"Riddell's travel account of early Texas rewards readers with a rich assortment of period detail."--True West "A scholarly and valuable contribution to our understanding of mid-nineteenth century Texas. . . . his observations on the land and its people will not disappoint."--Review of Texas Books "Perhaps divine intervention has kept silent this vainglorious scientist who so openly lusted for recognition; a century and a half, however, is penance enough, and for so effectively restoring this long-lost voice, the editor deserves praise."--Journal of Mississippi History