This Day In History: Texas Declares Independence From Mexico

Texas Convention | March 2, 1836 | Various

[Spktyr]

And because nobody posted it earlier (that I could see):

To The People of Texas and All Americans In The World -- February 24, 1836

Fellow citizens & compatriots -- I am beseiged, 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, & every thing 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 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 & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves --

Travis

[Borges]

Today is also the 50th anniversary of Morocco's declaration of Independence from France.

[Spktyr]

Yeah, but declaring independence from France in the 20th century after Dien Bien Phu is kind of like declaring independence from your parents when you turn 18. It's to be expected, most people do it anyway, and your parents probably will be more than happy to let you go.

The Mexicans and Santa Anna were not so inclined.

[TexConfederate1861]

God Bless Texas........and a Happy Texas Independence Day to us ALL!

[ncountylee]

Well...it was nice while it lasted.

[beltfed308]

It has demanded us to deliver up our arms, which are essential to our defence, the rightful property of freemen, and formidable only to tyrannical governments.

Most of our politicians need to made to remember this.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Happy 170th Birthday, Tejas!

[TexConfederate1861]

At least Santa Anna wasn't inclined until he was looking down the barrel of a Kentucky Rifle.... :)

or a possible long drop with a short stop from the nearest tree :)

[HEY4QDEMS]

Aren't you aware that having the year "1836" displayed in your post is offensive to Mexicans?

Shame on you!

[archy]

Long live free Texas!

[Spktyr]

I have an 1836 sticker on the back of my Jeep. The Mexicans can think what they like. :D

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

"Remember the Alamo; Remember Goliad"

[Graycliff]

We're going to party like it's 1836.

[Spktyr]

Or any of the more "creative" methods of eliminating an annoying pest that the Commanche-fighting Texians had learned, yeah.

Funny how that can change people's minds...

[devane617]

G-d bless Texas, the most beautiful state in the union.

[Melas]

You know the gang that fears little brown men is going to jump all over this, and the historical significance of this date is going to be lost amidst the caterwauling over immigration.

[Liberty Valance]

Cheers for Texas Independence!

Glad to see you were able to correct the typo for Capt. Clapp.

[Eaker]

Great Big Texas Happy Birthday Ping!!

[archy]

Aren't you aware that having the year "1836" displayed in your post is offensive to Mexicans?

So long as they're not in Texas, they won't be offended.

Honor the Texas Flag of 1836;
I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,
one and indivisible.

--Texas Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, 1933-1965