- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
February 24, 1836 | “VICTORY OR DEATH”
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:07 am
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:07 am
On February 24, 1836, William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, wrote a plea for help as they were surrounded by enemy forces under Mexican dictator Santa Anna. Addressed to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the world” and signed “VICTORY OR DEATH,” this letter is known as one of the most stirring documents in American history.
Travis’ letter had an immense and immediate effect. Responding to the letter, 32 men arrived from Gonzales on March 1, 1836. Word of his letter spread quickly, first to New Orleans then onward to Boston and New York City. Yet with the Alamo located hundreds of miles from the U.S. border and a month from Washington, D.C., distance and terrain prevented most volunteers from arriving before the Alamo fell on March 6.
In Texas, many of the volunteers stirred by Travis’ letter formed the core of the army Sam Houston led to victory over Santa Anna on April 21, 1836. With his defeat, the Republic of Texas was born and a chain of events began that led to the Mexican War a decade later. U.S. victory in that war brought the American Southwest into the nation. Consequently, Travis’ letter shaped the destiny of America and the world.
Travis’ letter had an immense and immediate effect. Responding to the letter, 32 men arrived from Gonzales on March 1, 1836. Word of his letter spread quickly, first to New Orleans then onward to Boston and New York City. Yet with the Alamo located hundreds of miles from the U.S. border and a month from Washington, D.C., distance and terrain prevented most volunteers from arriving before the Alamo fell on March 6.
In Texas, many of the volunteers stirred by Travis’ letter formed the core of the army Sam Houston led to victory over Santa Anna on April 21, 1836. With his defeat, the Republic of Texas was born and a chain of events began that led to the Mexican War a decade later. U.S. victory in that war brought the American Southwest into the nation. Consequently, Travis’ letter shaped the destiny of America and the world.
quote:
Commandancy of the The Alamo
Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836
To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-
Fellow Citizens & 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 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 and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.
Travis
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:08 am to EKG
How long before it's a Mexican state again?
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:09 am to EKG
One of the greatest and most influential leaders in history. And one if the founding fathers of Texas. Love that man.
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:13 am to EKG
BamaAtl would interpret the OP as the Alamo being proof that walls don't work.
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:16 am to EKG
Slowly but surely they are taking it back
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:16 am to SDVTiger
You're just so punchable sometimes. The things you say...
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:17 am to EKG
This letter would have little affect today...
Because many schools no longer teach cursive writing and many people wouldn't be able to read it
This post was edited on 2/24/19 at 9:18 am
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:39 am to Collegedropout
quote:
How long before it's a Mexican state again
Lord willing, it'll be a long, long, LONG time.
This post was edited on 2/24/19 at 9:43 am
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:46 am to tarzana
10 years and Texas will be blue. Then it's over.
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:48 am to AggieDub14
quote:
You're just so punchable sometimes. The things you say...
Truth hurts huh. The violent left exposes themselves again
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:53 am to SDVTiger
Except it isnt truth and I'm not left or violent. You're just a troll who antagonizes people for fun online.
Posted on 2/24/19 at 9:56 am to AggieDub14
quote:
Except it isnt truth
Yeah it is. But maybe the great white hope can save you with the wall
quote:
I'm not left or violent.
quote:
You're just so punchable
Posted on 2/24/19 at 10:31 am to EKG
quote:
20 or 30 head of Beeves.
This line has always cracked me up.
Different time, different language.
This post was edited on 2/24/19 at 10:32 am
Posted on 2/24/19 at 10:33 am to EKG
Posted on 2/24/19 at 10:38 am to Wolfhound45
“Travis was seen to hesitate, but not about the death he would choose. He would take a few steps and stop, turning his proud face toward us to discharge his shots; he fought like a true soldier. Finally he died, but he died after having traded his life very dearly. None of his men died with greater heroism, and they all died. Travis behaved as a hero; one must do him justice, for with a handful of men without discipline, he resolved to face men used to war and much superior in numbers, without supplies, with scarce munitions, and against the will of his subordinates."
- Mexican Colonel Jose Enrique de la Peña
Posted on 2/24/19 at 10:39 am to EKG
That's cool. Obviously the Texans considered themselves "Americans" in the sense that we use the word today.
Texas war history is interesting. I've been to the San Jacinto monument when I lived in Texas.
Texas war history is interesting. I've been to the San Jacinto monument when I lived in Texas.
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News