"Highly Important," Telegraph and Texas Register, September 25, 1839

Summary: The editor happily reported that recognition of Texas independence may soon be coming from France. He also gave reasons why more people should emigrate to Texas. He mainly argued that Indian attacks were infrequent, the land was cheaper than places like Mississippi, and planters could provide for slaves and livestock far more cheaply, thus reaping huge profits for themselves. Also said Texas was much healthier than the rest of the southwest because of the lack of swamps.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT--Recognition of Texian Independence by France--We have seen a letter from a distinguished source at Paris, dated the 28th of July which states that France has agreed to recognise the independence of Texas. We may expect soon to receive the official announcement of the recognition. It is openly spoken of at court and in the highest circles, as a settled question. We understand that M Pontois, Minister from France to the United States, who is now in Paris, has taken a strong interest in behalf of Texas, and acted as becomes the representative of an enlighted and liberal government.--N.Y. Times, Aug 20.

We have but little doubt of the correctness of the above paragraph. Information has reached this city (not officially) but what is almost equivalent to it, conveying the same information. In quoting this article, the Picayune makes some very sensible remarks, he says that nothing is wanting but a population to fill up our vacant domain. He is of opinion that emigration to our country will be greatly increased by our acknowledgement by European powers.

All that is necessary to ensure a large emigration to this country, is correct information on the subject. Many people in the United States in speaking of Texas, talk of our Indian difficulties--and the prospect of another invasion by the Mexicans, with as much seriousness as if there was some ground for their apprehensions.

This country is less exposed to Indian depradations than any that has ever been settled in America. We have not more than twenty thousand Indians in the territory claimed by the republic. They are generally of the lowest class and so destitute of courage, that little is to be apprehended from them. They have, however, and will probably continue to annoy the frontier; but emigrants wishing to settle in this country have millions of acres to select from which are no more exposed to Indian depradations than the States of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

One great advantage in emigrating to this country, is that land may be purchased, of a quality equal to the best Mississippi or Louisiana lands at from two to five dollars per acre, in portions of the country as secure from Indian difficulties as any portion of the United States. In other portions of the country, lands nearly as good may be had at from fifty cents to a dollar. Laborers can be supported here cheaper than any country in the world.--They can produce more cotton than they can save, and they can save more than they can in any portion of the States, and raise more corn than can be consumed on the plantation. Five hundred dollars invested in cattle and hogs would supply more meat than a plantation of fifty negroes could consume. Neither cattle nor hogs require any expense, but keep fat the whole year without feeding and may be killed out of the range at any season of the year.

In this way our slaves are supported at a mere nominal expense, and the whole amount of a cotton crop may be set down as clear profit.

Horses and mules may be raised with almost equal incility, and those who have not the means nor the disposition to embark in cotton or sugar planting, have an inexhaustible source of wealth in raising stock and grain--The emigration to this country is very large and constantly increasing, and for many years it is expected that the demand for stock and bread stuffs will keep pace with our production. But if the home market should fail, we shall always find a market in the West Indies, and we can supply those Islands cheaper than they can be supplied from any other country.

This country is more healthy than in corresponding latitudes in Mississippi and Louisiana. This is probably owing to the entire absence of swamps and marshes which are so productive of sickness in those States.

Source Copy Consulted: "Highly Important," Telegraph and Texas Register, September 25, 1839, p. 2