William Travis, upon finding out that Jim Bowie had taken it upon himself to request a truce with General Santa Anna's Mexican army, was furious. He believed that such an action was a sign of cowardice and an insult to the bravery and sacrifice of the defenders of the Alamo. Travis immediately took command and declared that there would be no truce or surrender, and that they would fight to the death if necessary. He drew a line in the sand with his sword and asked any man who was willing to stay and fight to cross it. All of the defenders, including Jim Bowie who was very ill, crossed the line, reaffirming their commitment to the cause.