Gonzales, Texas

Yesterday I was sitting in a cab stuck in traffic trying to get in the tunnel between Manhattan and Queens. Today I cruised through the Texas countryside on the way to Gonzales with not a human, house, or even another car in sight.

Not many Texas towns can boast of a history like that of Gonzales, which was the site of the first Anglo settlement in the state. It was also the site of the first battle of the Texas Revolution, and the town was burned to the ground in 1836 by Sam Houston, who feared that the buildings and supplies would fall into the hands of the Mexican army. The town was later rebuilt, and today there are a lot of interesting old buildings. The statue on the left, which sits on the town square, is a memorial to the Confederate War dead. It was dedicated in 1909. Not many statues like that one around in Texas these days.

The signing was another humbling experience because Elmer Kelton was signing, too. I think Elmer outsold me easily four to one, but it's always a pleasure to talk to him. He's one of the nicest guys in the writing game.