Auction 11, Cartography
Rarities

Items 301-325

301. [TEXAS]. WHITING, W. H. C. "Exploration of a New Route from San Antonio de Bexar to El Paso," pp. 230-45 in Western Journal IV:4 (July 1850). Complete issue of the journal, [211]-280 pp. 8vo, modern half brown morocco over brown buckram, spine with gilt lettering. Fine.
        First printing. See Basic Texas Books 111. The report, dated June 10, 1849, at San Antonio, precedes Joseph Eggleston Johnston's Reports of the Secretary of War, with Reconnaissances of Routes from San Antonio to El Paso.... (1850; see Plains & Rockies IV:184). Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($50-100)

BROADSIDE AD FOR THE TEXAS ALMANAC 1867

302. [TEXAS ALMANAC]. The Texas Almanac for 1868, (Containing 312 Pages,) Published by W. Richardson & Co., Galveston, Texas, Is Now Ready for Delivery.... Galveston: W. Richardson & Co., 1867. Folio broadside. Chipped on left edge, small chip at top edge, tiny holes in upper left corner and in creases where folded, with neat repairs on verso, but overall fine.
        Advertisement for the Almanac, listing the contents and prices. The first listing is "The Fall of the Alamo. A Reminiscence of the Revolution of Texas, with a diagram of the building, by R. M. Potter."
($500-1,000)

303. [TEXAS ANNEXATION]. URQUHART, David. Annexation of Texas, a Case of War between England and the United States. London: James Maynard, 1844. 104 pp. Small 8vo, late-nineteenth-century three-quarter red calf over marbled boards, gilt lettering on spine. Fine. Very rare.
        First edition. Howes U28. Streeter 1554: "Illustrates how strongly, in England as well as in the United States, hatred of slavery inflamed people against annexation." Not in Eberstadt, Decker, or Graff. Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($200-400)

304. [TEXAS ANNEXATION]. WALKER, Robert J. Letter of Mr. Walker Relative to the Reannexation of Texas. Washington: Globe, 1844. 32 pp. 8vo (removed from a bound volume). Upper wrap separated from spine, lightly foxed and browned, very good to fine, in folding brown cloth slipcase, with an original manuscript letter (4 pp.) from the citizens of Columbus, June 25, 1844, to Walker tendering to him a public dinner "for his recent unanswerable letter and speech in favor of the Annexation of Texas."
        First edition. Howes W42. Raines, p. 211: "A strong argument for annexation." Streeter 1556A: "It was this letter that started the debate on annexation which absorbed the country until the joint resolution for annexation was signed by Pres. Tyler." Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($50-100)

INCLUDING THE EMORY MAP MEMOIR

305. [TEXAS ANNEXATION TREATY]. UNITED STATES. CONGRESS. SENATE. Proceedings of the Senate and Documents Relative to Texas, from Which the Injunction of Secrecy Has Been Removed.... [Washington: SD341, 1844]. 119 pp. 8vo, disbound, in half morocco slipcase. Fine.
        First edition. Eberstadt, Texas 162:280. Streeter 1542: "This useful collection of documents and correspondence includes the full text of the annexation treaty of April 12, 1844 (p. 10-13), sent to the Senate by President Tyler on April 22, 1844 (p. 5-10); official letter of Calhoun as Secretary of State to the British Minister Pakenham, dated April 18, 1844 (p. 50-53); and Lt. W. H. Emory's memoir to accompany his map of Texas (p. 55-63). It also includes the exchange of correspondence with Texas, leading to the execution of the treaty; correspondence with the British government and our own representatives on the British attitude; and correspondence and documents relating to the Mexican attitude." Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($100-200)

TEXAS CENTENNIAL CHINA

306. [TEXAS CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE CHINA]. Set of 12 commemorative blue-and-white china plates. Plate circumference measures 24.4 cm (9-1/2 inches). The plates have scalloped edges, gold rims, and a border with small white stars surrounding individual scenes in the center of the plates. A beautiful iconographic design runs around the border, beginning with the Texas seal at the top (with the Lone Star surrounded by the Six Flags, three on each side, the dates 1836-1936 below the seal), and with various elements representing Texas products, natural features, etc. On the verso of each plate is the maker's mark "MZ Altrohlau CM-R, Czechoslovakia" and the title of the scene on the plate with a description. All very fine.
        Scenes depicted: (1) Old Stone Fort at Nacogdoches, 1778-1902; (2) Texas Rangers; (3) Mission La Bahia at Goliad; (4) The First Capitol of Texas at Columbia, 1836-1837; (5) Capture and Surrender of General Santa Anna after the Battle of San Jacinto. April 21, 1836; (6) General Sam Houston, 1793-1863; (7) Contemporary Scene of Modern Life in Texas, 1936; (8) The Four Original Warships of the Texas Navy, in 1835-1836; (9) Stephen Fuller Austin. 1793-1836; (10) The Alamo; (11 & 12) Capitol of Texas-Austin (2 plates of this design).
($3,000-5,000)

307. [TEXAS CURRENCY]. Lot of 14 items: currency, treasury warrants, and bank notes. Very good to very fine.

