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 & 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 country.
Victory or Death.
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 & got into the walls 20 or 30 head
of Beeves.
