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

Lot Number: 47004

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47004

Stephen F. Austin Signed Texian Loan Certificate. One page, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches (sight), New Orleans; January 11, 1836. Framed to an overall size of 13 x 15 inches. This loan certificate, No. 42, was issued to Robert Triplett acknowledging the receipt of $32 as the first installment on a loan of $320 to the Government of Texas for a period of five years at 8% per annum interest. Signed, "S. F. Austin" as well as by Branch T. Archer and William H. Wharton, as "Commissioners on the Part of Texas." With cut cancellation at top.

The Provisional Government issued these certificates, redeemable for land at fifty cents per acre, to raise funds for the Revolution. This first loan for the Texian cause was for $200,000 and was subscribed by ten men: four from Cincinnati, two from Virginia, one from New Orleans, and three from Kentucky. Ten percent of the amount was paid down with the balance to be paid upon ratification of the contract by the convention, which had been called for March 1st. Signing as "Commissioners on the Part of Texas" are Austin, Archer, and Wharton who had been appointed to lobby the United States to bolster finances, collect supplies, and recruit men for the Texan cause. They arrived in New Orleans in January 1836 to negotiate a series of loans, then proceeded up the Mississippi River, making numerous speeches before traveling to Washington, D.C. Once at the capital, they were unable to persuade Congress to support their cause and returned home.

Meanwhile, on March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence. In November of that year, Texas President Sam Houston appointed Stephen F. Austin Secretary of State and William T. Wharton as first Minister to the United States. Branch T. Archer served in the First Congress of Texas and as Speaker of the House during its second session.

Condition: Not examined outside of frame. Lightly toned with smoothed folds. Triangular loss of paper from cut cancellation affecting some text.

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