Participant in the Texas Revolution and the first commissioner of the General Land Office of Texas (1812–1891). DS, signed “John P. Borden, Com. G. L. Office,” one page, 8 x 13, January 20, 1838. General Land Office document providing survey instructions for Red River County with a lengthy autograph note at the conclusion. Borden’s note, in full: “Accompanying these instructions you will receive a List of the names of persons to whom land has been granted in that county so far as ascertained from the records of this office except such as have been purchased of Juan Durst or obtained under the contract of S. M. Williams, Robt. Pubbs & F. W. Johnston.” Includes the three-page list of names as mentioned, also signed by Borden, and two hand-drawn land survey maps dated 1838. In very good condition, with partial separations to intersecting folds (one passing through the tip of the first letter of his signature), and scattered foxing. Appointed as land commissioner by Sam Houston in 1837, Borden faced the enormous task of acquiring and protecting Mexican and Spanish land titles issued before the republic. Listing multiple prominent leaders—John Marie ‘Juan’ Durst was a major landowner and Samuel May Williams helped to finance the revolution—this is a fascinating piece of early Texas history. Provenance: The Robert Davis Collection.
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