|
|
William B. Travis led a handful of 180 American rebels at the derelict mission in San Antonio against Mexican forces totaling 1800. The Victory or Death letter describes the level of patriotism and courage shown, against all odds, in the cause of freedom and liberty for Texas.
Facts about the Victory or Death Letter for kids
Text of the Victory or
Death Letter
Text of the Victory or
Death Letter 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, and 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 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 & that of his country. Victory or Death. William Barret 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
The Victory or Death
Letter for kids: Destinations of letters written by William B. Travis
Response to the
Victory or Death Letter
The Note added by Private Lancelot
Smither to
the Victory or Death Letter Nb I
hope that Every One will Rondevu at gonzales as soon poseble as the
Brave Solders are suffering do not neglect this It might seem inappropriate now to add a note to a letter but this was the Battle of the Alamo. 180 men were faced with the overwhelming forces of General Santa Anna - which according to the words of Travis would "...no doubt increase to three or four thousand". Private Lancelot Smither was poorly educated but to took the opportunity to add his personal plea for help.
Text of the Victory or
Death Letter: Note added by Lancelot Smither Since the above was written I heard a very heavy Canonade during the whole day think there must have been an attack made upon the Alamo We were short of amunition when I left Hurry on all the men you can in haste When I left there was but 150 determined to do or die tomorrow I leave for Bejar with what men I can raise [copy here illegible] at all events — Col. Almonte is there the troops are under the Command of Gen. Seisma Albert Martin |
US American History |
1829-1841: Jacksonian Era |
|
|
First Published2016-04-19 | |||
Updated 2018-01-01 |
Publisher Siteseen Limited | ||
|
|