Texas in 1850.

Front matter

TEXAS

1$50.

BY MELINDA RANKIN,

Chapter II

Texas compared with other States. Inducements for the Emigration of the Farmer and Mechanic. Prospect and Encouragement of the Emigrant. Improvements. Natural Scenery. Flowers. Physical Resources. State of Society. Moral Institutions. Prosperity of the Temperance Cause p. 21

CHAPTEE III.

Church and School Foundation of Civil and Religious Liberty. Difficulties of sustaining the Christian Religion in the early times of Texas. Its Success and Future Prospects. The Gospel Ministry. An Efficient Ministry. The Necessity of Supporting the Ministry. The Standard of Piety should become more elevated. . p. 31

CHAPTEE ly.

Church and School Buildings. Scarcity in Texas. Importance of Early Attention to these Objects. Want of Teachers. Co-operation of the North with the South in advancing the Cause of Education. Free School System. Importance and Advantage to Texas. Extract from the Governor's Message. . . p. 39

CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE V.

Progress of the Institutions of Texas. Moral and Religious Institutions must keep pace with other Departments of Improvement. Moral Training of Youth. Education must be Evangelized. Adaptation of the Sabbath School. Its Prosperity and Importance. Necessity of Replenishing the Departments of Christian Enterprise. A Demand for Missionaries. Prospective Influence of Texas over Mexico. Necessity of raising Texas to a high point of Moral Power. The Consequent Efiects upon Mexico. . . p. 49

CHAPTER VI.

Newspapers of Texas — opinion in the older States. Literary merit of the periodicals. Their increase. Their influence. Importance of a correct literature to the moral character of a country. Responsibilities of Editors. Circulation of religious books. Need of booksellers. An improvement requisite in school books. . p. 58

CHAPTER Vn.

Comparison of the moral interests of Texas with the erection of a building. Necessity of the correspondence of the parts. The minutest causes to be regarded. Population to be made up in part. Dangers of a heterogeneous class of citizens. Difficulties attending the formation of society. Proper means for obviating those difficulties. Necessity of high moral principles. Importance of a concentration of purpose. A model for imitation. Extract, exhibiting the example of the first settlers of New England. Similar decision and fixed purpose requisite. Indications of Providence in behalf of Texas, encouraging to future efforts. United labors of Christians demanded. p. 64

CHAPTER Vni.

The Missionary of Texas. Encouragement under Privations. Prospects and Promises which he has to sustain him. Encouragement which the Gospel off'ers for an Increase of Missionaries. Appeals in behalf of Texas. Claims upon the North and East. Duty of Extending Aid in behalf of Moral Enterprise. . . p. 75

Part Second

Limits of Texas. Existing Difficulties relative to the True Boundary. Divisions of Texas. Face of the Country. Climate. Health. Mineral Resources. Natural Advantages and Adaptation to the "Wants of man. Eastern Texas. Counties and Shire Towns. Face of the Country. Timber. Streams of Water. Facilities for

CONTENTS.

Manufacturing Establishments. Emigration and Improvements. Fruits, and Vegetable Productions. Staple Commodities. Stock Raising. Intei-nal Improvements. Natural Advantages. Destitution in the Moral Department of Improvement. The Educational and Religious Advantages not adequate to the Demands of the Population. The Increase of Ministers and Teachers not commensurate with the Extensive Emigration. Difficulties attending Ministerial Labors. Sectional Feeling. False Systems of Christianity. Necessity of Ministers professing True Bible Wisdom. Fluctuations in Public Sentiment and Moral Enterprises. The Most Important Element of Success. The Missionaries' Advent into Texas. Common Entrance. Sabine River. Description of Sabine Town. Appearance of Texan Towns to the Stranger. Interesting on account of their Improving Condition. Description of San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Douglass, Crockett. Northern Portion of Eastern Texas. Entrance. Admitting Emigration rapidly. Description of Clarksville, Marshall, Henderson, Rusk, Larissa, Palestine. Importance of a Female Institution of High Order i'n Texas. Trinity Valley. Productive Lands. Navigation of the Trinitv. Mineral Resources of the Trinity Valley. Middle Texas, Counties, Shire Towns. Natural Advantages. Fertility of the Soil of the Brasos Valley. Navigation of the River. Improvements which might be made to facilitate the Commercial Interests of Middle Texas. Adaptation of the Soil to the Cultivation of Sugar Cane. Facilities for Manufacturing Establishments.

