Referring back to the famous bugle call, signaling "no quarter:" That it was played has never been in dispute. It would seem to signal Santa Anna's order that no one was to be left alive. However, the diary of General Cos, in particular, has called into question whether or not the order was carried out to the letter, as one writer obviously believes.

Cos specifically refers to a group of survivors being marched or carried in front of Santa Anna, following the battle. Cos, and others (according to him) asked for mercy for them, one of whom was identified by Cos as Crockett. Santa Anna denied them and ordered their immediate execution. All this, according to Cos. This has caused endless consternation among Alamo historians and lovers and defenders of Texas history and folklore. No one likes revisionist historians or "debunkers."

The Cos memoirs are, apparently, considered authentic. The fact that they were written some years after the fact certainly brings the validity of his memory into the discussion.

In my opinion, the Alamo is a metaphor for nothing. It was a singular event, tragic and futile, the ultimate consequence of which was the creation of an angry and vengeful group of "Texicans" who defeated Santa Anna and created a new territory for themselves. Most of the rest has been rooted in the grand American tradition of the "tall tale," used much like a parable; i.e., Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill, et al, used to impress children with the honor and glory inherent in heroic behavior.   But, don't tell that to a Texan!