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One great privilege of my being a commissioner for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is the opportunity to work with Texas history. Recently, I viewed firsthand a daguerreotype of Sam Houston (1793-1863), soldier, American statesman, and early governor of Texas. In the photo, framed in the typical gold-plated leather case, Houston is wearing a cowboy duster and cravat. His little daguerreotype is only about 2’’ x 3’’ but you feel this gigantic Texan staring you in the face.
On February 23 – March 7, 2013 the Travis Letter will return to the Alamo for the first time in 178 years. Be there!
In 1836, the Texians waged a war of independence against Mexican oppressor President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Volunteers came from other states to aid, men like Kentuckian Jim Bowie and Tennessee freedom-fighters led by Davy Crockett. Lt. Col. William Barrett Travis and 189 volunteers made a monumental and pivotal stand for freedom at San Antonio de Bexar, the Alamo. Facing nearly certain death against an opposing force that eventually swelled to almost 3,000 soldiers, Travis vowed never to surrender or retreat.
During the siege, Travis managed to send a courier to General Sam Houston appealing for reinforcements, stating that he (and the Alamo defenders) would “die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country – Victory or Death.” The siege lasted from February 23 to March 6, thirteen days. (It was a leap year). Houston’s reinforcements never arrived. Santa Anna killed all the freedom fighters and the battle cry for Texans forever rings, “Remember the Alamo!
In a partnership with the Texas General Land Office and through the considerable efforts of Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a marine veteran, former Texas state senator, and lover of all things Texas, the letter will return to the Alamo for the first time in 178 years.
Travel to the Alamo during those dates and read the original letter yourself.
This is a unique opportunity to reflect on the cost of freedom and to remember those on both sides who sacrificed their lives. Above all,
Remember the Alamo!
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 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