as I know-there is no connection between them other than that each has at one time or another been a student of Texas history in my courses at the University of Texas. In the individuals I take a paternal pride; in their accomplishments-this publicaton and the others of its type-is proof of the merit of the study of the homeland. The fine sale which has attended each volume so far is con- vincing evidence of the demand for a scholarly publication pro- gram. In the modern world so replet.e with publications of the hardly-to-be-recommended Mickey Spillane type, it is indeed satisfying to know t.hat there are those with the perspicacity and persistence-as well as the scholarly ability-to produce such books. It is equally encouraging and satisfying to know that there are those who have balance and good judgment and are interested enough in the historic past of Texas to buy original source materials. That combination makes publication possible and provides assurance that the fundamental records will not be destroyed but will be preserved for future generations. Some documentary or source material is tremendously spark- ling and vivacious, but all source material is worthwhile and interesting (although perhaps in varying degrees) to the man of sufficient intelligence to adjust, to envision, and to understand. If "within good books lie buried treasures," what then should one say when approaching the bedrock source material necessary to the validity of any good historical account? Although those who actually produce the documents herein contained are no longer in the land of the living, it is no mixed metaphor to say that the State of Texas, which mothered the doc- uments by giving them birth, has fathered the book publication which makes their preservation possible. God willing may such a procedure continue forever to the honor and credit of the c:itizens of Texas and of those outside the state who take an hon- est historical interest in the Texan-yea even the American- way of life.
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