USA > Texas > A pictorial history of Texas, from the earliest visits of European adventurers, to A.D. 1879. Embracing the periods of missions, colonization, the revolution the republic, and the state; also, a topographical description of the country together with its Indian tribes and their wars, and biographical sketches of hundreds of its leading historical characters. Also, a list of the countries, with historical and topical notes, and descriptions of the public institutions of the state > Part 56
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
ASYLUM, DEAF AND DUMB .- This Institution is beautifully located on the west side of the Colorado river, in full view of the city of Austin; went into operation in 1857, under the superintendence of Dr. J. W. Nostrand, who continued in the Superintendency until 1876. It was opened for the reception of pupils on the first of January, 1857, the trustees having rented the premises which are still occupied for one year. In 1858, these premises, consisting of fifty-seven and a half acres of land and several small wooden buildings thereon, were purchased as the permanent site of the institution, the Legislature having made an appropriation of $7,500 for that purpose. The price paid for the land and improvements was $5,500, and the remaining $2,000 were expended in making the necessary alterations and additions for the accommodation of a larger number of pupils. The institution contin- ued to prosper and increase until the breaking out of the war, when it suffered a temporary check, but at no time have the pupils been dispersed or the regular sessions interrupted. In 1858 there were eighteen pupils. The report for 1862, shows the total number received to that date, thirty- eight; of whom twenty-two were still in the institution. In 1867, $7,500 were expended in repairs. In 1874, there were forty-two inmates of the institution. In Governor Coke's message to the Fourteenth Legislature, in January, 1875, he says of this State Institution :
" Under the excellent management of Superintendent Van Nostrand, whose qualifications and fitness for the place are very superior, the unfort- unates, who in this institution are receiving the care and aid of the State, are pleasantly situated, and present in their smiling and cheerful faces, abundant evidence of the parental kindness with which they are treated and controlled, and of their grateful appreciation of their surroundings. Their ready intelligence and the proficiency they exhibit in the various branches of study, indicates capacity and industry in their teachers, as well as a thorough knowledge of the peculiar and difficult system through which they are taught. It is suggested, for the consideration of your honorable bodies, that while as a school for the education of these afflicted children, this institution, though limited in its capacity, so far as numbers are con- cerned, is an admirable one, that by extending the education of the pupils to some useful or mechanical trade, by which they would be enabled after leaving school to earn a livelihood, the practical utility of an education there, would be very much enhanced, and the benefit conferred would be more real and substantial. The pupils in this school, with the usual train- ing, would make good mechanics or artizans, and good printers. They are quick, intelligent and apt; their physical development is generally good,
40
·
736
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
and when their understanding is reached, their action is as prompt and intelligent as that of those not afflicted as they are. It is recommended that an appropriation be made for the purchase of a printing press, and so much material as may be necessary to be used in teaching the printer's art, as one of the branches of instruction of this institution. The benefits con- ferred will, to them, be great, while the cost to the State will be insignifi- cant."
In March, 1876, General Henry E. M'Culloch was appointed Superin- tendent. There were then forty-seven inmates-thirty boys and seventeen girls.
ASYLUM, ORPHAN .- No State Orphan Asylum has ever been opened. In 1867-68, an orphan asylum-primarily for the children of deceased Confed- erate soldiers-was opened at Bayland, in Harris county, by Rev. Mr. Preston. He was succeeded in the Superintendency by Major H. F. Gil- lette. It is under the management of a board of trustees, who perform all their duties gratuitously. In 1873, the Legislature gave to this institution a portion of the land set apart in 1856, for an orphan asylum. We have no statistical report.
ASYLUM, LUNATIC .- In 1857, a site was selected three miles north of Aus- tin, and Dr. Perry appointed Superintendent. 1858, Dr. C. G. Keenan, Superintendent. 1862, Dr. J. M. Steiner, Superintendent. Dr. Steiner reports that since the institution was opened, sixty-seven patients had been received : 49 males and 18 females; and of this number 21 had been restored to their proper mind and returned to their friends. In 1865, Dr. B. Graham was Superintendent. 1866, Dr. Beall, Superintendent; 54 patients. 1867, the admission of freedmen necessitated an enlargement of the premises, and $35,000 was expended in the purchase and improvements of the Cross property. 1870, $20,000 appropriated for new buildings; James A. Corley, Superintendent ; 83 inmates. 1871, 95 inmates; 48 males and 47 females (12 colored). 1872, J. F. Weisselberg, Superintendent ; average number of inmates, of whom 20 per cent. were restored. 1874, Dr. B. R. Wallace, Superintendent ; 127 inmates. 1876, September 1st, 201 patients-119 male and 82 female.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
STATE HOUSE .- The most conspicuous public building in Austin is the State House, beautifully situated on a commanding eminence at the head of the ave- nuc, in the northeastern portion of the city. The foundation-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, July 4th, 1852. It is three stories, 140x90 feet ; floor of the lower story oolite marble, inlaid in cement. Two passages, 20 feet wide, cutting each other at right-angles, run through the length and breadth of this story. There are twelve rooms, occupied by the Executive Depart- ment for offices, etc. A broad stairway ascends from the front to the second story, and another from the inside reaches this story in the rear of the build- ing. The second story contains the Senate Chamber and the Hall of the House of Representatives, with some committee rooms, etc. The third story has the geological cabinet, State library, and other rooms used by commit- tecs, etc. It is built of the limestone of the neighborhood; foundation ten fect in the ground. From the bottom of the wall to the top of the dome it is 101 feet. The original cost was estimated at $150,000, and $25,000 for furniture.
