- Title: Legal Decrees Granting Citizenship to James Bowie and Authorizing a Manufactory of Cotton and other Textiles
- Author: The Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas
- Date: 1830
- Condition: See description
- Inches: Decree 159 - 6 x 8 1/4 [Paper] Decree 160 - 8 x 11 5/8 [Paper]
- Centimeters: Decree 159 - 15.24 x 20.95 [Paper] Decree 160 - 20.32 x 29.52 [Paper]
- Product ID: 308297
Legal Decrees Granting Citizenship to James Bowie
and Authorizing a Manufactory of Cotton and other Textiles
Offered here are a pair foundational Mexican documents related to one of the most celebrated characters in Texas history. DECRETO No. 159 confers Mexican citizenship upon James Bowie while DECRETO No. 160 establishes the legal framework for Bowie’s intended Texas profession, that of a textile manufacturer.
No telling of the story of the Republic of Texas and its colorful history would be complete without the inclusion of James Bowie. Simultaneously revered and reviled for his actions and character, his legendary appeal is undeniable. Representing the best and worst of the American story, James Bowie cut a wide swath through the imaginations of countless admirers and detractors. His legacy as a frontier hero and Alamo defender has made him an iconic figure in Texas lore, while his involvement in morally questionable activities has led to criticism and debate.
Bowie is often celebrated for his legendary fighting prowess and bravery. His reputation was cemented by incidents like the Sandbar Fight of 1827, where he survived being shot and stabbed multiple times while killing a man with his famous knife. This event, along with his role in the Texas Revolution and his death at the Alamo, contributed to his image as a fierce and indomitable frontiersman.
Bowie's charisma, energy, and willingness to stand against overwhelming odds have made him a symbol of American frontier spirit and determination. However, Bowie's legacy is tarnished by his involvement in morally dubious activities. He was a slave trader and land speculator, often engaging in fraudulent practices to acquire wealth. His land claims were frequently rooted in fraud, leading to his immigration to Texas after U.S. officials uncovered his schemes. These aspects of his life have led some to view him as a con artist and criminal rather than a hero.
Bowie remains a polarizing figure, admired by some for his courage and frontier spirit, while criticized by others for his role in controversial historical events.
The Documents (English Translations):
Decree 159:
Executive Department of the State of Coahuila and Texas.
The Governor of the State of Coahuila and Texas, to all the inhabitants thereof: Be it known, that the congress of said state has decreed as follows:
DECREE No. 159.
The Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas has thought proper to decree:
Letter of citizenship is hereby granted to James Bowie, on the supposition that he can accomplish the establishment of cotton and woolen stuffs, which he offers to place in the state.
For its fulfillment, the Governor of the State shall cause it to be printed, published, and circulated.
Given in the city of Leona Vicario on the 30th September, 1830.
RAMON GARCIA ROJAS, Président.
MARIANO GARCIA, D. S.
VICENTE VALDES, D. S. S.
Wherefore I command it to be printed, published, circulated and duly fulfilled.
Leona Vicario, 2nd October 1830.
RAFAEL ECA Y MUZQUIZ.
Santiágo Del Valle, Secretary.
Condition
Decree 159 of the Congreso Constitucional. With heading: Gobierno Supremo del Estado de Coahuila y Tejas, Oct. 5, 1830, 2 pp. Approximately 6" x 8". Signed in print by Rafael Eca y Muzquiz, with his rubric, and by Santiago del Valle, secretary.
Decree 160:
Executive Department of the State of Coahuila and Texas.
The Governor of the State of Coahuila and Texas, to all the inhabitants thereof: Be it known, that the congress of said state has decreed as follows:
DECREE No. 160.
The Congress of the State of Coahuila and Texas has thought proper to decree:
ART. 1 The establishment is hereby granted, of a company for manufacturing cotton and woolen stuffs in the department of Monclova, to be styled the Coahuila Manufacturing Company.
ART. 2. The companies' active capital shall not exceed the sum' of one million of dollars, divided into two thousand shares of five hundred dollars each.
ART. 3. The empresario shall open a book of subscription for the aforementioned shares.
ART. 4. As soon as there are subscribers for one thousand shares at the least, the empresario shall advertise, calling a meeting of all the shareholders, and from among those present, a president and seven directors of the company shall be chosen by majority of vote.
ART. 5. The president and directors mentioned in the preceding article shall discharge the duties of their stations one year from the time of their election.
ART. 6. The president and directors, thirty days previous to the expiration of their term, shall call a general meeting of the shareholders to choose their successors; and the president and directors shall be chosen every year in like manner.
ART. 7. At all the elections or meetings of the shareholders each shall be entitled to one vote, provided that no individual may have more than fifty votes, whatever be the number of his shares.
ART. 8. The president and directors shall form a set of internal rules for the better regulation of the companies' affairs, and the dispatch of business.
ART. 9. After the company is established no member of the same shall acquire by purchase more than one share in addition tn that which he holds as a pARTner, nor shall a shareholder sell except to a person acquire all the rights of the possessor, who made him the sale.
