Ever since I was a little kid I have been inspired by the story of The Alamo. One of my unaccomplished goals in life is to travel to San Antone, Texas to see it for myself. Today on the Glenn Beck Radio show he talked at length about the defense of The Alamo by 188 men verses 4000 Mexicans under Santa Anna. To read the transcript click on the title for a link. John Wayne was so inspired by the story he sunk every cent he owned and mortgaged his home and cars to make a movie about it.
One of the last letters of Lt. Col. William Barret Travis asking for reinforcement is as follows.
I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannoned 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 countryWilliam Barret Travis died at his post on the cannon platform at the northeast corner of the fortress.
-- VICTORY OR DEATH --
William Barret Travis Lt. Col. Comdt."
He was 26 years old.
So next time you are feeling sorry for yourself think about those 188 Texans!
