To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World

"I am besieged by a thousand or more Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual bombardment for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded surrender or the garrison will be put to the sword if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. I call on you in the name of liberty, patriotism and everything dear to the American character to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and 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 and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country — Victory or Death."