| 'Commandancy of the Alamo Bexar, Feby. 24th, 1836 To the People of Texas & all Americans in the World-- Fellow Citizens and 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 despatch--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.
Let the old men tell the story Let the legend grow and grow Of the 13 days of glory At the siege of Alamo. Lift the tattered banners proudly While the eyes of Texas shine Let the fort that was a mission Be an everlasting shrine. That they died to give us freedom That is all we need to know Of the 13 days of glory At the siege of Alamo. -- "The Alamo",1960 |