(1) Three one dollar/un peso bank notes of the Commercial & Agricultural Bank of Texas, Columbia. Philadelphia & New York: Draper, Topan, Longacre & Co. One note each of plates A, B, and C. Medlar (Columbia) 18: "This was the only bank ever authorized in Texas prior to the organization of National Banks in 1865. The bank was chartered to Samuel M. Williams by the Mexican government on April 30, 1835. Because of charter requirements the bank never opened at Columbia although notes and other fiscal papers were prepared. The Bank did open at Galveston in 1848 and did issue currency for a short time. Notes on the bank are rare."

(2) Bank draft of Bonner and Bonner, Bankers, Tyler, Texas.

(3) Written denomination treasury warrant. Austin, [Feby 11], 185[2]. Medlar (Austin) 49.

(4) Written denomination treasury warrant. Austin, [March 22d], 18[58]. Not in Medlar. Similar to Medlar (Austin) 50 or 51, but "Treasury Warrant" is 3-1/8 inches long and only "18" of the year is printed. All notes of this period described by Medlar have the first three digits of the year engraved.

(5) Written denomination treasury warrant for military service. Austin, [Aug 25], 1862. Goddess standing on left; rosebud at lower center; beehive at upper right. Medlar (Austin) 118.

(6) Five dollar treasury warrant for military service. Washington standing at left. Austin [Apl 15], 1862. Medlar (Austin) 107.

(7) Washington County script. Three dollars. Medlar (Brenham) 5.

(8) Washington County script. Uncut sheet with four denominations of script: (a) Three

dollars, Medlar (Brenham) 5; (b) Two dollars, Medlar (Brenham) 4; (c) One dollar, Medlar (Brenham) 3; (d) Fifty cents, Medlar (Brenham) 2.

(9) Three dollar Washington County script. Issued at Brenham, [April 5], 186[2]. Medlar (Brenham) 6.

(10) Fractional Certificate, of Public Debt, under Act of November 9th, 1866. Austin: Texas Gazette Print, 186_. Medlar (Austin) 152.

(11) Bank draft of Thos. Trammel & Co. Bankers. Sweetwater, Texas. Galveston: Clarke, Courts, Stationers, n.d.

(12) Fort Bend County note. The State of Texas The County Treasurer of Fort Bend County, Will pay to [Clarke & Courts]....out of the General fund allowed at the [July] Term 190[2]....

(13) Bank draft of Miller & Sayers, Bankers. Gonzales, Texas. Gonzales: Reese & Beach, Printers, n.d.

(14) Ten dollar bill. National Currency issued by the First National Bank of Marlin, Marlin, Texas. Mar. 5, 1912. Private bank currency.

(Lot of 14 items)
($100-300)

308. [TEXAS CURRENCY: CONFEDERACY]. Lot of 14 Confederacy treasury warrants. Various places, 1860s. Very good to very fine.

(1) One dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Milkmaid on left. Overprinted with "ONE" and lacy background. Medlar (Austin) 101.

(2) One dollar treasury warrant for military service. "Approved" on second line. Medlar (Austin) 52.

(3) Two dollar fifty cent treasury warrant for military service. Solid blue network on verso. Medlar (Austin) 102.

(4) Two dollar fifty cent treasury warrant for military service. Blue network with window on verso. Medlar (Austin) 103.

(5) Two dollar fifty cent treasury warrant for civil service. Red network on verso. Medlar (Austin) 104. (2 copies.)

(6) Five dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Washington on left. Double scroll to "N" of "No." Medlar (Austin) 109.

(7) Ten dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Sailing ship on left. Medlar (Austin) 111.

(8) Ten dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Medlar (Austin) 126. (2 copies.)

(9) Twenty dollar treasury warrant for military service. Medlar (Austin) 130.

(10) Twenty dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Medlar (Austin) 131.

(11) One hundred dollar treasury warrant for civil service. Fancy green verso. Medlar (Austin) 137.

