DS, signed “W. Barret Travis,” one page, 7.5 x 12.5, both sides, November 10, 1834. The document records the transfer of ownership of three slaves and eight heads of cattle owned by John Powell - the first person to alert Sam Houston that Santa Anna's army was still in Texas following the Battle of t he Alamo - to "old three hundred" member Jesse Thompson. Signed by William Barret Travis, David G. Burnet (the first President of Texas) as witness and John Powell. Docketed on reverse, "Bill of Sale - Jhn Powell to Jesse Thompson.” The document is housed in a wonderful panel display reads in full, "Department of Brazos, Jurisdiction of Austin, Before me David G. Burnet Primary Judge of the Jurisdiction of Austin - on the tenth - day of November One Thousand eight hundred and Thirty four came the citizen John Powell whom I know and to whose acts I give full faith and credit who declared that for and in consideration of the sum of Fifteen hundred and Eighty Dollars in cash to him in hand paid the receipt of which he acknowledges - he has this day and date above named bargained Sold and delivered unto Citizen Jessie Thompson One negro man named John dark complexion about Twenty two years of age - Also a negro woman named Harriet dark complexion Also a negro boy named Anderson aged eight years, Also Eight cows and calves And the Said Powell declared that he has full right and Title to Said negroes and cattle and is authorized to Sell them and as such he warrants and defends the Same to the Said Thompson his heirs and administrators against the legal claim of every person whatsoever. All which he declared and signed - in presence of W. Barret Travis and A. Worthington Instrumental witnesses and those of my assistants with whom I sign to authenticate this act this tenth day of November 1834.” Signed at the conclusion by Travis, as well as Andrew Worthington, David G. Burnet, Assist. Witness, George Boss Gilran and James W. Tuttle. Document is cloth matted and framed on a hinge, so that both sides are visible, and in turn matted and framed with a plaque bearing the document’s transcript and a portrait of Travis, to an overall size of 45.5 x 27; professionally done by the Gallery of History. In very good condition, with a horizontal separation along an old document fold near bottom, lightly affecting a few letters of text, a bit of mild toning, light show through from text on reverse, small ding to inner frame, a couple small spots to top of integral second page and a crisp and clear signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
