Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47001

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47001

Alamo Defender Dolphin Floyd Signed Promissory Note. One page, 7 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches; November 20, 1834; Gonzales. A manuscript note promising to pay "Stephen Smith or bearer Eighteen Dollars for value Recd. Gonzales November 20th 1834." Signed, "Dolphin Floyd." Endorsements on the verso list payments made of $4 and $10 dollars, as well a filing docket, all in the same hand as the body of the note on recto.

Dolphin Ward Floyd immigrated to Texas from North Carolina, settling in Gonzales in the early 1830s. Floyd arrived at the Alamo on March 1, 1836 as a member of the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers. They were the only troops to reach the beleaguered garrison prior to the final assault. He died along with the rest of the defenders on March 6, 1836, which was coincidentally his birthday.

This is the first document we have handled by Floyd, and no other exemplars can be found online or listed in OCLC. Stephen Smith was an early settler in Gonzales, and was a merchant, trader, speculator, and banker.

Condition: Flattened folds, with some wear. Rough edge along bottom, and dog-eared corner at top right. Light foxing and toning throughout.

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