Increase of Population, and Growing Importance. Deficiency in the Means of Education. An Enlarged System of Education demanded. An Increase of High Moral Principle, commensurate with the Increase of Population. The Standard of Piety of Church Members should become more Elevated. The Harmony and co-operation of the Different Branches of Christ's Church required. Houses for the Worship of God. Observance of the Sabbath. Improvements made in Society during the last three years. Prospects of Continued Improvements. Description of Cmcinnati. Huntsville. Montgomery. Danville. Anderson. Washington. Independence. Rutersvillc. La Grange. Bastrop. Austin.' Galveston. Houston. Brazoria. San Felipe. Matagorda. Old Caney. Changes which have hitherto taken place in Relation to Towns. More permanency at the present. Sparsely settled portions of Country. Important Missionary Fields. Need of Ministers to collect scattered Church Members and organize Churches. Destitutions in the Old Presbyterian Church. Accession of Ministers during the last year. Appeal to Churches in favored portions of Countries to aid the feeble Churches of Texas. Duty of portions of Churches to Colonize. Necessity of a better Church and more Active and energetic Piety among the Members. Western Texas. Counties, Shire Towns. Extensive Territory yet to be occupied. Variety of Population. Relation of the Indians. Hostile incursions of Indians during the last year. Immediate Measures required for Suppressing Depredations. Impotance of Western Texas. Navigation of the Rio Grande. Other Rivers susceptible of being rendered Navigable. Fertility of the Prairie Regions. Manufacturing Facilities. Mineral Resources. Natural Curiosities. Cross Timbers. Originof the Old Missions.

10 CONTENTS.

Necessity of Protestant Emigration. Prevalence of the Roman Catholic Religion. Immediate Efforts demanded for the Evangelization of Mexicans on the Rio Grande. Dr. Baker's Report of the Condition and Wants of that interesting portion of Country. The Readiness of the Mexicans to receive the Gospel. Eagerness for Bibles and Tracts. Description of the Upper Rio Grande. Destitution of Ministers and Teachers. Fertility of the Country and Inducements for settlers. Recent Organization of Counties. Appeal for Laborers in behalf of the Rio Grande Valley. Description of San Antonio. Gonzales. Seguin. Of the Country situated on the Gaudaloupe River. Influence of the Temperance Cause. School Houses and Churches taking the place of Grog-Shops. Description of New Braunfels. Comal Town. Valley of the Comal River. Castroville. Beauty of the Natural Scenery. Indianola. Goliad. Towns on the Rio Grande. Edinborough. New St. Louis. Brownsville. Roma. Rio Grande. Laredo. El Paso. Necessity of re-enforcing the latter towns with strong Protestant Influences, on account of their prospective influence over Mexico. Retrospect of Texas. Her Early History. The Noble Sentiments of Freedom evinced by the Early Settlers of Texas. The Achievement of their Independence. Foundation for the Prosperity which has succeeded. The Immense Improvements. Motives for Emigration. A Field for Interest and Usefulness. A Great Work yet demanded. A Contest waged. Texians called upon, to gird on their Spiritual Armor. An Appeal for Christian Volunteers to aid in this Holy Warfare p. 81

TEXAS IN 1850 PART FIRST.

CHAPTER I.

Revolution and Annexation. Subsequent Prosperity. Future Prospects. The Basis of Future Prosperity. Texas a Missionary Field.

That a correct estimate of a country be formed, some knowledge of its former history is requisite, by which means may be ascertained its progress and the degree of improvement of which it is susceptible.

In delineating Texas, we will assume our position at the time of her revolution, which period, in a very important manner, decided her future character and destiny. The Texians, in the achievement of their independence of Mexico, established a republican government, which, with comparatively limited means, was sustained with a good degree of honor. A peaceable condition of affairs succeeded, which was followed by an increase of population, who aided in the prosecution of those objects necessary for the prosperity of this feeble yet energetic republic. The institutions which were founded and supported under the various difficulties with which Texas was then involved, spoke much in favor of what might have been done under more favorable circumstances.

