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All revolutions begin with a progression of successive events that galvanize opinion and build consensus within each warring faction. However, all revolutions begin tentatively: the risks are too great, the ignorance of each others motives too profound, the issues too complex for precipitate action.

The great import of the Thomson letter is that it provides wonderfully clear insight into the above-mentioned processes as they unfolded in the early sparring days of what would become the Texas revolution. Thus, the Thomson letter is like a snapshot of one of these progressive crises--an historical daguerreotype allowing us to view from contemporary eyes, the unfolding events in their own context that would lead to the Texas independence movement. The great value of the letter is that it permits us, almost like a time machine, to travel to the period and sip from the attitudes and events of the 1830s. Thomson's frank and open appraisal of a contemporary crisis, while utterly oblivious to the eventual outcome of the burgeoning conflict, provides stunning historical and human interest. In the ongoing national struggle within Mexico, which is the backdrop for the eventual Texas revolution, Thomson clearly sides with Santa Anna (against some of his own countrymen) because he judges Santa Anna the more democratic of the Mexican contenders. Such historical ironies are among the delights represented by this important letter. 

Donald H. Dyal, Director, Cushing Memorial Library
October 10, 2001