ANSON JONES

A substantial life history of Anson Jones who, escaping from his life of failure as a doctor and merchant in New England, found his fate in Texas. By 1833 he had established himself in the new environment; his interest in public questions grew gradually, his potentials as a statesman were developed, and he was sent to Washington as Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Texas. As a diplomat, serving his adopted country, he was a figure that provoked interest, not only here but abroad, as the question of annexation of Texas became an international question. With the ups and downs of diplomatic shifts, Jones progressed until be became the last President of Texas, and as President witnessed the coming of statehood. His energies then turned to writing Texas' history -- and he ultimately took his own life. An interesting picture of inadequacies overcome, of a new land offering a new life to an unsuccessful man -- and a minute examination of early Texas history...Regional market, largely.