From the Annals of It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time – In 1836, David Crockett wrote his last surviving letter.  Despite his nationwide fame, he had lost his bid for a fourth term as a Tennessee representative to the U. S. Congress and determined to make a new start in Texas. In the letter, called Texas “the garden spot of the world,” with the “best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw.”  Crockett had come to Texas to revive his political career and noted that he fully expected to take part in writing a constitution for Texas. “I am in hopes of making a fortune yet for my self and my family, bad as my prospect has been.” All indications are that Crockett, who probably was among the most famous Americans of his day, was surprised to be trapped in the Alamo facing almost certain death.  There has been tremendous controversy over whether Crockett died during the battle or surrendered with a handful of others only to be executed by order of Santa Anna.  It is clear that Santa Anna knew that Crockett was in the Alamo and was pleased at the prospect of capturing such a famous person.