(12) Written denomination treasury warrant for military service. Goddess standing on left; rosebud at lower center; beehive at upper right. Medlar (Austin) 118.

(Lot of 14 items)
($50-100)

309. [TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE]. Niles' Weekly Register, 4th ser., XIV:6 (April 9, 1836). Pp. [89]-112. 8vo. Lightly foxed, else fine.
        Complete issue containing one of the earliest U.S. printings of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Streeter 165 does not mention this printing. Streeter 1243: "The Declaration of Independence had been printed in broadside form at San Felipe de Austin in March, 1836, and seems to have first been printed in pamphlet form in Texas. Address of the Honorable Wm. H. Wharton..., New York, 1836 (No. 1260)." Rader 3062. Sabin 94974. Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($300-600)

TEXAS SIGNERS

310. [TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: SIGNER]. CALDWELL, Mathew. Autograph manuscript, signed, appointing William H. Steele as agent to sell land in Green DeWitt's Colony "which was granted by the Government to said Caldwell as a colonist in said Colony by Grant bearing date the 22nd day of June 1831...." County of Washington, Republic of Texas, March 8, 1837. 1 leaf, folio. Weak at folds, paper browned and with a few stains, edges chipped (with partial loss of flourish of Caldwell's signature), but overall good. A rare signature.
        Caldwell was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and a soldier in the Texas army. He settled in Texas at the DeWitt Colony in 1831. He has been called "the Paul Revere of the Texas Revolution" because he rode from Gonzales to Bastrop to call men to arms before the Battle of Gonzales in October 1835. Caldwell served as one of two delegates from Gonzales Municipality at the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. He was wounded at the Council House Fight and fought at the battle of Plum Creek. Caldwell County was named in his honor. See The Handbook of Texas Online (Mathew Caldwell).
($250-450)

311. [TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: SIGNER]. ROBERTS, John. Manuscript promissory note, signed by Charles Chevaillier, W. M. Kuling, and J. Roberts, dated March 30, 1838, in the amount of $366.06 payable to Jno. G. Love, customs house collector for the San Augustine district. 1 p., 8vo, cut from a large sheet. Fine.
        Roberts, a merchant and political figure, was a major in the forces of the Fredonian Rebellion. He entered the mercantile business in Nacogdoches in 1827 and amassed his fortune by purchasing cheap land grants. In 1832, Roberts joined the rebel forces at the battle of Nacogdoches. As a first lieutenant in the Nacogdoches volunteers, he participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835. He was elected a delegate to the Convention of 1836 and signed the Declaration of Independence. After the Revolution, Roberts returned to the mercantile business and continued his speculations until 1838, when a series of lawsuits began that brought about his financial ruin.
($250-450)

312. Withdrawn.

313. [TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: SIGNER]. PEEBLES, Robert. Autograph document, signed, dated December 8, 1834. Certified copy, signed by Peebles, of a court document acknowledging payment of $281 to Oliver Jones. 1 leaf, 8vo. Fine.
        Peebles was a physician, land speculator, and legislator. He arrived in Texas in October 1828 and in 1835 was appointed land commissioner for Stephen F. Austin's Colony. Four days before Santa Anna arrived at San Felipe, Peebles loaded the Texas land records in a wagon and transported them to Fort Jesup, Louisiana, for safekeeping. Oliver Jones was a Texas pioneer, Indian fighter, public official, and one of Austin's Old Three Hundred colonists, serving as sheriff of Austin'g Colony from 1829 to 1830. He was a delegate to the Convention of 1833 and a representative of Texas in the legislature of Coahuila and Texas in 1834. See The Handbook of Texas Online: Robert Peebles; Oliver Jones.
($600-1,200)

314. [TEXAS EPHEMERA]. Lot of 26 items including:

(1) Seventeen merchants' trade tokens.

(2) Texas Ranger Sesquicentennial Commemorative, 1823-1973. 3 items. Program, brass commemorative medal, silver commemorative medal.

(3) Article on "Texas" with map. Pp. 353-5 from Fanning's Illustrated Gazetteer of the United States.... (1855).

(4) Minutes of the Second Annual Session of the Texas Baptist Sunday School.... Navasota: Talbot Book and Job Office, 1878.

(5) Two First Day covers for Texas Centennial with canceled stamp.

And several other items.

