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Stephen F. Austin Autograph Letter Signed. ...
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Description
Stephen Austin Letter to a Mexican Official Assuring him of his Assistance in the Search for a Lost Schooner
Stephen F. Austin Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 7" x
9.25", San Felipe de Austin; June 12, 1830.A letter written in Spanish addressed to José de las Piedras, commander of the Mexican forces in Nacogdoches apologizing for his late reply and discussing the lost Mexican schooner, Constante. Signed, "Estevan F. Austin." Housed in a custom quarter brown morocco and cloth slipcase.
Translated into English, Austin writes, in full, "I did not receive your letter dated March 31st just past until after I returned from Bexar on the 9th of this month. I have been absent from these parts most of the time since the month of February, only returning to my house twice, and for a few days each time. I mention this in order to inform you of the reason why I did not answer your mentioned and estimable letter before now. Up to now, I have not had any news of the national schooner Constante that you tell me about in your letter. The Galveston administrator has started to carry out the duties of his post, and I will waste no time in advising him of your desires, so that they may have the appropriate effect. With all respect, I remain your very attentive friend and servant, who kisses your hands."
Known as the "Father of Texas," Austin wrote this letter at the height of his mission to populate Texas with U.S. immigrants. By 1830, Austin had held the title of Mexican empresario for over five years and had succeeded in drawing over 300 Anglo families to his colony in south-central Texas with the promise of settling hundreds more. In order to stay in operation, Austin was careful to cultivate strong, positive relations with the Mexican government. While this entailed political maneuvers like the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas, it also included assisting Mexican forces with quashing the ill-fated Fredonian Rebellion which was the first attempt by U.S. immigrants to secede from Mexico. Shortly before he wrote this letter, the Mexican government banned the emigration of U.S. citizens to Mexico. Due to Austin's good relations, he received special permission to continue populating his settlement. Austin's deference to authorities like Piedras is clear in this letter, as he mobilized the local administrator in Galveston to inquire about the lost ship.
The recipient of the letter, José de las Piedras, served in numerous roles in the Mexican army. In 1830, he was the commander of the Twelfth Permanent Battalion stationed in Nacogdoches from 1827 to 1832. There, de las Piedras fought to maintain control of the predominantly Anglo town amidst increasingly volatile relations between the settlers and the Mexican government. In 1832, two years after the date of this letter, de las Piedras fought in the Battle of Nacogdoches on behalf of the Centralist forces against the Anglo settlers, who believed they had support from Antonio López de Santa Anna. De la Piedras and his men were expelled from the town and shortly after leaving the city limits, were captured by Texas revolutionaries. De las Piedras was taken to see Austin and immediately pardoned by the Texas statesman.
Condition: Creased along the center fold with toning and staining throughout. Small bit of paper torn off at top not affecting text. A few small tears along the right margin affecting two words. Pencil notations to upper right corner verso.
Auction Info
2023 December 2 The Ted Lusher Texas History Collection, Part One Signature® Auction #6281 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2023
2nd
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
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