Texas : a Brief Account of the Origin, Progress and Present State of the Colonial Settlements of Texas; Together with an Exposition of the Causes which have induced the Existing War with Mexico   By: William H. (William Harris) Wharton (1802-1839)

In "Texas: a Brief Account of the Origin, Progress and Present State of the Colonial Settlements of Texas; Together with an Exposition of the Causes which have induced the Existing War with Mexico," William H. Wharton delivers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the history and current status of the Texan settlement, while also delving into the underlying causes that have led to the ongoing conflict with Mexico.

Wharton's expertise on the subject matter is evident throughout the book. As a prominent leader in the Texan independence movement, his personal involvement and first-hand experience shine through in his writing. His meticulous research and extensive knowledge are evident in the richness of detail and analysis he provides.

The book begins with a thorough exploration of the origins of the Texan settlements. Wharton takes the readers back in time, describing the circumstances that led to the initial colonization efforts and the challenges faced by the early settlers. Through vivid descriptions, he brings to life the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers, painting a compelling picture of their perseverance and determination.

Moving forward, Wharton navigates the reader through the progression of the Texan settlements. He covers important milestones, such as the establishment of the Texan government, the growth of the Texan economy, and the increasing tensions between Texas and Mexico. He skillfully integrates primary sources and historical data, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of the complex factors that shaped the Texan society.

An exceptional element of Wharton's work is his exploration of the root causes behind the war with Mexico. He presents a balanced analysis, discussing both the Texan grievances and Mexico's perspective. By shedding light on the political, economic, and cultural factors that contributed to the conflict, he provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the situation.

The writing style employed by Wharton is engaging and accessible. His narrative flows smoothly from one chapter to another, making it easy for readers to follow along. Moreover, his use of vivid descriptions and anecdotes injects life into the historical events, making them relatable and captivating.

While Wharton's account is undoubtedly biased towards Texas, he does make an effort to present differing opinions, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. His balanced approach enhances the credibility of the book and makes it valuable for both academics and casual readers interested in Texan history.

In conclusion, "Texas: a Brief Account of the Origin, Progress, and Present State of the Colonial Settlements of Texas; Together with an Exposition of the Causes which have induced the Existing War with Mexico" by William H. Wharton is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Texan settlement and the conflict with Mexico. Wharton's expertise, attention to detail, and engaging narrative style make this book a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Texan struggle for independence.

First Page:

It will be seen that the title of this little pamphlet implies more than it contains. As war is now the order of the day, only a small portion of the political part of the work on "Texas" is here presented. It is hoped and believed that enough is unfolded to convince the most incredulous that the colonists of Texas have been forced into this contest with the mother country, by persecutions and oppressions, as unremitting as they have been unconstitutional. That it is not a war waged by them for cupidity or conquest, but for the establishment of the blessings of liberty and good government, without which life itself is a curse and man degraded to the level of the brute... Continue reading book >>