(Lot of 26 items)
($250-350)

STREETER'S COPY
THOMAS JEFFERSON CHAMBERS VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS

315. [TEXAS LAND]. CHAMBERS, Thomas Jefferson. Argument of T. J. Chambers, in the Supreme Court of the State of Texas in the Case of Chambers vs. Fisk, Involving Eight Leagues of Land in Travis County. Austin: Southern Intelligencer Office, 1858. 39 [1] pp. 8vo, contemporary marbled wrappers. A few leaves browned, else fine. Thomas W. Streeter's copy with his notes.
        First edition. Winkler 1014. This is the famous case concerning ownership by Chambers of the land on which the Texas capitol was built. The case was finally settled in 1925 in favor of the Chambers family. This rare pamphlet contains the heart of the case, with much on Texas colony contracts, etc. Thomas Jefferson Chambers (1802-65) was the first Anglo attorney licensed to practice law in Texas, a cunning land speculator, and author of the Chambers Code for Coahuila y Tejas. Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($250-500)

316. [TEXAS LAND]. FISHBURN, J. W. & S. W. Holman. Office of Fishburn & Holman, Agents for the Sale and Purchase of Lands. Mexia, Limestone Co., Texas, June 1, 1876. Folio broadside. Small tear at lower edge, else fine.
        Ten carefully described tracts of land are offered, ranging between 129 acres and 13,320 acres on the Trinity River. Interested parties are referred to John H. Reagan, Roger Q. Mills, and others. Unrecorded and apparently unique. Not in Winkler-Friend. Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($150-250)

317. [TEXAS LAND]. Lot of 10 items:

(1) ALCORN, John H. Manuscript appraisal, signed, relating to land owned by J. B. Atkinson in Washington County, Texas. Republic of Texas, Washington County, April 1, 1845. 1 leaf, oblong 12mo. Creased where folded, ink number notations on verso, overall fine.

(2) BEVIL, John & W. H. Stark. Printed document completed in manuscript, relating to land grant of Hamilton Hopson in Jasper County, Texas. Signed by John Bevil as president and W. H. Stark as associate for the Board of Land Commissioners, Jasper County, and issued to certify that Hamilton Hopson is entitled to one league and one labor of land upon payment of the proper rates. Republic of Texas, Jasper County, July 5, 1839. 1 p., 8vo. Two slight tears to edges, else very good. John Bevil was an early-perhaps the first-settler in what became Jasper County and served in several official capacities. See The Handbook of Texas Online (John Bevil).

(3) BROOKS, Lodrick. Manuscript deed to James S. Montgomery, signed, with the mark of Lodrick Brooks. San Bernard, October 7, 1836. 1 p., 8vo. Paper browned, split in creases where folded, overall fragile but good. Documents from San Bernard are very rare.

(4) FLORES, Vital. Manuscript transferring land for payment of debt, signed by Flores. County of Nacogdoches, October 28, 1851. 1 leaf, 8vo, light blue paper with two blind-stamps of county seal. Fine. Flores was an early official in Nacogdoches. His father and grandfather had come with Antonio Gil Ibarvo in 1779 and rebuilt the town of Nacogdoches. Flores was elected alcalde of Nacogdoches for 1834 and served as political chief . See The Handbook of Texas Online (Vital Flores).

(5) HARRINGTON, C. S. Come On! Come On! This is Your Chance 100,000 Acres of Choice Farming Lands in Dallas and Hartley Counties...$3.00 to $8.00 per acre.... [Dalhart, 1905 or 1906?]. 8vo broadside. Staple removed from upper left corner, else very fine. Early promotional for Dallas and Hartley Counties.

(6) LEWIS, Asa M. Autograph manuscript, signed, relating to the estate of the late George B. Gray and land in Columbus. County of Colorado, Republic of Texas, January 1, 1844. With a second signed testimony, September 25, 1845. 1 sheet, 4to. Paper browned, edges chipped, else very good. Lewis served as Colorado County delegate in the House of Representatives of the Seventh Congress (1843-44), and in April 1844 was selected by Congress as town commissioner of the new Washington County seat, Brenham. See The Handbook of Texas Online (Asa M. Lewis).

(7) NELSON, A[lbert] A[ldrich]. Autograph manuscript, signed, certifying that James P. Haynes has filed land script issued to Thomas Toby by Sam Houston. Nacogdoches, June 1, 1845. 1 p., oblong 8vo. Very good. Nelson was among the first professional surveyors to settle in the Republic of Texas, later served as Mayor of Nacogdoches, and created some of the most accurate maps of the Nacogdoches District. See The Handbook of Texas Online (Albert Aldrich Nelson).

