Lt Col William B Travis2

Today in Texas History On the trail to Texas independence. Feb 24, 1836 – (2nd day of the siege of the Alamo) William Travis sends out the letter he composed the previous day via courier to General Sam Houston. Transcript of the Travis letter to the world: “Commandancy of the 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 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” Portraits/Pictures: Lt. Col. William Barrett Travis, Travis' letter, print of Travis' letter.