(It was this Flag that Flew at the
Alamo)
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.