(8) SAPP, J. F., John Linch, & R. C. Trimple. Manuscript, signed, for the sale of a labor of land by Sapp to Linch. Austin County, (ca. 1839). 1 leaf, 8vo. A real Texas deal, which also included five bushels of potatoes, fifty bushels of corn, and four hogs. Small ink smears, edges chipped, overall very good.

(9) TEXAS. GENERAL LAND OFFICE. Printed receipt completed in manuscript, for government dues on land in Matagorda County and Martindale, signed by F. W. Moore, Austin, January 9, 1862. 1 p., oblong 8vo. Good condition. Civil War material for South Texas is very scarce.

(10) TEXAS. GENERAL LAND OFFICE. Printed receipt completed in manuscript, for government dues on land, signed by F. W. Moore, Austin, January 12, 1856. [Austin]: Texas State Times Print, [1850-1856?]. 1 p., oblong 8vo, printed on blue laid paper. Fine. (Lot of 10 items)
($200-400)

318. [TEXAS LOCAL HISTORY]. Collection of 14 autograph letters, signed documents, etc., dated 1844-1922, or undated. Very good to fine.
        The letters were written by ordinary people, and some give insight into early times and social history. The documents are a mixed group, including:

(1) Just claim, completed in manuscript, filed and signed by Christian Prilop, against the estate of H. Boesecke, at Bluff, Fayette Co., Texas, Sept. 23, 1875. 1 p., folio.

(2) Deed, completed in manuscript, signed, to Thomas Alford, dated at Washington County, March 22, 1860. 4 pp. 4to.

(3) State and county tax receipt, signed, dated at Victoria, December 18, 1877.

(4) Just claim, completed in manuscript, by W. M. Woodson., M.D. for payment for medical services rendered to A. M. Massengale, with Milam County seal, January 7, 1878. 1 p., 8vo.

(5) Document completed in manuscript, affirming sale of 640 acres of land in Jackson County, Texas, sold by P. S. Hagy to R. J. Oliver, dated August 1, 1872. 1 p., 4to.

(Lot of 14 items)
($100-200)

319. [TEXAS LOCAL HISTORY]. Collection of 35 autograph letters, signed manuscript documents, ephemera, etc., dated 1853-1915. Very good to fine. Includes:

(1) Autograph letter, signed, to A. C. Recter of Boerne, Texas from Jos. E. Stevenson, dated at San Saba Station, January 25, 1884. 5 pp., 12mo.

(2) Autograph letter, signed, to Mrs. Stephen Black from attorney Samuel A. Roberts, dated at Sherman, October 4, 1859. 1 p., 8vo.

(3) Typed letter, signed, by the firm of Albaugh-Dover Co., Chicago, to W. L. Fries of Bandera Texas, dated at Chicago, March 5, 1915.

(4) Autograph letter, signed, to Judge [William] Fowler in Montgomery, Texas, from Joseph Rhodes, dated at Houston, March 26. 1 p., 4to.

(5) Autograph invitation to the funeral of W. R. Sanders at Zion in Lola, Grimes County, November 26, 1887. 12mo, ruled paper with black ribbon interlaced into sheet.

(6) Receipt for 14 bales of cotton of Otto van Roeder of Nassau, Texas, with an integral letter from E. L. Pickens (for J. H. Stevens) informing him that "your cotton at this time cannot be sold for anything like 5 cts cash." November 16, 1848. 1 p., 4to.

(7) Typed letter, signed, on the stationery of the Houston Business League, signed by Geo. P. Brown, secretary, dated April 14, 1902. 1 p., 4to.

(8) Autograph letter, signed, on stationery of E. H. Collins, County Clerk of Hardin County, enclosing a tax receipt and encouraging drilling for oil on his land, dated at Kountre, Texas, December 12, 1895. 1 p., 8vo.

(9) Typed letter, signed, on embossed State Department stationery, introducing Miss Virginia Lucy , dated July 11, 1910, and signed by Acting Secretary of State Huntington Wilson. 1 p., 4to.

(10) Autograph letter, signed, to A. P. Thompson in Galveston from W. R. Baker relating to legal proceedings, dated at Houston, January 9, 1850. 1 p., folio. Baker was at this time clerk of Harris County, and later mayor of Houston in 1880-86.

(11) Lease of Union Hotel in LaGrange by Lyman Cronkite to D. K. Nichols, April 12, 1856.

(12) Deed of sale by Alethia Ann Clark conveying a parcel of land on Lake Creek in Montgomery County to P. J. Willis & Bro., said parcel being hers because her husband abandoned her and left Texas, dated October 2, 1858.

