Horse-trader and freebooter in Natchez (1771–1801). Nolan is sometimes credited with being the first to map Texas for the American frontiersmen, but his map has never been found. He conceived a scheme to go illegally into Texas and perhaps other Mexican provinces. He convinced some thirty frontiersmen that the expedition would make them rich. They crossed the border in October 1800 and headed north of Nacogdoches to capture wild mustangs. The Spanish soon heard of their activities, and Pedro de Nava ordered their arrest. On March 21, 1801, a Spanish force of 120 men under the command of Lieutenant M. Múzquiz left Nacogdoches in pursuit of Nolan, whom they encountered entrenched and unwilling to surrender just upstream from where the current Nolan River flows into the larger Brazos (now in Hill County, Texas). Several of Nolan's men surrendered immediately to the Spanish and after Nolan was killed, the remainder yielded. Nolan's ears were cut off as evidence for Spain that he was dead. Endorsement, “Philip Nolan,” on the reverse of a 7.5 x 4.25 promissory note, dated June 18, 1800, and signed by William Thomas and James W. Cuellar. The note reads, “We or either of us Jointly or severally promise to Pay to Mr. Philip Nolan or order on or before the First day of January next ensuing the sum of Fifty Dollars lawful money of the United States in Cash or Cotton at bank price for value received at Natchez.” Boldly endorsed on the reverse, “Philip Nolan.” Intersecting folds, one running between first and last name of signature, paper loss to right edge, and scattered toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition. The Robert Davis Collection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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