Photo of Davy Crockett's last letter.  Enlarge | view transcript

The Texas Historical Commission announced in a press release that they have purchased an original letter from Davy Crockett.  The letter is from Crockett to his son and daughter on his way to the Alamo and represents some of his last known words.  Historians have known about the letter's existence because it was quoted in other correspondence, but this the first time the original letter itself has been produced.

Davy Crockett is known as a statesman from Tennessee, a common man who served his state, but he is most famous as a hero at the Alamo and for his role in Texas's independence.  This letter, however, due to its personal nature, showcases Crockett's role as a father and family man.  It reveals more of his personality and inside thoughts and is thus prized by historians and biographers.  Speaking of his role in Texas, Crockett notes in this letter, "... I would rather be in my present situation that to be elected to a seat in Congress for life ..."

Some are questioning the authenticity of the letter.  Book dealer Scott Brown, editor of Fine Books and Collections magazine, has been following the story on his book blog.  An article in the Austin American-Statesman newspaper quotes two other independent experts who expressed their doubts that the letter is an original, citing handwriting discrepancies in the signature and grammar and stylistic differences compared with other known Crockett letters.

The Texas Historical Commission paid $550,000 for the letter, but the seller donated $60,000 back to the state, bringing the net purchase price to $490,000.  The money is to be held in escrow until the letter is authenticated beyond doubt.

 

David Crockett

• Texas Treasures:  David Crockett
• David Crockett biography from the Handbook of Texas
• David Crockett:  His Life and Adventures by John S.C. Abbott
• The Battle of the Alamo
• The Ballad of Davy Crockett - music and lyrics from the popular Walt Disney TV show

Document Authentication

• Questioned Document Examination from Wikipedia
• Forensic Document Examination
• Questioned Document Examination

Further Research

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