Settled the Mexican land that is now Texas. Austin came to an agreement with the Mexicans to settle in their land, and in 1821, he brought 300 families to settle in the area. The Mexicans felt the settlers would provide a buffer between them and the Indians. Between 1822 and 1830 he presented Texan demands for autonomy to the Mexican government; the negotiations proved difficult, and the Mexicans went so far as to imprison Austin. The settlers eventually decided not to comply, which led to wars and the slaughter at the Alamo in 1836. DS in Spanish, signed “Estevan F. Austin,” one page, 7 x 6, July, 29, 1831. The document is a certification for Benjamin F. Hughs to be a colonist in the “State of Coahiula and Texas.” Hughs must present this document to the Commissioner within one month, or it will be null and void. The document states that Hughs is unmarried with no family, who would also need to register. In part (translated): “Citizen Stephen F. Austin, Immigration Agent to bring in Foreign Emigrants, into the colonies, designated the Supreme Government of the State of Coahuila and Texas, which consider him according to the contracts arranged between said government and the same Austin; to this effect: I certify that Benjamin F. Hughs is one of the Colonists which I have brought in by virtue of my previously mentioned contracts, that he arrived in this Colony on the day 15 of the month of January of the year 1831; that he is unmarried, and his family consists of ... persons, according to the declaration which he has presented to me.” Double cloth matted with a plaque bearing a translation of the document, two informational and biographical plaques, and a portrait to an overall size of 36.5 x 27. By late 1825, Austin had brought the first 300 families, now known in Texas history as the “Old Three Hundred,” to the grant. Austin had obtained further contracts to settle an additional 900 families between 1825 and 1829. However, with the colonists numbering over 11,000 by 1832, they were becoming less conducive to Austin’s cautious leadership, and the Mexican government was also becoming less cooperative—concerned with the growth of the colony and the efforts of the U.S. government to buy the state from them. In very good to fine condition, with expected folds, some scattered light toning, with a few spots slightly affecting signature, and two trivial ink splotches, with one touching top of Austin’s middle initial. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
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