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

Lot Number: 47015

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47015

German Language Edition of Texas's "Declaration of Causes." 8 pages, 5 5/8 x 8 inches, [Austin]; [1861]. The German translation of A Declaration of the Causes Which Impel the State of Texas to Secede from the Federal Union, published by the Texas state government following its vote to secede in February 1861. This imprint is listed in Winkler as "not seen," and OCLC does not list another extant copy at any institution.

Throughout the 19th century, Germans constituted the largest immigrant group in Texas, comprising roughly 5% of the state's population. Having settled in Texas seeking economic and political freedom, many held anti-slavery beliefs and opposed conscription. Consequently, when Texas seceded from the United States in February 1861, the majority of German settlers remained loyal to the Union. Few enlisted in the Confederate Army, and many lived in open defiance of Confederate laws. By April 1862, Confederate forces under James Duff moved to suppress pro-Union German communities in the Texas Hill Country; when resistance continued, Duff declared the region to be in open rebellion against the Confederacy.

Condition: Top edge of pages one and two unopened. A few small chips at the edges, not affecting text. Cut with minor loss near the center of pages 1-6. Light, scattered staining throughout.

Reference: Winkler-Friend 169.

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