Texians in the Alamo and at Labahía -- they are the same who now wish to re-enact these scenes of horror and barbarity -- can there be a doubt that Texas will afford auxiliaries against such enemies? No, gentlemen, the new government which has been received with such generosity in this town . . . hope not without reason, that there are men here who are willing to aid them. To ask assistance is their motive for appearing among you, and to obtain it they excite the sympathies and the love which all here present cherish for the cause of liberty.[88]

The address was followed by a lively conversation and the drinking of numerous toasts, accompanied by "cheers of the citizens and the roaring of the old twelve pounder." Besides the usual toasts offered to "liberty" and to the "distinguished guests," the following are suggestive of the thoughts of the people at that time: "The Lone Star of Texas -- unless arrested by the hands of peace, shall be unfurled to the mountain breeze of Mexico"; "The new Government of the Northern Frontier of Mexico -- the blood of her brave soldiers shed on the plains of Morelos has sealed her independence forever"; "General Don Antonio Canales -- the soldier, the patriot, and the statesman -- too honest to be bought, and too brave to be daunted by misfortune"; "Our fellow citizens who fell at Mier and Morales -- worthy of the cause in which they died"; and "The tri-colored flag -- like the fair of Victoria, by whose hands it was made, will never need the support of the enemies of freedom."[89]

"I never saw any thing," reported Plummer, "go off with more enthusiasm, or [be] better conducted. The crowd was so great that many had no room for seats -- I for one. But the loss of the dinner was made up in side bar drinking -- and that too of very fine champaign.''[90]

As an excuse to raise a force to aid the Federalists and, possibly at the same time protect the frontier trade, the citizens of Victoria sought to get up a company of about 125 volunteers to go in search of Córdova, "who it will be remembered," declared one of the Texas newspapers,[91]  "is the leader of a small band of motley race, form and