ROOMS OF THE SUPREME COURT .- This building is in the inclosed area of the Capitol grounds, a little northwest of the main building. It was built originally for a land office; then fitted up for the State Department, and, in 1870, refitted and appropriated to the uses of the Supreme Court.
THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE .- This building stands outside of the Cap- itol, enclosed upon an eminence on the east side of Congress avenue, and nearly fronting the Governor's House. It is built of stone, of a harder kind than the Capitol. It is two full stories in height, with semi-circular windows and high commanding roof. It contains fifteen rooms, connected with each other by corridors and spiral stairways. On account of its loca- tion and construction, it is much the most pleasing of the public buildings in appearance. Cost, $39,000. Built, 1851-2.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT .- This edifice is situated within the Capitol ground, to the rear of the Capitol, on the east. It is of the same material as the Capitol, being two stories in height, and entered by a flight of wind- ing stairs through a portico into the second story. The basement is strongly vaulted. The Comptroller and Auditor have their offices in this building, which contains some twelve rooms. It is square-roofed, well supplied, as are all the public buildings, with ample cisterns. Cost, $35,000.
THE GOVERNOR'S HOUSE .- This is a brick edifice located upon an eminence on the west side of Congress avenue, near the Capitol. It is two stories, having a portico extending along its whole front, with six Ionic columns and square roof. It is enclosed by a neat paling, with graded grounds, and is a neat structure. Whole cost, $17,000. Built in 1855.
CHURCHES.
During the eighteenth and earlier years of the nineteenth century the Roman Catholic religion was established by law, and no other form of Christianity existed, as will be seen in the history of the "Old Missions.' Those established for the conversion of the Indians were under the jurisdic- tion of Fathers of the Order of St. Francis. In 1790, Texas belonged to the bishopric of Guadelaxara, and in 1793 to that of Monterey. The Missions were secularized. In 1805, Bishop Primus Feliciana Maria visited Texas to regulate the affairs of the Church. There were priests at various points: at Spanish Bluff, Jose Angel Cabaso; at San Antonio, Father McGuire; at the Alamo, Clement Delgado, and at Paso del Norte, Jose Prado. In 1830, there were regular priests at San Antonio, Goliad and Nacogdoches. Father Henry Doyle was the minister for the Irish colonists at San Patricio. In 1831, Austin's colony was visited by Father Michael Muldoon, at Brazoria. Mr. Muldoon was entertained by Jolin Austin, and at San Felipe by Samuel M. Williams. He passed through the principal settlements, baptizing and marrying such as desired these rites. In the ab- sence of a priest, parties were married by a bond before an Alcalde. At Abner Kuykendall's, on Mill creek, Father Muldoon married four couples and baptized over one hundred. His charge was $25 for marrying and $2 for administering baptism. After the revolution, Galveston was erected into a See under Bishop Odin. The cathedral was built in 1847-8.
When Bishop Odin was transferred to the Arch-Episcopal See of New Orleans, he was succeeded in the See of Galveston by Bishop Dubois. In 1874, two new dioceses were formed: that of San Antonio, Bishop Pellicer, and Brownsville, Bishop Mauncy. The new Bishops were consecrated by Bishop Perche, at Mobile, December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Con- ception. In 1875, there were in the three dioceses eighty-three priests, eighty-five churches, one hundred and sixty-five chapels, and an estimated population of 200,000. (See statistical table below.)