The rigid school of discipline in which the early settlers of Texas were trained, was favorable in nurturing a firm and persevering spirit, by which they were enabled to encounter and overcome obstacles, which, at this period, were not of an inferior character ; and probably would have discouraged any but those who claimed the privilege of styling themselves Texians. Analogous to the mountain oak, whose roots become firmly fixed by being often exposed to the raging blasts, Texians, by the difficulties they had to encounter, became more firmly established in elevated and virtuous principle.

After struggling several years under difficulties, resulting from the limited means of a repubhc of such small extent, it was thought expedient for its future interest and prosperity to become annexed to the United States. Accordingly, after the necessary preliminary arrangements, Texas was admitted into the Union, and to all the privileges consequent to that alliance.

After five years' successful operation, the country's rapid progress has stamped her future prosperity beyond a matter of uncertainty. An influx of intelligent and enterprising citizens has given such an additional strength that the car of improvement is fast advancing ; and should it continue to be propelled with the accelerated velocity which may reasonably be expected, Texas is destined to be, ere many years, a State, •whicli, in importance, will be second to none other in the Union.

Possessing a climate as mild as far-famed Italy, and a soil favorable to the production of every thing earth can yield, and having a decided advantage over all the other Southern States, in point of health, it cannot fail of attracting to it an immense emigration. As has been hitherto, it is to be hoped that the intelligent and moral only, will find their way to Texas. A good influence is particularly demanded as this juncture is an important era in the establishment of those principles which are to tell on future generations.

As a country grows in prosperity, moral and intellectual improvements must keep pace, and as these, at present, are of the onward march in Texas, no emigration is desired which has only for its object speculations of worldly interest to the exclusion of every other consideration. To those who have the philanthropy and public spirit to get good and do good, Texas presents an important and interesting field. An opportunity is presented for the development and exercise of all the noble faculties of the soul. To aid in advancing a country as favorable to improvement as Texas, is an object which merits the co-operation of the most worthy and energetic.

A moral grandeur is attached to enterprises, in which national interest predominates over selfish ends : and should a truly prosperous individual be looked after, he will be found with a heart too expansive in its operations to be satisfied within the narrow circle of private interests.

Institutions of a moral character are to be the basis upon which to build the future prosperity of Texas.

Religious principles, or rather Bible principles, must accompany every enterprise which has for its object the good of society. Other foundations have been undertaken upon ; but experiment has fully proven, that no superstructure of human improvement can long stand, unsustained by the unerring principles of God's word. The caviller may object to this sentiment, but he need only to look abroad over the civilized world to see that in proportion as Christianity is a living principle among a people, so do they stand forth in intelligence, freedom, worth and power. On the other hand, as infidelity pervades the spirit of a nation, in the same proportion has she sunk in the scale of political existence and moral excellence. For an example, let him observe the contrast between Mexico and New England : the one a perfect specimen of civilized degradation (if the expression may be allowed,) and the other a rare model of the vital principles of Christianity, carried into every department of moral enterprise.

The worth of the puritan system is already recorded on the page of history, and may, with propriety, be referred to as a controlling element of power in the development and progress of society.

A system embracing the right elements of power, is permanent in its influence and increasing in its strength from age to age. All else is superficial and transient.

A good degree of feeling upon this subject is already manifested in Texas, yet a deeper conviction is necessary to produce that impulse and enthusiasm in the leading minds of the State, which shall operate so powerfully as to pervade the universal mind, and stimulate to such extensive operations as the greatness of the object demands.

The importance of elevating Texas to a high point of moral power and efficiency, is evident from her present and prospective influence over Mexico. The openings in this new State for missionary efforts, must be more justly appreciated, and means used corresponding to their importance. An interest is beginning to be felt, which is truly gratifying.

Already this subject is before the many benevolent societies of the day, and co-operation, to some extent, extended, but not as its comparative importance demands. The benevolent spirit of many portions of the United States is evidently stirred, and much may yet be expected. Nothing is wanting but sufficient information of the situation and wants of Texas, to draw forth a host of volunteers, whose moral influence shall make " the solitary place glad, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose."

