Beschreibung:

RUSK, THOMAS JEFFERSON President of Texas Annexation Convention. Autograph letter signed ("Tho J Rusk") as Texas Senator, to Thomas William Ward of Austin; Nacogdoches, Texas, 2 October 1846. 2 pages, 4to, 250 x 194mm. (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.), browned. [ With :] Autograph free frank ("Free Tho J Rusk") on integral address leaf with panel addressed by Rusk to Ward, docketed in Ward's hand, small seal hole. RARE. Rusk writes: "While I was at Washington I only wrote you two or three hurried notes...I had so much in general and so little in particular to say that...This I am sure you will attribute to its proper source indolence and not to any abatement of that friendship...between us." Rusk has been ill, and regrets that "I have little news from the west and nothing upon which I can rely as to the state of affairs there in my position it is important for me to know what public opinion is throughout the State as well as the interests and wishes of the various portions of it. I must ask of you as a favor at your leisure to write me fully and freely upon such subjects as you may think I should be informed...." Rusk (1803-1857), came to Texas in 1835 and was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence the next year. He served as Texas Secretary of War, fought at San Jacinto and commanded the army after Houston was wounded. Appointed the first chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Rusk was active in the annexation movement and was President of the convention which ratified annexation and drew up the state's constitution (1845). He served as Senator from 1846 to his death.