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

56336

U.S. Recognition of Texas Independence: Gatewood

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:290.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 900.00 USD
U.S. Recognition of Texas Independence: Gatewood
<B>U.S. Recognition of Texas Independence: William Gatewood Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>Wm. Gatewood</B></I>," 2.5 pages, 8" x 10", front and verso, with integral leaf addressed "<I>To/Henry M. Morfit Esq./Counsellor at Law/Washington/D.C.</B></I>" and red circular "<I>New Port, R.I. Jan 25 PAID</B></I>" postmark. Newport, R.I., January 23, 1837. Marked "<I>Confidential</B></I>" by Gatewood. In July 1836, both U.S. houses of Congress passed resolutions "that the independence of Texas ought to be acknowledged by the United States whenever...information should be received that [Texas had] a civil government capable of...fulfilling the obligation of an independent Power." President Jackson sent Henry M. Morfit to Texas as his agent. Morfit reported favorably but Jackson urged against recognition of Texas independence because the people of Texas resolved to seek admission of their nation to the Union as a state once recognition occurred. The President felt that it would seem that the United States was acknowledging Texas independence for the sole purpose of acquiring her territory. Congress agreed with the President. In this letter, Gatewood, a captain in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, writes to his friend Morfit about Texas, telling him he is "<I>really sick and tired</B></I>" of his job and would like to go to Texas because of the "ch<I>ances which are afforded to an active and enterprising man (who understands foreign languages) to make a fortune in that country in the event of the recognition of its independence by the United States...Don't you think it will be a good time for me to put in a claim for back pay after Van Buren gets into the Presidential chair? I recently received a very flattering letter from him in reply to a letter I wrote him on the subject of his triumphant election...</B></I>" Van Buren succeeded Jackson seven weeks after this letter was written. In very fine 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>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot