“_This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for reinforcements in vain: We will only have about seven hundred men to march with besides the camp guard. We go on to conquer. It is wisdom growing out of necessity to meet the enemy now. Every consideration enforces it. No previous occasion would justify it. The troops are in fine spirits and now is the time for action. We shall use our best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantage as will insure victory though the odds are greatly against us._ “_I leave the result in the hands of a wise God, and rely upon His providence._ “_My country will do justice to those who serve her. The right for which we fight will be secured, and Texas free._” Below this is inscribed: “REMEMBER THE ALAMO” On the south front beneath the heading: “THE DAY AFTER THE BATTLE” is the report of Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War: “_The sun was sinking in the horizon as the battle commenced, but, at the close of the conflict, the sun of liberty and independence rose in Texas, never, it is to be hoped, to be obscured by the clouds of despotism. We have read of deeds of chivalry, and pursued with ardour the annals of war; we have contemplated, with the highest emotions of sublimity, the loud roaring thunder, the desolating tornado, and the withering simoon of the desert; but neither of these, nor all, inspired us with emotions like those felt on this occasion! There was a general cry which pervaded the ranks: Remember the ALAMO! Remember LA BAHIA! These words electrified all. Onward was the cry. The unerring aim and irresistible energy of the Texan army could not be withstood, it was freemen fighting against the minions of tyranny and the result proved the inequality of such a contest._” And below is the love song, then popular, which one of Houston’s charging soldiers is said to have played on the flute: “WILL YOU COME TO THE BOWER” On the west front: “This monument stands at the grave of BENJAMIN RICE BRIGHAM who was mortally wounded April 21, 1836 “Nearby rest LEMUEL STOCKTON BLAKEY JOHN C. HALE GEORGE A. LAMB DR. WM. JUNIUS MOTTLEY MATHIAS COOPER THOMAS PATTON FOWLE ASHLEY R. STEPHENS “Who were also killed or mortally wounded in the battle of San Jacinto “OLWYN J. TRASK died on Galveston Island on about May 20 from the effects of the wound he had received on the San Jacinto Battlefield in the skirmish of April 20, 1836.