Who Is Cowtown Pattie?

My photo
I was Lillie Langtry in another life, and might have a crush on Calamity Jane.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Victory or Death!





The Travis Letter

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 receieving 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

5 comments:

Celia said...

Thanks Pattie, I've learned a lot about Texas from your posts. History, music, geography. I don't comment often as I should but I do enjoy your posts.

Cowtown Pattie said...

Celia,

Thank you! Texas is part of my dna...

Kay Dennison said...

What amazed me most was when I had the opportunity to visit San Antonio about 15 years ago, was how small the Alamo is. It looked bigger in the movies! LOL It's really hard to imagine defending it and winning against such odds.
What a courageous force they were!

I really liked San Antonio -- it's a lovely city. The downside was that everyone drives on the freeway like they just stole their is car! :)

Joared said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
joared said...

Yeah, I recall when I was Jr. High age visiting the Alamo after going to Lackland AFB in late '40's when we were traveling cross country. I, too, was surprised at the structure's small size and nondescript appearance, though I'd only read about it. The story was so big, I somehow imagined the Alamo's physical structure must be, too. The fact that it wasn't makes the defensive feat even more remarkable.

This battle to the death for freedom is going on in many countries today.

Peaceful marchers in our own country for bargaining rights are getting distant support from those who can afford to do so. Wisc.'s gabbygeezer describes this in his 2/21 piece as I've reported. Might be an idea for some as a way to support marchers in other States.