Hello, friends! I’m coming to you today from a small, run-down mission in 1836. I’ve been remaining inside with the other women here, benefiting from what small shelter the mission affords, scant though that is with the absence of a complete roof. Outside in the fort, the men and older boys are guarding us as we wait for the inevitable attack from the Mexicans. Today, I’m going to venture out there with them and see if I can have a few words with one of them, Spain Summerlin. Would you care to join me?
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
1. Where did you live before you moved to Texas?
Summerlin: Well, I was born in Tennessee, but Pa and Ma moved to Georgia when I was a baby. So Georgia is all I remember before comin’ to Texas.
Bethany: I’m sure it wasn’t always easy leaving behind settled country and coming out here to the frontier.
2. What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make when you came to Texas?
Summerlin: They speak a different language here. At least in Nacogdoches where I’m from, most people speak English, but here in Bexar, almost everyone speaks only Spanish, and I still haven’t mastered it.
The land here isn’t nearly so settled as it was back in Georgia. It’s harder to get the things we need. The Mexican officials don’t make it easy for traders to bring in supplies for the settlers. If something we brought with us from America wears out, we usually must either do without or try to make something ourselves.
The Mexican government is very different from the American one. The people have no voice, and the officials can get away with whatever they do, unless us Texians stand up to ’em, which is what we are doing here at the Alamo.
Bethany: Indeed, you are. We can only hope that they get the message soon so the conflict can end and everyone return to their homes in peace.
3. Tell us about your family.
Summerlin: Pa is a farmer back in Nacogdoches, and Ma looks after all the young’uns. I have nine brothers and sisters, and I’m the eldest of ’em. Pa could spare me to come to the war because my brothers William and James can help him ready the fields for the spring planting.
Bethany: Leaving a busy household on the frontier and going off to war sounds as though you traded one adventure for another.
4. Why did you decide to join the war?
Summerlin: I wanted to do my part to regain our rights that the Mexican government has taken from us. And now, I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to gain our independence from Mexico since, even if the government did reinstate our rights, we could never trust them not to take ’em away from us again.
Bethany: Independence sounds like something exciting to fight for. Even though the days here drag.
5. What have you been doing to keep your spirits up during the siege?
Summerlin: It’s been hard at times keeping up my spirits with the continual bombardment and watchin’ the Mexicans move their batteries closer and closer. But Sergeant McGregor’s bagpipes and Colonel Crockett’s fiddle have done considerable for lifting my spirits and those of the other men. It’s hard staying gloomy with the rollicking tunes and the screeching and squawking that both men make on their instruments.
Our leaders have also been doing their best to encourage us, even Colonel Bowie, though he’s very sick and unable to leave his bed. Hearing him rally us makes me want to fight all the harder.
Bethany: It sounds as though the camaraderie here helps to keep you going.
6. What do you think about Hamish? Is he a friend of yours?
Summerlin: I think he’s a nice fellow. I only knew of him back in Nacogdoches, but I would say that the war has greatly grown him from what he was before. Yes, I consider him to be a friend, and I look forward to going hunting with him or doin’ other things together when we return to Nacogdoches.
Bethany: I’m sure you’re anxious for that day to come. Hamish probably is too.
7. What else do you plan to do once the war is over?
Summerlin: Well, that depends on how the war ends, though I don’t reckon we’ll stop fightin’ until we are victorious or until every last man of us is killed. If we are victorious, I plan to return home and see Ma and Pa and the young’uns. And since we’ll be free then, I’ll do my part in helping to further settle our new land. I’d like to get my own farm when I am old enough to have land of my own, which will be soon.
Bethany: Victory shall be ours! We will not consider the alternative now. Summerlin, thank you for your time. I’m sure you have duties needing attended to now, and I must be returning inside the mission. Farewell!
Their race is royal. But will they remember?
     When Hamish McGregor and his sisters are forced to leave their home in the highlands of Scotland, they prepare to join their uncle in faraway Texas. Before leaving, they make an agreement to always remember that ‘s rioghal mo dhream, my race is royal.
    However, they soon discover that remembering is not easy. For Hamish, forgetting his heritage lands him in the middle of a desperate revolution as the Texians fight for independence.
     Catriona, proud and responsible, has no patience for her brother’s shortcomings until she too needs grace. And Ealasaid, an invalid facing the hardships of frontier life, struggles to live up to a still more important title: daughter of the King of kings.
     As fighting surrounds and comes between them, will the McGregors fall or will they turn to the King for victory? Will they remember their royalty as well as the sacrifice of the brave men at the Alamo?
Content: No romance, minimal violence, no language
Are you thinking about ordering a copy of the book? Check out the perks that come with ordering a book by release day, March 6, 2026!
Visit the shop to order a physical copy or go here to find the e-books! Or you can mark it on Goodreads here.
About the Author:
Hannah E. Griggs is a homeschool grad, teacher, and author, primarily of middle-grade Christian fiction, from Texas. She loves music and history. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her building her education business, reading classics, Christian fiction, and biographies, or improving her guitar skills. You can connect with her at hannahegriggs.com.
Simple Takeaway:
- Summerlin is a real historical figure from the Alamo.
- He is also a favorite character of mine from Remember My Royalty.
- If you would like to learn more about Summerlin, I would recommend purchasing a copy of the book for yourself!
Let’s Chat!
   Did you enjoy learning about Summerlin? What fact about him did you find most interesting?
   Until next time, fight the good fight of faith through the power of Him Who made you more than conqueror!
In Christ,
Bethany
How interesting to learn more about a friend of Hamish! Thank you for the lovely interview, Bethany!
You had great questions for him! I enjoyed the post a lot!