Individuals whose sympathies may become enlisted in behalf of Texas, will hazard nothing in embarking on a missionary enterprise, upon their own responsibiUty. Nowhere is the worthy stranger made more welcome than in Texas. The warm bosom expands,

and the friendly hand is extended, making him forget 2»

that " he is a stranger in a strange land." No one who has the desire of benefiting Texas, need be deterred from the undertaking from apprehensions of not meeting a cordial reception. People who are using their utmost power to advance the best interests of their state, will gladly welcome those who come to do them good. Indeed, every facility and encouragement is offered which is in their power to extend.

Privations may be experienced, but these the liberalhearted individual must reasonably expect, and make all due allowance. He that is actuated by the superior motive of doing good, will find all his sacrifices more than compensated by the satisfaction arising from acts of disinterested benevolence.

" There is no man who hath left" home and country " for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present life, and in the world to come life everlasting." Our Saviour, in his dispensations of grace to man, made worldly sacrifice an indispensable condition, and the more fully this condition is complied with, the more ample is the reward. Hence, to surrender earthly good for the inestimable blessings of the gospel, should be esteemed an exalted privilege by every real Christian.

No one has brighter hopes, richer joys, or surer promises than he who labors for the Lord. Tlie follower of Christ must follow where his Master leads, and though the command imphes the sundering of the dearest ties of nature, those tender chords will yield their hold under the influence of motives in which the

" kingdom of God " is concerned. Had natural affection been designed the highest springs of action, the Saviour would not have set another principle above them. " He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me," is the language of Him who nobly set an example of sacrifice and suffering. The missionary spirit is emphatically the spirit of Christ, and those who drink most deeply at this blessed fountain, are those from whose example and influence flow rivers of living waters.

The ground the missionary of Christ occupies is a high point. The sacrifices he makes brings him in ^ possession of privileges which secure every blessing the most boundless wish can crave — " The length and breadth of all the plain, as far as faith can see."

Treasures, richer far than the golden mines of California, are pledged upon the security of the word of God ; and shall the servant of Christ disregard objects of real value, while worldly men are constrained by glittering dust, to endure sacrifice, labor and fatigue ?

Scores and hundreds are rushing to secure an earthly treasure ; and are there not those who are willing to embark in an enterprise in which are concerned interests of immortal value ? What object can compare to that of gathering into the fold of Christ souls which have cost an infinite price to redeem ? One soul brought in, adds to the Saviour's crown a gem of more real value, than all the glittering mines of Mexico or California.

Are there not Christians to be found among the highly favored portions of our country, who can be influenced by such heaven-born principles, to come out upon that mission of mercy which brought the Son of God from the bosom of his Father ? Love to the undying soul will always bear to action.

The Saviour is loudly saying to those of his followers " who are at ease in Zion," " one thing lackest thou yet;" resign the enjoyments and privileges of which you are now possessed for my sake, for building up the spiritual walls of Zion abroad, " and thou shalt have treasure in heaven."

He bids, follow him, wherever his cause demands. Texas comes up with her wants, and makes an importunate appeal. Who will obey the Divine command ?

CHAPTER II.

Texas compared with other States. Inducements for the Emigration of the Farmer and Mechanic. Prospect and Enconrageraent of the Emigrant. Improvements. Natural Scenery. Flowers. Physical Resources. State of Society. Moral Institutions. Prosperity of the Temperance Cause.

An impartial observer of the comparative merits of Texas with the older States, might, with much propriety, recommend it as presenting advantages worthy the attention of the adventurous and enterprising. The fertile lands with which the State abounds, oiFer, perhaps, greater encouragement than any other department of enterprise ; hence, the emigrant who turns his attention to the cultivation of the soil is undoubtedly making the wisest selection. This being an inexhaustible source of wealth can be relied on with greater confidence than any other.

The acquisition of industrious and enterprising occurants of the productive soil of Texas, would do more in advancing the state in wealth and independence than any other means, and would, undoubtedly, in the course of a few years, advance her in importance before any other Southern State.

Present appearances indicate that her extensive forests and beautiful wide-spread prairies shall not long remain uncultivated. Scarcely a day passes which does not bring more or less persons who are seeking homes in Texas. The emigrant's wagon and train is a sight of such common occurrence, that it scarcely excites a passing notice. Several in succession are frequently seen.

It is not an inferior order of citizens who come to Texas. Men of wealth, talent and influence compose the more recent class of emigration, who are well calculated to advance the interests of a new and growing State.

