Message from the Alamo, 1836
"In the name of Liberty, of patriotism, and
everything dear to the American character."
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The excerpt below is taken directly as printed from "Sam Houston" by Marquis James, a book published in 1929 by The Bobbs-Merrill Company. This is the famous message from the commander of the Alamo. There was a time when Americans knew this message and took it to heart, not as a statement against Mexicans but as one that exemplifies the independent and brave Texan character, so typical of the American people whatever their race, color, or creed. There was a time when all Americans remembered the Alamo and the men who fought so bravely against hopeless odds, knowing that defeat meant death.
"On February the twenty-eighth a courier on a hard-ridden horse galloped into town with what has been called the most heroic message in American history.
Commandancy of the Alamo
Bejar, F’by 24th 1836
"To the people of Texas & all Americans in the world:…
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 wall. 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 is
neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible…VICTORY OR DEATH."
W. Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.
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The Cradle of Texas Liberty
"Defying Santa Anna’s demands for surrender, the Texans in the fort determined to fight against the hopeless odds. The siege, which began February 24, ended with hand-to-hand fighting within the walls on March 6. William B. Travis, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and some 180 other defenders were dead, but the heroic resistance roused fighting anger among Texans, who six weeks later defeated the Mexicans at San Jacinto, crying, ‘Remember the Alamo!’"
The New Columbia Encyclopedia
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