The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 33, July 1929 - April, 1930 Page: 8
344 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Southwestern Historical Quarterly
the fact that it became the instrument by which was laid the
foundation of all that the Association has done for the development
of our history. Everyone here must realize that this is so, but,
again, in our ignorance then of what it was to be and what it was
to do, we were typical of our time.
I can do no better than read from this same letter of Colonel
Ford's from which I have already quoted, to show just where we
of Texas, outside of a very few scholars, stood at that time.
"The proper history of Texas is yet unpublished. The men who
enacted the great deeds, rendering the Lone Star Republic famous,
have generally died without writing what stirred the heroic people
and helped strengthen their resolution to resist tyranny. .
R. M. Williamson was an outspoken advocate of free government.
He did more than any one man to nerve our people to strike for
liberty. He has been gathered to his fathers, and where are the
evidences of his wonderful exertions? They are almost lost to the
world. General Thomas J. Rusk-brave, eloquent and fearless-
our Secretary of War when the revolution was at its most fearful
height; after the Alamo and Goliad and their defenders had fallen;
after the mistaken members of the Consultation had illegally
attempted to turn Governor Smith out of office, and to invade
Mexico. Where is the historian who lived in those days of trouble
and danger? Colonel Frank Johnson wrote a history of Texas.
He was an officer in the Texas army, and was defeated at San
Patricio. His work has never seen the light and perhaps never will.
"General Rusk was at the battle of San Jacinto. He made an
official report to President Burnet, and left no individual, private
account of that wonderful contest.
"General Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, wrote a great
deal. Up to the present time no one has assumed the responsibility
to edit and publish his papers and his life.
"Who can tell the career of Richard Ellis, the president of the
Convention of 1836 ? . .. . How little is known of the members
of that memorable and distinguished body of men.
"Who has written a comprehensive life of Travis? or of Bowie?
and the heroes of the Alamo ? What has been done to revive a
correct memory of David G. Burnet? of General Edward Burleson?
"The Texans proved themselves good soldiers. If we look at
their utter neglect to record what they have done in war, and in
the matter of legislation, we must conclude they were not willing
writers.
"You see I have allowed a subject to run away with me. I shall
make no apology. If you get tired, burn the sheets."
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 33, July 1929 - April, 1930, periodical, 1930; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101090/m1/16/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.