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The Robert Davis Collection After Auction Sale

The Robert Davis Collection

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his singular auction would not have been possible without the lifetime of effort and intense passion of one very special collector: Robert E. Davis.

The Waco, Texas, native heard his calling as a teenager, and followed his innate love and regard for history to the very heart of Texas. “My dad always had a passion for history. He loved local history – the Alamo, Heroes of Texas, everything,” reflects his son, Earl Davis.

This one-of-a-kind collection began to take shape back in the 1960s via friendly meetings of like-minded friends. “My dad and a group of his friends would get together and had these documents, and they actually traded back and forth between each other. Documents were being thrown away or given to somebody, and then people realized they were historical,” reminisced Earl. And thus, Davis saw the beginning of an immense collection that would form a literal paper trail, tracing the history of The Great State of Texas.

Among his most prized possessions were twelve documents from one of his favorite Texas icons, William Barrett Travis.

“He loved Travis,” says Earl. “He edited the Travis diary and has a lot of his signatures. He really knew a lot about Travis and loved the guy.” Among the many highlights is the spectacular hand-drawn battle map, captured with Santa Anna at the ruthlessly savage Battle of San Jacinto. But the centerpieces of this impressive assemblage are unquestionably the two receipts from February of 1836, each written by Travis—one details the purchase of wood used in the construction of platforms that would support battle cannons at the Alamo, and the other, dated three days prior to Santa Anna’s arrival in San Antonio, lists the contents of the final shipment to the Alamo.

Davis enlisted the help of local historians and artists to create a more easily accessible representation of his beloved state. Said Earl, “Dad had a second business called Texian Press, and they only published Texas history kind of stuff.

There are hundreds of books that we published, none of which he wrote; he went around to local historians and asked them to write individual vignettes on Crocket and Bowie and Travis, and then he contacted famous artists in Texas to create oil paintings that went along with these stories. They were so successful that he did a series: Battles of Texas, Rangers of Texas, Indians of Texas, Flags of Texas, Soldiers of Texas, Women of Texas, Heroes of Texas, and Capitols of Texas. There are six items in each book, and they’re still in print and still successful today.”

Davis was also drawn to weaponry, and procured most of the firearms in a most surprising fashion. As recalled by his son, “Collectors used to go to old farmhouses and knock on doors asking for guns. Farmers were just looking to get rid of things, and a lot of acquisitions happened like that. They would get these nice pieces, like Winchesters and Colts, in this way.” One of the more impressive artillery pieces in this auction is the legendary .36 Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, which Captain Sul Ross of the Texas Rangers presented to Clarence R. Gray for his part in Cynthia Ann Parker’s recovery from the Comanche tribe in 1860, and specifically for being the first man to bring him the scalp of an Indian.

The Colt resided at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum in Waco, an organization that Davis spent 34 years molding into the leading genealogical and historical Texas resource.

Davis’ unrivaled penchant for history is boldly reflected in what can be considered the most comprehensive assortment of privately-held Texas history in the world. We are proud to not only be the purveyor of a collection of this quality and importance, but equally proud to carry on the memory—and legacy—of such a respected aficionado.

These Alamo survivors can’t hold out much longer.

This may be their last stand at sale.

Documents penned and signed by Alamo Commander William Barrett Travis. A rare image and writings of Alamo hero Jim Bowie. A hand-drawn colored map captured with General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. These and many other historic rarities, all once displayed in the venerable Texas shrine, become available once in a generation. Will you answer the call?

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William Barret Travis 1

Travis prepares to mount his final stand

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xtremely rare and historically important ADS, signed “W. Barret Travis, Lt. Col. Comd,” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, February 21, 1836.

A receipt for wood to be used as platforms for cannons at the Alamo. Headed at the top, “Commandancy of Bexar,” the document reads, in full: “There is now in use in the Alamo Six Hundred & Eighty two feet of Walnut Scantling as platforms for the cannon belonging to Eugenio Navarro which are to be paid for, if not returned at their first value.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Travis, and endorsed, “Approved Wm. G. Cook, Q. M. Genl.” Along the bottom is a threeline notation in Spanish which reads, “Obligation in which they offer to pay the value of 50 sawn beams of black walnut, which they are using in the Alamo for Mr. Travis’s garrison.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through the top of the “T” in Travis, three light red circular remnants to lower portion of document, presumably from wax seals, uniform toning, with a few heavier spots, a few small damp stains, and some mild rippling.

Accompanied by a 8.25 x 6.75 one page receipt, written in an unknown hand, which reads, in full: “We the undersigned hereby certify that the Six Hundred and Eighty two feet of Walnut Scantling mentioned in the annexed Document would be worth at least twelve and a half cents per foot amounting in the whole to $85. 25/100.” Signed at the conclusion

by John N. Seguin and Antonio Menchaca, who both served on the Committee of Claims and Accounts.

“There is now in use in the Alamo Six Hundred & Eighty two feet of Walnut Scantling as platforms for the cannon”

In one of the most important Alamo documents not in the possession of a university library or museum, here Travis describes how the Texan Alamo defenders planned for Santa Anna’s anticipated attack and constructed the mission’s legendary defenses. The receipt, signed two days before the siege began, also sheds light on the relationship between San Antonio’s Anglo freedom fighters and Tejano merchants who revealed their sympathies to Travis and his men by provisioning them with the means necessary to defend what would become the most important symbol of Texan independence.

When Travis took over as the commander of the Alamo, the garrison was essentially empty. Learning that Santa Anna was staging in Saltillo for an imminent invasion of Texas, native San Antonio merchant Eugenio Navarro sent a messenger to warn Travis. Any preparations after that took on an added urgency.

