[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE TRAVIS LETTER

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, February 1836: Texas was in the heat 
of the fight for our independence. A small volunteer band of 180 
patriots stood defiant at the Alamo, fighting tooth and nail against 
Santa Anna's massive army. They were outnumbered, 10 to 1. Col. William 
Barrett Travis, a 27-year-old lawyer from South Carolina, led the 
Texians into battle, ready to defend the Alamo. Surrounded by the 
enemy, Col. Travis put pen to paper, composing his immortal letter, 
seeking aid for the defense of Texas. He wrote:

                                          Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836.
     Commandancy of The Alamo,
       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 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 & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due 
     to his own honor & that of his country--Victory or Death.
                                           William Barrett Travis,
                                         Lt. Col. Comdt, The Alamo

  Mr. Speaker, Col. Travis and his group of tenacious volunteer 
soldiers were killed at the Alamo, defending Texas' freedom. No more 
than sixty days later, outnumbered, General Sam Houston and his 
`Texians' triumphed over Santa Anna and his professional army in the 
marshy plains of San Jacinto, winning independence from Mexico. Still 
to this day, remarkable and inspirational statement for freedom and the 
spirit of liberty. Col. William Barrett Travis is one reason my oldest 
grandson is named Barrett Houston. And that is just the way it is.

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