Houston, Samuel

Autograph document signed ("Sam Houston"), 1 page (10 3/8 x 8 3/8 in.; 266 x 212mm), Nagogdoches, Texas, 1 September 1835; neatly laid down on tissue, light soiling.  Tan cloth folding case, brown morocco spine lettered gilt.

Emancipation of a Mulatto girl. Houston certifies on oath that he is "well acquainted with the within named Mary May, Seventeen or eighteen years, that she was born the property of Dr. A. B. Grubb, and at his death descended to Nelson Byers Grubb." Houston further explains the verso of the present document, "is signed by the Said Nelson Byers Grubb in his own proper handwriting, that I well know—that it was drawn and witnesses by John W. Flowers, whose person I well know and his handwriting, and I do further affirm & Swear that I well know the purchase to have been made and the said Mary & her offspring emancipated by George May." He further notes this all took place in the Cherokee Nation, "where there was no court  of Records . . . ." Houston's manuscript is accompanied by the emancipation document for Mary May.