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38
SCENES AT GOLIAD.
[1812.
ing the military chest, several pieces of artillery (one of
which was said to have been brought over by La Salle),
and a large supply of provisions. In a few days they were
attacked by an army of Spanish Royalists, numbering at
least 1400 men, under command of Salcedo and Ierrera.
Again and again the Royalists stormed the fort, but again
and again they were repulsed by Magee's brave forces.
The Spanish then closed in their lines for a siege, think-
ing famine would force Magee's troops to surrender; the
provisions stored in the fort, however, were plentiful,
while the expert American scouts found little trouble
in sallying forth at night to drive in cattle from the sur-
rounding country.* Yet within the fort there was sad-
ness; for while heroic valor kept at bay the Spanish foe,
there entered the walls that enemy against which even
the bravest mortals are powerless-death; its awful
shadow had for some time hung over the young com:
mander.t Early in February, 1813, he died, and Samuel
* One of the most spirited engagements during the siege bears the prosaic
name of "The Battle of the VWhite Cow." Salcedo's men were driving up a white
cow, when she suddenly ran across the river toward the fort; a party of Amer-
icans rushed out to drive her within the walls; the opposing forces met and a
fierce skirmish followed in which the Spanish were worsted.
t Captain McKiin, a Texas veteran, who was a member of Magee's expedition,
left in manuscript a:strange story of Magee's last days. Yoakum, the historian, ac-
cepts the statements of McRim. The story runs that during a few days of truce
General Salcedo invited Magee to dine with him. At this interview, Magee agreed
to surrender the fort to Salcedo, with the understanding that all the Republican
army should be sent home in perfect safety. On his return Magee had all the
troops paraded, told them what he had done, and asked all who approved to
shoulder arms. As the soldiers listened, expressions of amazement crept into their
faces - that he, their brave, daring young leader, should advise such a step I Few
obeyed the order to "shoulder arms." Many, to show their displeasure, struck their
guns heavily upon the ground. Magee stood a few moments in silence, then turned,
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Pennybacker, Anna J. Hardwicke. A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination, book, 1895; Palestine, Tex.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth2388/m1/52/: accessed April 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.