For the Love of Texas!

As I've stated in previous posts, my brother is the coolest guy ever.  Him and his equally-cool wife live in Texas (the lucky dogs), and every year host a Texas Independence Day party.  He's a graphic designer, by the way...hence the kick-butt logo above.  He creates a new one each year. 

 I told you he rocks.

So...Posted on the website devoted to the party (and Texas) was this great excerpt today...reprinted here today...and I tell ya...really makes me sad for Oklahoma youth that don't have a Texas History Month!  

THE SIEGE OF THE ALAMO

Today, February 23, 1836, Santa Anna and the Mexican army began the siege of the Alamo. And on February 12, William B. Travis wrote this stirring letter all Texans know and love:

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 & 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 to his own honor & that of his country.  Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis 

Lt. Col. Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side.  When the enemy appeared insight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis