SAN ANTONIO — Hidden behind the fortress of the Alamo is a letter known to history as a plea for 'Victory or Death' at the battle of the Alamo in 1836.
It was William B. Travis that etched those words into a letter he addressed to the people of Texas and all Americans across the world.
The letter sits at the Ralston Family Collections Center in San Antonio today available to the public for the second time since 2013.
Ernesto Rodriguez a senior historian at the Alamo said this artifact pulls at the heart strings of America.
Two other artifacts are on display that coincide with the letter: the doors from the house historians believe were on the building where the letter was written, and the receipt for the cattle Travis had.
"They haven't been in the same room since the letter was written," Rodriguez said.
The letter will be on display until Mar. 24, after which it will be put away indefinitely so as to protect the artifact.
Rodriguez said the paper is very delicate because the paper itself has a lot of acid in it, so in order to protect it for future generations, it is kept out of harsh and UV lighting.
The letter reads:
Commandancy of the The Alamo
Bejar, Feb. 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 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 & 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.
P.S. The Lord is on our side - When the enemy appeared in sight 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