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

Lot Number: 47021

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47021

John J. Dix Horse Theft Archive. An archive of 32 letters and documents concerning horse theft charges leveled against Texas Ranger John J. Dix in a "gallows confession" offered by a criminal who was then hanged. Following this, more accusations against Dix were made by W. W. Wier. Dix was determined to clear his name and set about doing so by soliciting letters of recommendation from friends, neighbors, men who served with him, and other prominent Texans.

Offered here is Dix's collection of documents relating to the charge, including the original "Statement made under the gallows," Wier's statement of accusation, an anonymous accusatory letter, 27 letters of recommendation and petitions, an Autograph Letter Signed by Texas Governor Francis R. Lubbock with his decision clearing Dix of all charges, and Dix's handwritten inventory of the archive. The bulk of the letters are dated between April and August, 1862.

Wier's statement, dated May 19, 1862, describes Dix as the head of an organized band of thieves: "The whole command, Dick's [sic] mess excepted, firmly believed he Dicks was engaged in horse stealing during the time he continued in the company, and the men were so convinced that this was the case that they were about to petition Capt Ford to discharge him, upon hearing which Dicks resigned...[Dix's] mess was called the 'thief mess' by the company generally...on one occasion they drove off 200 head of horses in one bunch."

Of interest is an anonymous accusatory letter, which reads (errors intact): "You are harbouring Theaves Jackson & McNiel. There is a Secrit Commyty formed. You had better Look out...By the order of the President."

In contrast, a letter from Assistant Adjutant General E.F. Gray offered the following positive comments: "At your request I have investigated the charges made against Capt John J. Dix, of your Company, and after the most diligent inquiries from among his neighbors, (many of whom candidly stating that they were not his personal friends, and therefore entitled to credence), I am thoroughly satisfied the charges as untrue, and have been the offspring of prejudice or malice or both. The most that any of his immediate neighbors charge him with, is that 'he is the brother-in-law of the two McNeals' - both notoriously 'bad men.' They have at times from this fact suspected him; but although numerous efforts & traps were set to try to implicate him, no one was ever able to find the first thing. This is what both his friends & foes tell me - and they add, that he has staid among them & lived the old charges down when his life was hourly in danger, and they believe him now to be innocent, or the smartest rogue the state ever produced. In a word - I think you may safely stamp the charge a base and malicious lie."

Governor Lubbock's final judgment firmly exonerates Dix, stating: "I have carefully examined the papers and been forced to the conclusion that the charges pursued are without foundation in fact or truth...Trusting this matter is now at rest and that you will most energetically and diligently discharge your duties as commander of your company." Signed, "F. R. Lubbock."

Following the restoration of his good name, Dix returned to his home and joined a company of the Home Guard for a year. In July 1864, he enlisted in Colonel John Ford's Expeditionary Force, where he acted as quartermaster and served as Colonel Ford's adjutant. Returning to south Texas, Captain Dix settled in Duval County and began a long career as a land agent and surveyor. Dix also served one term in the House in the 22nd Texas Legislature (1891-1892), and then served as a clerk in the General Land Office in Austin (1894-1895).

Captain John James Dix had a long and varied career of service in Texas. As a young man he worked as a horse drover for the Army quartermaster. In January 1860, Dix joined the Texas Rangers and was named second lieutenant in a special force under the command of Major John S. "Rip" Ford. During the Civil War, Dix raised a company of men and served one year as their captain in the Frontier Regiment (1862-1863).

Condition: Generally, very good. Documents exhibit age-toning, scattered foxing and staining, separations at folds, and light to moderate wear throughout resulting in occasional loss, but legibility remains overall very good. Letter of support dated May 30, 1862, is fully separated at one horizontal fold, other folds just holding.

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