William B. Travis's Letter To The People of Texas and All Americans In the World

To The People of Texas and
All Americans In The World --
February 24, 1836 Fellow citizens & compatriots -- I am beseiged, 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, & every thing 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 & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves -- Travis




Stephen F. Austin's Letter Premoting Juan N. Seguin to Captain 

This is to certify that Juan N. Seguin of Bexar presented himself to me at the camp of the volunteer army at the Salado on the 24 of October, and offered his services as a volunteer in defense of the rights and liberties of Texas.
I gave him the appointment of Captain of a volunteer company of the native Mexicans which he raised. This company although not a full one, was very efficient in the cause - He intercepted two expresses from the interior to Gen. Cos which were of the highest importance and Capt. Seguin and his men were at all times ready and willing to go on any service they were ordered they uniformly acquinted themselves to their credit as patriots and soldiers.
I also recommend the first Lt. of said company, Salvador Flores, and Viciente Zepeda a private - The latter discoved and took there of the expresses to Cos above mentioned.
I give this certificate for the purposes which the interested parties may deem necessary.
Head Quarters before Bexar
November 24, 1835
S.F. Austin
Com. in Chief of the
volunteer army

Resignation of William B. Travis

Head Quarters, Novr. 6th 1835 To The Commander in Chief of The Army of Texas Sir-
Believing that I can not be longer useful to the army without complaints being made, I herewith tender to your Excellency my resignation as Capt. of Cavalry W. B. Travis