Stephen F. Austin Signed Texian Loan Certificate. One page, 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, New Orleans; January 11, 1836. Loa...
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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Friday, March 28, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Monday, January 13, 2025.
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Description
Stephen F. Austin Signed Texian Loan Certificate. One page, 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, New Orleans; January 11, 1836. Loan certificate issued to Alfred Penn acknowledging the receipt of $32 as the first installment on a loan of $320 to the Government of Texas for a period of five years at 8% per annum interest. Signed, "S. F. Austin" as well as Branch T. Archer and William H. Wharton, as "Commissioners on the Part of Texas." Framed to an overall size of 9 1/4 x 11 1/8 inches. Not examined out of frame.The Provisional Government issued these certificates to raise funds for the Revolution. They were redeemable for land at fifty cents per acre. This first loan for the Texian cause was for $200,000 and was subscribed by ten men: four from Cincinnati, two from Virginia, one from New Orleans, and three from Kentucky. Ten percent of the amount was paid down with the balance to be paid upon ratification of the contract by the convention, which had been called for March 1st. Signing as "Commissioners on the Part of Texas" are Austin, Archer, and Wharton who had been appointed to lobby the United States for financial assistance, collect supplies, and recruit men for the Texas cause. They arrived in New Orleans in January 1836 and negotiated a series of loans. The three commissioners then proceeded up the Mississippi River, making numerous speeches before traveling to Washington, D.C. They were unable to persuade Congress to support their cause and returned home. During their trip, on March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence. In November 1836, Texas President Sam Houston appointed Stephen F. Austin Secretary of State and William T. Wharton as first Minister to the United States. Branch T. Archer served in the First Congress of Texas and as Speaker of the House during its second session.
Condition: Light offset toning from being stored folded, flattened folds with small separations at the margins, reinforced on verso. A few tiny chips along edges, and possible repair along the upper right edge and bottom left corner. Triangular cut cancellation at center of document has been pieced back together and reinforced on verso, barely affecting text.
Auction Info
2025 March 28 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6316 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
February
25th
Tuesday
Auction Dates
March
28th
Friday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
42 Days
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Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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