Letters From The Past- Colonel Travis' Letter to the World

[joe817]

" To The People of Texas and All Americans In The World -- February 24, 1836

Fellow citizens & compatriots --

I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --

VICTORY OR DEATH

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn -- We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves --

Travis "

[jason812]

When I have gone to the Alamo as an adult and walked the grounds, it's hard to imagine what those men went through. Especially the days leading up to the siege, seeing the Mexican forces grow in number, and knowing death was imminent.

[joe817]

I get goosebumps every time I read this letter. Knowing that his entire garrison will face certain death if they continue the fight. And fight they did!

God Bless Texas!

[Paladin]

It is a truly immortal letter.

Santa Anna defeated the Secession of Zacatecas May 1835 and later rebellion of the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Tabasco...

Its almost impossible for most people to conceive of the scale of the victory at San Jacinto. Sam Houston and Texas won the war against impossible odds.

[joe817]

It is a truly immortal letter.

Santa Anna defeated the Secession of Zacatecas May 1835 and later rebellion of the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Tabasco...

Its almost impossible for most people to conceive of the scale of the victory at San Jacinto. Sam Houston and Texas won the war against impossible odds.

Thanks for sharing Paladin! Fascinating read!

[oljames3]

On March 7, I will be participating as part of the USA team in a model rocket contest with the Ukrainian team at the Firefly Aerospace facility in Briggs, Texas.

On March 10, I plan to accompany the Ukrainians as they visit the Alamo. During the Cold War, I pointed nuclear weapons at these folks. Now I will be walking with them in this sacred place.