EVACUATION OF TEXAS: TRANSLATION OF THE REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO THE SUPREME GOVERNMENT BY GEN. VICENTE FILISOLA, IN DEFENSE OF HIS HONOR, AND EXPLANATION OF HIS OPERATIONS AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY AGAINST TEXAS

Columbia, Tx: Printed by G. & T.H. Borden, Public Printers, 1837.. [4],iv,[3]-68pp. Modern three-quarter green morocco and marbled boards by Bennett, spine gilt, t.e.g. Very light shelf wear. Bookplate on front pastedown. Light tanning, a bit of light foxing. Trimmed close along fore-edge, but not affecting any text. Very good. In a black morocco clamshell case, spine gilt. First English language edition of one of the great Texas books. "General Filisola wrote this vindication of his actions only four months after the Battle of San Jacinto. The 'Documents' (pp.37-68) which follow the exposition are as important as his account of Santa-Anna's failure...one of the earliest books printed in the Republic of Texas" - Graff. "The classic account, the first in book form, of the retreat of the Mexicans through Texas after the battle of San Jacinto and a masterly defense by Filisola of his acts in ordering and conducting the retreat....The account was, of course, of great interest to all Texans, and there is an entry in the journal of the Texas House of Representatives for November 23, 1836, announcing a message from the President 'recommending the translation of a Spanish pamphlet in vindication of Filisola's conduct in the campaign of Texas..." - Streeter.

Streeter identifies the translator as George L. Hammeken, who was a good friend of Stephen F. Austin, and the initials "G.L.H." (dated at Brazoria, January, 1837) are printed at the conclusion of the preface. Hammeken's preface is a spirited defense of the qualities of Texas and Texans against Filisola's aspersions. Austin, upon receiving a copy of the Mexican edition of the previous year, recommended that it be translated into English, stating that it was of "importance to the public interests" for giving "the history of the military movements and views of the enemy during the invasion...last spring" (as quoted in Jenkins). This English translation, printed in Columbia, Texas before the press removed to Houston, "is a desideratum of high consequence" (Eberstadt). Streeter and Jenkins note that 300 copies were printed by the Bordens, despite the Texas legislature authorizing an edition of 500 copies. "Other than legal publications, the first book printed in Texas" - Jenkins.

A rare and early Texas book, of great importance. GRAFF, FIFTY TEXAS RARITIES 17. STREETER TEXAS 191. HOWES F127, "c." VANDALE 65. BASIC TEXAS BOOKS 61A. EBERSTADT TEXAS EXHIBITION, p.12.