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

56333

Jacob Raphael De Cordova Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:290.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Jacob Raphael De Cordova Autograph Letter Signed
<B>Jacob Raphael De Cordova Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>J. De Cordova</B></I>," one page, 7.75" x 9.75". Austin, March 4, 1848. To the County Clerk of Montgomery. In full, "<I>I am really anxious to receive the Unconditional certificate of H. Mac Rea - and will feel particularly obliged if you will use your best exertions to put me in possession of this Certificate at as early a date as possible - For your polite letter of Feby 16 accept my thanks.</B></I>" De Cordova adds "<I>Direct to me at Houston.</B></I>" Jacob Raphael De Cordova (1808-1868) was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, but was reared by an aunt in England because his mother had died in childbirth. His father, a Jewish coffee grower, moved to Philadelphia where he became president of Congregation Mikveh Israel in 1820. Jacob joined his father in Philadelphia, married, and learned the printing trade. He returned to Jamaica in 1834 where he and his brother started a newspaper, the "Kingston Daily Gleaner." In 1836, Jacob went to New Orleans where he shipped cargoes of staples to Texas during its struggle for independence. As Grand Master of the Odd Fellows, he visited the Texas Republic to install members in Odd Fellows lodges, the first established outside the United States. Jacob settled in Galveston, Texas in 1839, then moved to Houston where, in 1847, he was elected as a state representative to the Second Texas Legislature. This letter was written by Jacob De Cordova from the state capital during his one two-year term in the state legislature. Through scrip and direct purchase, De Cordova acquired large amounts of land to sell to settlers. He made speeches in New York, Philadelphia, and other U.S. cities on the desirability of living in Texas and even traveled to England to speak to a cotton-spinners association in Manchester. His lectures were published and were widely read. De Cordova was one of three men who laid out the town of Waco in 1848-1849. Normal folds and two browned folds in blank left and lower edges. Small portion missing at upper blank left. Very good condition.<B>Condition Report:</B> <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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