December 2014 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 16th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2014
Autograph letter signed from Galveston, Republic of Texas, dated 11 March 1842, during the first of two attacks Santa Anna would make against Texas that year. The letter, written to the author's father in New York, describes ''...being invaded by a large body of Mexicans numbering from fourteen to twenty thousand strong...'' The three page letter continues, ''...although it is generally said Mexicans are not men of military talent they have certainly planned this expedition admirably and with great secrecy. The first intimation we had except vague rumor was not more than four days since and there are now more than fourteen thousand Mexicans this side of the Rio Grande nearly all our frontier towns are taken and the people falling back. The citizens throughout this portion of the country are turning out almost en masse. We shall try and meet them west of the Colorado. All are expecting a severe struggle for Santa Anna has been foiled once in this country and has not come the second time without being prepared. The forces from Houston leave to day and will leave this place on today and tomorrow. I am going down the coast in the Brig of War Wharton to cut off their supply vessels which are expected from New Orleans and also to [?] with the fleet in harassing this coast. They have got several armed vessels and an armed steamer which we shall endeavor to fall in with. I have...not one single interest at stake and did intend leaving for N.C. or Mobile...but at this stage of affairs nothing can induce me to leave. Our merchants are without being required turning out their goods and provisions for the use of the army-men who have neither goods or money to appropriate...even ladies are selling their jewelry to purchase ammunition. This will be a decisive stroke for the liberties of this country. Should we not be able to repel the invaders Texas is lost...'' Minor separation to folds of 7.75'' x 9.25'' letter, which has remnants of red wax seal. Overall in very good condition.
Santa Anna's 1842 Attack on Texas -- ''...Santa Anna has been foiled once in this country and has not come...without being prepared...Should we not be able to repel the invaders Texas is lost...''
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