Travis’ letter from the Alamo

173 years ago today, during the second day of their siege by forces under Mexican President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna, this letter was penned by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis. Along its journey from San Antonio de Béxar to San Felipe de Austin, a pair of postscripts were added by couriers Albert Martin and Launcelot Smithers (both of which are included here below the original letter).

The situation that Travis describes in his letter would only become more dire in the following days. Eight days after this letter was written, Travis would draw his famous line in the sand, and two days after that, Santa Anna’s forces would end their siege with a predawn attack on the mission.

Although historians debate the exact number killed at the Battle of the Alamo, it’s believed that all but two (a slave and a Mexican army deserter) of the men inside the Alamo’s walls were either killed in battle or executed after surrendering. According to one of the survivors’ accounts, Travis was among the first to die in the battle.

Even though Travis’ letter failed to achieve its intended purpose – bringing aid and reinforcements to the besieged men at the Alamo – it’s now credited as one of the key factors in the eventual Texian victory. Reprinted in newspapers across Texas, the United States and Europe, the letter convinced many undecided settlers to join to fight for independence and galvanized support for the Texian cause abroad.

• • • • •

Commandancy of the Alamo—

Bejar Fby. 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 wall — I shall never Surrender or retreat

Then, I can on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with an 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

• • • • •

Since the above was written I heard a very heavy
Cannonade during the whole day think there must
have been an attack made upon the alamo We were
short of ammunition when I left Hurry on all
the men you can in haste
When I left there was
but 150 determined to
do or die tomorrow I leave
for Bejar with what men I can
raise [copy here illegible]
at all events –
Col. Almonte is there the troops are
under the Command of Gen. Seisma

Albert Martin

• • • • •

Nb I hope that Every
One will Rondevu at
gonzales as soon poseble
as the Brave Solders are
suffering do not neglect this
powder is very scarce
and should not be delad
one moment

L. Smither

• • • • •

For more information about this letter, visit the Texas State Library & Archives Commission or take a look at the surprisingly well-researched Wikipedia page.