Sell or Auction Your Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed for up to Over $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed
Below is a recent realized price for a Sam Houston autograph letter signed item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed. Sold for over $50,000.
Here are some Sam Houston signed items we have sold:
Sam Houston document signed as Governor of Tennessee, appointing Elihu S. Hall as Justice of the Peace for Davidson County. Signed on 17 November 1827 by Sam Houston at bottom, with an exceptionally large signature. Document measures 7.875” x 9.625”, with wax-based paper seal at left, accentuated by blue ribbon. Some toning, and discoloration at top left. Separation starting along folds, including 1.5” closed tear at top left horizontal fold. Overall in good to very good condition, with a large, bold signature by Houston. Sold for $5,625.
Sam Houston Signed TX Land Grant
Exceptionally large signature of Sam Houston on Texas land grant, signed as the Governor of Texas. Upshur County land grant is dated 5 February 1861 and measures 12.5″ x 14.75″ with Houston’s signature at bottom right measuring 1″ x 4″. State of Texas blindstamped seal on bottom left. Document folded into eighths, with toning along foldlines. Foxing present along edges. Three small holes along center foldlines and registration docket writing to verso. Document overall in good condition with bold large signature an exceptional plus. Sold for $4,936.
Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed as Governor of Texas
Sam Houston autograph letter signed as the seventh governor of Texas, datelined Austin, 28 May 1860. Here, Governor Houston deflects a question about Texas history from G.H. Martin of Lynn, Massachusetts, by referring him to the “History of Texas” written by his friend Henderson King Yoakum. Letter reads in part, “For the information you desire, I can only refer you to ‘Yoakums History of Texas,’ published by ‘Redfield Publishers’ of New York. From that you will obtain all the information you can desire.” Boldly signed “Sam Houston” at conclusion. Letter is toned and lightly foxed with mounting remnants on verso. Overall in very good condition and accompanied by an engraved image of Houston, ideal for framing. Sold for $4,037.
Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed as Texas Senator — Houston Lectures in the North on Slavery
Sam Houston autograph letter signed, dated 9 January 1852 as Senator from Texas. From Washington, Houston writes to Riva Griffith Owen referencing a series of lectures he gave across the North in early 1852 regarding slavery, in part: ”My Dear Sir, I expected to be in New York on the 18th Feby, and intended to be at Phila and Lecture, on my way, neither going, or returning…I fear it will not be in my power, on the 27th Inst. I hope February will do? You can write to me + say…I am truly / your Friend / Sam Houston”. In these 1852 lectures, Houston advocated for compromise regarding the expansion of slavery. He argued against the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, correctly believing it would lead to war, borne out in ”Bleeding Kansas” of the late 1850s. Single page letter measures 7.5” x 9.25”, handsomely framed in black and gold with an engraving of Houston, measuring 21.5” x 16.25” in total. Minimal foxing, otherwise near fine with bold writing. Sold for $3,781.
Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed as Governor of Texas
Sam Houston letter signed, composed from Washington DC on 17 February 1827 when Houston served as U.S. Congressman from Tennessee, and the same year he was elected as Governor of Tennessee. In this intriguing letter, Houston writes to a Samuel M.D. Moore, Esq. regarding a story in “A Virginian” as well as a Letter to the Editor that Houston recently wrote for “The Telegraph” newspaper. Draft letter, with some portions struck out, reads in full,
Dear Sir, / Your letter to me of the 15th Inst in relation to your controversy has come to hand, and for the information which you ask, touching the last publication of ‘A Virginian’ I must refer you to a piece written by me, addressed to the Editor of the Telegraph, written previous to the receipt of your letter, and contained in to days paper, which is herewith inclosed.
You appear to be under a mistake as to the information contained in my first letter to you respecting the writer of ‘A Virginian.’ The information given by me would not warrant the inference drawn by you, that my ‘informant was the Editor himself.’ And in your letter inclosing me [sic] my first letter, you disclaim the fact that my letter had furnished you any inducements to your first ‘card.’
The information contained in my first letter to you I supposed was all that you would require to ‘enable you to determine on what course you would pursue.’ In your first letter you say ‘it being my intention to regulate my future conduct touching this matter by the information I receive from you.’
You request my advice as to the course which you ought to pursue in your affair with ‘A Virginian.’ [struck] I can by no means [?] the views which I entertain, have any thing further to do in the affair.
Your friend / & obt Servt / Sam Houston
This I must decline giving as I do not wish to have any thing further to do in the matter.”
Three page letter on bifolium stationery measures 7.75″ x 9.75″ as folded. Docketing on fourth page reads “Copy / to S. M.D. Moore / 17th Feby”; Moore’s name is also written next to Houston’s signature. Folds and light toning, else near fine. Sold for $3,000.
