NOTICIA ESTADISTICA SOBRE TEJAS.

Mexico: Impreso por Ignacio Cumplido, Calle de los Rebeldes n.2, 1835. 96,[4]pp. Folding tables (3). Original printed wrappers. First edition. Minor foxing and staining, overall, a very good or better copy of this rather fragile edition. Jenkins, BTB 2: “One of the most valuable descriptions of Texas on the eve of the revolution…” Streeter, Bibliography of Texas 816: “This Noticia Estadistica is based on a visit made to Texas by Almonte in the spring of 1834, at the orders of the Mexican government, to hear the complaints of the Texans and to gain time for the government to devote its attention to Texas matters….It is an invaluable account of Texas as it appeared to an intelligent observer in the year 1834.” Clark, Travels in the Old South 5: “This was Almonte’s official report as an aide to Santa Anna after extensive travel in Texas in 1834. It is mainly a description of Texas, its location, climate, products, history, political divisions, geology, rivers, and Indians.” Juan Nepomuceno Almonte was sent by Mexico to address Texian complaints and assess their military capabilities and the potential for revolt. Starting from New Orleans in early 1834, he traveled through Nacogdoches, San Felipe, Brazoria, Velasco, and Harrisburg, reaching Monclova in September. He described the towns, roads, ports, people, terrain, flora, fauna, and native tribes. Captured at San Jacinto, Almonte helped draft the Treaty of Velasco. A particularly nice copy with its original wrappers,  it is a cornerstone work on the conditions in Texas at that point in time.