(13) Deed of sale by Thomas W. Bell conveying 555 acres of land in Montgomery County to P. J. Willis & Bro., dated October 29, 1862.

(14) Printed receipt form for tuition at German School, Cuero, completed in manuscript. November 1882.

(15) Receipt for sale of half interest in a saloon in Thorndale, for $30.00, to L. W. Carothers by T. H. Knight, April 28, 1882.

(16) Articles of agreement by Burwell Thompson to sell to John J. Burton "his horses fields fences and all things appertaining to said plantation...east side of the Brasses [sic] River about 3 miles below the town of Waco." October 22, 1853.

(17) Interrogatories propounded to George Barnard in the case of James L. Horne, adm. Of William Horne vs. L. C. Puckett (largely concerning the hire, value, and use of a Black slave), Waco, May-October 1858.

(18) Manuscript bill for tuition, etc. of Miss Kate Bennett from the Young Ladies' Boarding and Day School, Houston, March 3, 1873.

(19) Loyalty oath. Printed document completed in manuscript. Oath of Jacob Foantaine of Travis County that he did not support the south in the Civil War by holding office or otherwise participate in the rebellion, dated July 1, 1867.

(20) Promissory note for $100.00 to H. W. Buson by W. G. W. Jowers and M. W.(?) Lacy, dated May 31, 1847. Jowers was an early Texas physician.

(21) Printed form completed in manuscript. Retail Malt Dealer's License "for the sale of spiritous, vinous or malt liquors or medicated bitters." Rio Grande City, Starr County, May 27, 1913.

(22) Printed form completed in manuscript. Licensing agreement for exclusive rights to sell Vandermark's Portable Fence in Wood County, signed and dated May 6, 1872.

(23) Reward poster. $25.00 reward is offered by Deputy Sheriff Tom Watson of Sealy, Texas, for the apprehension of C. L. Anderson, "...round red face; smooth shaved; two upper front teeth with small gold filling in center of space; very distant and slow to make friends." 1 p., 8vo, on salmon paper.

(Lot of 35 items)
($200-400)

320. [TEXAS LOCAL HISTORY. NAVARRO COUNTY]. FEARIS, David P. & William Balch. Manuscript sharecropping lease agreement, dated Navaro [sic] Co., September 5th 1848. 2 pp., 4to. Creased where folded. Fine.

David Fearis rents his farm on Waxahachie Creek to William Balch for one year. Balch agrees to stipulated plantings of wheat and corn in certain fields, and will pay Fearis one-third of his crop. The corn is to be stored in a crib supplied by Fearis, or if Fearis does not furnish a crib, Balch may throw it in the corners of the field. Further, Balch is to make 3,000 rails for fencing and to install the fencing for which Fearis will pay cash when the work is completed. An interesting early document from Navarro County, which was organized in late 1846.
($250-500)

321. [TEXAS MASONS]. By-Laws of Hardeman Lodge, No. 179 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Held at Plum Creek, Caldwell County, Texas. Seguin: Seguin Mercury, 1856. 16 pp. 8vo, green printed wrappers. Edges of wrappers chipped, creased down center and some leaves torn at lower edge from being folded, text browned and brittle.
        First edition. Unrecorded and apparently unique. Not in Winkler. Donated to the Texas State Historical Association by Shirley and Clifton Caldwell.
($250-500)

SUPER LOT ON SHIPS & SHIPPING

322. [TEXAS SHIPS & SHIPPING]. Lot of 8 items:

(1) MATAGORDA (Port of). Printed document completed in ink and signed by George M. Collinsworth: Port of [Matagorda] To the Inspector on board [Schooner Angeline, A. Wadsworth & Co.] having paid the Duties on Merchandise contained in the following package, permission is hereby given to land the same.... Matagorda, May 18, 1840. 1 p., folio, printed columns for "Marks," "Nos.," and "Packages and Contents." Very fine.
        Contents consist of 51,000 feet of pine lumber, 15,553 shingles, 15 barrels of potatoes, 50 gallons of whiskey, and 2-1/2 dozen shirts. This is an interesting Republic of Texas shipping form, but the most valuable aspect of the document is the signature of George M. Collinsworth, then serving as collector of revenue at the county of Matagorda. Collinsworth participated in the Battle of Velasco, a prelude to the Texas Revolution, served as secretary of the Brazoria Committee of Vigilance (1832), helped Milam capture and secure the critical Mexican garrison at Goliad (1835), etc. See The Handbook of Texas Online (George Morse Collinsworth).

