This collection begins with an original manuscript from the era of the Spanish conquest in Spanish America in 1546. Two hundred and fifty years later, there follows a manuscript papal document (Pius VI) with tables of the church's revenues and additional documentation from the government in Mexico. There is a Royal decree from Charles IV, and proclamations from Viceroys, Commandants and the Emperor Augustin Iturbide. The chronological progression illustrates Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain, a treaty between Spain and the U. S. regarding Texas, the fundamental law of Texas statehood as a part of Mexico, and numerous proclamations related to Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. There is a collection of possible itineraries for General Woll's invasion of Texas dated 1844, and other evidence of the preparation for war over Texas a year prior to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. The final exhibit is an engraving of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in a cartouche made up of an elaborate list of titles and victories in battle.
Transcript
FRANCISCO MOLINOS DEL CAMPO,
Superior Political Chief appointed provisionally of this city and its province.
It has been communicated to me by the Ministry of Treasurer the actual 2 date of the following decree.
Most Excellent Mister= The Supreme Executive Power has directed me to the following decree.
The Supreme Executive Power, provisionally named by the Nation’s Sovereign Congress, to all those present who have seen and understood, to be known: That the same Sovereign Congress has determined the following.
Num141. The Sovereign Mexican Congress, taken into consideration that the hostile barbarians have reduced the doleful and lamentable state of the Texas Province, and to occur in part of the misery of its civilized habitants, it has come to determine and decree.=That all those effected in whatever way, nationally or foreign that they introduce themselves to the Texas Province for its habitant consumers, they shall be free from rights, during the exemption counting 7 years from the publication of that Capital.
Have it understood the Supreme Executive Power, and it shall dispose its completion, print, publicize, and circulated. In Mexico the 29th of September of 1823= Tertiary of Independence and secondary of Liberty.= Francisco Manuel Sanches de Tagle, President.= José María de Iturralde, Deputy Secretary.= Pablo Franco Coronel, Deputy Secretary.
Therefore, we send all Court of Justice, Judges, Chiefs, and all other Authorities, be civilians as well as military, of whatever type and dignity, that they guard and make guards, and execute all parts of the present Decree. Have it understood for his to completion, and dispose printing, publicizing, and circulating. In Mexico on the 30th day in September of 1823.= Vicente Guerrero, President.= Jose Mariano de Michelena.= Miguel Domniguez.= A D. Francisco de Arillaga.
And by the order of S.A.S. I communicate to V.E. for his intelligence and completion.
And for this to become news to all, I send for it to publicized by Proclamation of this Capital, all other Cities, Villages, and Places of the district I am in charge of, looking into the accustomed residence, and circulating to those who must take care by observation. Given in Mexico on this 7th day in October 1823.= 3˚ and 2˚.
Francisco Molinos Fernando Navarro
del Campo Sr. Politcal Governor