[ Autographs ] WILLIAM BARRET TRAVIS (1809 - 1836) American lawyer and solider, one of the central figures in the Texas independence movement, killed at the Alamo. Exceptional content A.L.S., "W. Barret Travis" , 2 1/2pp. 4to., Texas, Feb. 6, 1835, to David G. Burnet, later President of the Republic of Texas. The future commander of the defense of the Alamo writes thirteen months before his untimely death on the events preceding the start of the revolution. In part: "... Yours of the 15th Jany. is now before me, to which I hastily replied by the bearers. I have seen been to Brazoria & returned and now reuse [?] my pen for the purpose of replying here at large. Singleton's noteshall be attended to -- I have brought suit below, against Clokey on his note, in as much as Majr. Lewis seems indisposed to pay over the amount intended to C. for you, I mailed the letter to [Mexican Minister to the United States, General Juan] Almonte...I do not know the Custom on the subject but presume Almonte enjoys the privilege of Frank. I received a letter, a few days since Nagodoches, which says that you will be strongly recommended from there for this office of judge. [Thomas J.] Rusk has been recommended by Brazoria & this place - What has become of the recommendation of Liberty? Williams is gone. I reminded him of the power of atty. Don't know whether he took it with him or not, [Ben] Milam [killed the following December in the seizure of the Alamo] is still here, but will set out on tomorrow. I will endeavor to get him to see that your petition is attended to. [Stephen F.] Austin has been admitted to Bail. Letters from him & Almonte say he will leave Mexico, entirely liberated, in a short time.The new election for governor, Lt. Governor, & members of Congress, will take place here next Monday. I have read the White Mustang. It has certainly kicked hard against the N.Y. Company and I fear your interest has taken a Stampillo in consequence. It is a most pitiful production -- a catch penny concern. The legislature meets on the 1st of March next. F.W. Johnson & George Ewing are the judges. Quien Sabe?..I have sold my woman Matilda (the best one) for E700 in Barzonia. I have hired Joe for the year; and cannot now say whether I will sell him or not. Many Emigrants are coming into the country. A few negroes also, I understand have landed on the coast. But we disagree on this subject...". At the our letter was written, the Texas independence movement was about to erupt in bloody warfare. Travis had established a law office at San Felipe, and had become active in politics and as amember of the so-called "War Party" which advanced complete independence from Mexico. Stephen F. Austin, mentioned in our letter, had recently petitioned the Mexican government and was being held captive in a Mexico at the whim of Santa Anna, military dictator of Mexico. Our letter is replete with topical details and references to the events and figures of the period. Just four months after he pennedit, Travis organized a party of Texans to expel a Mexican garrison sent by Santa Anna to hold a fort at Anahuac, near Galveston, and, in October of the same year, the first battle of the Texas revolution took place at Gonzales. Vertical split, but repaired, age toning and light wear throughout, a couple of marginal fold tears, but very legible and boldly signed. A fine, late example, of the utmost rarity.E15,000-20,000