Identifier: briefhistoryoft00bake (find matches)
Title: Brief history of Texas from its earliest settlement to which is appended the constitution of the state
Year: 1873 (1870s)
Authors: Baker, D. W. C. (De Witt Clinton), 1832-1881
Subjects: Texas -- History
Publisher: New York : A.S. Barnes, 1873
Contributing Library: Houston Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation

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listed in the army for her indepen-dence. He commanded the garrison at the storming of the Alamo, and was killedafter a defence unparalleled for heroism, March 6, 1836. A monument commemo-rative of the defenders of the Alamo stands in the rotunda of the Capitol at Austin. t On the 24th of February Col. Travis issued this stirring appeal which was sentby a trusty messenger through the Mexican lines. COMMANDANCY OF THE ALAMO, Bexar, Feb. 24, 1836. To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world—Fellow citizens and com-patriots : I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna. I havesustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for twenty-four hours, and havenot yet lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion, other-3 HISTORY OF TEXAS. 51 The Final Assault.—On the morning of the day lastmentioned, a consultation of the Mexican officers was held,at which Santa Anna declared that the Alamo must be car-ried by storm at once, and at whatever cost.
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Siege of the Alamo. Dreadful Encounter.—The particulars of that terri-ble struggle can never be known. It is enough to say thatthe deeds of individual valor performed by that heroicband, already exhausted from incessant toils, watchfulness,and privations, have never been excelled. Many times did wise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the fort is taken. I have an-swered the summons with cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from thewalls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then I call upon you in the name of liberty, patriotism, and everything dear tothe American character, to come to our aid with dispatch, The enemy are receivingreinforcements daily, and will doubtless in a few days, increase to three or fourthousand, Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myselfas long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his ownhonor and that of his country. Victory or death ! W. BARRETT TRAVIS, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding.

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