Texas by Terán

"Texas was already slipping from the grasp of Mexico when Manuel de Mier y Teran made his tour of inspection in 1828.". "Teran's mission was to assess the political situation in Texas while establishing its boundary with the United States. Highly qualified for these tasks as a soldier, scientist, and intellectual, Teran was equally at home discussing politics with Stephen F. Austin, making astronomical observations to fix latitudes and longitudes, and receiving delegations of Indians. His diary offers perhaps, the most perceptive accounting of Texas's people, politics, natural resources, and future prospects during the critical decade of the 1820s.". "This book contains the full text of Teran's diary - which has never before been published - edited and annotated by Jack Jackson and translated into English by John Wheat. Also included are letters Teran wrote during his inspection, observations by other members of the expedition, and brief accounts by several foreign travelers who visited Texas at this time. The editor's introduction and epilogue place the diary in historical context, revealing the significant role that Teran played in setting Mexican policy for Texas between 1828 and 1832."--BOOK JACKET.