’’THE MESSENGER’'

   ’’THE MESSENGER’’ is the maquette for a new monumental bronze of John W. Smith for San Antonio, TX.  Smith was the last messenger sent by Lt. Col William B. Travis. in 1836. He rode out to get reinforcements for the Alamo.  The sculpture will be 12.5 feet in height and placed on the Alamo Sculpture Trail, which would include 14 bronze sculptures, placed between the Alamo and the Briscoe Western Art Museum and will be dedicated in 2018 during San Antonio Texas tricentennial celebration.  William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, wrote a plea for help as they were surrounded by enemy forces under Mexican dictator Santa Anna.  Addressed to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the world” and signed “Victory or Death,” this letter is known as one of the most stirring documents in American history.

‘’ I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch - The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & 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 & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country - Victory or Death.’’