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

Lot Number: 47312

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47312

Thomas J. Rusk Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 8 x 10 inches, "At Home," [Nacogdoches]; September 29, 1846. Rusk writes a brief letter to Rufus K. Cage, asking him to "Please confess a judgement for me in the case of Davis Mackleroy against myself and McDaniel." Signed, "Tho J. Rusk." Docketed on the verso.

Thomas Jefferson Rusk first came to Texas in 1834 in pursuit of crooked managers who had embezzled funds from a mining company in which Rusk had invested money. Although he never recovered the money, he fell in love with the land and decided to make it his home. He became a citizen of Mexico and applied for a headright in the colony of David G. Burnet. He joined the Texian army shortly before the beginning of the Revolution, but left sometime around October 1835. He was named inspector general of the army for the Nacogdoches District, signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and returned to the army in time to take part in the Battle of San Jacinto. After the war, he was named commander in chief of the army of the Republic of Texas and followed the Mexican army as they retreated back across the Rio Grande.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. A few light, scattered stains. Minor ink bleed through from docketing on the verso. Rough left edge where integral page was removed, not affecting text.

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