What is the ‘Alamo Letter’?

September 8, 2025 – The “Alamo Letter,” formally known as William B. Travis’s “Victory or Death” letter, is one of the most famous documents from the Texas Revolution. Written on February 24, 1836, during the siege of the Alamo in San Antonio, the letter was addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World.” At the time, Travis and roughly 200 Texian defenders were surrounded by thousands of Mexican troops under General Antonio López de Santa Anna.

In the letter, Travis urgently appeals for reinforcements and supplies, declaring that the garrison will never surrender. He boldly states his resolve to fight to the death for liberty, concluding with the now legendary phrase, “Victory or Death.” The passionate tone captures both the desperation of the situation and the determination of the Texians to resist Mexican rule.

The Alamo Letter not only served as a plea for help but also became a rallying cry for the Texian cause. Though reinforcements never arrived in time to save the defenders, the letter was widely circulated and inspired others to join the fight for Texas independence. Its fiery language framed the defense of the Alamo as a heroic struggle for freedom, shaping how the battle has been remembered in American history.

Today, the Alamo Letter is preserved as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of self-determination. It embodies the spirit of defiance that defined the Texian resistance and remains a cornerstone of Texas identity, often quoted as an example of ultimate dedication to a cause greater than oneself.