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Auction Name: 2025 November 8 Historical Manuscripts including Texana Showcase Auction
Lot Number: 67024
Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/30152*67024
Ten Issues of Le National with Texas Revolution Content. Dated January 18, 1836 to April 24, 1842. Each issue is four pages, 13 x 18 inches, unpaginated and printed in three columns. Le National was a daily French newspaper that covered both international and domestic events, with an emphasis on liberal political affairs. Eight of these ten issues feature content on the Texas Revolution, with reporting on the Battle of San Jacinto, Mexico's surrender, the development of the Republic of Texas, and General Vasquez's raid in 1842. Most notable among these papers is the January 1, 1837 issue, which publishes the text of the secret Treaty of Velasco, a private agreement between General Antonio López de Santa Anna and the Republic of Texas.
Following his capture in the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna was compelled to sign this treaty, as well as a public version of the document, under the condition that his life would be spared by Sam Houston. Santa Anna signed both versions; however, the Mexican government later repudiated their validity on the grounds that Santa Anna had been coerced into signing them. Additionally, the treaties identified Santa Anna as the president of the Mexican Republic, but his position was voided by his capture by a hostile army. As a result, he lacked the authority to sign in this capacity, further undermining the legal validity of the treaties. Thus, Texas had only gained de facto independence, but Mexico's army lacked the strength to reconquer it.
Further reporting on the Texas Revolution is contained in the seven subsequent issues. The January 18, 1836 edition features the "Declaration to the Public," a precursor to the Texas Declaration of Independence, passed in November 1835 (p. 3). This document established a provisional government in Texas, lending credibility to the revolutionary cause. The July 23, 1836 issue reports on the retreat of the Mexican army after their defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto (p. 1). The June 25, 1836 edition follows with news of Santa Anna's capture and General Filisola's surrender (p. 1), with additional details in the September 15, 1836 issue (p. 1). The August 26, 1836 edition notes rising tensions between Texas and the United States, suggesting Mexico's intent to resume hostilities (p. 1). Three years later, the August 18, 1839 issue reflects on Texas's postwar trajectory, crediting its independence to external circumstances while praising the newly established republic for its robust financial development (p. 2). The April 24, 1842 issue describes Texas's preparations for continued resistance (p. 2).
With two additional issues, dated July 1 and September 15, 1836.
Condition: All issues lightly toned with smoothed folds, scattered staining and soiling throughout, minor edgewear. January 18 issue has separations along the horizontal fold, affecting text but not content related to Texas.
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