Although one sometimes wonders why certain works are given a second existence through being reprinted in a paper-bound edition, no such doubt attaches to The Texas Navy. To be sure, it is not one of the great classics of historical writing; nevertheless, it is the only one of its kind, it has been out of print since 1937, and it is the product of competent workmanship.
The purpose of the study is to demonstrate that, during the period 1835-1845, the role of her navy was vital to the achievement and maintenance of the independence of the Republic of Texas, a fact normally overlooked by most historians who have concerned themselves with the Texas story. Hill clearly makes his point, fully and effectively, with only some slight and infrequent exaggeration and occasional bias. With respect to the latter point, for example, Mexicans, when captured, were held in Texan jails, while Texans, when captured, were inevitably thrown into Mexican dungeons. Overall, however, Hill tells a story that merits telling and does it well.
The study has its weaknesses. It is precisely a reprint and not a revised edition, thus exhibiting a failure to take advantage of subsequent research in the area. Further, the story is much stronger on the Texan side than with respect to things Mexican, and in a number of instances Mexican motives are either oversimplified or not completely understood, to the harm of the Mexican reputation. A consequence which stems partially from this imbalance, and partially from the bias mentioned above, is that the good guys are too readily distinguishable from the bad guys, simply on the basis of national orientation.
Despite these shortcomings, the work is, to reiterate, worthy of being reproduced. The illustrations, which consist of a sketch map of the field of activity, four contemporary drawings, and two diagrams of naval actions, add materially to the value of the study.
