(Texas Broadside)

Bryan, Guy M.  Speech of Guy M. Bryan, Member for Brazoria, on a Joint Resolution for the Relief of the Infant Daughter of Susannah and Almiram Dickinson.  N.p., ca. 1850



Broadside (11 3/4 x 8 1/2 in.; 299 x 216 mm).  2 chips at right margin repaired, few small chip at upper and lower margin, few small holes in text repaired with slight loss to 3 letters, some browning.  Half red morocco folding-case, morocco gilt lettering pieces on spine. 



 

Winkler 139

Contemporary souvenir broadside of Bryan's celebrated "Child of the Alamo" speech. Guy Morisson Bryan (1821–1901) was a nephew of Stephen F. Austin, a veteran of the Texas War of Independence and a U.S. Representative.  While serving as a State Representative (1847–1853), championed the cause of Susannah Dickinson and her daughter Angelina, two of the few survivors of the Alamo.  "No one has raised a voice in behalf of this orphan child—several have spoken against her claim.  I rise, sir, an advocate of no common cause.  Liberty was its foundation—heroism and martyrdom have consecrated it.  I speak for the ORPHAN CHILD OF THE ALAMO!!  No orphan children of fallen patriots can send up a similar petition to this House,—none other can say, I AM A CHILD OF THE ALAMO .... She is entitled by the illustrious name of her martyred father—made illustrious because he fell in the ALAMO .... [S]he claims it as the christened child of the alamo, baptised in the blood of a Travis, a Bowie, a Crocket [sic] and a Bonham!!"

Despite Bryan's firey oration, the resolution to provide relief failed in the Texas House.  Angelina was said to have later become a prostitute.