How Did William Collar Travis Influence Society

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William Barret Travis William Barret Travis was a very influential man. He helped shape America’s history. He never backed down from anything, which made him a very successful man. When a situation looked bad, he encouraged his men and led them into battle. This made him a respected military leader. William Barret Travis came from a respected family in England. His family was one of the first to migrate to Virginia. They settled in Jamestown in 1626, and moved to Loudon County, Virginia in 1763. They were an esteemed and well-known family throughout the state. They relocated to Saluda County, South Carolina in the 1780’s and settled in the wilderness forts throughout the state (Hollmann 23). Mark Travis married Jemima Stallworth …show more content…

I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and 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, 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, of 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.” (www.tsl.texas.gov) The letter was entitled, “Victory or Death.” On March 6, 1836 the Mexican Military launched a predawn attack on the Alamo. The men brutally fought to the very end. William Travis was killed in he attack by a single gunshot wound to the head; he was only twenty-six years old. He bravely led his men into battle when they knew they would not live to see another day. His body along with all of the other Alamo defender’s was burned. On August 19, 1989, a statue was unveiled at the site of William Travis’s birthplace in Saluda, SC. It was made to honor his distinguished career in the Texas Cavalry, and for his great bravery at the Alamo Mission. There is an exhibit on William Travis at the Alamo Museum in San Antonio (Hollmann

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