The correct answer to this open question is the following.
Although the question has no options or attachments, we can say that readers of this letter considered the military position of William Travis and his followers at the Alamo to be desperate because they were only 145 in total, and the Mexican troops were advancing into San Antonio. The Mexican troops were by the thousands. Although Travis could decide to move and stay safe, he showed great courage and decide to stay to protect the Alamo. In his letter, he was clear to write that although his troops were besieged by the Mexican Army that constantly bombarded the Alamo, Travis' troops would never surrender or retreat.
