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

56224

Vincente Filisola: Evacuation of Texas

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:29,000.00 USD Estimated At:50,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
Vincente Filisola: Evacuation of Texas
<B>Vincente Filisola:</B></I><B><I> Evacuation of Texas</B></I></B></I><B>.</B></I> Translation of the Representation Addressed to the Supreme Government by Gen. Vincente Filisola, in Defence of His Honor, and Explanation of His Operations as Commander-in-Chief of the Army Against Texas. (Columbia: Printed by G. & T.H. Borden, Public Printers, 1837). First and only edition in English (first published in Mexico in 1836) of the account of the Mexican retreat following the Battle of San Jacinto, written by Santa Anna's second in command, Vincente Filisola. A masterly defense of his acts in ordering and conducting the retreat. It was the first book printed in Texas by the Republic of Texas. Filisola wrote this vindication only four months after San Jacinto and the 'documents' on pages 37-68 are as important as his account of Santa Anna's failure. Octavo (8" x 5"). Iv, [3]-68 pages (bound in front of approximately fifty additional leaves). Early twentieth-century half sheep over marbled boards, spine gilt with raised bands, red morocco label lettered in gilt. Housed in a custom full morocco clamshell case lettered on the spine.<BR><BR>The account was of great interest to all Texans, and there is an entry in the journal of the Texas House of Representatives for November 23, 1836, announcing a message from the President 'recommending the translation of a Spanish pamphlet in vindication of Filisola's conduct in the campaign of Texas.' The preface of the translator, George L. Hammeken, signed G.L.H. is dated Brazoria, January, 1837, and there is a notice in the <I>Telegraph Register</B></I> for January 27, 1837, reading in part, 'We are now engaged in printing the translation of Filisola's defence in a pamphlet which we hope to have completed in two weeks.' <BR><BR>Vincente Filisola (1789-1850). When Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna organized his campaign against Texas, he commissioned Filisola as second in command of his army. Thus, with the capture of Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto, he was faced with the formidable task of withdrawing the Mexican forces from Texas. Despite considerable opposition from other officers, Filisola carried out Santa Anna's orders and began to retreat. By the time he received instructions from the Mexican government on May 28, he had already ordered the evacuation of San Antonio and had ratified the public treaty of Velasco, and his army had crossed the Nueces. Upon receiving the government's order to preserve conquests already made, he offered to countermarch, but because of the condition of the Mexican troops the retreat continued to Matamoros. On June 12, Jose de Urrea replaced Filisola in general command; Filisola resigned his own command to Juan Jose Andrade and retired to Saltillo. Upon his return to Mexico in 1836, Filisola published a defense of his conduct in Texas. It was translated into English and published by the Republic of Texas in 1837, as Evacuation of Texas. Filisola was accused of being a coward and a traitor in overseeing the withdrawal of the Mexican troops, and he faced formal charges upon his return to Mexico. The general successfully defended himself before the court-martial and was exonerated in June 1841. <BR><BR>George Louis Hammeken was a businessman, government official, and historian, probably a native of New York, who moved to Mexico around 1831. In 1833 he met Stephen F. Austin, who advised him to settle in Texas. He arrived as the representative of Manning and Marshall, agents for the British banking firm of Barings, in October 1835. When the Texas Revolution curtailed his activities, he went to New Orleans and Mexico City but returned to Texas in December 1836. At Brazoria in 1837 he translated Vincente Filisola's <I>Evacuation of Texas</B></I>. <I>From the collection of Darrel Brown.</B></I><BR><B><BR>Reference</B></I>: Streeter <I>Texas</B></I> 191. Vandale 65. Howes F127. Rader 1379. Raines page 82. Sabin 24323. <I>Basic Texas Books</B></I> 61A. <I>Fifty Texas Rarities</B></I> 7. Graff 1321.<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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