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

Lot Number: 47043

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47043

[Maximilian I]. Diploma Awarding the Cross of Service to an Officer in the 1836 Campaign Against Texas. One partially printed page of a bifolium, 8 7/8 x 12 7/8 inches; Imperial Palace of Mexico; April 15, 1864. Blind embossed heading, "Secretaría de Estado y del Despacho de Guerra y Marina," beneath which is printed, "Secretary of War and Navy." Writing in the left margin indicates that it is a "Diploma of the Cross for [service in] the first campaign in Texas." The diploma reads (English translation):

"It being established that Brigadier General Don Miguel Andrade took part in the first campaign carried out against the rebellious colonists of Texas in the year 1836,

the Regency of the Empire grants him the honorary distinction designated by the decree of August 28, 1840, which he may portend after prior registration of this diploma in the Chancery Section of the Secretariat of State and Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the provisions of the decree of April 6, 1864, without which requirement it shall have no validity."

Signed, "Juan de D. Paez" at bottom, with additional endorsements and stamps on pages 2 and 3 indicating that the diploma had been registered as mandated. Emperor Maximilian I had accepted the crown on April 10, 1864, just five days before this diploma was issued.

The diploma reflects the Imperial government's effort to assert continuity with earlier Mexican military traditions at the outset of Maximilian I's reign. It recognizes service in the First Texas Campaign of 1836 (including the battles of the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto) and explicitly invokes the decree of August 28, 1840, which established an official honorary cross for participants. The additional requirement for chancery registration underscores the Regency's attempt to regulate and legitimize the bestowal of honors during the transition to imperial rule.

Condition: Single, horizontal fold at center. Light creasing throughout, with a small tear at top margin.

Include Thumbnail(s)