This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2015
Autograph document signed, March 4, 1842, City of Washington. United States of America, Department of State document confirming the bearer, Manuel Alvarez as "Consul of the United States at Santa Fe, in the Mexican Republic." 20 lines in sepia ink and signed by Webster as Secretary of State; bearing seal - 14 in. x 9 1/2 in.
This is an important appointment for the Santa Fe region of Manuel Alvarez, a Spanish-born Santa Fe trader who became lieutenant-governor of New Mexico and for a period was acting Governor while Governor Henry Connelly was absent. During the Texan Santa Fe Expedition of 1841, which the Mexicans saw as a military invasion, created a crisis in Santa Fe. The local American merchants were subject to popular and official attacks. When the expedition approached Santa Fe, Alvarez asked Governor Manuel Armijo for permission to go out and talk with the leader, but was refused. Alvarez later was wounded and narrowly escaped death from an angry crowd. This crisis blew over, Alvarez served as acting consul until the U.S. occupation in 1846, then lieutenant-governor of New Mexico. Rare to find early pieces form this period while Santa Fe was a territory.