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Lot #291
William Barret Travis

Rare legal document from the legendary Alamo commander

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Description

Rare legal document from the legendary Alamo commander

Rare manuscript financial document reads, in full: “Rec’d of Martha Bostick and of the estate of L. J. Bostick dec’d—Ten dollars on account for professional services rendered dec’d estate, San Felipe, 17th Sept 1834.” Impressively archivally double suede gilt matted and framed by Gallery of History, with a color portrait of Travis, and three engraved plaques, two bearing biographical information and a reproduction of the text on the document, to an overall size of 35 x 22.

This document was issued in between the Anahuac Distrurbances, which Travis played a key role in while practicing law in Anahuac. In 1835, Travis led a small band of Texans in open revolt after Andrew Briscoe was arrested for loading his boat in a suspicious manner in an attempt to draw attention against unfair port taxes. When news of the arrests were heard in San Felipe de Austin, the political chief encouraged or authorized Travis to organize a militia for the incident. Travis gathered a militia, commandeered a vessel at Harrisburg, the Ohio, and set sail for Anahuac. His force of 25 men quickly freed the Texan prisoners and expelled the troops. However, Travis had acted without broad community support and ended up making an apology in order not to endanger Stephen F. Austin who was in Mexico City at the time. Travis, of course, would go on to become a major historical figure, when he and all under his command would perish at the Alamo. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, small stain over year in text, scattered moderate soiling, and slight show-through from writing on reverse. Travis is rare in all forms, and very few have ever surfaced at auction.

Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #349 - Ended September 16, 2009





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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