God Bless Texas!

Well, today marks the 173rd anniversary of the day that Texas declared her independence from Mexico. Most people in this world do not understand what it means to be a Texan. We are often the butt of jokes and wisecracks from those who have no clue as to what Texas is really all about. So today, in remembrance of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and their fortunes to make Texas the place that it is today and in hopes of maybe enlightening some of you who do not understand, here is the most famous letter in Texas history. Written by Colonel William Barrett Travis from the Alamo, this letter embodies the true Texas Spirit!


The Travis Letter
William Barret Travis, a young lawyer, in his 20's, from South Carolina, was ill-prepared for the monumental task he had at hand. With only limited military experience, his rank of "Colonel" was more honorary than anything else. Seemed everyone was a colonel in the fledgling Texas Army. Yet, he faced the overwhelming odds he found himself staring at with a grim - and bold - determination. It is not often in life that someone, with all on the line, gets to practice what they preach. In his plea for assistance, Travis sets down the rules for exactly that ... and then, he lived it! In this most powerful letter, one of the truly moving documents of our storied past, Travis gets to say what everyone would love to be able to have the opportunity to say. They are not mere words - stirring though they are - for they foretold his destiny. It would not be long before "victory or death" would be at hand.

Read this letter slowly ... savor every word ... it is the stuff of legend!


Commandancy of the Alamo
Bexar, Feby. 24th 1836


To the People of Texas & all Americans in the world --
Fellow citizens & compatriots -- I am besieged by athousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna --I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannon-ade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemyhas demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, thegarrison 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 nev-er surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the nameof Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the Amer--ican character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch --The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will nodoubt increase to three or four thousand in four or fivedays. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustainmyself as long as possible & die like a soldier who neverforgets what is due to his own honor & that of his coun-try --Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col., Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemyappeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn --We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bush-els & got into the walls 20 or 30 heads of Beeves.
Travis

Happy Texas Independence Day, Mark and Luke!