2008 June Signature Texana AuctionAuction #6003
John S. "Rip" Ford Autograph Letter Signed ...
John S. "Rip" Ford Autograph Letter Signed "John S. Ford." One page, two-sided. 7.75" x 10". Brownsville, TX. August 5, 1860. Overall creamy age-toning; one small edge chip at fold. A boldly penned letter bearing Ford's large and handsome signature. Fine.
In 1860, accusations were made against John J. Dix, a captain of the Texas Rangers, to the effect that he was a horse thief and had been forced to resign his commission as a Texas Ranger because of his crimes. Dix waged a vigorous battle to avoid arrest and restore his good reputation, requesting and receiving many letters of recommendation attesting to his honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness from friends, co-workers and various important Texans, including legendary Texas Ranger "Rip" Ford.
Here, Ford responds to Dix's request, testifying as to the reasons for Dix's resignation. In full: "Sir, I acknowledge the receipt of your note. In reply I can state, that I know of no other causes for your resignation than those expressed in your communication on the subject - namely: Sickness in your family, and the indispensable necessity of your presence at home to attend to your private affairs. I am unable to say what may have been talked of in camp, yet I never heard that the men had invited you to resign. Truly yours, John S. Ford."
On the verso, another attestation signed by seven members of Ford's company. In full: "Corpus Christi Sept. 30th 1860. We the undersigned being called upon by Mr. John J Dix take pleasure in stating that he was not called upon in any manner to resign his Lieutenancy in Capt. Fords Company of Texas rangers nor was any dissatisfaction ever expressed as to his conduct as an Officer in our presence while in the said Company." Signed by Mat Nolan (bugler; signature documented by a Notary two years later), Wm. McMahon, Peter Steffanek, John S. Leomand, John S. McGregor, James Walker, DeWitt C. Foster (Fifth Mexican Cavalry; Chief of Staff to Gen. Canalos). This letter relates directly to the archive offered in this current auction as lot 76242.
Texas Ranger John S. Ford was a journalist and newspaper editor, a physician, an explorer, a congressman, and a valiant soldier who commanded operations against Juan N. Cortina for terrorizing Brownsville Texas, helped create the Cavalry of the West to protect Texan interests along the Rio Grande, and commanded Confederate forces during the Civil War, winning the last known engagement of that great conflict at the Battle of Palmito Ranch.