The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 41, July 1937 - April, 1938 Page: 197

                                
Almonte's Inspection of Texas in 1834

was increasing made Mexico realize that her sovereignty was in
danger and that the inspection could no longer be postponed.
The Mexican government made a happy choice when it selected
Colonel Almonte to make the inspection of Texas, as this son of
Morelos had spent his youth ond obtained his education in the
United States. He spoke English fluently, and he already had
many points of contact with Texas, having begun his public
career by serving upon the staff of Iturbide's representative,
Governor Trespalacios. One of his best recommendations for the
post was that Austin knew him, counted him among his friends,
and had a high respect for his ability and integrity. The letter
from the Minister of Foreign Relations to Almonte, covering the
instructions relative to the commission entrusted to him; one set
of public instructions; and two sets of private instructions are
to be found in the Mexican National Archives. The covering
letter is dated January 17, 1834. Unquestionably the public in-
structions were issued at the same time, but, as both sets are
undated, it is impossible to determine which of the two sets of
private instructions accompanied the covering letter and which
was drawn up at a later time. It is barely possible that the set
bearing the most corrections and changes shows the evolution of
the designs of the government, and that it served as an outline
by which the other set was drafted, the authoritative copy having
been completed by January 17, 1834.
The covering letter suggested that Almonte show the public
instructions to the colonists in order that they might know
the official views of the government and its interest in their
welfare. The Minister also wished it made clear to the colonists
that the political disturbances in Mexico had previously pre-
vented the government from putting into practice the measures
which seemed opportune, now that peace was reestablished, and
that it was most earnestly desirous of improving their condition
and offered them the protection and guarantees which had been
so long desired. He was to say that nothing would be overlooked
which might contribute to their well-being. In conclusion, the
Minister said that the Vice-President, on entrusting such an
important commission to Almonte, had taken into consideration
his patriotism and ability, and that it was anticipated that the
inspection would have the most satisfactory results, putting an

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