Sam Houston Signed Land Grant as Governor of Tennessee
Sam Houston signed land grant as Governor of Tennessee, dated 26 August 1828 in large script, with signature measuring nearly 5″ x 2″. Houston here grants 75 acres of land in Lincoln County to an Andrew J. Davis, complete with red wax-based paper seal for the state of Tennessee. Document measures 12″ x 15″. Foxing, toning and partial separation along folds, some repaired with archival tape on verso. Overall in good condition, with no loss of paper, and an excellent, pronounced signature by Houston. Sold for $1,300.
We also sold the following related items:
Very scarce Meriwether Lewis document signed ”Meriwether Lewis Capt. / 1st U’S. Regt. Infty.” Single octavo page, dated 12 February 1807 reads in full: ”Received February 12th 1807 of Caleb Swan Paymaster of the Army of the United States, Two hundred dollars, in pursuance of a warrant from General Henry Dearborn Secretary of War, No. 1003, being on account of my pay and subsistence, for which sum I am accountable to the Accountant of the Department of War, having signed duplicates hereof. 200 Drs.” In January 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sought to learn more about the far western territory, and appropriated the money from Congress for the proposed journey, to be led by the experienced explorer Meriwether Lewis. In his memoirs, Jefferson wrote of Lewis:
”Of courage undaunted; possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction; careful as a father of those committed to his charge, yet steady in the maintenance of order and discipline; intimate with the Indian characters, customs, and principles; habituated to the hunting life; guarded by exact observations of the vegetables and animals of his own country against losing time in the description of objects already possessed; honest, disinterested, liberal, of sound understanding, and a fidelity to truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report would be as certain as seen by ourselves…” (”History of the Expedition,” 1814). In the months immediately preceding the expedition, Lewis sought training in the use of astronomical instruments and in the art of map-making. He also chose a companion officer, William Clark of Louisville. While the expedition did not achieve the primary objective of finding the elusive Northwest Passage, it contributed significantly to the understanding of the geography of the Northwest and produced approximately 140 maps, the first accurate maps of the area. In addition, it documented 100 newly discovered species of animals, approximately 170 plants, and it also established friendly relations with three dozen Indian tribes. The knowledge they obtained sparked American interest in the west, and strengthened the nation’s claim to the area. Meriwether Lewis returned to Washington, D.C. from his three year journey in late December of 1806. After returning from the expedition, Lewis received a reward of 1,600 acres of land. In addition, Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of the Louisiana Territory. However, Lewis was not confirmed by the Senate until March 1807 and he remained a Captain in the interim. Base pay for Captains at this period was $40 per month so the present receipt would represent five months’ salary. A supremely rare document directly linking Meriwether Lewis to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Items of Lewis & Clark related to the famed expedition are of the utmost rarity. Docketed on verso. Toning to folds and showthrough, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $30,768.
Receipt with itemized expenses incurred by Lt. Col. William Barret Travis for provisions he bought to arm and feed his Alamo soldiers. Receipt is signed by General John R. Jones, executor of Travis’ estate, listing 27 items for a total of $143 that Travis bought from January through March 1836, while under assault from the Mexican Army. It was in February 1836 that Travis wrote to his fellow Texans: ”I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna…The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily…I shall never surrender or retreat.” Addressed to the Republic of Texas, document reads: ”…the Estate Wm Barret Travis…1836 Jany 21st Paid for flour $5.00 / Tin ware 2.50 / Twine 1.00 / Leggins 3.00 & Spurs 2.00 / Flag 5.00 & Powder Flask 1.00…” continuing, ”…The foregoing is taken from the original entries in Col. Travis’ handwriting made in a small black morocco bound book with his name in it. The deceased Wm. Barret Travis has other claims for money expended horses &c while in the army as will appear by the books of the Quarter Master Jackson…” Jones notes the document was, ”…filed Dec. 18, 1837.” An endorsement by Francis Lubbock reads, ”Approved 21st Dec 1837, Francis R. Lubbock, Controller.” 2pp. document on a single sheet, measures 7.75” x 9.75”. Toning, circular stain to upper left corner and light show-through from writing on opposite side, else near fine condition. An incredible document honoring the heroism and self-sacrifice of the Alamo commander. Sold for $20,133.
