THE following story of the struggle by which Texas gained her independence from Mexico is historically true so far as I may rely upon Yoakum's History of Texas, and the memory of one who took an active part in the conflict, the late John C. Duval of Austin. For the benefit of many who have lost sight of the fact, I would state that after Rex, Tawny, and their associates had achieved the freedom of Texas, she remained an independent republic for nine years, or until 1845. Then, of her own free will, she became the twenty-eighth and greatest state of the great American Union. The 21st of April, or San Jacinto day, is annually celebrated throughout the state with great rejoicings, and the church of the Alamo, still standing in San Antonio, is the monument most reverenced by the sons and daughters of Texas.