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

56282

Sam Houston Forbids Illegal Impressment; 1842

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Paper Start Price:5,750.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Sam Houston Forbids Illegal Impressment; 1842
<B>Unrecorded Broadside: Sam Houston Forbids Illegal Impressment</B></I> One page, 7.5" x 11.25". Galveston, March 11, 1842. Signed in print by Sam Houston. Because the Army of the Republic of Texas was generally unable to provide its troops with a dependable supply of food, arms, and clothing, recruits often resorted to impressment (essentially, theft) of private property. Although such activities resulted in frequent civilian complaints, there was little else the soldiers could do; even with infusions of supplies captured from the enemy or shipped in on government credit, the soldiers suffered from exposure and an inadequate diet. <BR><BR>In this extremely scarce document, President Sam Houston issues a proclamation against the taking of personal and private property by soldiers of the Texas Army. In part:<I> </B></I>"<I>Proclamation to the Army and Citizens of Texas. Whereas, the odious practice of indiscriminate impressment of individual property, without authority, from the Government, and merely sanctioned by private will, and often stimulated by cupidity and dishonesty has often occurred: Now, therefore, be it known that I, Sam Houston, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the Republic of Texas, do by these presents direct and command all persons to abstain from the commission of such practices, unless it is by the express order of the Government, emanating from the War Department....</B></I>"<BR><BR>Related to the reinvasion of Texas by Mexico and the chaotic state of the country in 1842, this is possibly the only surviving copy of this important document of Texan history. Contemporary ink docketing by Thomas Ward on verso. Significant age toning, splits at old folds with a few minor losses, right blank margin uneven and rough. The document has been professionally repaired and affixed to silk backing sheet. Red half-leather case, gilt lettering. <I>From the collection of Darrel Brown.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Reference:</B></I> Not in Streeter, and apparently the only surviving copy, although mentioned in <I>The Writings of Sam Houston.</B></I><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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