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston autograph letter signed ”J.E. Johnston”, dated 16 May 1865 from Charlotte, North Carolina, written soon after being released on parole by the Union Army. Also with three endorsements signed by Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and General John Schofield. Letter is addressed to General Schofield, just two weeks after Johnston surrendered his Army of Tennessee and still active rebel troops. After both parties agreed to military surrender, Johnston and Schofield negotiated supplementary terms, including his soldiers’ release, and here asks permission to travel to Canada. Reads in part: ”…As soon as the terms of ‘the convention’ are executed in Georgia & Florida, I wish to go to St. Catherine’s Springs, Canada. Will you be so kind as to inform me if I will be permitted to travel directly from Virginia to that point? Most respectfully / Your obt sevt / J.E. Johnston”. General Schofield endorses the letter on 16 May, the same day, ”Respectfully refered [sic] to Lt. Gen. Grant. J M Schofield Maj Genl.” Grant then endorses the letter on 22 May: ”I am very much in favor of granting Gen. Johnston’s request and if authorized will telegraph the authority at once. U. S. Grant Lt. Gen.” Lastly, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton seeks approval from President Johnson: ”Submitted to the President who directs that the permission asked by General Johnson [sic] be granted with the condition that he does not return to the United States without leave of the President. Edwin M Stanton Sec of War.” Letter on one page measures 8” x 6.25”, matted with a portrait of Johnston to an overall size of 12.5” x 18.25”. Light toning and folds throughout; very good to near fine. A U.S. Grant autograph is rare dated during the Civil War or directly relates to the Civil War as this one does. Sold for $12,500.
Very rare document signed by Benjamin Rush Milam, granting citizenship into Milam’s Red River Colony. Dated 19 January 1831, Milam signs this document nearly five years before he would be killed in the Siege of Bexar during the Texas Revolution, as he called to his fellow compatriots: ”Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”
Founded by Milam and Arturo G. Wavell in 1826, the Red River Colony was an effort by the men to settle land in present-day northeast Texas along the Red River under the Colonization Law of March 24, 1825. The Mexican law was passed to encourage Texas settlement by offering 4,000 acres of land for farming and ranching with the caveats that the colonists abide by Mexican law, worship as Catholics, and demonstrate good moral conduct. Milam and Wavell applied for a land grant from the vice governor of Coahuila y Texas, who approved the request in 1826, giving the entrepreneurs six years to form the Colony. Partially-printed document ”No. 95” lists Milam and Wavell’s names in print, translated in part, ”…For the years one thousand eight hundred twenty-six and eight hundred twenty-seven [handwritten numbers of 28, 29, 30, 31 added]…The Citizen Benjamin R. Milam, agent for the Citizen Arturo G. Wavell, businessman, introduce foreign emigrants into the Colony…I certify that he and heirs of Jose Janes[?] are one of the settlers, introduced into the said colony, by virtue of said contract, possessing the qualities prescribed by the Colonization Law of March 24, 1825 – which are and consist of his family of Ten people. I hereby certify the said heirs of Jose Janes as proof that he enters into said contract and that he is therefore entitled to the portion of land designated by said Colonization Act of March 24, 1825…in said Colony of Arturo G. Wavell…I sign this as proxy of the said businessman Arturo G. Wavell – Given in my office inside the Colony of Wavell on the 19th, of the month of January, 1831…” Signed ”Ben. R. Milam”. Single page document measures 8.25” x 11.25”. Paper loss at bottom of approximately 3” x 1.25, light wear and toning. Mounting remnants and archival tape repair to verso. Overall in good to very good condition. One of less than a handful of documents signed by Milam known to exist, and the only known document granting citizenship in his Red River Colony. Sold for $12,000.
U.S. Grant autograph letter twice-signed, dated 21 April 1863, while Grant served as Major General for Union forces. The 18th U.S. President writes to Colonel C.A. Reynaud in Millikins Bend, Louisiana in full: ”In view of the expected fall in the river, and possibly the difficulties that may be encountered in reaching Walnut Bayou through the Canal, I think it advisable to put through at once all the barges now ready to receive freight &c. to Cooper’s Plantation. Should the water there fall the distance would not be great to haul supplies to reach the bayou which will be navigable with a great fall of water. Should the river still keep up the barges can be brought back to the mouth of the canal to receive their loading. / Respectfully / US Grant / Maj. Gen.” In a postscript Grant adds, ”This should not be delayed longer than to-morrow / U.S.G.” Five days prior, Grant had ordered Union troops under fire in Vicksburg to meet up with his troops at the West side of the Mississippi. This move confused the Confederate Army and led to a victory at the Battle of Champion Hill on 16 May 1863. 2pp. letter is written in ink on one page, front and back. Measures 8” x 10”. Folds, dampstaining to top right corner and archivally repaired tear at left edge. Overall very good condition with bold and legible writing. A U.S. Grant autograph is rare dated during the Civil War. Sold for $3,781.
U.S. Grant Autograph on a CDV Photo – With PSA/DNA COA
U.S. Grant autograph on a carte de visite photo, ”U.S. Grant / Lt. Gen. U.S.A.” upon the image. CDV by Brady measures 2.5” x 4”. Toning, slight peeling to upper right corner and evidence of prior mounting to verso, else near fine. Accompanied by PSA/DNA COA. A U.S. Grant autograph is pricey when signed on a CDV. Sold for $2,500.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Sam Houston autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
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