Written anonymously in 183839 by a "Citizen of Ohio," Texas in 1837 is the earliest known account of the first year of the Texas republic. Providing information nowhere else available, the still-unknown author describes a land rich in potential but at the time "a more suitable arena for those who have everything to make and nothing to lose than [ for] the man of capital or family."
The author arrived at Galveston Island on March 22, 1837, before the city of Galveston was founded, and spent the next six months in the republic. His travels took him to Houston, then little more than a camp made up of brush shelters and jerry-built houses, and as far west as San Antonio. He observed and was generally unimpressed by governmental and social structures just beginning to take shape. He attended the first anniversary celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto and has left a memorable account of Texas' first Independence Day. His inquiring mind and objective, actue observations of early Texas provide us a way of returning to the past, revisiting landmarks that have vanished forever.
Recenzijas
...an unparalleled description of the Texas republic in its infancy, often with keen insight and humor. - John H. Jenkins (Basic Texas Books)
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Landscape with Figures
I. Arrival in Texas-Galveston Bay-Laffite the Pirate-Mexican
Prisoners-Shells-City of Galveston-Storm
II. Start for Houston-The Country-Oysters-Fish-Redfish
Bar-Towns-Alligators-New Washington-Colonel Morgan-Surrounding Country-Price
of Lands-Floats-Santa Anna-Point Pleasant-Almonte-Aunt Peggys Gap
III. Lynchburg-A Scene before the Battle-Buffalo Bayou-San Jacinto-Texian
Camp-Field of Battle-Vinces Bayou-A Drunkard-Pokersville-Encampment-Events of
the War-Harrisburg-Journey by Land-The Country
IV. City of Houston-Bayou-Adjacent Country-Price of
Lots-Immigration-Improvements-Price of Labor-Lumber-Accommodations-Beds-The
Danger of Elevation-Provisions-Currency-Banks
V. Occupation of the Citizens-Merchants-Price of
Goods-Groceries-Dissipation-Gambling-Mechanics-Speculators-Soldiers
Discharges-Headrights-Riots and Affrays-First Sermon in Houston
VI. The Duello-Death of Laurens-Tragic Fate of His Murderer
VII. First Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto-Celebration-The Liberty
Pole-A Perilous Feat-The Oration-President Houston-The Ball-Indian Council
and Dance, etc
VIII. Congress-Preparations-Message of the
President-Taxation-Tariff-Opposition-Land Office-Members of Congress
IX. Bexar-Preparations for a Journey-The Mexican Gourd-Departure-The
Prairie-Encampment-An Incident-Insects-Theft-Lose Our Way-Difficulties of
Traveling-Hospitality-Robbery
X. Description of the Country-The Brazos River-A Scene upon the Prairie-A
Herdsman-Texas Market-Laws-Incidents of the War-Escape of Our Horses-A
Journey on Foot-A Texian-Progress of Settlement-A Night Adventure
XI. A Texas Farmer-Deer of Texas-Journey through the Country-An Incident-The
San Bernard-Night Traveling-The Colorado
XII. Retrospect-Colorado-Columbus-Springs-Wells-Live Oak-Preparations for Our
Journey-Plan of Travel-Mexicans-Superstition
XIII. Merchant of San Antonio-Country from Columbus to the La vaca-The
Lavaca-A Prospect-Country to the Guadalupe-Gonzales-An Original-Bee
Hunt-Philosophy-Fissures in the Earth-Sheep Country
XIV. San Antonio de Bexar-Dwelling Houses-Churches-San Antonio
River-Fertility of the Valley-Products-Health of the Valley-Longevity of Its
Population
XV. Character of the People of San Antonio-The Mexicans Generally-Habits and
Customs-Amusements
XVI. The Alamo-The Siege-Colonel Crockett
XVII. Face of the Country from the Rio Grande to the Sabine
XVIII. Chief Towns of Texas-Vegetable
Productions-Fruits-Flowers-Minerals-Wild Animals-Birds
XIX. Climate-Diseases-Medicines-Nights-Prevailing Winds-General Health of
Texas
XX. A Replication to Doctor Channings Letter to Mr. Clay
XXI. Army, Navy, and Treasury of Texas-Land Laws-Government Scrip-Pecuniary
Resources
XXII. Moses Austins Negotiations with the Mexican Government-The First Land
Grant-Subsequent Grants-Land Claims, Titles, etc.
XXIII. The Constitution and Laws-Administration of Justice
XXIV. Inducements to Immigration-Mechanical Employments-Lawyers-Relations
with Mexico-Texian Indians
XXV. Advice to Emigrants, as Regards Provision, Health, Location,
etc.-Conclusion
Notes
Index
A distinguished and meticulous scholar and editor, Andrew Forest Muir was the author of many works on Texas.
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