Lot 2010
  • 2010

BATTLE OF THE ALAMO. SUPLEMENTO AL DIARIO DEL GOBIERNO DE LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA, NÚM. 326. TOM. IV, 1836

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • Suplemento al Diario del Gobierno de la Republica Mexicana. (Núm. 326. Tom. IV.). Mexico City: Imprenta del Aguila, dirigida por José Ximeno, 1836
Broadsheet (18 x 13 in.; 454 x 332 mm), printed recto and verso; stitching holes at left margin, some minor marginal chips and tears, lightly browned. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas, hinged to a larger frame with a matted English translation; matt a little spotted.

Condition

Broadsheet (18 x 13 in.; 454 x 332 mm), printed recto and verso; stitching holes at left margin, some minor marginal chips and tears, lightly browned. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas, hinged to a larger frame with a matted English translation; matt a little spotted.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A Mexican newspaper "Extra" account of the Battle of the Alamo, with the official documents printed therein certified as accurate on 21 March 1836 by Juan L. Velazques de Leon. Under the heading "Secretaría de Guerra y Marina. Seccion central. Mesa 1.a" in the first column is Santa Anna's report about the attack on the "fuerte del Alamo" dated Cuartel general de Bejar, marzo 6 de 1836. He writes "La Victoria acompaña al ejército, y en este momento que son las ocho de la mañana, acaba de conseguir la mas completa y gloriosa que perpetuará su memoria." ("The Victory that accompanies the army, at this moment eight in the morning, has ended but it is one complete and glorious that will perpetuate its memory.") The report specifically mentions three casualties by name: "Entre dichos cadavers se encuentran el primero y sdegundo gefe de los enemigos Bowie y Travis, coroneles que se titulahaa, el de igual graduacion Croket." ("Between said bodies are the first and second chiefs of the enemies Bowie and Travis, colonels who were titled, the one of equal rank Croket.") Santa Anna's report is supplemented by the General Order of the day of March 5, 1836 (giving the plan for the assault), a Spanish translation of a 1 March 1836 letter from Robert McAlpin Williamson to Travis, a communication from General Urrea to Santa Anna dated San Patricio March 3, 1836, and Santa Anna's letters to Tornel, Secretary of War, transmitting the above documents. This Suplemento may be the first printing of the Williamson's letter—famously concluding "For God's sake hold out until we can assist you"—which was evidently recovered from Travis's body.