BAPTIST .- Among the early colonists in Texas were a few belonging to the Baptist church. In 1825, Elder Joseph Bays visited Texas and preached at the house of Moses Shipman, on the Brazos. In 1829, Thomas Hanks preached at the same place, and the same year Thomas J. Pilgrim organized a Sunday school in San Felipe. A church was organized in Austin's colony in 1833. In 1837, Elder Z. N. Morrell organized a church in Washington. In 1838, Union Church, near Nacogdoches, was constituted by Elder Isaac Reed. In 1839, churches were organized at Independence, Washington county ; at Travis, Austin county, and at Plum Grove, Fayette county. The Union Association was formed at Travis, October 8th, 1840. Elder Huckins organized the church in Galveston in 1840, and that in Houston the next year. During 1841 the church in Gonzales was organized by Elder Morrell. In 1843, the Sabine Association was formed, five churches being represented.
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A PARTIAL VIEW OF AUSTIN, TEXAS. AS SEEN FROM THE DEAF AND DITMIR ASYT.TIM
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741
PROTESTANT CHURCHES.
In the same year Border Church was organized in Harrison county by Elder Lemuel Herrin, and that in Huntsville by Elder Morrell. In 1846, Baylor University was chartered ; Lake Soda Association was formed in 1847, and those of Trinity river and Red river in 1848. The State Convention was organized at Anderson in 1848. From a table before us, we learn that in 1853 there were eleven associations of the regular Baptists, and three of the Anti-Mission, one hundred and fifty churches, and about ten thousand mem- bers. In 1868, a General Association was formed in North Texas. In 1875, there were forty-three associations, nine hundred and ninety-five churches, six hundred and four ordained ministers, and 54,000 members.
Necrology .- In 1847, Rev. William M. Tryon died of yellow fever in Houston ; in 1854, Thomas Chilton in Huntsville; 1859, J. B. Stiteler; 1865, Michael Ross; 1867, Noah Hill and S. G. O'Bryan; 1868, D. B. Morrell ; 1873, R. E. B. Baylor.
CHRISTIANS, OR DISCIPLES OF CHRIST-Have had preachers and regular congregations in Texas since the days of the Republic. We have no relia- ble statistics of the denomination. In Governor Hubbard's speech at the Centennial, he places the number of their members in the State at 7,000.
EPISCOPAL, PROTESTANT .- In 1838, Rev. Caleb S. Ives collected a congre- gation and built a church in Matagorda. The same year Rev. R. M. Chapman organized a parish in Houston. In 1840, Bishop Polk visited Texas, and in 1841 Rev. Benjamin Eaton was sent as a missionary to Gal- veston and Houston. Having built a church in Galveston in 1842, Mr. Eaton became its permanent rector. In 1843, Rev. Charles Gillette supplied the parish in Houston. In 1844, Rev. G. W. Freeman was consecrated missionary bishop of Arkansas and Texas. The diocese of Texas was or- ganized at a convention held at Matagorda, January 1st, 1849. In the convention six clergymen represented six parishes. In 1854, there were reported sixteen parishes and fourteen clergymen. In 1859, Texas was constituted a separate diocese, and Rev. Alexander Gregg constituted bishop. In 1874, two new dioceses were formed: that of Western Texas, Right Rev. W. B. Elliott, bishop, and Northern Texas, Right Rev. Alexander C. Garrett, bishop. In Governor Hubbard's Centennial speech he places the number of communicants at 3,000.
Rev. Mr. Ives died in Matagorda in 1849, and Rev. B. Eaton in Galveston in 1871.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH .- Rev. Henry Stephenson, of the M. E. Church, preached in Austin's colony in 1824. A camp-meeting was held and a church organized near San Augustine in 1833, and a similar meeting held and a second church organized near the residence of Rev. John W. Kenney, in Austin county, in 1834. In 1837, the M. E. Church sent three missionaries to the Republic: Rev. Martin Ruter, D.D., Rev. R. Alexander, and Rev. Littleton Fowler. The Texas Annual Conference was organized at Ruterville by Bishop Waugh, December 25th, 1840. In 1844, the Church separated into two distinct organizations, the Texas Conference
742
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
adhering to the M. E. Church South, and the same year the East Texas Conference was organized by Bishop Janes. The West Texas Conference was set off by Bishop Pierce in 1858; the Northwest Conference by Bishop Marvin, in 1866; the North Texas Conference was organized by Bishop M'Tyeire, at Waxahachie, in 1867, and the German Conference was organ- ized by Bishop Keener, in Houston, in 1874. The following figures, taken from the published minutes, show the number of ministers, traveling and local, and members, white and colored, for the years given :
Years.
Itinerant.
Local.
White.
Colored.
