"I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, of everything dear to the American character...."

The title of this post comes from the appeal of William Barret Travis, in his request for help in defense of the Alamo. As a Texas resident, I could not forget, that, today is the anniversary of it's fall to the forces of General Santa Anna.

.

Travis' appeal was too late. But, the core of it's appeal still resonates today.

.

"The enemy has demanded surrender.." and "..in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, of everything dear to the American character...", we should "...never surrender or retreat."

.

Commandancy of the Alamo Bexar, Feby 24th, 1836

.
To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World--

.
Fellow Citizens and Compatriots

.

I am besieged with 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 surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison is 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 over the wall. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, of 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 solder who never forgets what is due his honor and that of his country.

.
VICTORY OR DEATH

.
William Barret Travis Lt. Col. Comd't

.
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.