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

“Obligation in which they offer to pay the value of 50 sawn beams of black walnut, which they are using in the Alamo for Mr. Travis’s garrison.”

While legendarily out-manned, Travis would have a considerable artillery advantage in the anticipated battle, however the mission had been gutted of any materials that could have helped him build the platforms necessary to mount his cannons. Herein is the essential significance of the document. Without Navarro’s furnishing the necessary building materials, the entire narrative of the Alamo, both of fact and of legend, might have turned out quite differently. Without wood, there would be no platforms; without platforms, Travis would not have been able to make the most of his tactical advantage. Given Santa Anna’s superiority in numbers, the Alamo might have fallen with much less resistance, depriving the inheritors of Travis’ sacrifice of the moral victory that energized the larger Revolutionary movement.

In this document, we see Travis’ last-minute effort to ensure compensation for supplies that were vital to the Alamo’s defense; in so doing, he is, of course, acknowledging the tremendous risk that Navarro was taking in light of Santa Anna’s notoriety for brutally suppressing those who resisted his autocratic intentions. And while Travis acted in haste to request that Navarro be paid, the merchant wouldn’t be compensated until two years later when this note was approved by San Antonio Mayor pro tem José Antonio Menchaca and Juan Seguin who served on the Committee of Claims and Accounts.

This receipt for lumber is a poignant reminder of Travis’ ultimate sacrifice in support of the Texas revolution. It was from a cannon platform that he first declared the Alamo’s defiance of Santa Anna by discharging a cannon shot in response to initial demands of the garrison’s surrender, and it was from a similar platform that he made his heroic last stand, shot through the forehead as his body tumbled down the planked battery, coined Fortin de Teran.

Unquestionably one of the finest and most important Alamo documents to be offered for public sale in perhaps a generation. The Robert Davis Collection..…$1,000,000

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William Barret Travis 2

Travis writes to the future first president of Texas about politics as Mexican forces begin arriving in Anahuac

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“The election will result in favor of an Austin Ticket”

awyer and soldier (1809–1836). He grew up in South Carolina and Alabama, studied law privately, and was admitted to the bar before he turned 20. Migrating to Texas in the early 1830s, he became active in the movement agitating for independence from Mexico. In 1835 he led a small band of Texans in open revolt; in early 1836 Mexican forces besieged his little command inside the Alamo fortress. The Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, and all its defenders, including Travis, were killed. Extremely rare ALS signed “W. B. Travis,” one page, 7.75 x 9.25, January 20, 1835. A letter to future interim president of the Republic of Texas, David G. Burnet, who was serving as an appointed judge in San Felipe de Austin. Travis writes, in full: “I rec’d your esteemed favor by Mr. Richardson this morning; and I am sorry to say, that Major Luis refuses to pay over on Clokey’s note the am’t collected of Ayers which is about $750. He says he has no orders now to it since the note has been taken from him & c; but will write to Clokey for anything & c—I shall take the note to Brasoria & decide on it—Litigation will be [?] attended to—Williams has not gone—I will name him to your wishes—your letter to Aduconte shall go—So news—F. W. Johnson & George Ewing are the judges—The election will result in favor of an Austin Ticket—my best respects to Mrs. B.—write me when you have leisure—you shall hear from me often—In haste—sincerely yours.” Second integral page bears an address panel in an unknown hand to Burnet in San Jacinto, Texas.

In fine condition, with intersecting folds (several extra horizontal folds) and one faint vertical fold passing through a single letter of signature.

In this extremely rare letter, Travis, who would make the ultimate sacrifice some 13 months later at the Alamo, hints at some early revolutionary stirrings to the man who would become the first president of the free Republic. As he was writing this letter, the first Mexican troops were arriving in Anahuac; his earlier imprisonment there in June 1832 helped create one of the first armed encounters leading up to the war. He would later agitate in Anahuac in June 1835 leading to the Second Anahuac Disturbance, which helped ignite the Texas Revolution.

In this information-rich letter, we witness the development of relationships among many of Texas’ most prominent founders. Travis refers to Frank W. Johnson, a political and military leader who had commanded the forces that freed Travis from custody during the first Anahuac Disturbance in 1832. He also alludes to the upcoming Consultation Election of

February 1. His reference to an “Austin ticket” was a prediction of an outcome where candidates favoring independence would be elected. Travis himself was keeping a low political profile, focusing on his own legal practice, however the ascendence of political figures he sympathized with would compel him to become more substantially involved in public life.

Indeed, Texas politics was in a state of flux, and the first preparations for war with Mexico were imminent. At the Convention of 1833 Burnet had earlier drafted a rejected petition that called for the separate Texas within the Mexican federation. In August of 1835, Burnet drew up a set of resolutions on behalf of the San Jacinto community that would have codified the rights of Texans; its rejection gave added urgency to the independence movement and all but guaranteed war with Mexico.

The Robert Davis Collection..…$40,000

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William Barret Travis 3

Travis receives lead and gun powder in the final shipment to the Alamo three days prior to Santa Anna’s arrival in San Antonio

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mportant ADS written just three days before the beginning of the Battle of the Alamo, signed “W. Barret Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt.,” one page, 8 x 7.5, February 20, 1836. Headed at the top “Commandancy of Bexar,” the document reads, in full: “Received of Luciano Navarro 640 lbs of coffee; 370 lbs tobacco, 3 large Bars of lead and 25 lbs of powder, valued at four hundred & fifty Dollars & one real, which will be paid to said Navarro on presentation to the proper department the above articles having been received for the use of this Garrison.”

