Lot 1012
Walker, William (1824-1860) American filibusterer (someone who invades small countries or states with the intention of causing independence and ruling them personally). Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he went to California with the gold rush (1850). Inspired by the history of Texas and by Narciso López's invasion of Cuba in 1850, Walker organized a band of "colonists" and invaded Lower California (1853), declaring himself president of the Republic of Lower California (Nov. 3, 1853-Jan. 21, 1854), then expanding the name to the Republic of Sonora (Jan. 21, 1854-May 8, 1854); by May, many of his men had deserted and he crossed the border and gave himself up to American authorities. Supported by many southerners and westerners who, like himself, believed in Manifest Destiny, he was acquitted of conducting an illegal war. He later led a small band of followers to Nicaragua and joined a revolutionary faction there. After conducting a fraudulent election, he was elected president of Nicaragua from July 12, 1856 to May 1, 1857, when he was defeated by a coalition of Central American armies. Never giving up his filibustering aspirations, he traveled to Honduras in 1860 where he was taken into custody by the British Royal Navy (who did not want him meddling in British interests in the area) and turned him over to Honduran authorities who executed him by firing squad.
Partly-printed document signed ("Wm Walker") as President of the Republic of Lower California, one page, 5½ x 9", Lower California, Jan. 18, 1854. Countersigned by John M. Jarnagin as Secretary of War. A certificate of indebtedness, No. 30, to Francis M. Playfoot for $144.00 "for military services rendered said Republic. Thirty six days…." Printed in black ink on light blue paper. Several stains, one quite heavy, do not affect Walker's signature. This is the first document we have seen which was signed by Walker as president of the Republic of Lower California. Rare. Accompanied by a biography of Walker: The World and William Walker by Albert Z. Carr (New York, Harper & Row, 1963).
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
Paul Richards, 1988.
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