The Sun.
London, England, 1841-05-17 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

TEXAS. 2 Vols.
Hastings, London, 1841.

In his preface to these volumes which
give the fullest accounts that have yet
appeared, of the rise, progress, and pro-
spects of the republic of Texas--Mr. Kennedy,
the author, pays the following deserved
tribute of respect to the memory of his friend
and patron, Lord Durham :—" The first time I
saw his Lordship in 1833, I was drawn to him by
a sentiment of attachment which seemed to be re-
ciprocal. Whatever trust he reposed in me af-
terwards, strengthened that sentiment, for his
soul was a mirror on which meanness and du-
plicity had never left a shade. Even in the irri-
tabilities of his quick temperament, there always
seemed to me a gladdening leaven of human
kindness. His foibles belonged to the accidents
of his position; his virtues were his own ; and for
my part I could more readily excuse the unpre-
meditated overflow of an impetous temperament,
than tolerate the frigid self-sufficiency which en-
trenches itself behind specious formalities for the
conservation of its prerogatives, real or supposed.
Truth, justice, and honesty were the pervading
elements of Lord Durham's moral nature, and
because they were, I honoured him when living,
and mourned him when dead. As a public man,
he was surpassed by none in devotion to his
country, and equalled by few in a clear percep-
tion of its interests; but he was in advance of
his time, and paid the usual penalty for being
so." There is much justice in this character of
Lord Durham, whose worst fault, we be-
lieve, was an irritable temperament, which
was apt at times to get the better of his
judgment. Having accompanied his Lordship
to Canada, Mr. Kennedy, when his official duties
were somewhat abruptly brought to a close by
the return of the Governor-General to England,
took the opportunity of visiting the southern
States of America, and thence passing into Texas,
of which he here gives us an account. On the
whole, his account is favourable, and, not impro-
bably, will have the effect of directing the atten-
tion of enterprising emigrants to this hitherto
neglected—and, indeed, in some respects un-
known—country, Texas, the author assures us,
is remarkable for the general salubrity of its
climate, and has been termed the Italy of Ame-
rica. That portion of it which consists chiefly
of prairies, is blessed with a delightful tempera-
ture favourable to most of the products which
render life agreeable. The mildness of the sea-
sons enables the planter to pick all the cotton he
can raise, to grow as much corn as lie requires,
and to accumulate stock of every description,
almost without labour or expense. The prevail-
ing summer wind from the south-west tempers
the warmth of July and August, with its
grateful and constant play. While the midsummer
air of the alluvial region of the Mississipi is sur-
charged with noxious moisture, the clear atmo-
sphere of Texas is quickened and renovated by
invigorating sea-breezes, which, passing over the
dry, rolling, and verdant surface of the interior,
enliven the spirits, and induce a love of existence,
even for the passive physical enjoyment it affords.
The drought that pervades the season from
the close of April to September is often molli-
fied by copious and refreshing showers, which
sometimes distribute their favours very unequally.
The unequal distribution of rain is indeed consi-
dered by husbandmen the chief defect in the
climate of Texas. One section of the country
is frequently saturated by teeming showers,
while, at the distance of only a few miles, the
ground is gaping for moisture. In December
and January the cold north winds sweep down
the plains with nearly as much regularity
as • the south-west wind in summer; but,
notwithstanding their severity, the winters
are generally as moderate as the month of
November in the North American States. Ice
is seldom seen, except in the districts towards the
North, and snow is a rare and transient visitor.
Estimated by its effects on a bountiful soil, the
climate of Texas may, it seems, claim to be en-
titled a perpetual summer, admitting, as it does,
of two or three crops a year, of fruit and vegeta-
bles, in great abundance and perfection. Mus-
quitos, however, and sand-flies, the curse of all
tropical countries, abound in the lower grounds
of Texas ; alligators infest the rivers; and veno-
mous snakes are numerous, though of'course they
will become more rare as civilization gradually
increases. Mr. Kennedy's second volume is de-
voted to a consideration of the recent quarrels
between Texas and Mexico, in which in many
respects he gives a different view of the subject
to those which have hitherto been published.