Texas Pride
I just got in from the Rodeo, one of my favorite events every year in Houston. This year I got to go spend time in a suite with my Dad’s company, which made things all the better. Anyway…
I wanted to share this letter, a famous rallying point during the Texas Revolution. I also think it’s some of the more famous prose from my region. The letter was sent on February 24th and the Alamo was lost with all hands on March 6.:
| Commandancy of the Alamo- Bejar, Feby. 24th, 1836 |
| To the people of Texas & all Americans in the world–
Fellow citizens & compatriots– I am besieged, 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 & everything 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 and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. |
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