LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Signature Texana Auction #661  / 

56321

Com. Moore of Texas Navy Demands Restitution

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:2,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Com. Moore of Texas Navy Demands Restitution
<B>E.W. Moore: </B></I><B><I>Action of the Legislature of the State of Texas, </B></I></B></I> <I>in Reference to the Charge of Defalcation against Commodore E. W. Moore and the Construction Put upon the "Annexation Resolutions," by the Government of the United States.</B></I> (Washington: T. Barnard, Printer, 1849.) 14 pp. 8vo. First edition. Small hole at inner margin of title does not affect typography. Modern half-burgundy levant leather over maroon cloth.<BR><BR>This rare work concerns Commodore Moore's attempts to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in 1840-41, while sailing off the Mexican coast to hasten negotiations for peace between Mexico and Texas. <BR><BR>Although President Sam Houston had commissioned Moore to blockade the Mexican coast, he refused to provide adequate funding for the excursion. As a result, Commodore Moore's expedition was desperately low on food and fuel. In a last bid to secure funds, Moore took his ships up the Tabasco River to treat with Yucatan rebels who were fighting the Mexican government. Moore agreed to help the rebels in exchange for a payment of $25,000. Moore's actions saved the federalist Yucatecans from a hasty and ill-warranted peace with centralist Santa Anna, and ultimately resulted in the first accurate navigation charts of the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, shipping losses plummeted, and insurance rates for ships going to Texas dropped, a great boost to the Texas economy.<BR><BR>By June 1843, the Texas Navy controlled the Gulf, but President Houston remained outraged that Moore had ignored his orders and assisted the Yucatan rebels. Houston accused Moore of willful neglect of duty, misapplication of money, embezzlement of public property, fraud, disobedience, contempt, treason, and murder. Angry, bitter, and financially impoverished, Moore demanded a trial, and was ultimately found not guilty except on four minor charges.<BR><BR>After the dissolution of the Texas Navy, Moore spent many years prosecuting financial claims against Texas. This imprint relates to those efforts. In the end, Texas settled with him for $44,655.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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