Dateline Alamo:
February 23, 1836: Travis sends a dispatch to Gonzales: 'To any of the inhabitants of Texas. The enemy in large force is in sight. We want men and provisions. Send them to us. Give us assistance.'
February 23, 1836: Travis and Bowie send a dispatch to Fannin in Goliad. It reads: We have removed all our men into the Alamo, where we will make such resistance as is due to our honor, and that of the country. We have 146 men, who are determined never to retreat. We have but little provisions, but enough till you and your men arrive.
February 23, 1836: Santa Anna orders the red flag of 'no quarter' flown from the San Fernando church, in clear view of the Alamo defenders. Travis fires his 18 pound cannon in answer.
February 24, 1836: Jim Bowie becomes so ill that he is unable to continue his joint command and turns sole command over to Wm. Travis.
February 24, 1836: Travis sends a letter out by Albert Martin: 'To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World Fellow Citizens and Compatriots: I am besieged with a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a considerable Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison is 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 wall. 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 which is due his honor and that of his country.
VICTORY OR DEATH.
William Barret Travis, Lt. Col. commanding the Alamo' February 26, 1836: Fannin decides to march to the aid of the Alamo. Immediately, troubles begin. Wagons break down, extra oxen are required to pull the artillery across the San Antonio River, outside Goliad Fannin makes camp.
February 27, 1836: Fannin calls a council of war. The decision is made to return to Fort Defiance in Goliad.
February 27, 1836: Travis sends James Butler Bonham with a dispatch to Fannin.
February 28, 1836: A messenger arrives at Goliad with the news for Fannin, the Mexicans under General Urrea have defeated Colonel Frank Johnson's forces at the battle of San Patricio.