Docketing on reverse reads, “5323 $450.13, Luciano Navarro, filed 27th Nov. 1837, Examined admitted to audit for $450.122,” signed by the auditor. Docketing continues “20th February 836, In. 28th Nov 1837, No. Draft 6446 W.,” and “approved 29 Nov 1837, E. M. Pease Controller.” A smaller docket, in Spanish, incorporates the words, “General de Texas.” Intersecting folds, mild toning, mainly along folds, light show-through from endorsements on reverse, and a few stray spots, otherwise fine condition.

Travis signed this receipt for the last supplies before the siege of the Alamo on February 20—only three days before the arrival of Mexican forces in Béxar. Essentially a promissory note under the circumstances, the receipt provides specific details about what the defenders had at hand during the ensuing battle. This document, along with other receipts for lumber for planking and other supplies, offers strong evidence that Travis was laying the groundwork for his fateful encounter with Santa Anna and compels modern audiences to reconsider the popularly-held notion that he was taken by surprise.

The contents of the delivery, purchased from local merchant Luciano Navarro, are especially revealing about how the men of the Alamo spent their final days. Coffee fueled the defenders’ night labors to improve the

compound’s defenses. To cope with the stress of the battle, tobacco steadied the nerves of the beleaguered defenders. Gunpowder was especially needed because of the poor condition of much of the garrison’s captured supply. Additionally, raw lead was essential given the Texans’ preference for personal rifles and pistols. Given the paucity of lead at the Alamo, it is almost certain that the lead from this shipment was used by the garrison’s defenders.

This is certainly one of the most significant privately-held Alamo documents known to exist. The Robert Davis Collection..…$500,000

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William Barret Travis & David G. Burnet 4

Before the viability of Texan independence, Travis and Burnet tend to the estate of one of Austin’s old 300

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ollection of three related documents, all three signed “W. B. Travis,” including an ADS by Travis, all dated December 22, 1834, regarding power of attorney and the estate of Ezekial Thomas.

ADS, signed “W. B. Travis,” (signed while Secretary of the Ayuntamiento for the newly installed Judge of the Department of the Brazos, David G. Burnet), two pages on adjoining sheets, 8 x 13. Two depositions written out by Travis, signing one as a witness. First deposition reads, “To all to whom these presents shall come. Be it known that the citizen Joseph T. Callihan having given bond & taken the oath prescribed by Law, I, David J. Burnet Judge of the 1st instance of the jurisdiction of Austin, have appointed & by this instrument do appoint the said Joseph T. Callihan curator to the succession of Ezekial Thomas deceased, hereby resting in said Joseph T. Callihan all the powers, rights, and privileges legally appertaining to said trust. This I the said Judge have decreed.” This deposition is signed at the conclusion “David G. Burnet,” and witnessed

by Travis, “W. B. Travis.” Deposition on the second page is written by Travis, but not signed. Deposition reads, “Be it known, that the citizen Joseph T. Callihan having given bond & taken the oath prescribed by same, I David G. Burnet Judge of the 1st instance of the Jurisdiction of Austin have appointed & by these presents do appoint said Joseph T. Callihan Tutor to the persons & property of Fanny Thomas, Mary Thomas, Jane Thomas, William Thomas, Samuel Thomas, & Lindsey Thomas, minor heirs of Ezekial Thomas deceased hereby vesting in said Callihan all the powers rights, & privileges legally appertaining to said trust. Thus I the said Judge have decreed; & I sign the same.”

Signed at the conclusion by Burnet and signed by witnesses, “Geo. Huff,” and “L. L. Martin.” This document is accompanied by a 1992 certification letter by noted autograph expert Charles Hamilton and housed in a custom-made clamshell box.

Manuscript DS, signed “W. B. Travis,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 13. First page bears a petition signed by Callihan stating, in part: “On the 16th day of November 1834, Ezekial Thomas, late a resident of this jurisdiction died…leaving a small amount of property consisting of land, stock & c & leaving for his Heirs his several children

all of whom are under the age of puberty & without any formal guardians…it becomes necessary that a Curator should be appointed.”

Second page bears two endorsements, both signed by Burnet, with Travis signing as a witness to the first endorsement, which appoints Callihan the Curator of Thomas’s estate.

Manuscript DS, signed at the conclusion, “W. B. Travis,” one page, both sides, 8 x 13. Document acknowledges the succession of Ezekial Thomas, and reads, in part: “Appeared the citizen Joseph T. Callihan, as principal, and John W. Moore as surety…that they acknowledge… to be held firmly bound…in the sum of one thousand dollars for the payment of which well & truly to be made, they bind themselves…to the succession of Ezekial Thomas…shall well & faithfully discharge the duties of said several trusts and that he will make faithful & correct settlements of his said Administration & guardianship.” Signed at the conclusion by Travis, as well as David G. Burnet, John Moore, and George Huff.

In very good overall condition, with the Travis ADS rating almost fine, with some scattered toning and foxing, heavier to one page. The accompanying documents exhibit scattered toning, soiling, ink erosion, and foxing, with some paper loss to edges, as well as a few small repairs.

Travis became a key player in the long drive toward independence through his involvement in the Anahuac disturbances of 1832 and 1835.

These violent events gave physical expression to Texans’ increasing discontent with federal rule. These documents date to the inter-Anahuac period in which Travis, a 25-year-old relative newcomer to the Texas legal scene, was deepening his relationships with key future figures such as Austin judge David Burnet. Both men were advocates of the so-called “Austin ticket” for an upcoming consultation in which the notion of Texas independence was discussed in earnest.

