ORIGINAL PREFACE
In preparing the "Texas Reader,"
we have aimed at simplicity, both in style and language. Among the large
number of original articles here presented, we have bestowed special care
on those which relate to our own State. These have been gathered from the
most reliable sources, and were written with the view of inspiring our
youth with a love of Texas, and an admiration of Texan heroes. The
struggles of those who settled the country and fought its battles should
be familiarly known to our children. We, therefore, feel assured that our
effort to present important historical incidents in an accessible form,
and in a style adapted to the comprehension of the young, will be fully
appreciated.
The "Texas Reader" is a home
production. It is a Southern work, and is called for, not merely from
feelings of State pride, but is also demanded by the wants of the country.
The present inadequate supply of school books is becoming a subject of
universal complaint. The cause of this complaint we are endeavoring to
remove.
In preparing the Reader, we have, as a
matter of course, made use of other books of the same kind. The selected
articles are worthy of the place they occupy. Our book would be incomplete
without them; and they will be recognized, by many a school-boy, as old
and familiar friends, without whose presence our new Reader might not meet
with so cordial a welcome.
The favor with which the previous numbers
of our Series have been received has greatly encouraged us in presenting
this third volume to the youth of Texas. We are convinced that a book of
the kind has become a necessity, and others will follow in due time. Let
all encourage domestic manufactures. Let us become independent in the
means of education, as in everything else. The South has made heroes; let
us also make books.
It was our intention to have extended this
book to two hundred and fifty pages, and the matter has been prepared for
a book of that size. The present scarcity of printing paper having forced
us to curtail the book to its present dimensions, at some future day,
should a second edition be called for, we hope to be able, not only to
publish this book as originally designed, but to add a Fourth to the
Series. For both of these we solicit original articles, in conformity to
the general design of this work, which will be carefully preserved until
we are able to print them.
In the preparation of this book, we are
largely indebted to Rev. J. R. Hutchison, D. D., of the Houston Academy,
and many other gentlemen and ladies of our State, to all of whom we tender
our heartfelt thanks.
E. H. CUSHING,
Publisher
HOUSTON, January 15, 1864.
