- More
Stephen F. Austin and John T. Mason Autograph Letters Signed....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Austin recommends a candidate for the post of commissioner over the land holdings of Zavala, Burnet, and Vehlein
Stephen F. Austin and John T. Mason Autograph Letters Signed. An Autograph Letter Signed from Mason (as empresario agent) to Austin with a handwritten reply signed by Austin. A total of 2 pages, front and back, 8.5" x 10.5", in Spanish, Leona Vicario [Mexico], April 30, 1832. Mason's letter comprises about two-thirds of the recto and Austin's reply, also in Spanish, fills the remaining one and one-third of the sheet. Mason writes to Austin seeking advice on two candidates being considered for the position of Commissioner over the land holdings of Zavala, Burnet, and Vehlein. He names Jose Antonio Navarro and Jose Maria Carbajal as the two men being considered.In his reply to Mason, written directly beneath Mason's letter to him, Austin reviews the qualities of both candidates. In part: "I must say that the aforementioned Carbajal is a native of Bexar, he is twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, understands English very well, and has an excellent education. He has undertaken the job . . . under the commission of Don Francisco Madero and the Secretary of State of the Department of Bexar. He is also well regarded by his friends and associates in Texas. I do not doubt he is adequate for the job. If permitted, I would recommend Sr. Navarro because he is a citizen of the highest quality, of great honesty, industry, and patriotism." Navarro, born in San Antonio de Bexar, was self-taught, practiced law, and was a friend of Stephen Austin. He was a supporter of the Texas Revolution, becoming one of only three Mexican signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. With staining and professional restoration along the left margin, and a few clean tears; this document remains in near fine condition with bold ink and is highly legible. Housed in a blue cloth over board chemise with matching quarter-bound slipcase with titles in gilt on the spine. An important association letter linking two founders of the Republic in an interesting communication regarding land grants and colonization.
John T. Mason left his post as superintendent of Indian Affairs during the Andrew Jackson administration in April 1831 to become the principal agent in Texas for the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company. The company had been organized in 1830 to take over the holdings of empresarios Lorenzo de Zavala, David G. Burnet, and Joseph Vehlein, totaling approximately twenty million acres of land. In 1830 the Mexican government had made it illegal for Americans to colonize in Texas. The Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company ignored the decree and continued to offer land in the holdings of the three empresarios to American, as well as European, colonists.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $100,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $100,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/19/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/21/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 04/22/2021
US Coins
Ends on 04/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/25/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/27/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 04/29/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/30/2021
Illustration Art
Ends on 04/30/2021
Entertainment
Ends on 05/01/2021
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 05/02/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/06/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 05/06/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/07/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/08/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 05/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 05/15/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 05/16/2021
Currency
Ends on 05/16/2021
Photography
Opens about 04/21/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/23/2021
Historical
Opens about 04/26/2021
Manuscripts
Opens about 04/30/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/28/2021
Silver
Opens about 04/29/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 04/22/2021
Space
Opens about 05/03/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 04/30/2021
Historical
Opens about 05/03/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/22/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/23/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/04/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/05/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/29/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/12/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/14/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 05/14/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/21/2021
Arms & Armor
Opens about 05/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/08/2021
Rare Books
Opens about 05/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/19/2021
Photography
Opens about 05/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/20/2021
US Coins
Opens about 05/15/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 05/26/2021
Nature & Science
Opens about 05/27/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
Heritage Auctions and Mr. Chad Reingold were...professional and courteous in all transactions and provided outstanding service in answering my many emails. I recommend them at the highest level.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search