The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 59, July 1955 - April, 1956 Page: 39

A Trip to Texas in 1855

Houston clergyman. He thought a lawyer might attain great
wealth, particularly in the practice relating to land titles, but to
achieve eminence, he said, the lawyer's family "must pitch in ...
be pleased with everything, and [he must] identify himself with
the people's interest and what they deem [ed] their interest."
The ship arrived at New Orleans the next morning. At five
o'clock in the afternoon, the Jameses sailed for home on the
Queen of the West. That night John wrote in his diary:
My trip to Texas is over and I am fairly out of that beat. Before I
came from home, I had a strong impression .. that I should go to
reside in Texas. I am returning with that impression well nigh effaced.
I believe that I would readily have practice as a lawyer, and gain
a good position in Texas for which purpose I would select Austin. ...
The probabilities would be largely in my favor of making a large
gain in property which would consist in lands. There is among the
people an anxiety to attract settlers of the class calculated to further
improvements and to aid in the elevation of society. There is more-
over very good society there, composed of Virginians, Kentuckians and
other southern people, with which one's family might pleasantly asso-
ciate. The country is beautiful and the place healthful. But on the
other hand it is a secluded spot, the mail from Ohio, New York &ec is
io to 14 days: the road between us is a hard one to travel if we wished
to make visits or return, and in times of wet weather almost impos-
sible. There is beginning to be much anxiety for Rail Roads, but
some time must elapse before these can be constructed.
John felt that he had been wise in making the trip; henceforth
he would have a better perception of things in Ohio. There was
much to do before he could leave Urbana, unless he were willing
to take a great loss. Time must determine what he should do, and
what would promote the happiness of his family. Time deter-
mined that he must remain in Urbana, Ohio, as long as he lived.