Ned knew that they were there to see Santa Anna win a quick victory and take immediate vengeance upon the Texans.

He recognized Santa Anna himself riding in his crouched attitude upon a great white horse, passing from battery to battery and hurrying the work.

There was proof that his presence was effective, as the men always worked faster when he came.
Ned saw all the Texan leaders, Travis, Bowie, Crockett and Bonham, watching the batteries.

The whole Texan force was now manning the walls and the heavy cedar palisade at many points, but Ned saw that for the present all their dealings would be with the cannon.
Earthworks had been thrown up to protect the Mexican batteries, and the Texan cannon were posted for reply, but Ned noticed that his comrades seemed to think little of the artillery.

In this desperate crisis they fondled their rifles lovingly.
He was still watching the batteries, when a gush of smoke and flame came from one of the cannon.