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Auction: 339 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale at NY INC, Grand Hyatt
Lot: 2086

William Barret Travis (August 1, 1809 - March 6, 1836). American lawyer, lieutenant colonel in the Texas Army. Legal document signed "W. Barret Travis." San Felipe de Austin, June 19, 1835. "8 ½" x 12 ¼". "SELLO SEGUNDO: DOS REALES / HABILITADO POR EL ESTADO DO COAHUILA Y TEXAS PARA EL BIENO DE Y" printed at the top. The rest of the document is all in the hand of William Barret Travis, who was then Secretary of the Ayuntamiento of San Felipe de Austin. The overall condition is fine, but there are pieces out of the right edge, and a small paper reinforcement. Included is a letter of authenticity from Simpson's Auction Galleries dated November 26, 1990.

On June 19, 1835, a 26-year-old clerk sat at his desk in the Texas town of San Felipe de Austin, copying a legal document relating to the sale of one fourth of a league of land situated on the west bank of the River Brazos. The clerk copied all of the terms and phrases necessary to establish a perpetual transfer of ownership. The clerk was well qualified for this task, and having studied law, the words flowed easily. In the final paragraph, on the first page of the document, the clerk writes "And he signed this act with me before Robert Peebles and W. Barret Travis instrumental witnesses…"

There is nothing in this document to indicate that in a few short months our clerk would pen one of the most significant letters ever written in the English language, a letter that would inspire thousands of Texans to "Remember the Alamo," and to inspire them to win a war with Mexico that resulted in the creation of an independent North American nation, the Republic of Texas.
On February 24, 1835, William Barret Travis, co-commander of the 180 Texans besieged by Santa Anna at the Alamo, wrote the following "Masterpiece of American Patriotism:"

"To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World:
Fellow citizens & compatriots-I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna-I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken-I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch-The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country-Victory or Death.
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt"

Public offerings of Travis autographs are few and far between, and collectors of Texas history are well known for their enthusiasm. Bid accordingly.

Estimate
$7,500 to $12,500

Sale 339 Notices
Withdrawn.