1840
19
25
1,743
237
1850
86
182
10,489
1,847
1860
244
461
30,661
7,355
1870
280
526
34,772
2,007
1878
408
755
72,509
NOTE .- For further information, see Thrall's History of Methodism in Texas.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL (North) .- The Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Bishop Simpson, in Galveston, in 1867. Two other Conferences were organized. by Bishop Harris, in 1874; and a fourth by Bishop Peck, in 1876. Our latest statistics are for 1874. There were then 189 traveling and 248 local preachers; 16,930 full members, and 3,706 probationers; 105 church buildings, and 12 parsonages. Value of church property, $123,005.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL, (African) .- Has two Conferences in Texas. This church is served by Bishops of their own color, and composed entirely of colored people. In 1873, they reported 5,783 full members, and 1,291 pro- bationers ; 91 local preachers, and 54 churches, valued at $43,609.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL, (Colored) .- Has also an efficient organization of Conferences, districts, circuits, etc., but we have no statistics.
METHODIST PROTESTANT .- This body dispenses with Bishops. It has, we believe, two annual Conferences in Texas. We have no statistical report. In Governor Hubbard's Centennial speech, he places the number of mem- bers at 2,000.
PRESBYTERIAN .- As early as 1834, Rev. P. H. Fullenwider, of the Pres- byterian Church, preached in Texas. During the summer of that year, he assisted in holding a camp-meeting in Austin county. In 1838, Rev. Hugh Wilson organized a church at San Augustine, and another at Independence. During the same year, Rev. John M'Cullough organized a church in Gal- veston, and Rev. Wm. Y. Allen in Houston. The Brazos Presbytery was organized at Gay Hill, Washington county, April 3d, 1840. Two new Presbyteries were organized in 1850, and in 1851, a Synod was organized at Austin. The following are the statistics for 1877-78: Ministers 81,
743
PROTESTANT CHURCHES.
licentiates 1, candidates 5, churches 141, elders 337, deacons 173, mem- bers added on examination 462, on certificate 507; total membership 5,351. Adults baptized 139, infants 261, number of baptized non-commun- icants 1,073, number of children in Sabbath-schools and Bible classes 4,127. Amount contributed for sustentation $895.00, Evangelistic fund $539.00, invalid fund $383.00, foreign missions $796.00, education $898.00, publica- tion $312.00, presbyterial $597.00, pastors' salaries actually paid $34,690.00, congregational $20,012.00, miscellaneous $2,161.00, making a total of money raised $61,283.00, which is $11.45 to each communicant.
Necrology .- Rev. John Limber died in 1848; L. S. Gibson in 1853; Jerome Twitchell, lost at sea in 1856; Dr. Daniel Baker died in 1857; Thomas Castleton in 1865, lost at sea ; Rufus W. Baylie in 1866 ; Hugh Wil- son in 1868; John M'Cullough in 1870; Wm. C. Blair in 1873.
PRESBYTERIAN (North.)-The Presbytery of Austin is a body connected with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, (familiarly known as the Northern Presbyterian Churchi) was organized July 16th, 1868; three ministers and an equal number of churches being represented. The following statistics of this body were furnished by Rev. E. B. Wright, of Austin, in 1875: 12 churches, 9 ministers and one licentiate, 420 church members, 700 members of Sabbath-school. and raised for all purposes, $8,787.
PRESBYTERIAN (Cumberland) .- Rev. Sumner Bacon, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, visited Texas in 1828; and in 1832 he was employed as a colporteur of the Natchez Tract Society, and assigned to work in Texas. In 1833, Rev. Milton Estell organized a church in Red River county ; and in 1836, Mr. Bacon organized one near San Augustine. The first Presbytery was organized with the church near San Augustine, in 1837. The Red River and the Colorado Presbyteries were organized in 1841. The Synod was organized at Nacogdoches in 1842, Sumner Bacon, Moderator. The Brazos was organized in 1849, and the Colorado Synod in 1853. The Gen- eral Assembly of this church met in Jefferson, Texas, in 1875. There were present, Revs. Sumner Bacon and M. Estell, who organized the first churches of the denomination in the-State; and Rev. Mr. Awalt, the first minister of this church ordained in Texas. Our latest statistics are from the report to the General Assembly in 1874: 177 ministers, 205 congrega- tions, 8,450 members, and property valued at $147,571.
We annex the following, condensed from the United States census reports, giving all the figures furnished in reference to the various church organiza- tions, for the three censuses since the annexation of Texas to the Union :
744
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
1850.
Edifices.
Accommodations.
Value of·
Property.
All Denominations.
341
63,571
$ 204,930
Baptists
82
10,680
21,090
Christian
5
100
150
Episcopal, Protestant.
