David Burnet's traveling desk

This pecan wood traveling desk served as David Burnet's mobile office during his term as Ad Interim President of the Republic of Texas from March to September 1836. The handsome box with brass detailing unfolds to reveal a sloped writing surface with compartments for storing paper, pens, and ink. A small drawer is hidden on one side.

As Ad Interim President of the Republic, Burnet governed Texas while running from the Mexican Army. After declaring independence on March 2, 1836, the new republic's interim government wrote a constitution, established a formal army, and then started a two month long retreat that effectively moved the "capital" of Texas five times.