(2) HUMPHREYS, P. W. Manuscript authorization signed by Humphreys as chief clerk for quarter master general of the Texas army, issued to John Brent for "deck passage on board any vessel that will take him to New Orleans on acct. of the Govt. of Texas." [Texas, ca. 1836]. 1 p. (3 lines). Old tape at upper two corners where removed from album, fairly good condition. A rare type of documentation for the Texas Revolution and Republic. See also Steamer Laura below in this lot. Humphreys served as editor of the Austin Texas Sentinel beginning in 1857.

(3) STEAMER LAURA. Manuscript authorization of deck passage for John Brent for the government of Texas on the Steamer Laura to Red Fish Bar, signed by P. W. Humphreys. Texas, ca. 1836-40. 1 p. (3 lines). Old tape at upper two corners where removed from album, fairly good condition.
        The small river steamer Laura was built in Louisville, Kentucky, for use in the Brazos River by Thomas F. McKinney and Samuel M. Williams, arriving in 1835. She played an important role in maritime activities during the Texas Revolution and carried several illustrious passengers during her brief service. On April 24, 1836, Vice President Lorenzo de Zavala sailed to the site of the battle of San Jacinto on the Laura; President Burnet, his cabinet, and Santa Anna and his aides traveled from Galveston to Velasco on the vessel after the Battle of San Jacinto. See The Handbook of Texas Online (Laura).

(4) STEAMER ECLIPSE. Ornate printed invoice completed in ink: M[essrs. Peel & Dumble]. Galveston & Houston U.S. Mail Packet Line. To Steamer Eclipse...185_.... [Galveston or Houston?, ca. 1850]. 1 p., folio, printed on pale blue paper, decorative border, small vignette of steamship at upper right. Fine and handsome. Rare. Invoice listing recipients of shipments, costs, and contents.

(5) STEAMER GALVESTON. Manuscript statement of charges for pilot fees. [Galveston?], ca. December 23, 1850. 1 p., 4to, pale blue lined paper. Creased where formerly folded, else fine. Thomas Harrison piloted the Steamer Galveston through Pass Cavallo (between Matagorda Bay and the Gulf) on three occasions, for which he charges $70.50.

(6) STEAMER NEW CASTLE. Printed document completed in ink and signed by Simon Mussina, C. Donaldson, and William H. Fowler: Shipped, in good order and well conditioned by [James F. Martin] on board the Steamboat called the [New Castle] whereof [E. Murray] is Master, for the present voyage, now lying in the Port of [Mobile] and bound for [the port of Matagorda...Two hundred & Fifty-Eight Packages].... Mobile, April 4, 1839 & Matagorda, April 27?, 1839. 4-page 4to folder printed on p. 1, with engraved vignette of steamship and wharf at top right. A few light stains and minor marginal wear, generally very good, with orange seal.
        Early steamboat bills of lading to the Republic of Texas are very scarce, and this one is enhanced by the presence of the signature of Simon Mussina (1805-89), friend of Sam Houston, pioneer Jewish merchant, attorney, surveyor, and newspaperman (Matagorda Bulletin, the National Banner at Galveston, the famous Mexican-American War newspaper The American Flag). Mussina relocated to Matagorda in 1836 from Mobile, where he had established one of the largest mercantile businesses in the South, and founded Brownsville in 1848. See The Handbook of Texas Online (Simon Mussina; Brownsville, Texas; Jews).

(7) STEAMER TENNESSEE. Manuscript accounting of Sheriff's Sale of the wreck of the Steamer Tennessee: Amount of Sales of the Wreck of the Steam Boat Tennessee as Sold on the 15th June 1859.... Calhoun County [Indianola?], 1859. 1-1/2 pp. on 4-page folio folder, with 5-line note on final page by the sheriff of Calhoun County invoicing J. M. Clayton $234 for 117 days of work taking care of the wreck. A few foxmarks.
        The total amount of the salvage was $736.20, and among the items sold were two steam boilers, two engines, "all the copper pipe," one lot "hog chamis," forge, cooking stove, anchor, three copper pumps, pilot house, pilot wheel, etc. Many of the items were purchased by Henry Runge (1816-73), early German businessman in Texas, who became prominent in shipping and banking and established the first private unincorporated bank in Texas. Among the contenders for ownership of the salvage were James L. Allen (the last messenger of the Alamo) and Daniel Shea (leader of the Confederate mounted riflemen of the Eighth Texas Infantry, who drove the Federal marines from Aransas Pass during the Civil War). See The Handbook of Texas Online (Henry Runge; Indianola, Texas; James L. Allen).

