in The University of Texas, enabled me to undertake a compre- hensive compilation of Houston's writings for publication. Dr. Amelia Williams, whose minute knowledge of the bibliography of much of Houston's career eminently fitted her for the task, was engaged for the active prosecution of the work, and she has brought it to its present state of completion. I have assisted Miss Williams as an occasional consultant and have read critically the text and her editorial notes. My chief contribution has been made in the relatively unimportant matter of editorial technique. The search for Houston materials has extended to all the prin- cipal libraries; to all state and federal depositories which might be supposed to contain Houston documents; to a wide range of newspapers; and to many individuals possessing Houston writ- ings, among whom Colonel M. L. Crimmins, Mr. George A. Hill, Jr., and Mr. W. A. Philpott should be gratefully mentioned. Mr. E. W. Winkler and Miss Winnie Allen of the University Library and Miss Harriett Smither, Archivist of the Texas State Library, have been very helpful in locating material. We have included all available writings, no matter how often specific pieces may have been printed before, with the exception of purely formal documents, such as legal acknowledgments, deeds, and commissions issued to various officers. In one in- stance, we have included an important series of letters written to Houston. These letters were written by James Prentiss, of New York, and relate to speculation in Texas lands. Houston's letters on the same subject would be even more puzzling than they are without both sides of the correspondence. Miss Williams's editorial notes, particularly her biographical notes, are full-even copious- and add greatly to the interest and value of the work. This volume and subsequent volumes, which are edited in the same way, will contribute to a fuller and juster understanding of Houston and his work. Documents within the chronological scope of this volume which may become available after this volume is printed will be published as a supplement to the succeeding volume, and so on throughout the series. Later volumes will cover, roughly, the following periods: Volume II, 1837-1841; Volume III, 1842-1845; Volume IV, 1846-1859; Volumes V-VI, 1860-1863. Publication will be completed in 1941, or earlier. EUGENE C. BARKER. The University of Texas.
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