The smoke rose far above the mission, and caught by a light wind drifted away to the east.

The Mexican generals brought up fresh forces and drove them at the fortress.

A heavy column, attacking on the south side, where no defenders were now left, poured over a stockade and crowded into the mission.

The circle of cavalry about the Alamo again drew closer, lest any Texan should escape.

But it was a useless precaution.