Texas Historical Commission will not exercise option to buy Davy Crockett letter

AUSTIN, Texas - - Upon completion of a forensic analysis on a letter said to be the last written by Texas hero Davy Crockett and offered to the State of Texas for purchase, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) announced today it will return the document to the seller, Ray Simpson, of Simpson Galleries in Houston.

THC Chairman John L. Nau, III thanked Simpson for making the document available solely to the state for purchase and providing Texas with the first opportunity to analyze and potentially purchase the letter.

"I appreciate Ray Simpson's initial offer and patience in determining the letter's authenticity," said Nau. "The state followed the terms of the contract in withholding payment until authentication could be determined and based on the forensic analysis, the THC concludes authenticity cannot be confirmed."

The THC announced its opportunity to purchase the letter for $490,000 at a press conference with Gov. Rick Perry on Sept. 4, 2007 after Simpson said he discovered it in an office at Simpson Galleries, one of Houston's oldest fine arts auctioneers. Funding for the purchase would have come from the state historic artifact fund, which was established solely for the purchase of rare artifacts. The THC made public the finding because of the potential significance of the letter and the interest it would generate.

"Our hope and belief was this would prove to be a rare, historic acquisition for the state of Texas," said Gov. Perry. "Although that proved not to be the case, the Texas Historical Commission acted appropriately and followed the proper channels of due diligence after pursuing the potential purchase of the letter."

The THC contracted with Federal Forensic Associates, Inc. of Raleigh, N.C. in November to analyze the letter. Forensic experts were unable to find enough evidence through examination of paper and ink samples to confirm the letter's authenticity. The state of Texas had 120 days from acquisition of the letter to authenticate or return it. After receiving the forensic analysis, the THC is coordinating with other state officials regarding disposition of the funds.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.