your situation as prisoners of war, shall be extended to yourself and men.  And hereby swear, that on these conditions you may lay down your arms in safety, without further molestation on our part.”

Is there one of my readers who for a moment would attach blame to the noble Fanning?  The lives of his men were of far more importance to him than the renown of perishing, like Travis, in a desperate struggle.  With the latter there was no alternative, for the cry of even seven exhausted men for “quarter” was disregarded, and the garrison fell to a man.  But honorable terms were offered Fanning:  he remembered his men, and surrendered.  Santa Anna! can there be pardon for such a hardened wretch as you?  Does not sleep fly your pillow?  In the silent watches of the night, do not the specter forms of your victims cluster about your couch, and the shambles of Goliad rise before you?  Can you find rest from the echoing shrieks of murdered thousands, or shut your eyes and fail to perceive the mangled forms stiffening in death, and weltering in gore?  If you are human, which I much doubt, your blackened soul will be tortured with unavailing remorse, till Death closes your career on earth, and you are borne to the tribunal of Almighty God, there to receive your reward....

Night found the Texans again in Goliad, and they sought sleep secure from evil; for had not Santa Anna’s word been given that further molestation would not be allowed? and they believed!  Soundly they slept, and dreamed of far-off homes and fireside joys.

  “That bright dream was their last!”

Sunrise came, and they were drawn out upon the Plaza.  Their leader was retained in custody, and, unsuspicious of harm, they each maintained their position.  Dr. Bryant raised his eyes—­they rested but a moment on Santa Anna’s face.  Turning quickly, he shouted aloud,

“Turn, comrades, let us not be shot in the back!”

Another moment the signal was given, and a deadly fire poured upon four hundred unresisting prisoners of war, to whom honorable conditions had been granted by the brave and noble generalissimo of the Mexican forces.

Not one of many noble forms was spared.  Dr. Bryant sank without a struggle to the earth; and his spirit, released from sorrowing mortality, sprung up to meet his Mary and his God!

The deed was done; and Santa Anna, the mighty chief who mowed down four hundred unarmed men, was immortalized!  Fear not, brave heart, that posterity will forget thee!  Rest assured that the lapse of time cannot obliterate the memory of thy mighty deeds!

Fanning survived but a few hours, and then a well-aimed ball laid low forever his noble head.  Who among us can calmly remember that his body was denied a burial?  Oh, thou martyr leader of a martyr band, we cherish thy memory! dear to the heart of every Texan, every American, every soldier, and every patriot.  Peace to thee, noble Fanning! and may the purest joys of heaven be yours in that eternity to which we all are hastening.