This collection begins with an original manuscript from the era
of the Spanish conquest in Spanish America in 1546. Two hundred
and fifty years later, there follows a manuscript papal document
(Pius VI) with tables of the church's revenues and additional
documentation from the government in Mexico. There is a Royal
decree from Charles IV, and proclamations from Viceroys,
Commandants and the Emperor Augustin Iturbide. The chronological
progression illustrates Mexico's declaration of independence
from Spain, a treaty between Spain and the U. S. regarding
Texas, the fundamental law of Texas statehood as a part of
Mexico, and numerous proclamations related to Texas' struggle
for independence from Mexico. There is a collection of possible
itineraries for General Woll's invasion of Texas dated 1844, and
other evidence of the preparation for war over Texas a year
prior to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. The final
exhibit is an engraving of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in a
cartouche made up of an elaborate