Lawyer, politician, soldier and officer of the Republic of Texas (1802–1863). During the Texas War of Independence, he served as a Brigadier General in the Texas Army. In the Battle at Mier, he and almost two hundred officers and men were taken prisoner. Seventeen of these men were executed by drawing of the ‘Black Bean Lottery,’ with the remaining prisoners eventually being released. During the California Gold Rush, he headed west, where he served in the first California State Senate. By the time the Civil War began, he had returned to North Carolina. Although advanced in age, he joined the Confederate Army and was involved in several battles in Virginia. His sons claimed that he died of ‘heartbreak’ over failures on the Confederate's side. Handwritten endorsement, signed “Thos. J. Green, Brig. Genl Texas Army,” at the bottom of a one-page manuscript discharge, 7.5 x 6.75, dated November 18, 1836. Document reads, in part: “This is to certify that William H. Murray, a private in the Zavala Volunteers…enrolled into the service of the Republic of Texas, on the 13th day of May last, to serve six months…is hereby honorably discharged from further duty.” Underneath Green writes, “The Zavolla [sic] Volunteers belonged to my Brigade being the first Brigade Texas Army—and I certify to the above facts all coming under my knowledge.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a few small separations and areas of paper loss to folds, scattered creasing, toning, and foxing, as well as some light soiling, otherwise very good condition. The Robert Davis Collection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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