This scarce document is a valuable window into Travis’ career between the Anahuac disturbances, and Burnet’s involvement, as a future president of Texas, foreshadowing their mutual embrace of an independent Texas republic. The Robert Davis Collection. .… $40,000

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James Bowie 5

A scarce print, presented by Bowie’s descendents to a one-time Dallas mayor, Texas secessionist, and chronicler of the early Independent Republic

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riginal oversized image of a painted portrait of Bowie, by Washburn of New Orleans, 10 x 12.5, and affixed to its original 12 x 15 mount. Written on the reverse, in an unknown hand, is “James Bowie. This portrait was presented to Maj. John Henry Brown of Dallas, Texas by the immediate relatives of this hero—the Bowies of New Orleans. At the same time they sent Maj. Brown the historian a portrait of the brother of James Bowie, Rizen P. Bowie.”

In very good condition, with scattered light soiling, foxing, streaking, surface marks, and spotting to image, and old tape remnants, toning, soiling, and damp staining to reverse.

This rare early print was presented to one of Dallas’ most beloved mayors by immediate relatives of the Alamo martyr’s family. Based on the only known oil painting of Bowie done from life-probably painted by William Edward West circa 1820-few early impressions exist, though a companion print hangs in the Texas Capitol.

In addition to being a public figure of note, the portrait’s recipient, Maj. John Henry Brown, was also a prominent early Texas historian. The

Bowie portrait was probably presented to Brown as he was writing works such as Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas. While codifying the narrative of early Texas history, Brown wrote extensively about Bowie and established him as a seminal figure of legendary stature.

Brown was an eyewitness to many of the topics he wrote about. In 1854, he was elected to the Texas legislature and, later, the mayor of Galveston. As the Civil War neared, he proposed a resumption of the slave trade and advised slave owners to “whip no abolitionist, drive off no abolitionist—hang them, or let them alone.” In 1861, he presented Texas’ articles of secession. Serving in the Confederate army, he was an advisor to Brig. Gen. Benjamin McCulloch. After briefly relocating to Mexico following the Confederacy’s defeat, Brown returned to the Texas and served as Dallas’ mayor from 1885 to 1887.

This scarce early print presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Bowie family history…and one that once belonged to one of Texas’ most prominent citizens. The Robert Davis Collection..…$6,000

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James Bowie 6

An extremely scarce Bowie handwritten document offering a rare glimpse into his personal life and business interests

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egendary American pioneer and soldier (1796–1836) who played a prominent role in the Texas Revolution and perished at the Battle of the Alamo. Rare manuscript DS, signed “James Bowie,” on a 7.75 x 3 off-white slip, dated in the lower left, “Natchez, 10 March 1829.” The pay order reads, in full: “Mr. L. Hughes Sir. You will please pay Mr. Angus McNeill One Hundred and Thirty four dollars and oblige your.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Bowie. In very good condition, with moderate intersecting folds (slightly touching the signature), mild overall toning, with a few heavier spots and slightly heavier along right edge, and mild wrinkling and creasing.

$20,000 held by McNeill for the purchase of textile machinery in New England. In the fall of 1833, while lying ill at McNeill’s home in Mississippi, Bowie learned of the deaths by cholera of his wife, their two infants, and his wife’s parents in Monclova in September 1833. Two years later, McNeill moved to Texas in the company of Bowie and Dr. William Richardson (who would soon be appointed surgeon of the Texas Army by Stephen F. Austin).

This document dates from a period of transition in Bowie’s career as his emphasis was shifting away from the US frontier toward opportunities that lay in the Mexican territory of Texas. It also offers a rare glimpse into the actual day-to-day affairs and personal relationships of this legendary figure in American history.

Written in Natchez in March 1829, this document originated from the same community where Bowie had participated in the famed Sandbar Fight 18 months earlier. Arguably, it was this episode more than any other that tied name with knives and knife fighting. During this brawl, he had disemboweled an opponent after being stabbed, struck, and shot in the hip. His exploits in the Great Sandbar Duel, as it became known nationally, would play a large role in forging the Jim Bowie legend that persists even today.

Angus McNeill was a key partner of Bowie’s during this period as both a friend and a business associate; they had become acquainted in Mississippi in 1826. A manifest of Bowie’s property, drawn up as part of a dowry contract at San Antonio on April 22, 1831, included

We are pleased to present this handwritten document, the first Bowie item that we have ever had the privilege to offer. Anything bearing his signature is extremely scarce and very rarely come up for public auction. The Robert Davis Collection..… $60,000

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Stephen F. Austin 7

Very early twice-signed Austin document regarding the sale of land to one of the Old 300

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wice-signed manuscript DS, in Spanish, signed “Estevan F. Austin,” and “Austin,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.25, October 28, 1824. A bill of sale for property in Austin’s first colony, written by his secretary Samuel May Williams. Headed at the top (translated): “2nd Seal. 12 reals. Validated by the Mexican Nation for the year 1824,” and signed underneath by Austin, “Austin.” In full (translated): “Be it known, by this writ, that I, William Roberts, an inhabitant on the east bank of the Brazos River, in the Providence of Texas, and one of the Colonists established in the colonial establishment permitted to Empresario Don Stephen F. Austin by the Mexican Nation in the said Province, have sold, and by the present act do hereby sell, to Andrew Roberts, my son and to his heirs and successors, the lower half of the league of land which the Mexican Government sold to me, situated on the east bank of the Brazos River. The said half league thus sold to my son has the following lines and boundaries: to wit, from the marker erected at the lower corner of the aforesaid league which the Mexican Government sold to me, as the point of beginning, and thence to the east, to the southeast corner of my said league, and from thence, to the north, nine hundred and eighteen varas, to the southeast corner of the half league which I sold to Cornelius Smith and thence, to the west, thirteen thousand eight hundred and ninety five varas, to the said Brazos River, to the marker erected at the lower corner of the said half league which I sold to my son-in-law, the said Cornelius Smith, and thence, following the meanders of the river, down stream, to the point where the first line began, containing the half of my said league, more or less, bordering on the west with the Brazos River, on the north with the land that I sold to the said Smith, on the south with the leagues of J. B. Bailey and C. Smith.

