A Call to Texans and All Americans in the World

On February 24, 1836 the commander of the mission in San Antonio wrote the following letter. He knew that the chances of leaving the walls of the Alamo alive were next to none. He chose to buy precious time for Texas. Travis and the men of the Alamo gave up their lives and dreams to fight for the future of Texas and freedom. The history of Texas is one of Strong independent peoples that cherished freedom. I hope that independent spirit is still alive today and that the people of Texas will always fight to be free. We must never forget that our freedom was bought with the blood of Patriots.  Remember the Alamo, Wild Ed

Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World—

Fellow Citizens and 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 Barrett 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