"Untitled," Telegraph and Texas Register, April 10, 1839

Summary: Reprinted an article from a Galveston paper reflecting on the remarkable recent growth of Galveston. Said a number of distinguished men from the U.S. had arrived, even more permanent residents were on the way, and dozens of buildings were going up. Also mentioned the high number of slaves imported, arguing that they were necessary because even northern emigrants to Texas would rather have slaves than work the land themselves.

From the Galveston Gazette.

A larger number of emigrants has, perhaps, arrived at this port during the past ten days, then ever before in the same space of time. Three steam packets and several sailing vessels have arrived from the United States in that period, some of them crowded, and all bringing a respectable number of passengers. It will be seen by a reference to the partial lists we have been able to procure for publication that many of those who have arrived are men distinguished in the United States--ex-Governors, Members of Congress, and other dignitaries. A large number of slaves have also arrived, in one case a single individual bringing about sixty. As diabolical as it may seem to many persons at the north, the last named class of emigrants are the kind most needed and desired. White men, even those accustomed from childhood to the rigid industry of the north, will not apply themselves to the laborious occupation of producing with their own hands, the staples of our country, while the constitution and habits of the negro are adapted to it, and to the climate. The prospects of Texas were never half so flattering as at present. Emigration is on the increase, and those who come are not the vicious and idle, or foreign speculators, but mostly men who wish to settle permanently in the country, and, while they seek their own, add to the general prosperity. It is no longer a misnomer, to call this the city of Galveston. Such it now begins to seem. A hundred buildings are now going up, embracing fine hotels, academics, and private dwellings, one or two cotton presses are in contemplation and any estimate of the probable improvement of the approaching summer, might excite ridicule from persons abroad. Such an animated sight as our harbor has presented during the last week, would reflect no discredit upon some of the most important ports of the United States. As many as three steam ships, six river boats, one barque and a number of fine brigs and schooners were busily engaged in loading and unloading on Monday. Large quantities of cotton are arriving for transportation to England, and it is said that two other vessels are now nearly due from Liverpool.

Source Copy Consulted: "Untitled," Telegraph and Texas Register, April 10, 1839, p. 3