TEXAS WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - FICTION
"The Gates of the Alamo" by
Stephen Herrigan 
This is a very well written fictional account of the Texas War of Independence from Mexico based on historical fact. Herrigan brings the characters to life and makes them all too real and not blown out of proportion as history tends to make heroes bigger than life. The story revolves around a young man, Terrell Mott, his mother Mary, and a wandering botanist, Edmond McGowan. These characters are caught willingly and unwillingly in the sweeping tide of war.
The book covers events from both sides. From the Texan side, we meet drunken, loud mouthed Jim Bowie, who spent his last days on his back in the Alamo dying of typhoid. We also meet an unbending Col. William Barret Travis who refused to abandon the Alamo even though everyone knew the position was indefensible. His effort to surrender came too late and the fate of all the fighting men inside was sealed. David Crockett is pictured as a mild mannered and steadfast man that all looked up to for comfort and strength. Also depicted are the politician Stephen Austin, and drunkard Sam Houston, Austin's chief rival and devious during fits of sobriety, but hesitant to act against the Mexicans with his small army.
On the Mexican side is a most engaging character: Primero Sergento Blas Augel Montoya who's main concern is keeping alive his company of riflemen during the tortuous trek from Mexico to Texas. The weather was horrible and the army suffered many casualties from exposure, disease, starvation, and Indians long before the battles with the Texans. Other Mexican characters of note are; Lt. Telesforo Villasenor, mapmaker and engineer, Col. Almonte of Santa Anna's staff, and of course the infamous Santa Ana himself.
The siege of the Alamo and the ensuing battle are told in an exciting manner. The book also covers the massacre of Fannin's force after the Battle of Coleto Creek were the survivors were sent to Goliad and executed. The defeat of the Mexicans and capture of Santa Ana at the Battle of San Jacinto wrap up the action.
Reviewed by Kenneth S. Smith 26 February 2001
A Borzoi Book
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
A Division of Random House, Inc.
