Long it withstood the terrible shock, and the overwhelming thousands that so madly pressed its gray, moldering walls.

The sun went down as it were in a sea of blood, its lurid light, gleaming ominously on the pale, damp brows of the doomed garrison.

Black clouds rolled up and veiled the heavens in gloom.

Night closed prematurely in with fitful gusts, mingling the moans and strife of nature with the roar of artillery.
Still the fury of the onset abated not: the Alamo shook to its firm basis.

Despairingly the noble band raised their eyes to the blackened sky.