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

Lot Number: 47005

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47005

Stephen F. Austin Signed Texian Loan Certificate. One page, 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, New Orleans; January 11, 1836. Loan certificate "No. 30" 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" and countersigned by Branch T. Archer and William H. Wharton.

The Provisional Government issued these certificates to raise funds for the Revolution. They were redeemable for land at fifty cents per acre. 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 for financial assistance, collect supplies, and recruit men for the Texas cause. They arrived in New Orleans in January 1836 and negotiated a series of loans. The three commissioners then proceeded up the Mississippi River, making numerous speeches before traveling to Washington, D.C. They were unable to persuade Congress to support their cause and returned home.

During their trip, on March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence. In November 1836, 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: Very lightly toned with flattened folds. Triangular cut cancellation near top-center of document with two short, closed tears at the edges of the cancellation, affecting a few letters. Mounting remnants at top edge on verso.

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