SAN ANTONIO — A famous letter penned while the Alamo was under siege is returning to where it was written for a special exhibit.
William B. Travis wrote the iconic and defiant letter on February 24, 1836, with the odds stacked against him and his men in one of the most well-known battles in the history of Texas. Officials said it's the first time the letter will be back where it was composed since 2013.
"The Travis Letter, known for its stirring call for aid and its resolute closing, 'Victory or Death,' will be displayed at the Alamo Exhibit in the Ralston Family Collections Center," Alamo officials said in a press release. "This momentous occasion is made possible thanks to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which has graciously loaned this treasured artifact."
The exhibit will be open to the public from February 23 through March 24, and admission will be free on February 26-27, March 4-5, and March 18-19 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friends of the Alamo will be invited to a sneak preview on February 22. More information can be found here.
"It's a chance to connect with a critical moment in the fight for independence and to honor the legacy of those who stood valiantly for their beliefs," Alamo officials said.
Here's the full text of the letter:
Bejar, Feby. 24th. 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