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

56143

First Texian Loan Signed by Stephen F. Austin

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
First Texian Loan Signed by Stephen F. Austin
<B>First Texian Loan Signed by Stephen F. Austin, Branch T. Archer, and William H. Wharton</B></I> "<I>S. F. Austin</B></I>," "<I>B. T. Archer</B></I>," and "<I>Wm. H. Wharton</B></I>." New-Orleans, January 11, 1836. Certificate No. 526, one page, 8.5" 10.5", ornate borders, completed in manuscript. Headed "<I>Texian Loan</B></I>." In part, "<I>Received, of Alfred Penn Thirty-Two Dollars the First Instalment [sic] on a Loan of Three Hundred and Twenty Dollars, made by him this day to the Government of Texas for Five Years, bearing Interest at the rate of Eight Per Centum per Annum, payable annually...</B></I>" The Provisional Government issued these certificates to raise funds for the Revolution. They were redeemable for land at fifty cents per acre. This first loan for the Texian cause was for $200,000 and was subscribed by ten men: four from Cincinnati, three from Kentucky, two from Virginia, and one gentleman from New Orleans, Alfred Penn, who subscribed for a total of $10,000. Ten per cent of the amount was paid down with the balance to be paid upon ratification of the contract by the convention, which had been called for March 1st. Signing as "<I>Commissioners on the Part of Texas</B></I>" are Austin, Archer, and Wharton who had been appointed to lobby the United States for financial assistance, collect supplies, and recruit men for the Texas cause. They arrived in New Orleans in January 1836 and negotiated a series of loans. On thin paper, this loan bears the imprint at the bottom: "<I>Printed by Benjamin Levy - New-Orleans.</B></I>" The three commissioners then proceeded up the Mississippi River, making numerous speeches before traveling to Washington, D.C. They were unable to persuade Congress to support their cause and returned home. During their trip, on March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence. In November 1836, Texas President Sam Houston appointed Stephen F. Austin Secretary of State and William T. Wharton as first Minister to the United States. Branch T. Archer served in the First Congress of Texas and as Speaker of the House during its second session. Light horizontal folds. Usual "X" cut cancellation with triangular portion missing, touching seven words, do not materially affect comprehensibility. Light waterstains at upper portion of "<I>S F A</B></I>" of Austin's signature. Lightly soiled. Fine condition. <I>From the collection of Darrel Brown.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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