Why is he not killed?
It is an inconceivable insult to humanity to let him live.

Have you thought of your brother Juan?
Give me the knife in your belt, Thomas, if you cannot use it." "My dear mother--" "Maria, my life! Thomas could not wisely kill so important a prisoner.
Texas wants him to secure her peace and independence.

The lives of all the Americans in Mexico may depend upon his.

Mere personal vengeance on him would be too dear a satisfaction.

On the battle-field he might have been lawfully slain--and he was well looked for; but now, No." "Holy Mary! might have been slain! He ought to have been slain, a thousand times over." "Luis, I wish that you had been a hero, and killed him.