Post by elcolorado on Nov 10, 2007 13:34:44 GMT -5
At the other web site, we discussed the Northern Postern as one of the Alamo gates couriers used to leave by. Id like to get some input on the other gates the couriers may or may not have used.
As I count them, the Alamo appears to have had four gates that couriers could have used to exit and enter through. The Northern Postern, the Main Gate, Palisade Gate, and the East gate between the "Long Barracks" and the northern extension (jacales). But which one or one's would have been the safest and the most practical to use?
I think most of us agree that the Northern Postern was a door in the Northwest corner near Fortin de Condelle. This was an exit cited by Walter Lord in "Time to Stand" and, I think, Potter or Sutherland in their accounts (can't remember at the moment). This gate had the advantage of being out of view from enemy troops and provided access to the ditch or acequia for added concealment. However, the couriers would have to exit the ditch and head East or Southeast if traveling to Gonzales or Goliad. So IMO, exiting through the Northern Postern doesn't appear to be the most practical.
The Main Gate provided a degree of protection but may have been too obvious and was within sight of La Villita. So, if a courier wanted to leave the Alamo unobserved he would be better off exiting elsewhere.
The Palisade Gate is interesting. I never gave this exit much thought until I looked at the pictures Mark provided. A courier leaving through this gate would not only have some protection upon exiting, but would have the advantage of some minor concealment. Depending on the length and density of the abatis, a courier could slip out the Palisade Gate and head East with a reduced chance of being noticed. Of course, all of this depends on whether or not the gate was large enough for a horse to fit through.
The East Gate has some appealing advantages. Even though it doesn't really offer much in the form of concealment it's well protected and it's location in proximity to the roads is ideal. No doubt the Mexican Cavalry was watching this entrance more then the others. I wonder what gate Bonham used when he entered the Alamo? I'm thinking the East Gate.
Glenn
As I count them, the Alamo appears to have had four gates that couriers could have used to exit and enter through. The Northern Postern, the Main Gate, Palisade Gate, and the East gate between the "Long Barracks" and the northern extension (jacales). But which one or one's would have been the safest and the most practical to use?
I think most of us agree that the Northern Postern was a door in the Northwest corner near Fortin de Condelle. This was an exit cited by Walter Lord in "Time to Stand" and, I think, Potter or Sutherland in their accounts (can't remember at the moment). This gate had the advantage of being out of view from enemy troops and provided access to the ditch or acequia for added concealment. However, the couriers would have to exit the ditch and head East or Southeast if traveling to Gonzales or Goliad. So IMO, exiting through the Northern Postern doesn't appear to be the most practical.
The Main Gate provided a degree of protection but may have been too obvious and was within sight of La Villita. So, if a courier wanted to leave the Alamo unobserved he would be better off exiting elsewhere.
The Palisade Gate is interesting. I never gave this exit much thought until I looked at the pictures Mark provided. A courier leaving through this gate would not only have some protection upon exiting, but would have the advantage of some minor concealment. Depending on the length and density of the abatis, a courier could slip out the Palisade Gate and head East with a reduced chance of being noticed. Of course, all of this depends on whether or not the gate was large enough for a horse to fit through.
The East Gate has some appealing advantages. Even though it doesn't really offer much in the form of concealment it's well protected and it's location in proximity to the roads is ideal. No doubt the Mexican Cavalry was watching this entrance more then the others. I wonder what gate Bonham used when he entered the Alamo? I'm thinking the East Gate.
Glenn