Persons of industrious and temperate habits will be successful in any honorable occupation. Mechanics, of all the various kinds, are essentially needed ; and would not fail of being amply compensated, in leaving older settled States and emigrating to a new one, where a scarcity in every department exists. As every thing is of the progressive order in Texas, the new settler has much to anticipate, and the hope of a better state of things in prospect has a tendency to reconcile him to present inconveniences.

He may, probably, realize some privations of comfort, but whoever comes to Texas with reasonable expectations, will not be hable to disappointment. And here it may be proper to observe, that persons emigrating to a new country should not indulge in such exalted expectations as is too frequently the case with those who become dissatisfied.

They should duly count the cost, and not speculate too extensively in imagination. Though difficulties and discouragements often cast their darkening shadows, yet, he who keeps his eye upon the star of hope, will ultimately be successful. Many who have come to Texas to repair broken fortunes, though they did not meet with an immediate flow of wealth, have, by indefatigable and persevering exertion, realized their expectations.

A competency may be easily acquired ; and affluence is at the command of those who aspire to it. He who keeps his speculations within a laudable compass, cannot fail, ultimately, of rising to independence and wealth.

Nature has done much for Texas, but for her advancement in wealth and commercial importance, great improvements are requisite. These, however, will probably receive attention as soon as the circumstances of the State will admit. With the enterprise of the Texians much may be predicted. No obstacles have ever yet defeated the skill and enterprise of man, in that they are determined to carry into execution. For the truth of this, reference need only be made to the gigantic improvements spread over the United States. What was considered by the timid and irresolute, as impracticable, has, nevertheless, been accomplished. An immediate improvement in the navigation of the rivers would facilitate greatly the prosperity of the State ; and it would not, unquestionably, be an unwise arrangement for the general Government to make some appropriations to aid such an important object. As public expenditures have been made in behalf of other portions of the United States, it might reasonably be expected that the wants of Texas should be taken into consideration. Texas being a border State a double reason imposes itself. The successful navigation of the rivers would facilitate greatly the transportation of stores for the supply of the military stations upon the frontiers of the State, and hence the object is one sufficiently important to ehcit aid, if only from that consideration. The unprecedented rapidity with which her interests have advanced within the space of a very short time, presents great encouragement to extend aid in prosecuting objects which have for their design the general interest and prosperity. Where, but a few years since, the stillness of the forest was only broken by the war-whoop of the Indian, is heard the constant hum of civihzation, having become the abode of an industrious and intelligent population. This, most emphatically, is a period of improvements in Texas. Emigrants are pouring in, forests are being leveled, prairies are being fenced, farms are being opened and inproved, villages are springing up, and towns are increasing in population, throughout the State, to an extent not surpassed by any other portion of the Union.

The natural scenery of Texas may compare with that of any other country. The face of the country, being generally level, there is not so much variety, as in countries interspersed with mountain scenery, yet, if it does not abound with the subhme, it certainly does with the beautiful. The beauty of the vegetable productions cannot fail of inspiring the most pure and delightful emotions. * Nothing can exceed the splendid appearance which the prairies present, during the season of flowers. It seems as if the earth has poured forth her innumerable treasures to deck herself in her most gorgeous attire.

A traveller, passing through Texas, during the months of April and May, would not fail of pronouncing it to be the most charming spot on earth. Every variety of flower is abundant, presenting a scene calculated to awaken a passion for natural objects, in bosoms which have never before loved to admire the wonderful works of creation.

Those plants, which in the North are regarded as the choicest exotics, grow in Texas spontaneously ; but by transplanting into gardens, their beauty is greatly heightened. A rich source of pleasure is presented to those persons who delight in the cultivation of flowers. So little care is requisite, and the attention is so amply rewarded, it appears that the neglect of attention to the cultivation of flowers in Texas, must evidently be regarded as a want of good taste.

Nothing presents a greater evidence of refinement than a tasteful adornment of dwellings and their environs, with trees and flowers ; and it would be a great advance towards refined and decent civilization in Texas, if more attention were paid to the transplanting of forest trees and shrubbery around the buildings. It would improve greatly the appearance of the towns and villages.

In the North great pains are taken for this purpose, merely for ornament, but in the ^' sunny South," shade trees answer the double purpose — ornament and use.

