Dear Editor,Relatively few people know that parts of Kansas were once part of the original “Republic of Texas”. Just a few days ago (Apr 23) I attended a rare exhibit of historical artifacts which were authentic items from that period of Time. I am a history buff and I belong to both of the two major Masonic Rites myself: the York Rite and the Scottish Rite---but that exhibit was exceptional.Professional Historians were there who displayed extraordinarily rare items, while wearing plastic nurse’s gloves: such as the handwritten letters signed by Sam Houston and a truly rare letter signed by Stephen F. Austin in his capacity as “Secretary of State” for the Republic of Texas.