Austin, Stephen F.

1 page (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 254 x 198 mm) on wove paper, Columbia, Texas, 11 November 1836, the transcription of Toro's letter, in Spanish, is 14 lines, Austin's endorsement is 7 lines; browned, a few short fold separations, one repair on verso; remnants of hinge at top margin.

1 page (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 254 x 198 mm) on wove paper, Columbia, Texas, 11 November 1836, the transcription of Toro's letter, in Spanish, is 14 lines, Austin's endorsement is 7 lines; browned, a few short fold separations, one repair on verso; remnants of hinge at top margin.
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.

The letter that Austin here transcribes had been written during the Siege of Bexar, the first Texan victory in the Texas Revolution. Toro writes to the despondent Santa Anna: "Mi querido hermano, Como nuestro antiguo Amigo … portador de este me ha manifestado que tal vez podra tener proporcion de hacer llegar a manos de V. este carta me aprovecho de su salida para Manifestar a V. nuestro acerbo dolor por su situación y los ardientes deseos que tenemos de saber el estado en que encuentra. Si estuviese al arbitrio de V. le suple-camos Merced, y yo que no nos deje ignorar su suerte y que alivie con sus cartas la afliccion en que Ambos nos encontramos. Soy como spre de V. el mejor hermano y amigo" (My dear brother, As our old Friend … the carrier of this, has expressed to me that perhaps he will be able to have this letter reach your hands, I am taking advantage of his departure to manifest to you our bitter pain for your situation and the burning desires that we have to know the state in which you find yourself. Should it be at your discretion to provide, Merced and I beseech that you not leave us in ignorance of your luck and that you relieve with your letters the sorrow in which we both find ourselves. I am as always your best friend and brother).

Austin's endorsement explains the provenance of the letter: "The above is a copy of a letter from the above Toro, who is Santa Anna's brother in law, the original was sent by Capt Patton to Gen Santa Anna by order of the President Gen Houston." Captain Patton is William Hester Patton, an aide de camp to General Sam Houston and one of the commissioners appointed to escort Santa Anna to Washington, D.C., after battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836.