Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-04-15
A short description Of Texas.

The State of Texas is now divided int
foriy-fve counties. OF these, Montgome
ny is the most populous of the intericl
counties, and Galveston the most populou
ofthose situated on tho coast. Galveston
isthe most important city of Texas, though
Houston contains about the same number
Of inhabitants. The next city Of impor.
lance is San Augustine, in which are loca
ted the Washington College, with about
l40 students, and a seminary with sixty OIL
seyenty-6ve. thas population Of 1900
Austin, the seat Of government, in Ira
Wis county, at the foot of the San Saba
mountains, and fguratively called the sci.
tyof the seven hills" is beautifully situa-
ted on the Colorado, in one Of The mosl
picturesque and romantic spots in Texas.
!. has a population Of 1900, and is rapid
ly increasing. The new constitution pro.
vides that the seat of government shall
continue at Austin until 1850, when,
should the State be divided in the mean
time, the probability is that il will be re-
moved farther east.
San Antonio de Bexar, near the western
frontier of Texas, on the San Antonio
river, is The Oldest and best built town in
Texas. II was settled about two hundred
years ago. under the auspices of an asso.
citation Of Spanish monks, and at one time
contained about $4,000 inhabitants. But
It has been several times nearly depopula-
led within the last century by the Cuman.
che Indians, il never having been ade.
quately defended by its inhabitants, or the
Spanish and Mexican governments; nor
until its partial occupation by Texan ana
American citizens. The town is built en-
ilrely Of stone, and now contains popu-
hllon Of about 1900.
The Alamo, dismantled fortress, the
memorable scene Of the lamented fate Of
Travis, Bowie, and Crockett, is situated
on The east bank of the San Antonio river,
opposite the town, and contains within lis
walls church in partial state OF preser-
satlon. There is also ia the city large
Catholic Cathedral, used by the Mexicans
asa place Of worship. This, like all the
Churches 10 the vicinity, Of which there
are five, is built in ancient style Of archi-
lecture, and gives to the stranger the i'm.
preston that he is wandering amid the an
Gent Caslilian edilices of Old Spain.
There are two large public squares in
NE city Of San Antonio, one called the
military square, intended for military oc-
sapation, and the other the civil square,
containing the public buildings Of the mu.
alcpal authorities.
About five miles above the city are the
sources ofthe San Antonio river. These
consist Of " four fountains, or springs, the
Algest covering nearly an acre, and the
o'nefs Of smaller size. The water Of
nese fountains is so transparent that ten
sl! piece may be seen at the depth Of for
yleet The outlets to these fountains
auue short distance below, and at point
s three miles above the city, dam Of
"nd masonry is thrown across the stream,
~ acqueducts are from thence construct.
9on either side Of tho river, to convey
lIe"a'er from The main reservoir to the
aauses and gardens Of the city, and the
mutations below. The ucqueduc,s we're
~a''rucied perhaps century and half
&oy the Catholic establishment; and
s sauo' ne regulations then established, the
spne'or Of each hacienda was, as is
NY, permitted to use the water for irri-
s,.ug MS whole plantation as often as
H., ~ required, and in quantities in proper
~ IN Y The extent Of his possessions.
a'ee are three old Catholic establish.
nv ssA 70 The vicinity OF San Antonio, s.
~ nv "a tiie river below The city al inter
S% = lew miles. These, Conception,
s0se, and San Juan, are each church
Z, funded y BY wall, intended Tor purpo.
n. ~ defence. Within these walls are
X, s's n, numerous small buildings for|
~ ~ and protection OF The neighbor-
,s' s''psfs and their families. during the |
0ry excursions III Tie Indians.