I sold the said land to Andrew Roberts, my son, and to his heirs and successors, for the consideration of one hundred and twenty-seven pesos, one and one-half reals, which he, the said Andrew Roberts, my son, paid to me, all of which I have received from him. Therefore,

accompanied by, and in the presence of Empresario Stephen F. Austin, a judge commissioned by this colony, and the witness John Austin, William Stafford, and David McCormick, I placed the said Andrew Roberts, my son, in full and complete possession of the land, for him, his heirs, and successors, with all its uses, customs, houses, and belongings, and by these presents I do hereby grant him all the title and right which I, the said William Roberts, my heirs, and successors have, or might have obtained by the said concession or in consequence of having settled and cultivated the said land, all of which I hereby state and declare of my own will accordingly to the right which I have, and after having received a clear explanation of the contents of this act, in my own language, before the witnesses hereintofore mentioned, and in order that it may be made a matter of record, I signed it in the presence of said witnesses, all of which I certify.

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

“I signed it I, the said Empresario Stephen F. Austin, and, in order that this title of sale may have its due effect, I certify and declare that the said William Roberts has actually cultivated and settled, with his family, the above mentioned league of land”

companied by the witnesses John Austin, William Stafford, and David McCormick, in my present, he placed his son, Andrew Roberts, in possession of the land mentioned deed of sale, which he signed, with his own hand after having received an explanation of same in his own language, before said witnesses, and, in witness thereof, I signed it I, the said Empresario Stephen F. Austin, and, in order that this title of sale may have its due effect, I certify and declare that the said William Roberts has actually cultivated and settled, with his family, the above mentioned league of land that was sold to him by Commissioner Baron de Bastrop and Empresario Stephen F. Austin in the name of the Mexican Government, and that consequently the said William Roberts has complied with that condition of the law, which I certify.

Stephen F. Austin, Judge commissioned for the New Colony on the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. Do hereby certify that the foregoing title of sale by William Roberts to Andrew Roberts is literally taken from the original in the archives of said Colony under my supervision, and that it was compared, corrected, and amended in the presence of the witnesses.” Signed at the conclusion in full by Austin, who also adds his last name to the the upper right corner of the front, “Austin.”

Document is also endorsed in another hand, in Spanish, in the upper left of the front by Sylvenus Castleman, one of Stephen Austin’s ‘Old Three Hundred.’

In very good condition, with three horizontal folds, old tape repairs to right edge, not affecting legibility, scattered toning and soiling, a bit heavier along folds, a bit of light damp staining, and small portions of text a shade or two light, but completely legible, otherwise very good condition.This scarce, historically-significant document offers vital details about how Austin settled the first 300 families in his colony during Texas’ formative years. Signed a mere 24 days after the ratification of the Constitution of 1824, it suggests that a level of stability had been achieved by the newly-independent nation. For years, Austin’s plans had been curtailed by the unrest and uncertainty that characterized Mexican politics following the overthrow of Spanish rule in 1821. With a relatively stable government now in place, he was able to begin his colonial endeavor in earnest.

William Roberts—Attending Witnesses—John Austin—Wm. Stafford— David McCormick—Stephen F. Austin, Empresario for establishing a new colony in the Province of Texas, Judge Commissioned by the same Colony. I certify that the above mentioned William Roberts, ac-

Interestingly, the Father of Texas was himself a reluctant empressario who undertook the colonialization out of a sense of duty to his own father. It was actually Moses Austin, aided by Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, who was awarded the original land grant in 1821.

Meanwhile, his son was investing in land that would eventually become Little Rock, Arkansas, a venture he was enthusiastic about. After his father’s death in 1821, the future empressario was persuaded to pick up where his father left off by a letter his mother wrote two days before Moses Austin died. With the help of the pro-immigration colonization commissioner Baron de Bastrop, Austin successfully attracted his first 300 families including those headed up by William Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Sylvanus Castleman, William Stafford, and David McCormick who are mentioned in this document. An intimate glimpse into Texas’ formative years. The Robert Davis Collection..…$20,000

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Stephen F. Austin 8

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At the age of just 17, Austin signs as a witness on a promissory note

anuscript DS, signed by Austin at the age of 17, one page, 8 x 3.5, January 23, 1811. A promissory note signed by Daniel Phelps, in part: “I promise John Butler to pay him or order seventy five dollars and eighty nine cents on demand with interest. Mine A Burton.” Signed at the conclusion by Phelps, and signed in the lower left corner as a witness, “Stephen F. Austin,” and also witnessed

by Timothy Phelps. Intersecting folds, light toning along a vertical fold slightly affecting signature, vertical ink cancellation to body, and a few wrinkles, otherwise fine condition. Austin was engaged in learning the family mercantile business in Missouri at this time, and subsequently took over the management of most of the lead business. A very clean and particularly early example. The Robert Davis Collection. RR Auction COA.…$12,000

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Vincente Filisola 9

Santa Anna’s second-in-command attempts to set the record straight and finds an eager audience among the founders of Texas

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xtremely rare book: Evacuation of Texas: Translation of the Representation Addressed to the Supreme Government by Gen. Vicente Filisola, In Defence of his Honor, and Explanation of his Operations as Commander-In-Chief of the Army Against Texas. Second edition, being the only printed edition in English (first published in Mexico in 1836).

