And after the failure of the Mexicans at Gonzales to disarm the Americans, the animosity constantly increased.
In every church, the priests--more bitter, fierce and revengeful than either the civil or military power--urged on the people an exterminating war.

A black flag waved from the Missions, and fired every heart with an unrelenting vengeance and hatred.

To slay a heretic was a free pass through the dolorous pains of purgatory.

For the priesthood foresaw that the triumph of the American element meant the triumph of freedom of conscience, and the abolition of their own despotism.

To them the struggle was one involving all the privileges of their order; and they urged on the fight with passionate denunciations of the foe, and with magnificent promises of spiritual favors and blessings.