What did Travis ask for in his letter from the Alamo?
On February 23, the Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas had been besieged by Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Fearing that his small group of men could not withstand an assault, Travis wrote this letter seeking reinforcements and supplies from supporters.
What did Travis letter say in 1836?
It was addressed, “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World.” This letter was a passionate plea for aid for the Alamo garrison.
What did Travis want this letter?
He addressed his letter to “All Americans in the world” specifically to inflame their patriotic passions and rally them to his cause and that of Texas. In so doing, he transformed the Texas Revolution into an American fight for liberty against tyranny.
How many letters did Travis send from the Alamo?
Gen. Sam Houston, Travis repeated his plea for help, saying his men had “conducted themselves with firmness and bravery,” amid heavy bombardment. Not knowing that delegates had declared independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos a day earlier, Travis wrote at least two letters to delegates on March 3.
Why didn’t Sam Houston send reinforcements to the Alamo?
The Texans Weren’t Supposed to Defend the Alamo General Sam Houston felt that holding San Antonio was impossible and unnecessary, as most of the settlements of the rebellious Texans were far to the east.
How does Travis describe his current situation at the Alamo?
In this letter addressed “To the Citizens of Texas,” Travis describes the repeated attacks by the Mexican army: I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans, under Santa Ana. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade, for twenty-four hours, and have not lost one man.
Who delivered the Travis letter?
This historic letter was carried from the Alamo by 30-year-old Captain Albert Martin of Gonzales, a native of Rhode Island. On the afternoon of the 25th, Martin passed the dispatch to Lancelot Smither, who had arrived from the Alamo the day before with an estimate of Mexican troop strength.
What was the purpose of Travis letter?
The famous Victory or Death Letter written by William B. Travis during the fall of the Alamo will be returned to the shrine here in San Antonio on Friday. Travis wrote the letter on Feb. 24, 1836 as a plea for help when the Alamo’s defenders were surrounded by several thousand Mexican troops; it’s now been 177 years.
Could the Alamo have been defended?
While he and Neill and the others might conceivably hold the Alamo, they could never defend the town against the force Santa Anna was bringing. As a result, the decision to defend the Alamo—like nearly every other decision in the war—was made by those who would have to carry it out. But they needed help.
Why did the Texans want their independence from Mexico?
Texans wanted independence from Mexico because of Mexico’s abolition of slavery, increase in tariffs, and the rise of Santa Anna. Texas, being Mexican territory, was subject to Mexican laws and policies. In 1831, Mexico abolished slavery.
Who said give me victory or death?
commander William Barret Travis
The letter written by commander William Barret Travis “To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World” during the Battle of the Alamo (1836), ends with “Victory or Death!”.