the fort and its garrison. Although the
Texans were taken almost completely by surprise, Travis answered the
demand with a cannon shot, and the Mexicans raised the red flag which
signified "no quarter."

The next morning the following proclamation was issued by Colonel
Travis:

"To the people of Texas and
all Americans of the world.
"Commandancy of the Alamo, Bexar,
"February 24, 1836.

"Fellow Citizens and Compatriots,--I am besieged by a thousand or more
of the Mexicans under Santa Ana. I have sustained a continued
bombardment and cannonade for twenty-four hours and have not lost a man.
The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion; otherwise the
garrison is to be put to the sword if the fort is taken. I have answered
the summons with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from
the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then I call on you in the
name of liberty, patriotism, and everything dear to the American
character, to come to our aid with all despatch. The enemy are receiving
reenforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four
thousand in four or five days. Though this call may be neglected, I am
determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier
who never forgets what is due to his own honour and that of his country.
Victory or death!

"(Signed) W. BARRETT TRAVIS,
"Lieut.-Col. Com't."

When the Mexicans were first seen in San Antonio the defenders of the
Alamo were thrown into a panic, for no one dreamed that enemies were in
the vicinity; yet no one of the hardy garrison thought of flight, and
after the first surprise was over, order was quickly restored and
everything put in readiness for a bitter contest. The possible conflict
of authority between Colonel Bowie and Colonel Travis was prevented by
the fact that the former had been stricken with pneumonia and was lying
in the hospital, a very sick man.

It was soon found that the siege lines of the enemy were not so close
but that messengers might be sent through. One or two privates were
despatched to bring assistance, but none succeeded in doing so. On the
twenty-ninth of February it was resolved to send Captain Seguin, who
spoke Spanish fluently, and who might by his own personal influence
accomplish what the simple messages alone seemed unable to do. Seguin
had no horse of his own, so he went to Colonel Bowie and borrowed his
equipment, thoug