Getting Santa Anna

I was an immigrant from America, who came to Texas for profit. My name is Joe Fredliky, I’ve got a sweet wife, Lucy and three kids. 1

“Joe, we are getting low on money.” a sweet voice said.2

“Lucy, then what shall we do?”3

“Well, I hear we having problems with Mexico, and they’re looking for people to fight, it’ll give some pay.”4

“I will join,” I sighed, “Are those tax collectors coming today with their rudeness and being unfair?”5

“I believe so, we ain’t got enough money for food and  clothing, we always seem to get by, until tax collectors come, then we are in trouble.”  tears began to burst out of Lucy’s eyes, thinking of our hardship.6

Putting my arms around her, I said, “Don’t worry, I’ll join the troops, I’ll go now!”7

I grabbed for my jacket and was out the door.8

I went to the main area in town. Davy Crocket was putting on quite a show, asking for people to fight.9

“I’ll do it. How’s the pay?” I shouted, the whole crowd looked back at me in shocked eyes.10

“Why, the pay is alright. It’s well worth it, independence is what the goal is. Who are you?” Davy Crocket asked me.11

“Why, sir, I’m Joe, Joe Fredliky.” I said in a nervous voice.12

“Come with me, all who want to help.” Davy Crocket said.13

A crowd of about ten followed. 14

Before I knew it, I was signed up and getting paid.15

“Alright, um, you, you, you, you, and um, you.” A man said, he pointed to me and a few other men; “You will join me in capturing Santa Anna, the man responsible for this war and our extra pay.” He was Sam Houston. 16

I was getting paid and talking to big official men, and I was one, now.17

“You men must still serve in the war, but you’ll be paid a little extra.” Sam Houston said.18

I went back home and told Lucy and the kids all about meeting Davy Crocket and Sam Houston, over dinner.19

“Wow, Dad! Were they nice?” My youngest, Meghan asked. She was cute and too young to ask a better question.20

“Yes, Sweety, they were very nice.” I answered. She was pleased with the answer, so she gave a big smile and continued to eat.21

We talked more and then we were off to bed.22

I slept good. I soon got dressed and was ready for the day.23

Someone was knocking on out door. I got up to answer it, it was William Travis.24

“Hello, is this Joe Fredliky? We are at war and need help.” he said.25

“Yes!” I was ready to go, butterflies filled my body.26

We went to San Antonio; I saw Santa Anna, he was holding something red. 27

Remembering what Sam Houston told me, I ran off to him.28

On my way of chasing Santa Anna, I killed some other people. It felt good, I had to use all of my anger in it.29

Silence. What happened? 30

“Houston, we are out of ammunition!” A man yelled in fear.31

“Then we fight by hand!” Sam Houston yelled back.32

I saw Jim Bowie lying on the floor, his expression was pain.33

I continued fighting.34

When every man from Mexico was on the ground, we left. We spared the women and children.35

I thought it was all over, until James W. Fanning showed up at my front door. He told me it was time to catch Santa Anna.36

I kissed my family and left. 37

I was nervous and afraid. A solider near me could tell, “You alright?”38

I shook my head, “Yes, I guess it’s my family I miss.”39

“Aw, don’t worry, just a few days.” The man was tall and plump, his beard shook when he spoke, “By the way, I’m Josh, and who are you?”40

“Joe, Nice to meet you.”41

“Same here.” We shook hand and talked more.42

Sam Houston soon turned to us, “Shh. We are at San Jacinto.” 43

Josh and I looked at each other, I didn’t know what San Jacinto meant, but I just kept quiet.44

“Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” Sam Houston screamed as everyone charged for the Mexicans.45

We captured Santa Anna! The Mexicans were easy to defeat.46

I realized we had gotten independence. We started home. I kept asking what this would lead us to. Texas, is free from Mexico!47

When I arrived home, I kept bragging about all that happened, and what I did. Everyone was proud.48

“Joe, we have some money now, and no high taxes!” Lucy exclaimed, she was so happy, her eyes grew wide.49

“Yes, we do!” I smiled.50

Sam Houston came over my house, “I’d like to thank you.” He smiled.51

“Yes, well,” I was so excited, but I kept cool, “I hear you are our new leader.”52

“Yes, but I sent a letter to America asking if we may join them.”53

“That is a good idea. Annexing us would be good.”54

“Yes. I have to go, goodbye, and thanks.” He shook my hand and left.55

We lived good and happy. We got more money, and lived better.56