Colonel Travis | “No Surrender” New masterwork
July 26, 2024
Tammy Payne
“No Surrender” is finished and in production at the foundry. This newest work will be debuted at this years Cowboy Artists of America Show in Fort Worth, Texas in November. Dustin is currently also working on a life-size version of this piece that will include the Alamo wall being a bench in front of Travis. We are offering both sizes in a limited edition and are taking orders on this piece now. email tammy@dustinpayne.com for ordering information.
The original maquette size in the edition measures 26”H x 12”W x 10”D and will have a 2”thick square walnut base and nameplate.
General Travis stood tall and resolute, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he surveyed the fortress of the Alamo. Surrounded by a small band of Texian rebels, hope seemed to dwindle with each passing day. The overwhelming Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna, loomed just beyond the fortress walls, their numbers too great to fathom. Yet, General Travis refused to succumb to despair. He possessed a heart filled with courage and an unyielding determination to defend the cause of liberty.
Inside the Alamo, Travis gathered his men, their faces etched with weariness and uncertainty. He stood before them, his voice echoing through the air, infused with unwavering conviction. "My fellow patriots," he began, his words resonating with strength, "we find ourselves facing a formidable enemy, a force that seeks to quell our spirit and take away our freedom. But we will not cower. We will not surrender."
The Texian rebels listened intently, their weary eyes brightening with a glimmer of hope. They had come from different walks of life, united by a common purpose — to defend their land against oppression. Travis continued, "We are outnumbered, my friends, but remember that courage is not measured in numbers alone. It resides within each of us, burning bright in our souls. Let it guide our actions and fuel our determination."
Days turned into nights, and the Alamo remained steadfast, withstanding the relentless attacks from the Mexican army. Travis tirelessly patrolled the walls, inspiring his men with his presence and unwavering resolve. He understood the enormity of the task at hand, but his spirit refused to falter.
As the siege raged on, Travis faced a critical moment. He knew that reinforcements were unlikely to arrive in time. Desperate, he gathered his men once more and spoke with resolute conviction. "My brothers, the time has come to make a choice that will define our legacy. We can fight, or we can surrender. But let it be known that surrender is not an option for those who believe in the ideals of freedom and liberty. Today, we choose to fight!"
His words ignited a fire within the hearts of his men. They knew the odds were stacked against them, but they also knew that their cause was just. General Travis, leading by example, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their shared mission. He wielded his sword with fierce determination, rallying his comrades in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In the final hours, as the enemy breached the fortress walls, Travis fought alongside his men, his sword flashing through the air. Though the situation seemed dire, he refused to yield. His courage was a beacon of inspiration, encouraging every Texian rebel to stand firm in the face of imminent danger.
As dawn broke on the last day, the Alamo fell silent. The Texian defenders, including General Travis, had fought valiantly until their last breath. Though they perished in the face of overwhelming odds, their courage and sacrifice would forever be etched in the journals of history.
General Travis, a man of indomitable spirit and unwavering courage, became a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His actions at the Alamo would echo through time, reminding future generations of the power of courage and the unwavering commitment to the pursuit of freedom.
-Dustin Payne