Stephen Austin, known as the "Father of Texas" appointed Travis, who was a lawyer, as counsel. Later Travis was appointed as Liutenant Colonel of cavalry and became the main recruiting officer for the new army of Texas. He died defending the Alamo against Santa Anna´s troops. This made hima hero of the Texas Revolution. A letter he wrote at the Alamo, with the envelope labeled " Victory or Death" brought great support for the new army of Texas and the cause of the independence of Texas.