(8) TRINITY RIVER STEAMBOAT NAVIGATION. KERR, D. G. Autograph letter, signed in full and "Your Affectionate Husband," to "My Dear Wife," New-Port, Walker County, February 4, 1869. 1 p., 12mo, pale blue paper. Creased and faded at folds.
        Kerr writes to his wife from Newport, which is today a ghost town on the Trinity River. "The settlement...just west of Pecota...was established around 1854 [and] flourished briefly as a stopping point for riverboats"-The Handbook of Texas Online (Newport, Texas). Kerr writes that he is anxious to get downriver, where cotton prices are good, but that wind has impeded their progress.

(Lot of 8 items)
($750-1,500)

323. [TEXAS STOCK CERTIFICATES]. Lot of 6 stock certificates:

(1) ALEXANDER GROCERY COMAPNY (La Grange, Texas). Certificate no. 1 for ten $100 shares. Dated August 29, 1906.

(2) F. V. GENTRY (Port Lavaca, Texas). Unsigned $500 share certificate.

(3) FIRST NATIONAL BANK (Troupe, Texas). Certificate for ten $100 shares dated May 1, 1902.

(4) GLENN McCARTHY, INC. Certificate for one hundred 25¢ shares of common stock in the enterprises of oilman Glenn McCarthy.

(5) TEXAS STAR FLOUR MILLS, OF GALVESTON. Certificate for one $500 share, dated August 21, 1879.

(6) VALENTINE MERCANTILE COMPANY (Valentine, Texas). Unsigned certificate for $100 share.

(Lot of 6 items)
($150-300)

ONE OF THE EARLIEST TEXAS IMPRINTS

324. TEXAS (Province). JUNTA GUBERNATIVA. [Circular announcing the arrival of Lt. Colonel D. Luciano García and his assumption of the office of governor. With heading]: Junta Gubernativa de la Provincia de Texas... [at end]: Dios y Libertad, Bexar 8 de julio de 1823. Ymprenta del Govierno de Texas, en San Antonio de Bexar, 1823. 4-page 12mo folder, printed on p. [1]. Signed in full by Baron de Bastrop as vice president and José Anto. Saucedo as secretary. Very fine.
        First printing of a very early Texas imprint, probably the earliest Texas imprint to which a collector might aspire. Eberstadt, Texas 162:326. Streeter 7: "The circular refers to a communication of Garza, the new commandant general at Monterrey, dated June 16, enclosing a decree of Congress of May 30 dissolving the various junta governativas of the Internal Provinces and announcing the interim appointment of García as governor."
        Forgeries of this imprint have been detected, but the imprint offered here is genuine.
($6,000-12,000)

TEXIAN LOAN — SIGNED BY THE FATHER OF TEXAS

325. TEXAS (Provisional Government). COMMISSIONERS. Texian Loan.... New Orleans: Benjamin Levy, 1836. Printed document completed in manuscript, signed by Stephen F. Austin, B. F. Archer, and William H. Wharton. Certificate no. 368, made out to Thomas D. Carneal. 4to broadside, text printed within ornate typographical border. Very lightly creased where formerly folded, otherwise fine.
        First printing, printed date of January 11, 1836, the earliest date for any of the known Texian Loan certificates. Jumonville, New Orleans Imprints 944. Criswell locates a similar item (36A) which is from another typesetting. The Provisional Government issued these certificates to raise funds for the Revolution. They were redeemable for land at fifty cents per acre. The present certificate is made out to Thomas D. Carneal, from Cincinnati, Ohio. Eugene C. Barker, in "The Finances of the Texas Revolution," (in a reprint of the Political Science Quarterly XIX:4) explained this attempt to raise funds: "On January 10 the commissioners notified Governor Smith that they had arranged for two loans aggregating $250,000. The fact that this could be done in New Orleans, where the Texas situation was so well known, they considered particularly encouraging and of good augury for success in other parts of the United States. It will be seen from their terms that these so called loans were really nothing more than contracts for the purchase of five hundred thousand acres of land at fifty cents an acre; but the commissioners thought themselves very fortunate to get money on any terms. 'In fact, rather than have missed the loan,' they wrote, 'we had better have borrowed the money for five years and given them the land in the bargain.' They were of the opinion, moreover, that the loan would increase the interest in Texas; the lenders, they said, had already offered to land in Texas within six weeks five hundred volunteers.... The first loan, of $200,000, was subscribed by ten men, four of whom were from Cincinnati, three from Kentucky, two from Virginia, and one from New Orleans."
($1,500-2,500)