November 22, 1998

An Official Statement from the Board of the Alamo Battlefield Association

The recent sale of the memories of José Enrique de la Pena marks a significant moment in the documentation of the history of the Texas War for Independence. We applaud the Library Committee of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas for making a plea that the papers remain in Texas and that the parties who purchased them would consider donating them to the DRT Library at the Alamo. This institution is a well-known and respected archive and would be an excellent home for the de la Peña papers.

We also applaud the editorial staff of the San Antonio Express-News for making a firm statement about the importance of the papers, and the critics of the document. Such clarity has been sadly lacking in the discussion of the de la Peña papers since their partial translation in English in 1975.

We of the ABA Board believe that thus far no proof has yet been established that the narrative of de la Peña is a 20th Century forgery. In fact, it reveals itself as a unique source in Texas Revolution history. Until proof can be established to the contrary, we will refrain from engaging in hollow, nonessential debates about the matter. Since this argument began several years ago, none of the counter de la Peña theories have been verified; in fact, those who have made their provocative claims have been backtracking in light of new and supportive evidence confirming the authenticity of de la Peña. While we invite any and all solid and counter evidence, we are not interested in any emotionally driven diatribes. We also hope that the new owners will submit the document to a battery of forensic testing so that the lingering doubts concerning the document can be put to rest.

The de la Peña papers represent a larger picture of the Texas War for Independence than simply the death of David Crockett, who, after the passing of more than 150 years, does not need our emotional intervention to protect his image. That Crockett and the rest died at the Alamo is enough for us. Those who want to spend their waking time in defense of a legend may do so, but please allow the historical community to move on.

On Behalf of the Board of the Alamo Battlefield Association,

Kevin R. Young, President