Columbia: G. and T. H. Borden, 1837. Rebound leather hardcover, 5.75 x 8.5, 68 pages. Two ownership signatures, “E. M. Pease” appear on the title page, with one more signature appearing on the first page. In good to very good condition, with moderate creasing, toning and soiling to title page, paper loss to fore edges of opening pages, and scattered damp staining and foxing throughout, none affecting the legibility.

This is the first English language edition of an extraordinarily important account of General Vicente Filisola, Santa Anna’s second in command–and one of perhaps ten first copies known to exist. Printed in 1837, it’s believed to be the first book published in the Republic of Texas. Filisola penned his account four months after the Battle of San Jacinto in an effort to enter his perspective into the historical record and vindicate his honor. His narrative—critical of Santa Anna—was of great interest to Texans.

A print run of 300 was expedited at the public expense under the direction of the Texas House of Representatives following President Sam Houston’s November 23, 1836, message recommending that an English translation be published. Houston was following the advice of his Secretary of State Stephen F. Austin. Days earlier, Austin had obtained a first edition of the Spanish language edition and firmly believed in the book’s “importance to the public interests” since it accurately accounted “the history of the military movements and views of the enemy during the invasion…last spring.” The translation was rendered by George Louis Hammeken, a friend of Austin and in whose company the Father of Texas died in December 1836.

According to this account, Santa Anna was captured at San Jacinto, and his second in command, Vicente Filisola, was tasked with withdrawing Mexican forces from Texas. Filisola carried out Santa Anna’s orders to retreat and evacuated San Antonio, essentially “ratifying” the Treaties of Velasco, according to the Republic of Texas. Filisola subsequently received instructions from the Mexican government on May 28 to preserve conquests already made; but by this time, his army had already crossed the Nueces. Upon receiving the government’s order, he offered to return to San Antonio, but because of the poor condition of his troops, the retreat continued to Matamoros. José de Urrea took over in general command and Filisola retired to Saltillo, resigning his own command to Juan José Andrade.

With Texas’s triumph, Filisola was accused of cowardly and traitorous activities, and he faced formal charges upon returning to Mexico. Glossing over his own role in the defeat at San Jacinto, Santa Anna remained steadfast in blaming Filisola, basing his accusations on the fact that Filisola’s pre-battle dispatches were captured by Sam Houston’s men. The Robert Davis Collection.…$40,000

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 10

Santa Anna’s highly-detailed battle map, captured with him at San Jacinto

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n absolutely amazing hand-drawn map, 13.5 x 43.5, entitled, in Spanish, “Mapao de las Fortificaciones de Zacatecas dada por El Em. General Presidente Santa Anna contra las tropas Zacatecanas 11 de Mayo 1835” [Map of the Fortifications of Zacatecas given by the President General Santa Anna against the troops], captured with Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. The exceptionally detailed color-tinted map shows the town of Zacatecas, nestled in a valley between Cerro y Reducto del Grillo and Cerro y Fortin de Bufa, complete with its church and town mall. A map legend in the lower right is broken into two sections, “de la Division de Zacatecas [Division of Zacatecas],” and “del Ejercito del Jobienogil,” showing the symbols for infantry, artillery, cavalry. The majority of the forces appear to be massed near La Villa de Guadalupe, with rows of infantry and cavalry, a “Primera Linea de Batalla [front line],” a secondary line, the “Linea de Vigilantes de la artilleria [Rangers Line artillery],” and a “Linea de Alumbradas [Lighting Line].” Also present is the Zacateas fortification line to the south of the town, the “Reducto de la Federacion,” as well as the mountain stronghold. In the lower left corner an area is designated as “Campo de General Santa Anna [General Santa Anna’s camp],” with an oval-shaped dotted line extending northeastward headed “Linea que Corrio el General S. Anna en su reconocimiento.” Another notation, above the legend reads, “Ataque Mandado por el General Presidente y el General [attack commanded by General President and General].”

Handwritten below the title is “Memorandum made by Dr. Alex Dienst, Temple, Texas, 1915. It is my opinion this excellent map was made for Santa Anna. In this battle Santa Anna was overwhelmingly victorious. Zacatecas & Coahuila & Texas had declared they would stand for the Constitution of 1824. Zacatecas was the first to be visited by Santa Anna. He following this campaign by entering Texas—winning the Alamo at San Antonio marched on to San Jacinto where he met his defeat April 21–1836. This map is unique and exceedingly valuable.” A faded ink notation is also visible next to the aforementioned note. Also written on the reverse in an unknown hand, “Unique. This map is said to have been in Genl Santa Anna’s Camp equipment at Battle of San Jacinto April 21–22–1836. It was when he overcame the Zacatecans on May 11–1835 that Santa Anna styled himself ‘The Napoleon of the West.’”

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

Simply framed with glass on both sides to an overall size of 15 x 45.

Four areas of paper loss to edges, uniform light toning, old repairs to tears and paper loss to upper portion and bottom left corner, scattered damp staining, previous storage folds, and expected age wear, otherwise good to very good condition. While both sides of the map are viewable, it has not been examined outside of the frame.

News that the citizens of Zacatecas had joined the northern Mexican state of Texas in protest of an 1835, political coup did not sit well with Santa Anna, the Mexican general who, while serving as Mexico’s president, suspended Mexico’s 1824 federalist constitution and established a dictatorship. When Zacatecas authorities flatly refused to obey one of the general’s orders regarding a militia, Santa Anna became enraged, deciding that such a rebellion had to be crushed in one fell swoop… and set out to do precisely that.