ART. 10. In the internal regulations mentioned in article 8 the president and directors shall establish the manner of effecting the sale of shares among individuals and shall prescribe the forms to be observed on stipulating the transfer of shares.
ART. 11. The president and each director shall own at least one share each, and shall furthermore be citizens of the state of Coahuila and Texas
ART. 12. The president and directors shall appoint a cashier and the agents required to transact the business of the company, to whom a suitable salary shall be assigned as officers of the same. The president and directors shall require of the cashier and agents the necessary bonds for the faithful discharge of their duties; and those of the former who voted for the persons appointed to the aforementioned stations shall be responsible, should the concerns of the company suffer in consequence of failing to require adequate bonds and security.
ART. 13. All the purchases, business, and affairs of the company shall be executed by the president, the directors previously resolving thereon.
ART. 14. Notes or obligations given in the name of the company shall be binding against the capita
ART. 15. The company may sue and be sued, it being understood in such cases by attorney, whom the president and directors shall indispensably have appointed.
ART. 16. Three sitios of vacant land in the department of Monclova shall be granted to the company, where the president, and directors shall select, for the establishment and use of said company.
ART 17. The title to three sitios shall be drawn and stipulated in due form by the commissioner whom the governor of the state shall appoint for that purpose.
ART. 18. The company may acquire of private individuals by purchase the country property, real estate or other property, required for the establishment and such as by law should manifestly belong to native and not to alien shareholders shall be subject to distribution among the former; and the portion of the aforementioned property that on the dissolution of the company corresponds to the latter, shall be restored them in money, or other property of which they can make free use.
ART. 19. It being the object of the company to encourage manufactures, ARTs and industry in general in the depARTment of Monclova, the said company shall be authorized to loan a portion of their capital stock to mechanics and laborers; provided they shall never receive over five per cent. rent per annum on the said loans.
ART. 20. Absent shareholders may vote at the elections by proxy.
ART. 21. The company shall continue for the term of thirty years unless previously dissolved by unanimous consent of the shareholders.
ART. 22. The company shall be exempt from excise duties, and every other tax pertaining to the state for the term of twenty years, to commence from the time the contractor shall put the establishment in operation.
RAMON GARCIA ROJAS, Président.
MARIANO GARCIA, D. S.
VICENTE VALDES, D. S. S.
Wherefore I command it to be printed, published, circulated and duly fulfilled.
Leona Vicario, 2nd October, 1830.
RAFAEL ECA Y MUZQUIZ.
Santiágo Del Valle, Secretary.
Santiágo Del Valle, Secretary.
Condition
Decree 160 of the Congreso Constitucional. With heading: Gobierno Supremo del Estado de Coahuila y Tejas, Oct. 5, 1830, 1 pp. Approximately 11.5" x 8". Signed in print by Rafael Eca y Muzquiz, with his rubric, and by Santiago del Valle, secretary. Mild age toning, three inch by 1/8 inch section of drop out, affecting text on recto but not on verso. Staining affecting heading, tidemark at left not affecting text.
James Bowie Biography
James Bowie was born on April 10, 1796, in Logan County, Kentucky. He was the son of Rezin Bowie and Elve Ap-Catesby Jones, and one of ten children in the family. In 1800, when James was just four years old, the Bowie family moved to Missouri. Two years later, in 1802, they relocated again, this time to Louisiana, where James would spend most of his youth. During his early years, Bowie helped with his family's timber-cutting business, gaining experience in physical labor and frontier life. As a young man, Bowie and his brother Rezin volunteered to fight in the War of 1812, but the conflict ended before they saw any action. Following the war, Bowie settled in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, where he supported himself by sawing planks and lumber and floating them down the bayou for sale. In his twenties, Bowie began to make a name for himself as a land speculator and slave trader, activities that would contribute to his growing wealth and reputation. He also served for a time in the Louisiana state legislature. Bowie's fame grew significantly after the Sandbar Fight near Natchez, Mississippi, in 1827. In this bloody brawl, Bowie was shot and stabbed multiple times but managed to kill the sheriff of Rapides Parish with a large knife, cementing his reputation as a formidable fighter.
In 1830, at the age of 34, Bowie moved to Texas, which was then part of Mexico. He became a Mexican citizen on October 5, 1830, and married Ursula Veramendi, the daughter of the Mexican vice-governor of the province, in 1831. During the Texas Revolution, Bowie played a prominent role, fighting in several battles including the Battle of Concepción and the Grass Fight. His life came to an end at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, where he died alongside other defenders of the fort. Throughout his life, Bowie was known for his charisma, fighting prowess, and adventurous spirit. His name became synonymous with the famous Bowie knife, and his legendary status in American frontier history was secured by his dramatic life and heroic death at the Alamo.
References
J.P. Kimball, Laws and Decrees of the State of Coahuila and Texas. The Lawbook Exchange, 2010
William C. Davis, Three Roads to the Alamo: The Lives and Fortunes of David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis. Harper Collins, 1998.
Rarity
For Decree 159, Two extant examples, Alamo Museum, San Antonio Texas (Phil Collins Collection, Texas General Land Office), Brigham Young University Library
For Decree 160, no copies recorded.
For the pair together, unique and simply unavailable elsewhere.