A Call for Help in Preserving our Freedom

At yesterday's "Hands Off Texas" rally in Austin, Ted Cruz read the first letter that Col. Travis wrote from the Alamo asking for help when the 13 day siege began.  The words struck me as they never have before; we are surrounded, as Travis and his men were, and each of us must do our part to stir up the love of freedom in the hearts of our fellow Americans:

February 24, 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 call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & every thing 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