Kay Bailey Hutchison: “this month marked the sesquicentennial of the end of the Republic of Texas. But I rise this morning to celebrate the…”

“this month marked the sesquicentennial of the end of the Republic of Texas. But I rise this morning to celebrate the beginning of our Republic, not its end. One hundred sixty years ago Saturday, March 2, a band of Texans gathered in Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared our Independence from Mexico. Around them raged a fierce war for that Independence. I would like the Senate to remember the many brave Texans who gave their lives in that war as I read the last letter sent from the Alamo on February 24, 1836. In reading this letter, I continue a tradition begun by my late friend, Senator John Tower. Here then is the letter of Col. William Barrett Travis, from his fort at San Antonio. To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world: Fellow citizens and compatriots--I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. 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.…”