The evolution of a state, or, Recollections of old Texas days

the long version

"Noah Smithwick came to Texas in 1827 and stayed until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. He fought in the Battle of Concepcion during the Texas Revolution, chased the Mexican army south of the Rio Grande after the Battle of San Jacinto, and twice rode with the Texas Rangers. His stories of 'old Texas days, ' dictated to his daughter, Nanna Smithwick Donaldson, when he was blind and near his ninetieth year, stand as some of the most vivid, humorous, and detailed accounts of early Texas and of legendary Texans that Smithwick knew personally, including James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Stephen F. Austin."--Back cover.