Smith (1805–1886) was a pioneer physician, diplomat and official of the Republic of Texas, referred to as ‘the father of Texas medicine.’ Collection of four letters, two letters written by Smith, one to Smith from C. Anson Jones, and one to Jones from V. O. King.
ALS, signed “Ashbel Smith,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, dated July 30, 1878. From London, Smith writes to C. Anson Jones, son of Anson Jones, the last president of Texas. In part: “I could not well reciprocate your kindness by sending papers, for I imagine French newspapers would have very little interest for you. I have today dispatched to you a copy of the ‘Times’ containing one of Lord Beaconsfield’s speeches on the Berlin Congress Treaty & the Anglo Turkish Convention of the 4th…it might be styled on the State of Europe and Asia…on the state of the world for America has a scarcely less interest in this mighty matter than has England or Russia. England has recognized perhaps the opponents are right in saying, assumed a tremendous responsibility. The protectorate of Turkey, for such it is, is absolutely the first and absolutely certain step towards subjugating, in a generous sense of the word, all of Asia Minor, the Holy Land and perhaps Persia, to the vivifying influences of modern civilization. The English, or as we ought to call it, the Anglo American language will eventually take possession of the commercial towns that is of the commerce of southern Asia…and much of this commerce with that of the islands of the Indian Ocean, the Australian Colonies & Japan will reach western Europe and our Atlantic States across the Pacific Coast.”
ALS, signed “Ashbel Smith,” one lightly-lined page, both sides, 5 x 8, dated June 21, 1879. Letter to C. Anson Jones reads, in part: “Dr. V. O. King Commissioner of Insurance etc proposes to visit your city. I beg to command him personally to your courtesies and also to ask your aid and cooperation in furtherance of one of the objects of the Sr.’s visit. Dr. King as among the duties of his office as well as from taste and personal studies takes great interest in the History and Historical Documents of our State, and…wishes to have access to and examine the Historical Collections in the Library of the Late Judge Gray.”
A draft autograph letter (unsigned) in pencil, written by Jones to Smith, three sides of two lightly-lined sheets, 8 x 10, dated November 27, 1878. The heavily corrected draft letter reads, in part: “I have fully realized as I stated to you the other day that great injustice had been done not only to my father but to yourself and other gentlemen associated with him in the administration of public affairs during his presidential tenure by the newspapers of that period and the so-called histories of Oxford…proceeding from international misstatements or failure to properly record the facts have been copied and disseminated in various forms until it is high time the truths of Texas history were written. The subject has given me much concern.”
Also included is an ALS, signed “V. O. King,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Department of Insurance letterhead, dated June 24, 1879. Letter to C. Anson Jones, reads, in part: “I have the pleasure to present the enclosed letter from the Hon Ashbel Smith…I desire to examine the Historical collections belonging to the late Judge Gray, and now in the custody of his widow, who I understand is absent from her home. If you could communicate with her in my behalf, and advise me of the result at your earliest convenience…”
In very good condition, with mailing folds to all letters, light toning to all, show-through from ink writing on opposite side of three letters, and partial separations and edge wear to King’s letter. Accompanied by the four original mailing envelopes.
This set of correspondence underscores the heightened self-awareness that Texans felt about their own unique history as the half-century anniversary of the Revolution drew near. Additionally, as the veterans of the campaigns for independence began to pass on, participants and historians alike felt a sense of immediacy to get veterans’ stories into the historical record. In these letters, we see the son of the fourth and last president of the Republic of Texas, Cromwell Anson Jones (1850-1888)—a lawyer, land speculator, and judge—collaborating with Texas elders whom his father knew and confided in. Colonel Ashbel Smith, best remembered for his heroism at Vicksburg and earlier as an official during the Republic of Texas, encourages the son of Texas’ last president to help document the achievements of the Revolutionary generation. Smith recommends that Jones collaborate with Dr. V.O. King, who published extensively on Texas' formative years.
These letters provide a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the founders of Texas collaborated with the next generation to chronicle the remarkable accomplishments of the revolutionary era. The Robert Davis Collection, read more about Robert Davis. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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