Juan N. Almonte's 1834 Inspection, Secret Report, and Role in the 1836 Campaign

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating historical study
Review: Almonte's Texas is a fascinating historical study of the role of Col. Juan N. Almonte, who was sent to Texas by the Mexican government to determine whether the northern territory would be lost to North American colonists. His detailed, secret report with his recommendations for keeping Texas under Mexican control, as well as the fifty letters he wrote during his inspection and his role as special adviser to Santa Anna, are all revealed in this astounding primary source that astute captures a crucial perspective on history itself.

Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Source
Review: The wordly Almonte is an observant guide to the world that was Texas y Coahuila in the mid-19th century. Sent by Santa Ana in 1834 to inspect and report on the troublesome Texas, Almonte did that in the form of a secret report. He also wrote letters about the situation and when Santa Ana marched into Texas in 1836 Almonte was with him. This book contains the report, letters and the diary, along with maps and excerpts from other contemporary sources. The accompanying commentary allows even the novice to understand the material and appreciate its importance to Texas history.