Texas Revolution Cont.

Requests for Reinforcements and Strategic Importance

Expectations of Colonel Fannin

• Travis and Bowie expected Colonel Fannin and his $400$ men to arrive from Goliad, a $95\text{-mile}$ journey.

• After nine days without arrival, Travis doubted that reinforcements were actually on the way.

Letter to the Independence Convention

• Addressed to the convention meeting at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

• Stated that repeated requests for aid had gone unanswered and relief was expected only from the colonies.

• Expressed confidence in his men's "determined valor and desperate courage," emphasizing that any victory for Santa Anna would cost the enemy dearly.

Supply Status and Strategic Value

• Possessed provisions for $20\text{ days}$, but had a limited supply of ammunition.

• Described Béxar as the "great and decisive ground" and argued it was better to fight on the frontier than allow a war of devastation in settlements.

Declaration of Independence and Resolve

Letter to Jesse Grimes

• Emphasized that the men of the Alamo were staunch supporters of Texas Independence.

• Stated that a formal declaration of independence was necessary to clarify their cause; without it, he and his men would lay down arms.

• Declared readiness to risk their lives under the flag of independence against Santa Anna's blood-red flag.

• Expressed firm resolve: "If my countrymen do not rally to my relief, I am determined to perish in the defense of this place, and my bones shall reproach my country for her neglect."

Fannin's Aborted Relief Expedition

Arrival of Courier James Butler Bonham (March $3$)

• Delivered the grim news to Travis that Fannin would not be arriving.

Reasons for Turning Back

• Fannin initiated the march to Béxar on February $28$.

• After an ox cart broke down less than a mile from Goliad, Fannin called a council of officers.

• Lacking strong personal commitment to the relief effort, he called off the expedition and returned his forces to La Bahía.