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Thinking of Texas

I watched the old John Wayne "Alamo" movie and wondered about the text of the letter Travis sent out.

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 and cannonade for 24 hours and 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 and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch—The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and 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 and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country.

—Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis Lt. Col. comdt
February 24, 1836


I don't have much to add to that 

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