Two Pay Certificates for $25 and $50, from the Second Texas Navy. Austin April 23, 1841.
Ephemera.
Printed form, 7 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches, accomplished in manuscript.
Price: $650
Here are two pieces of paper with a story behind them. Naval Appropriation Certificates were used by the second Texian Navy beginning in 1837 – after the four ships comprising the first Navy had been lost at sea or sunk by the Mexicans. In 1839 the Texas Congress acquired six new vessels. For three years these ships raided the Mexican coast and harried Mexican shipping. Both pay chits are signed by comptroller Samuel B Shank and treasurer James W. Simmons. The $25 warrant is docketed “Abel Simpson / Gunner.” The $50 warrant is docketed, “William Simpson / Boatswain’s Mate.” According to the “Boston Post” for May 3, 1843,” Four men, named Antonio Landais, James Hudgins, Isaac Allen, and William Simpson, were recently tried by court martial, at New Orleans; for a mutiny on board of the Texan schooner “San Antonia”, and sentenced to death. On the 21st ult. the sentence was executed on board of the sloop of war “Austin” at sea.” This was the first and only mutiny in the Texian Navy, and it resulted in the death of one officer and severe injury to several others – which would explain the severity of Simpson’s punishment. Both warrants are canceled with X-cuts.