With him on his rampage was this remarkable artifact—a grand item not only in its large size but its historical impact. Made in ink and water color wash specifically for Santa Anna, this Zacatecas map was perhaps instrumental in his overwhelming victory. It is dated May 1835—coinciding with his May 10, 1835 arrival. History shows that Santa Anna was as calculating as he was brutal. Rather than rush into combat against an enemy with whom he was purportedly “unimpressed,” he patiently

assessed the situation and the rebels’ positions for days, possibly using this map to outline his plan of attack, carefully planning every move, before he and three infantry divisions put an end to unrest in a twohour battle described as a “wall of fire and steel.” The fight may have been brief, but it was brutal, with the outmatched defenders butchered

by Santa Anna’s troops. To the victor went the spoils. Although he allowed the nearly 2,500 Zacatecanos who surrendered to go free, his soldiers were rewarded with two days of pillage, in which as many as 2,000 people died.

The victorious general, retaining this map as a reminder, now viewed himself as the “Napoleon of the West” and was more determined than ever to ensure that the Texans who had been evading or flat out disobeying his orders either came into line or were to be destroyed.

The Alamo defenders, of course, found it better to die on their feet than serve a dictator on their knees. Once again showing his cold, calculating nature, Santa Anna and his forces engaged the men at the Alamo in a few minor skirmishes before launching a massive offensive. Like Napoleon, he would encounter his own Waterloo at the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, where this map was confiscated following his capture. An astonishingly beautiful document, intricately and painstakingly penned, teeming with tiny, intriguing details, yet hiding its underlying brutality. The Robert Davis Collection. …$500,000

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Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 11

In a hand illuminated proclamation, Santa Anna appoints his interpreter for Staten Island, New York

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exican general and politician (1794–1876) best known in the US for his role in the Mexican-American War and the slaughter of scores of Americans at the Alamo.

Attractive hand-illuminated vellum DS, in Spanish, signed “A. L. de Sta Anna,” one page, 16.75 x 14.25, April 5, 1867. At the top of the document is a hand colored vignette of an eagle holding a snake in its beak, atop a cactus, illustrating the vision of how the Aztecs came to settle in Mexico. Santa Anna appoints his official interpreter. In part

(translated): “In view of his intelligence and knowledge of the English, French, German, and Spanish languages, I have seen fit to name Mr. Eduardo Gottlieb my interpreter of such languages, and to that effect sign this at the General Quarter of Hamilton Park, Staten Island, New York.” Intersecting storage folds, one through a single letter of signature, expected light wrinkling, and some mild toning, primarily to edges, otherwise fine condition. An exceptionally attractive example.

The Robert Davis Collection..…$3,000

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Elisha Pease 12 Politician (1812–1883) who served as the 5th and 13th governor of Texas. Immense archive of approximately 87 items relating to Texas governor Elisha Pease. Archive consists of letters, mostly to Pease, receipts, military rosters, checks issued to Pease, and other documents.

Archive dates from 1838–1870. Archive includes: an ALS, signed “E. M. Pease,” one page, both sides, 7.75 x 12.5, dated in pencil in another hand May 7, 1855. Pease writes to W. B. Reuwenly. In part: “Your letter of the 27th of April asking me ‘to give publicity to my views in relation to the property & c passage of a…prohibitory liquor law by the next Legislative’ was received a few days, and I cheerfully comply with your request. Personally I have no objection to the passage of such law neither have I any doubt in regard to the constitutional power of the legislature to regulating the sale of intoxicating liquors as to prohibit their sale altogether in this State…The prosperity of the passage of such law must depend upon the state of public fueling on the subject.” Also included are letters to Pease from Thomas F. McKinney regarding a note against A. Luck, his mother and sister, his brother-in-law John C. Robinson, Katharine Burke, his sisters Maria and Carrie, M. T. Johnson, Thomas Sikers, James Burke, and J. A. Sprague. Letters include raising of cavalry militia units, request for help in the extradition of a murderer, supplicants for office, and congratulations on his impending marriage. Many family letters (letter from brother en route to Mexican War regiment at Mexico City: “You must not think…the army ought to be withdrawn…we should hold on to all that we have & also get what there is left”); detailed ledgers of accounts, especially during his time as governor; bill of sale for slave Mary and her daughter Emily. In overall very good condition, with expected age wear and toning, some repairs to several of the documents, as well as a few of the pieces being rather fragile. The Robert Davis Collection..…$7,500

Sam Houston 13 ALS, one page, 8 x 9.75, August 11, 1828. Letter to “Colonel R. E. W. Earl,” American portrait artist named Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl. Earl was a portrait artist to Pres. Andrew Jackson. In full: “I am happy to make you known to Col. Bowie of S. Carolina who will visit Nashville accompanied by his Lady, Lintin, and Maj. Bowie.

Introduce the Col to my friend Maj. Wm. B. Lewis, and other friends. Show him and his company your Gallery of Printings, and whatever you deem worth looking at. I know your civilities, and need not solicit their exercise.

The Col is a friend of Dr. Davis.” Second integral page bears an address panel to “Col. R. E. W. Earl, Nashville Inn, Nashville Tenn,” and is docketed along the left edge, “Introduce this Colonel to my Brother. H.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a uniform shade of mild toning, and some light creasing and wrinkling, otherwise fine condition.

The Col. Bowie and Major Bowie of South Carolina are Col. Chancellor Alexander Bowie (1789-1865), the colonel of the 8th Regiment of South Carolina Militia during the War of 1812, and his nephew, Major John Bowie (1800-1846), eventually brigadier general of the South Carolina Militia. Major William Berkeley Lewis, Andrew Jackson’s quartermaster, confidant and manager. The Robert Davis Collection..…$7,000

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

Sam Houston 14

Pro-Union Sam Houston petitions a Confederate senator to promote his son (a “good looking boy!”) in the Rebel army

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ar-dated LS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 8, Independence, April 5, 1862. Letter to William S. Oldham. In full: “In hopes that my letter may reach you before you leave Richmond, I take pleasure in addressing you as a Senator from Texas. I have not, as yet, written to any other Senator or Members.

