The plaza and Soledad Street presented a somber aspect. The Mexican
dead, abandoned by their comrades, lay everywhere. The Texan rifles had
done deadly work. The city itself was silent and deserted.
"Most of the population has gone with the Mexican army to the Alamo,"
said Obed. "I suppose we'll have to attack that, too."
But Cos, the haughty and vindictive general, did not have the heart for
a new battle with the Texans. He sent a white flag to Burleson and
surrendered. Ned was present when the flag came, and the leader of the
little party that brought it was Urrea. The young Mexican had lost none
of his assurance.
"You have won now," he said to Ned, "but bear in mind that we will come
again. You have yet to hear from Mexico and Santa Anna."
"When Santa Anna comes he will find us here ready to meet him," replied
Ned.
The Texans in the hour of their great and marvelous victory behaved with
humanity and moderation. Cos and his army, which still doubled in
numbers both the Texans who had been inside and outside San Antonio,
were permitted to retire on parole beyond the Rio Grande. They left in
the hands of the Texans twenty-one cannon and great quantities of
ammunition. Rarely has such a victory been won by so small a force and
in reality with the rifle alone.
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