The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 28, July 1924 - April, 1925 Page: 178

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

tive for my trip to Texas in the beginning of last year. To
whom, then, should I dedicate the meager result of my labors
in the inspection of that country if not to you ? Deign to ac-
cept, therefore, the attached Statistical Report; on Texas, as its
fruit and allow me to reiterate my sincere respect and personal
esteem for your excellency.
Your most obedient servant,
JUAN NEPOMUCENO ALMONTE.
Mexico, January 1, 1835.
INTRODUCTION
When I returned from Texas, early in November of last year,
I had, in truth, no intention of publishing the result of my trip
to that interesting country, both because I did not consider it
worthy of the attention of the public, since I did not have the
time necessary to become acquainted with all the great wealth
that is contained within the vast extent of its territory; and be-
cause, being an agent of the supreme government, I did not feel
myself free to make my observations public. But since the ques-
tions that have been asked me by various persons concerning
Texas have been so repeated and frequent ever since my return
to this city I have become persuaded that the statistical data
which I was able to gather during my sojourn in the colonies will
not be received with indifference, and that although imperfect,
they will give an idea of what Texas has been and is today. What
it will be it is not difficult to predict; if the immense develop-
ment which industry has enjoyed there is considered; and if its
advantageous geographic position, its ports, its navigable rivers,
the variety of its products, the fertility of its soil, its climate,
etc., are taken into account, one must admit that Texas is soon
destined to be the most flourishing section of this republic. It
is not difficult to perceive the reason for such prosperity, if it is
remembered that there, with very few exceptions, nothing is
thought of excepting the planting of sugar-cane, of cotton, of
corn, of wheat, of tobacco; the raising of cattle, the opening of
roads, the improvement of rivers; and that the effects of our
political disturbances are seldom felt, and often are not even
heard of unless it be by mere chance.
Texas being situated as it is, at a distance of more than four
hundred fifty leagues from the federal capital, it is easy to fore-

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