Dark bodies of Mexican troops moved heavily to and fro, and cannon bristled from the embrasures.

The usually quiet town was metamorphosed into a scene of riot and clamor, and fandangos, at which Bacchus rather than Terpsichore presided, often welcomed the new-born day.

The few Americans[A] in San Antonio viewed with darkened brows the insolent cavaliers.

The gauntlet was flung down--there was no retraction, no retreat.

They knew that it was so, and girded themselves for a desperate conflict.
[Footnote [A]: It doubtless appears absurd to confine the title of "Americans" to the few citizens of the United States who emigrated to Texas, when all who inhabit the continent are equally entitled to the appellation.