Commandancy of the Alamo
Bexar, Feby. 24th, 1836
To the People of Texas & 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 despatch–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.
The flag that flew over the Alamo:
Another flag from the war of Texas Revolution:
From Flags of Texas Independence Movements at Texas A&M University.
Go out and celebrate today!
