Alamo Traces: New Evidence and New Conclusions
by Thomas Ricks Lindley
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas Ricks LindleyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-02-28
ISBN: 1556229836
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
Book Reviews of Alamo Traces: New Evidence and New Conclusions
Book Review: "Thirteen Days of Procrastination"
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book recently in conjunction with re-reading Michener's great Novel, "Texas" because I went looking and found it. This book is not a novel, and it was portrayed as a renewed accounting of the Alamo, with added, and newly discovered information gleaned and written up without regard to legend. I had read much as a youngster about Texas and specifically, the Alamo, but these books must be read again as the task of adults, as the very lack of experience that is present in us then prevents us from applying what life has taught us as we absorb the importance of reading and sorting History. Nothing short of living life itself allows us to realize just what has gone before us.
Thomas Ricks Lindley writes a no-nonsense version of events that can be used against some of the accepted history if one is so inclined, and lists his credentials as a policeman with the U.S. Army, a criminal investigator turned historian. His book focuses on debunking certain other historians assertions, and providing other documents and accounts that differ somewhat from the accepted versions of the events leading up to, during, and after the "Thirteen Days" of the Alamo. He takes the time to point out certain wording in both newly found (or previously discarded) and accepted documents that belies actions taken, as well as differing dates on important events. Taken in context with the work of others, this appears to be a valuable work to someone like myself, who is NOT, by any means qualified to judge historians, but who do like our "facts that can be laid up against legend" provided us. And of course, the entire truth of what happened during the siege of the Alamo will never be entirely known by anyone, since the truest historians have long been silenced by Santa Anna.
He hits hard at the reputation of Sam Houston, but truth be told, most of us with an interest in Southwest history have long suspected that Houston was more politician than military man; and since eccentric alcoholics with a penchant for going off and living with the natives as a diversion from military duty, seldom make reliable bedfellows when it comes down to putting up or shutting up, it makes sense. (The natives themselves probably wondered just what was up with him) Most of this has been written of previously by others, so it is hardly something that has been overlooked. His own constituents had harsh words for his behavior during the time of the Alamo. Somehow, most of this has been treated gently by history; and while it was hardly unexpected to read of this, it certainly was refreshing to hear frank language used when describing obvious events, mixed with wonder at "who else" higher up might have made a difference in his attitude and thereby possibly changing the course of history. Had he shown up at the Alamo, perhaps San Jacinto wouldn't have had nearly as much importance.
By all accounts, the situation at the Alamo was truly a political morass and of people not doing their jobs; a tragic tale of ineffective military strategy, double talk, reputation protection, procrastination, aversion of duty, ineffective leadership in a crisis, and of downright betrayal of the men who had taken a stand in an indefensible position after being ordered to do so, desperately waited and called for assistance that never came; though some brave individuals did manage to make it through, knowing they would be killed. While time ticked away, the priorities taken by the military might are there in black and white for all to see. The awful truth seemed to fully dawn on Travis on Day 10: "In the present confusion of the political authorities of the country.." pg 139 - he acknowledged that while reinforcements had been promised, he knew they were not coming.
This book is a worthwhile addition to any Southwest history library; and no effort is made to "protect reputations", but equally, no effort is made to make light of the bravery of the men and women at the Alamo, it's importance to the history of Texas, and ultimately, to the United States as we know it today.
However, some things just can't be given up no matter what! For myself, I will believe forever (even if I knew better) the assertion that Travis drew a line in the sand with his sword, fact or fiction, myth or busted!
*** (pg 364) ....."And Texas, Phoenix-like shall rise, with Freedom's pinions proudly spread - hail'd by those Spirits of the skies, that on 'her' altar's nobly bled"...... *****
Remember the Alamo!
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