Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. uncer H State illust tant he is no whic lift t inter N ting will adap to geliz impe PREFACE. A COMPLETE and correct delineation of Texas is an undertaking of no small magnitude,.and in assuming such a responsible task, I am aware that much depends upon its successful prosecution. Motives sufficiently powerful, however, induce me to make the attempt, and embark my enterprise upon the uncertain sea of public opinion. Having spent several months during last year in the older States, the evidence was constantly presented, that a history, illustrating the present condition of Texas would be an important service in enlightening the public mind abroad, relative to her true character and condition. It is a fact that Texas is not sufficiently known to give her that importance abroad which her merits demand, and the object of this work is to lift the veil of ignorance which now obscures one of the most interesting and important portions of the United States. Not having any interest in Texas but the desire of benefitting it, my representations will, I trust, be impartial, such as will exhibit its merits and demerits, its wants, and the proper adaptation of means to supply those wants, and, if possible, to enlist Christian sympathy and co-operation in aid of evangelizing a country which is destined, evidently, to exert an important influence over other contiguous countries. |