JOHN WILLIAM SMITH. PAY ORDER SIGNED AS THE MAYOR OF SAN ANTONIO, 24 AUGUST 1842

Smith directs the Treasurer of the Corporation of the City of San Antonio to "Pay to R. T. Higgenbotham five dollars on account of Building bridge over the San Antonio River as per order of the Corporation in session 24th August 1842." Less than six years before executing this mundane civic document, Smith was serving as a scout and messenger during the siege of the Alamo. Because William Travis dispatched him from the Alamo with a message for or Washington-on-the-Brazos, Smith escaped death. He was first elected mayor of San Antonio in 1837.

One page on a slip of paper (2 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 72 x 202 mm), San Antonio, 1 September 1842; lightly browned, a few stains. Matted and framed with Plexiglas.

One page on a slip of paper (2 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 72 x 202 mm), San Antonio, 1 September 1842; lightly browned, a few stains. Matted and framed with Plexiglas.
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.

Manuscript document signed ("Jn. W. Smith Mayor"), being a pay order