Some degree of attention to the cultivation of flowers is observable, but nothing in comparison to what might be done in a country where so little trouble is demanded to render every garden like another Eden.

The natural and physical resources of the country being so great, an inferiority in her moral and intellectual, would appear an incongruity which is entirely inconsistent. These, however, are on the advance in Texas. Moral sentiment is assuming an elevated standard, from which may be inferred, that her future character will be on a level with the most moral portion of the Union. The addition to society from the older States within the last few years, being a refined class of people, has had a tendency to polish, greatly, the roughness of character and manners observable in newly settled countries. From actual observation, it may be confidently asserted, that in point of intelligence, refinement and gentility, Texas will bear a favorable comparison with any other State, according to its population. There may be some exceptions, — dark shades of character blend their contrasts in the society of every country.

The uncouthness of the early settlers of Texas is greatly modified by their kindness (5f manner, which is a very prominent characteristic, and cannot fail of striking the stranger with the impression of its being a more perfect specimen of politeness, than is often observable where society claims a high degree of refinement under the false show of affectation.

One who knows how to set a just appreciation upon character, cannot fail of admiring the native simplicity observable in traveling over tlie older settled portions of Texas. Inquisitiveness is a marked characteristic, and the Yankee might find his privilege of " asking two questions to any other person asking one," some^Yhat infringed upon. But this advantage would be readily yielded to gratify the curiosity, so evidently manifested on the part of the Texian, to know all the " whys " and " wherefores," where from and where bound — interrogativcs to which he apparently seems to claim an explanation. An immediate submission to a Texian tribunal is much the safest, as a hesitancy in giving an account of oneself might excite suspicion. A keen penetration, superinduced by being often imposed upon, leads Texians to much carefulness in regard to strangers ; and no one need come to Texas with the presumption of practising the least act of dissimulation, without being set oif to the best advantage in the colors he has assumed.

A " Yankee trick " would meet with its just desert under Texian inspection ; and if some of those false representatives of New England character wished to " play off" a little, Texas would afford a suitable stage to act on. While true worth is acknowledged and appreciated, dissimulation and dishonesty receive their just retribution.

Texas has suffered greatly in her moral reputation abroad, by serving formerly as an asylum for refugees from justice from the United States ; but whether she ought to suffer or the country from which they absconded, the reader can best judge. That her extensive wilds w^ere souglit as a shelter to screen from retribution was no evidence that crime was tolerated, or that the offender was protected by the citizens. Where those cases of moral depravity are at present, whether metamorphosed into virtuous citizens, or emigrated beyond the limits of Texas, is a matter of curiosity. Crime is no more common than in the older States, and, as the State has now a penitentiary, a rigid intolerance is expected, and a strict retribution will be exacted of those who transgress her laws.

Societies and institutions which have for their object moral reform, are encouraged, and becoming common throughout the State.

The hallowed influence of the " Sons of Temperance '* has spread its blissful light, and the strong armed foe of intemperance is fast losing ground in Texas. The last year has witnessed an interesting change. Nothing has ever yet occurred in Texas more significant of her future weal, than the manner in which public sentiment has been operated upon, in regard to the importance of this institution. But about eighteen months ago the first Division was instituted ; now there is scarcely a town in the state which has not followed the example. It is a fact worthy of notice, that nothing is done imperfectly in Texas ; if an object receives attention at all, the people enter into the spirit of it with an enthusiastic devotion. The temperance cause has struck upon the right chord, and, if perseveringly adhered to, its advent may be hailed as- the harbinger of every other good thing with which a country can be blessed.

Wherever this cause prevails, vice and immorality vanish like dew before the morning sun, and peace and prosperity follow in happy succession.

An independence, more decisive of noble purpose and future good, than was ever achieved upon the battle plain, is that which places a people beyond the reach of the most formidable enemy that ever yet invaded the human family. Despotism may enslave the body, and the mind still retain its freedom ; but intemperance subjects its votaries to the entire dominion of body and soul — debases man to a brute, and most effectually destroys the best works of creation. A view of the destructive consequences of intemperance upon a large scale, must necessarily strike every philanthropic soul w^ith horror, and stimulate him in the use of the most efficient measures for the prevention of an evil so deleterious to the best interests of a country.