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

56220

Why Independence of Texas should be Recognised

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:8,750.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Why Independence of Texas should be Recognised
<B>[William Harris Wharton]: </B></I><B><I>Reasons why The Independence of Texas should be Immediately Recognized by the Government of the United States</B></I></B></I> [caption title]. [Washington: n.p., 1837]. First edition. Octavo, in six leaves, 9" x 5.75". Self-wrappers, 12 pages, disbound. Signed in type "Jefferson" on the final leaf. In 1835 Wharton was agitating for complete independence from Mexico, in opposition to the conservative policy of Stephen F. Austin. He went with the army in the siege of Bexar, then resigned his commission a few days before he was notified of his appointment as a commissioner to the United States with Austin and Branch T. Archer to secure aid for the Texans. United by common bonds of patriotism and common responsibilities, Wharton and Austin forgot their enmity of the preceding years. Upon completing their mission, Wharton and Archer urged Austin to be a candidate for president of Texas, and they supported him in the campaign in which he was defeated by Sam Houston. In November of 1836 President Houston appointed Austin secretary of state and Wharton first minister to the United States, hoping to secure recognition by and possibly annexation to the United States. Recognition was won on March 3, 1837, but annexation at that time was hopeless in spite of Wharton's persuasive pleas. Wharton wrote to Austin on 15 January 1837 from Washington, D. C., on the progress of recognition of Texas in which he says: "Besides small essays I have finished a pamphlet signed 'Jefferson' which puts the matter in a proper light and has done great good" (Garrison, <I>Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas</B></I>, I:176). Traces of rusty paper clip on first and last leaves, one-inch tear to gutter margin affecting text of all leaves, neatly repaired, intermittent foxing. Quarter light-brown morocco over marbled boards four fold case, lettered on the spine. A scarce item. There are only three copies located in American institutions (NY Historical Society, NYU, and Yale), and this is the only copy sold at auction in the last twenty-five years. <I>From the collection of Darrel Brown.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Reference:</B></I> Streeter 1302. Sabin 103113.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot