[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE TRAVIS LETTER

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, this month marked the sesquicentennial 
of the end of the Republic of Texas.
  But I rise this morning to celebrate the beginning of our Republic, 
not its end. One hundred sixty years ago Saturday, March 2, a band of 
Texans gathered in Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared our 
Independence from Mexico. Around them raged a fierce war for that 
Independence. I would like the Senate to remember the many brave Texans 
who gave their lives in that war as I read the last letter sent from 
the Alamo on February 24, 1836. In reading this letter, I continue a 
tradition begun by my late friend, Senator John Tower. Here then is the 
letter of Col. William Barrett Travis, from his fort at San Antonio.

       To the people of Texas and 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 and cannonade for 24 hours 
     and 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, and 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 and 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 soldier who 
     never forgets what is due his own honor and that of his 
     country. Victory or death.
       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 house 80 to 90 bushels and got in the walls 20 or 
     30 head of Beeves.
       William B. Travis.--The Alamo, February 24, 1839.

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