LOT #47027 |
Sold on Apr 5, 2024 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Ramon Musquiz Letter Signed. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on Apr 5, 2024 for:
$13,750.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Get one of these:
Explore Available Items
Description
Ramon Musquiz sends details of the arrest of Commissioner Madero by Colonel Davis and asks for direction in finding a resolution to the matter
Ramon Musquiz Letter Signed. Two pages, 7 7/8 x 9 9/10
inches; Bejar [Bexar]; April 11, 1831. Musquiz writes to the
Governor of the State of Coahuila and Texas (Jose Maria de Letona),
sending a transcription of a March 26, 1831 letter he had received
from the Military Commander about a clash between Colonel Juan
Davis Bradburn and Jose Francisco Madero. The transcription
(included within the body of Musquiz's letter) relays that a
dispute had arisen between Madero and colonel Juan Davis Bradburn
that resulted in the arrest of Madero and land surveyor Jose Maria
Carvajal who were issuing land titles to residents who had settled
prior to 1828. Davis, a centralist who had been sent to Texas to
enforce the government's jurisdiction, believed that the Law of
April 6, 1830 hand annulled all earlier grants and that only the
central government had the authority to allow new surveys.Davis arrested them both, but Musquiz had ordered them to be released. Musquiz, clearly siding with Madero, asks for direction in reaching a resolution. He writes: "I am obliged to tell you that in view of the damages that the commissioner [Madero] is suffering tied to the moratorium on the resolution of this matter and in consideration of the displeasure with which those inhabitants observe the handling by the colonel [Davis] of the aforementioned commissioner, please put your attention to communicate a resolution to me." Signed, "Ramon Musquiz" adding his paraph.
Since Madero was challenging the authority of the sole representative of the central government, Davis arrested him and Carvajal. Although the Military Governor approved Musquiz's decision to release Madero and Carvajal, he suggested that they suspend their work until receiving approval from the government. As he relays in his letter to Musquiz, the Military Commander was in favor of letting Madero resume his work but leaves it Musquiz to find a resolution, which Musquiz seeks to do with this letter to the Governor.
This episode is the tipping point in disputes over land titles that would lead to the Texas Revolution. Carvajal was a protégé of Stephen F. Austin, and his work as a land surveyor helped to guarantee the property rights of American settlers. Conversely, Davis was tasked with asserting the authority of the Mexican government and protecting its interests over those of the American settlers.
A scarce and significant manuscript recording a noted conflict that would soon give rise to the Texas Revolution. Housed in a leather portfolio with gilt lettering on front. With label of the Collecion Monclau affixed to the verso along the right margin.
Condition: Light toning and offsetting, with flattened folds and creasing at corners. Three small punctures along right, the center one affecting a single word. With minute chipping along very edge at right. Pencil annotation at top right on recto.
Auction Info
2024 April 5 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6285 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
5th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 412
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms