of Cos, his company was sent out to protect the families of the lower ranches, against the devastation made by the retiring Mexican troops and from the reprisal of hostile Indians. The people of Texas would now control Béxar (San Antonio) and the Alamo fort. Colonel James C. Neill receives orders on December 21 to command at Béxar. Col. James Bowie moves into the Alamo under Neill on January 19, bringing 30 men. On behalf of Henry Smith and General Sam Houston, he assesses the military situation at Béxar. On January 22, verbal intelligence was directed at Col. Neill, from a Tejano courier through the Jose Antonio Navarro family. Jose Cassiano brings news that Gen. Santa Anna had arrived at Saltillo on January 27, with approximately 3000 troops and Sesma at Rio Grande City with 1600 more. Neill passes this information to Houston, now in Goliad. Bowie, after learning that Santa Anna was advancing towards Bexar, wrote several letters to the provisional government asking for supplies and assistance to defend the Alamo An election for delegates, to attend the Convention of 1836, is held at the Alamo on February 1. Captain Flores, as well as other names, are recorded and preserved on the voting tally list. Neill and Bowie now agree that defending the Alamo is key to achieving Texas independence. On February 3, Colonel Travis arrives in Béxar, with 25 men. Col. Neill forced to leave on urgent family matters, makes a quick muster roll of his men at the Alamo. Colonel Neill would pass command of the Alamo to William Barret Travis on February 12. Former Congressman David Crockett of Tennessee, boosted the ranks on February 8, with 16 additional men. On February 10, a party was given to honor the arrival of David Crockett. With Neill leaving early on February 11, he was not present. Blas María Herrera, a courier, from Plácido Benavides, was searching for Juan Seguin at the party and could not locate him. Possessing a letter dated February 6, it was then given to Antonio Menchaca. Handwritten in Spanish, it announced soldados at Presido Rio Grande, ready to march on Béxar. Travis now forewarned, remarked that it would take about 13 days for the Mexican army to arrive, and still was not immediately concerned with the information received and the party continued into the night. Bowie and Travis agree to share command on the