The Frontier Sixshooter Community Message Board - Interestng...

Interestng... (reply)

Hoot — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:39:51 +0000

and unknown history to me.

There is some confusion between Bejar and Bexar .. (reply)

JimT — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:51:12 +0000

a condensed history on Wikipedia is interesting ..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidio_San_Antonio_de_B%C3%A9xar

Aha! Thank you! (reply)

Hoot — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:45:50 +0000

I assumed, given the placement in the letter, it was a location. I am ignorant in much of Texas history beyond a general sense.

It is the Spanish pronounciation of Bexar ... (reply)

JimT — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:11:27 +0000

which was the city whose full name was San Antonio de Béxar.

Bravery, sure and simple. (reply)

Hoot — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:16 +0000

Forgive my ignorance, but in the head of the letter it states "Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836". I understand the date but what is 'Bejar'? Another name for Tejas?

The Travis Letter

JimT — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 23:47:13 +0000

This historic document was written by Col. William Travis at the Alamo while under attack by Santa Anna's forces; he and the other defenders had just a dozen days left to live. It will be on loan to the Alamo this winter, from Feb. 23 to March 24, at the new Ralston Family Collections Center.

Commandancy of the The Alamo
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