The subject on which I address you, I doubt not, you will properly appreciate. My son, Sam Houston volunteered for during the war, in Capt.

Ashbel Smith’s Company, in the regiment commanded by Col. Moore.

He was absent at the time from home on business, when the company was partly raised, and organized. The offices were all filled, and no organization took place after the company was completed. Sam is 18 years of age, 6 feet high and rather a well made and good looking boy!

He was two sessions at Col. Allen’s Military school at Bastrop, and prior to that had been at Baylor University. He is a very good scholar, his habits are good and he is ardently devoted to the cause to which he is engaged, as well as to the life of a soldier. He was offered a situation of Brevet Lieut., if he would consent to be transferred, and be stationed at Galveston, but he preferred the glory of an action and immediate campaign. If you can procure him a lieutenancy, in any formation that you may think proper you will confer upon me an undying obligation, and I trust and believe he will never disgrace his patrons.

I will be happy to hear from you in reply to this. I doubt not but what all the representatives from this State, will cheerfully cooperate with you, in obtaining the situation desired for my son.

I will not close this communication, without assuring you, that I was gratified at your election to the Senate, and so far as I understand, your Senatorial action, I entirely approve it. Your advocacy of free trade, I regard not only as a statesman like measure, but indispensable to the wants and conditions of the Country, and I most heartily wish you success. It has been a subject of wonderment to me that it was not proclaimed, at the inauguration, of the Provisional Government of the Confederacy. I am as this place on business having recovered from my lousy indisposition. So far as I can hear amongst the people, you

will be sustained in the course in which you have taken. You have my sincere wishes for your success and happiness. Very truly your friend, Sam Houston” [secretarial]. Houston then corrects the small faux pas by writing, “My assistant made a mistake and signed my name. Thine, Sam Houston.”

After his signature, is a short postscript which reads, “I could have procured any number of recommendations in favor of my son had I thought it would be necessary. But Col. Wm. P. Rogers assured me it was only necessary to address you myself.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning and creasing, and foxing, and show-through from text on opposite sides.

One year earlier, Houston had been at the center of a political firestorm when he forcefully refused to recognize Texas’ secession; this stance put him at odds with an overwhelmingly anti-Union legislature and led to his ouster as governor. The congenial tone of his prose here underscores the great tensions that the Civil War revealed. On the one hand, he and his fellow Revolutionary found themselves ideologically opposed to the constitutionality of secession. However, his feeling of kinship with his fellow Texas Revolutionary persevered.

In this letter, Houston seems to have at least partially reconciled his opposition to secession, petitioning his fellow Texan to assist his son Samuel Houston Jr., in securing a higher rank in the Confederate army, noting that his son had been offered a safe position behind the frontlines but preferred “the glory of an action and immediate campaign.” Before the younger Houston departed, his father gave him the sword he carried at San Jacinto and a few other personal items. The day after this letter was written, the young Confederate was seriously wounded and presumed dead at Shiloh. Houston was discovered alive and rescued by a Union Chaplain, who saw that he received medical care for his wounds. He was later returned home to Texas to recover from his injuries and help his ailing mother. The Robert Davis Collection. .…$7,500

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Erastus ‘Deaf’ Smith 15

Deaf Smith buries Alamo defenders’ remains before skirmishing with Mexican forces near Laredo Frontiersman (1787–1837) noted for his part in the Texas Revolution and the army of the Republic of Texas. He fought at the Grass Fight and the Battle of San Jacinto. After the war, Deaf Smith led a company of Texas Rangers. ADS, in Spanish, one page, 9 x 5.5, February 15, 1837. A receipt to Francisco Ruiz for $163.31. In full (translated): “I received from the citizen Francisco Ruiz the sum of one hundred and sixty-three pesos, two and one-half reales, which he voluntarily offered to me to aid the individuals of my company, which amount the government of Texas will pay immediately upon presentation to the said government.” Signed at the conclusion by Smith. In very good condition, professionally cleaned, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, repaired tear above last name of signature, and a strip of toning along right edge, lightly affecting last name of signature.

Within a month of Smith’s signing this receipt for funds “to aid the individuals of my company,” the Texas Ranger captain would pay a final tribute to the memory of the Alamo dead and take part in a postRevolution skirmish with Mexican forces.

In February 1837, Smith’s spy company was given orders to conduct a mission in Laredo. Even a year after the Revolution, Texas’s southern border with Mexico remained ill-defined, placing community on the Rio Grande in a kind of no-man’s land. Captain Smith and his 20 scouts rode there with the intention of raising the Texas flag from the spire of

Loredo’s church. The money mentioned in this document was most likely used to fund this mission; the denomination is in pesos because Texas wouldn’t begin printing its own paper currency for another four months and gold and silver specie were scarce in the new republic.

In addition to receiving funds from Francisco Ruiz, the Texas Senator from Bexar, Smith also needed to secure horses before departing San Antonio. While there, he and his men helped Col. Seguin collect and bury the remains of the Alamo defenders on February 25.

This solemn act was still fresh in Smith’s mind when his scouts encountered a much more substantial force of Mexicans outside Laredo on March 17. A skirmish lasting about 45 minutes ensued. Only two of Smith’s men were wounded, while ten Mexicans were killed and ten others injured; Smith also captured forty horses. Recognizing that he was vastly outmanned, he guided his men back to San Antonio.

This document’s association with one of the first Texas Rangers makes it a valuable link to the burial of the Alamo defenders and an important post-Independence military encounter with Mexico. The Robert Davis Collection. .…$25,000

RR Auction (603) 732 - 4280

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