The Travis Letter will return to the Alamo

[Bill in Oregon]

This historic document was written by Col. William Travis at the Alamo while under attack by Santa Anna's forces; he and the other defenders had just a dozen days left to live. It will be on loan to the Alamo this winter, from Feb. 23 to March 24, at the new Ralston Family Collections Center. It carries great weight with me, and I am sure, many others who love our country.

"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 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"

[JBowen]

Thanks, for sharing that tidbit of history, Bill. Those were some really brave men.

JBowen

[gamekeeper]

That is indeed a very important letter and it adds greatly to the legend of the bravery of those who fought to defend the Alamo.

[Ysabel Kid]

Very cool!

[.45colt]

A copy of that Letter should be sent to every member of Congress .

[Griff]

A copy of that Letter should be sent to every member of Congress .

Why? The only purpose it'd serve would be to just pee 'em off as none of the cowards have slightest inkling of honor or duty. They can't even uphold the Constitution from the safety of their hallowed offices.

[marlinman93]

No matter how many times I read things about the Alamo I'm still amazed at the bravery those men showed under certain death. A soldier here or there who faces death but stands his ground is always amazing, but for that many to face certain death and do so together is even more so.

[.45colt]

Griff wrote; "Why? The only purpose it'd serve would be to just pee 'em off as none of the cowards have slightest inkling of honor or duty. They can't even uphold the Constitution from the safety of their hallowed offices" That's exactly why they should have to read it just to RUB THEIR NOSE IN IT . .

[Bill in Oregon]

There there is this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKD5TgHWyxM&t=1s

Less than two months after he ordered "all throats slit, no quarter" at the Alamo, the Texians captured Santa Anna then released him unharmed. He went on to live to 82 years, and died in 1876. This photo was taken of him in 1870.