William Barrett Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution, made an impact on the American people with his significant letter asking for help. Travis wrote an inspirational letter addressed not only to the people of Texas but also to all Americans around the world. This affected how Americans view patriotism and value their freedom and beliefs. Travis was born in 1809 and died in battle defending the fort known as the Alamo against overwhelming Mexican forces in 1836. He was the oldest of his 11 brothers and sisters. His parents were Mark Stallworth and Jemima Stallworth. Travis officially became a lieutenant colonel in January 1836. That same year Governor Henry Smith ordered Travis and 100 reinforcements to San Antonio. James Bowie also arrived at the fort. The Texas Army knew it was outnumbered; therefore, Travis was sent a very profound letter to all American patriots asking for help. On March 1, 1836, Travis received 32 men led by Albert Martin and George C. Kimball. Reinforcements arrived, thanks to the meaningful letter Travis sent to anyone who would listen. The city of Gonzales was the only one to comply with Travis' letter to provide reinforcements even though the people of Gonzales knew it was a lost cause due to the impact of the lieutenant colonel's words stating that Travis was determined to hold out as long as possible and die like a soldier who forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country: Victory or Death. The Gonzales reinforcements were the few who came to Travis' aid. Another group of reinforcements led by David Crockett managed to pass through the Mexican lines on the morning of March 4. Gathering around 50-60 volunteers due to the impact of Lt. Col. ..... middle of paper ...... one of the crucial responses to Travis' letter even after the death of the lieutenant colonels was the defeat, ten years later, of the Santa Ana army led by Sam Houston, who currently forms the backbone of the history of the Texas Revolution.Works CitedTexas and Texans. 1. 1. New York, New York, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, Woodland Hills, California: National Geographic, Mc Graw Hill, 2003. 232-233. Print."The Letter." travisletter.com. The Texas General Land Office, nd Web. February 1, 2014. Archie, McDonald. "William Barrett Travis." Texas State Historical Association. Texas State Historical Association, February 1, 2012. Web. February 1, 2014. .Paul Robert, Walker. Remember the Alamo. 1. 1. Washington, DC: National Geographic, McGraw Hill, 2007. 47. Print.