These people in here been doing an awful lot, and I would allow that they've earned the
right to hear the truth. I've called you all together because it's time you knew
the truth: Russell brings bad news, men. No more reinforcements. Now, you all know what
that means. Santa Ana has a force of 4000 men. If we fight, we will surely perish.
But what we do here can so disorganize Santa Ana that he won't be able to march for weeks on
Sam Houston. It can mean the difference between life and death for Texas. This is not about
land or money; it's about the one thing that no man should ever be able to take from another
man: the freedom to make his own choices.
As our well is drying, anytime you find yourselves
not busy with other matters, I need you to be digging a new one here.
It's bad enough we go to fetch 'em the water; now we got to find it for 'em, too.
You are brave and noble soldiers.
Texas has been a second chance for me. I expect that
might be true for many of you as well. It has been a chance not only for land and riches,
but also to be a different man, and I hope a better one.
But I leave every man to his own choice.
I now want every man who is determined
to stay here and die with me to come across this line.
Those who will stay, cross this line to me.
Those who stay, cross over the line.
Those men who wish to stay, cross the line and stand with me.
Any of you who care to stay with us, please step over that line.
Who does not wish to stand by me, only has to step over this line.
Hell, I'm dying anyway. I might as well go cuttin'! [Cheers!]