Today marks the 179th anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence. To simply declare independence was not enough to actually make it so. Independence from Mexico had to be fought for, bled for, died for, and eventually won at great cost.
As commander of the garrison that defended the Alamo, William Barret Travis wrote a number of letters informing the world of the dire situation and requesting supplies and reinforcements. His best known letter was his “Victory or Death” letter written on February 24, 1836 and addressed “To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World”.
May we all live with the courage of Travis, and may the Spirit of 1836 never recede from the heartbeat of the Lone Star State.
Commandancy of the Alamo
Bejar, Feby. 24, 1836To 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. Travis