"The diary begins with Solms's departure from the family castle on the Rhine, Rheingrafenstein, in May 1844, and ends on June 30, 1845, in New York as he embarks upon his return trip to Germany. It contains important historical data, and its personal nature allowed freedom in the descriptions of people and places he encountered. Solms writes daily records of contacts with Texas officials and important citizens, numerous Germans of all stations already living in Texas, and of occasional Indian encounters.

He describes the extent and nature of his travels and includes descriptions of the region, particularly the German settlements.".

"Included in the Appendix are two additional important documents. First, is the diary of the colonial director of the Adelsverein, Alexander Bourgeois, who accompanied Solms until dismissed in August 1844. This record provides a unique counterpoint to Solms's viewpoint. The second is the Memoir on American Affairs, addressed to Queen Victoria.

In this, written in 1845 some months after Solms's return to Germany, develops political views which were strongly influenced by Solms's stay in Texas."--BOOK JACKET.