William Barret Travis "Fellow Citizens and Compatriots: I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours, and I have not yet lost a man. The enemy has demanded the surrender; at discretion, otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the fort is taken. I have answered the summons with cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the wail. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then I call upon you in the name of liberty, patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will doubtless, in a few days, increase to three or four thousand men. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forfeits what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death!
The scene depicted here by Warren Hunter was one of the most dramatic moments of the Battle of the Alamo, when the moment of decision came for all those within the walls -- for the consequences of the choice to cross that line meant certain death for every last one of them that did. Santa Anna had given the order to fly the red flag, which was the sign for no prisoners taken among those who fought against that flag. Knowing full well that Santa Anna would not, could not let them continue to defy him on his march into Texas. As Travis spoke these words, "Our fate is sealed; We must die;" the very air in the Alamo was heavy with the presence of mind and heroic heart that choosing to stay and fight meant death for them, but hope of life and liberty for their fellow Texans and countrymen.
In this scene from the 3rd of March, 1836, Travis has just sent out his last appeal for reinforcements, with the sole words, "God and Texas -- Victory or Death!".
Tapley Holland, just 24 years old, had come to Texas from Louisiana in 1822. His dad was Francis Holland of the Stephen F. Austin Colony, who was alcalde (mayor) of his district (Grimes County area). Already a hero distinguished in the Texas army (which two of his brothers had also joined) at the Battle of Concepcion and the Siege of Bexar, Tapley Holland crossed the line that Colonel Travis drew in the ground with his sword. His right hand, symbol of faithfulness, is placed over his heart, symbol of love and loyalty, as he gallantly, solemnly, unselfishly, is the first to stride across that line and into our hearts. The words he spoke as he crossed: "I am ready to die for my country!" In such a moment as that, who is there among men whose heavy heart would not be lifted in inspiration?
William Barret Travis