That is how every white man in Texas feels about it.

And if such a wonder as a coward existed among them, he understands that he may as well die fighting Mexicans, as die of hunger or be scalped by Indians.

A large proportion of the colonists depend on their rifles for their daily food.

All of them know that they must defend their own homes from the Comanche, or see them perish.

Now, do you imagine that Americans will obey any such order?
By all the great men of seventeen seventy-five, if they did, I would go over to the Mexicans and help them to wipe the degenerate cowards out of existence!" He rose as he spoke; he looked like a flame, and his words cut like a sword.