MESSAGE OF THE HON. HARDIN R. RUNNELS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS! PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE EIGHTH LEGISLATURE.

A scarce printing of Governor Runnels' message regarding the state of affairs in Texas on the eve of the Civil War, with much vitriol on slavery and abolition. Runnels discusses Indian troubles in the Red River country, the progress of railroads, and fiscal matters. He describes Captain Ford's expedition north of the Red River against "marauding bands of wild Indians" who plague "the frontier and border sections of our State." Runnels also comments on anti-slavery agitation, stating that "equality and security in the Union or independence outside of it, should be the motto of every Southern State." Runnels takes aim at the "anarchical and revolutionary schemes" of abolitionists who are "at open warfare with the rights of property and the constitutional laws by which it is protected." Winkler locates only three copies, and OCLC adds only three more. Quite scarce, and a forceful statement of pro-slavery sentiment in Texas. WINKLER 1221. EBERSTADT 165:194. OCLC 28445002, 26429201. Stitched, with remnant of original yellow wrappers along the backstrip. Two pages printed faintly. Very good. …