This fascinating document, which begins with: “Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India…etc. etc. etc.” is the appointment of Walter Lyall as the British Consul to “The State of Texas and for the Territory of New Mexico to reside at Galveston” which was the commercial capital for the American Southwest. By this appointment, Lyall was given full power to represent all British commercial interests, residents, traders, merchants, and British visitors in Texas and New Mexico.
Queen Victoria’s signature appears at the top of the Appointment next to her official embossed paper seal. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in Gladstone’s government, the Earl of Rosebery, signed underneath the bold: “By Her Majesty’s Command”. Rosebery succeeded Gladstone as Prime Minister. The Appointment closes with: “Given at Our Court at Saint James, the First day of June, 1886 in the 49th year of Our Reign”
A Museum Quality Print of this Fine Extremely Rare Original Document is also available. Please contact the gallery for details. You can also find the historic reproduction in the Emblems of the Iconic Spirit of Texas section of our website.