Manuscript Broadside Announcing Austin Colony Slave Sale --- August 27, 1832

JOHN AUSTIN

Publication: Written By John Austin, 1832, Brazoria, Texas

A one-page manuscript broadside. Dated August 27, 1832. Austin, Alcalde of the town of Brazoria, offers for sale with this exceedingly rare manuscripts broadside, the following slaves “To wit – Sam, a negro man, Betty, his wife, Markann, Nancy, Jefferson, Charles, Jim and Louise at a credit of six months from and after the date of the sale, purchasers giving negotiable notes, with approved personal security.” This remarkable document, entirely in Austin’s hand and signed boldly by him, has a postscript that the sale is “postponed until 15th.” Austin was born in New Haven and was probably not related to Stephen. He first came to Texas in 1819 with the Long Expedition. After his release from prison in Mexico, he met Stephen, eventually becoming a friend. In 1823, after the land grant was finally approved, he assisted S.F.A. in helping to bring the first 300 families. In 1824, he bought a cotton gin on Buffalo Bayou and went in to partnership with J.E.B. Austin, younger brother of the impresario. The business venture flourished to include a mercantile establishment in Brazoria, where both men lived until J.E.B. Austin’s death in 1829. He was a prospering businessman with interests in cattle and shipping as well as cotton and mercantile establishments. A respected political leader, he became port officer of Brazoria in 1831 and Alcalde the following year. He was a delegate to the convention of 1832, a leader in the ‘Anahuac Disturbances,’ participant at the Battle of Velasco and signer of the ‘Turtle Bayou Resolutions.’ In August of 1833, Austin, with his wife and two children, were tragically taken by the Cholera Epidemic of 1833. This is the finest slave manuscript broadside from the Austin colony held in private hands. Corners torn from the original posting, old age stains and a small tape repair to the top corner, else in very good condition. Housed in a green cloth 4-point case with leather spine label and titles stamped in gilt.

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