Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-06-09
IRON TIE SATURDAY COURIER.
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This interesting country at the pre-
sent moment attracts so much tention,
and calls forth so many inquiries, that
we are assured we shall render an ac-
ceptable service to the public in pre-
senting the following information, de-
rived from a source Of accurate personal
knowledge.
Under the Spanish dominion, Texas
was a separate province, occupied by
three military posts, La Bahia, st. An
tonic de Bexar, and Nacogdoches and
settlements of Mcxicans were around
each, which grew into considerable
town at Bexar, of about 1000, and Ma
cogdoches and La Bahia, INTO villages
of about 300 and 800 inhabitants. This
number has not increased, and forms at
present nearly the amount of the Mexi-
can and Spanish population in Texas
an addition of 1900 would include the
whole.
The country, at large, in all its beau
! ty and fertility, was left unoccupied,
except by the wild horse, the deer, and
the buffalo; all Of which, amidst luxu-
rant natural pastures, have multiplied
To an extent almost incredible. An in
telligent trader among the Indians, in
the interior regions of that country, on
being asked how many buffalo he had
seen in one herd. replied, one million
meaning literally what he said-but
It may be- restricted to declaration that
they could not be counted. The deer
are still more numerous, and that noble
animal, the horse, roves the country in
gregarious masses, with all the pride
and majesty Of his Arabian ancestors.
The progress Of population has not di-
minished the number Of either, but on
ly limited their range.
Texas was but little known 10 our
countrymen until seen by the gallant
bands who entered II in aid Of the Pa
iriot cause, at different periods Of the
Mexican struggle for independence.
They saw a country, equal 70 France
IN extent, intersected with numerous
rivers running hundreds of miles into
the interior, producing in ITS various
climate and soil all the commercial sta
Piles Of the whole American continent.
They brought home this knowledge.
and gave an account Of It's beauty, fer
tiliiy, and salubrity and many were
tempted 90 seek an abode there in
spite Of the prohibition Of the then ex-
isiIng laws. Foremost in this enter
Prise, was Moses Austin, who, about ~
years since, obtained from the com
mandant at BcNar permission 20 intro
duce settlers, and repaired 10 the U.
States 10 procure them, hot diving on
the route. left 20 MS son, Col. stephen
+. Austin. the iulhlment Of his under
taking. On tins gcntleman's arrival AZ
BeXar, he found the commandant IN
disposed 10 comply with his engage
nents. and the Revolution being &C.
comTlIshed, Ice determined 30 proceed
30 the City ol Mexico. and there re-
new the proposal Of introducing set
tier. into Texas. The result was the
passage Of a general colonization Law
authorizing particular districts Of ooun-
Try 90 be assigned 10 contractors who
would undertake 20 populate the eoun-
tTy. THIS law laid the foundation ri a
,ysiem which was made more liberal.
and extended by that Of the State Of
COahuila and Texas. under hich were
made the grants whirh have been made
the subject Of - much enterprise.
Austin was the first 10 begin oolonis-
ing, ana laid the foundation ct the ex-
iensive settlements now existing IN
Texas. But Others soon followed, and
Zavala, 3urnet, and Vehlein. were
equally successful in their application
for lands. They selected the district Of
country Immediately on the boundary
line q the United States, living he