The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 66, July 1962 - April, 1963 Page: 599

Texas Collection

The history department of East Texas State College recently
learned of a collection of letters written by Alfred T. Howell
from Greenville and other points in Northeast Texas between
1852 and 1866. These letters, 186 in number, describe the coun-
try and the people of the area as seen by a Tennessee born gradu-
ate of the University of Virginia Law School. The letters to mem-
bers of his family have been microfilmed and are presently avail-
able for use at the East Texas State College Library. William E.
Sawyer of the history department at East Texas State has written
a series of articles on the letters which has been published in the
Greenville Herald Banner.
The Gatesville News for November i2, 1962, carried an article
by Charles G. Coryell, relative of the James Coryell (1801-1837)
for whom Coryell County was named.
The Brownsville Herald for October 31, 1962, carried a special
historical section designated as the "Sunshine Special." The sec-
tion bristles with articles and contributions of lasting interest in
connection with the Lower Valley history. A copy has been placed
in the archives for permanent preservation and use.
Dorthy W. Knepper, director of San Jacinto Museum of His-
tory Association, San Jacinto Monument, Texas, writes that the
San Jacinto Library is in need of Volumes 5 and 43 of the Quar-
terly to finish a set. Mrs. Knepper would be pleased to have
donations of or prices quoted on these two volumes.
Who was the fine citizen of Rome who said the first city of the
Republic and the first city of the empire should not perish? The
ancient landmarks should not be ruthlessly destroyed. Could not
the University's Littlefield home, as proposed by Katherine Hart
in the Austin American, February 26, be used to entertain official
visitors? The University makes no provision for this function and
" ... what an impression of Texas hospitality these visitors would
have from the high ceilings, the beautiful woodwork, the marble
fireplaces. ..." With period furniture, the home would be a show
place of Austin, as well as Texas.

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