The Alamo Letters

The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) became an iconic moment in American history. "Remember the Alamo" was a battle cry meant to inspire us with the honor and bravery of those who defended it with their lives.

James Bowie's letter (yes, that James Bowie who invented the Bowie knife) was sent on February 2nd, 1836. It is perhaps both amusing and comforting to note that he designated the year as 1835 in his letter. You know how difficult it is to make the transition when a new year comes around! The most famous words from the letter are these:

"Col. Neill & Myself have come to the solemn resolution that we would rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy. These citizens deserve our protection and the public safety demands our lives rather than to evacuate this post to the enemy."

The second selection, the Travis letter, is also a plea for reinforcements. Sent a day after the siege of the Alamo had begun, it ends with the iconic declaration, "victory or death."

 

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