5
1,025
15,100
Lutheran
2
1,300
1,000
Methodist.
176
33,045
58,195
Presbyterian, Regular
45
8,320
20,070
Presbyterian, other.
3
195
Roman Catholic ..
.......
13
6,760
74,700
1860.
All Denominations.
1,034
271,196
1,095,254
Baptists
280
77,435
228,030
Christian ..
58
15,405
27,305
Episcopal, Protestant
19
8,528
111.250
Lutheran.
19
3,510
20,500
Methodist.
410
103,799
314,434
Presbyterian, Regular
72
19,067
120,550
Presbyterian, other
52
19,350
47,430
Roman Catholic
33
12,772
189,900
1870.
All Denominations
647
199,100
1,055,430
Baptists
211
61,700
196,540
Christian ..
17
4,450
11,630
Episcopal, Protestant.
31
11,400
109,400
Lutheran.
21
7,650
47,900
Methodist
244
19.100
251.140
Presbyterian, Regular
70
22,750
128,500
Presbyterian, other
14
4,850
14.100
Roman Catholic
36
16,000
264,200
.
TEXAS MILITARY INSTITUTE, AUSTIN.
COMMERCE.
Comparatively little attention has been paid to the preservation of the history of our commerce and navigation. As early as 1835, the late Com- modore Morgan sent one of his steamships, the Columbia, to Galveston. We believe Mr. Morgan owned a controlling interest in the steamships, New York, Capt. Wright, and the Neptune, Captain Rollins, which ran between New Orleans and Galveston in 1841-45. In 1847, by the purchase of the steamships Palmetto, Capt. Smith, and the Galveston, Captain Crane, Messrs. Harris and Morgan obtained control of the carrying trade between New Orleans and the Texas coast. In 1848, those steamers were sent to Matagorda Bay, and a little later, to other points in the west ; down as low as Brazos St. Jaco. In 1849, Captain Jerry Smith took from Matagorda. Bay the first cargo of cattle shipped from Texas. In 1857, Commodore Vanderbilt opened a new route via Berwick Bay ; but this soon passed into the hands of Mr. Morgan, who gained control of the railroad from New Orleans to Berwick. In 1867, Mr. Morgan deepened the channel at Red Fish and other bars, so that his steamers now ascend Buffalo bayou to Clinton, a few miles below Houston. He also purchased a controlling interest in the Houston and Texas Central Railway. Commodore Morgan died in May, 1878.
A newspaper contributed the following sketch of one of the first sail vessels in the Texas trade : " This ship, the Star Republic, was originally a barge. She was built by Sylvester Gildersleeve, at Portland, Conn., for the Galveston trade in 1842. She was owned by S. Gildersleeve, Wm. Hendley and J. J. Hendley, and sailed from New York on her first voyage the 12th day of October of that year, and arrived in Galveston on the 25th of the same month, making the passage in thirteen days. J. J. Hendley commanded her. She was consigned to Messrs. Meugurs & Garcia, mer- chants of Galveston. In July, 1842, she was taken to Portland (?), Conn., and changed into a ship. She sailed from New York on the 3d of October, the same year, and arrived in Galveston on the 18th of same month, making the passage in fifteen days. During her stay at Galveston, sixteen vessels of foreign tonnage were lying in the harbor, and the Star Republic was the only one that flew the American flag. This was before annexation. She was a fast and favorite ship, and often made passages in from twelve to fifteen days. She was in the 6th of October hurricane off the northest point of Abasco in 1844. Her foreyard broke in the slings, her maintop- mast was carried away, and her sails blew from the yards after they were furled. The light-house on Sand Key was blown down, and Key West inundated in the same hurricane. In September, 1855, Captain D. N. Moss took command of the ship, and J. J. Hendley retired from the sea and became a partner in the mercantile firm of Wm. Hendley & Co. This ship was the pioneer of the Texas and New York line of packets, and was the first vessel that flew the national flag of the Republic of Texas for her pri-
748
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
vate signal. She was sold in 1847 to make room for the following vessels of larger capacity: S. F. Austin, J. W. Fannin, W. B. Travis, W. H. Wharton, Montauk, National Guard, J. C. Kuhn, S. Gildersleeve and B. R. Milam. In 1849 she burned at sea, 150 miles north and east from Cape Hatteras."
A model of this ship figures conspicuously among the curiosities that are preserved by Captain Hendley in his studio.
Before the late civil war the commerce with the northern cities and European ports was carred on, mostly in sail vessels, though occasionally a steamer would engage for a short period in the trade. Since the close of the war, steamship lines have been established between Galveston and New York; and also with European ports. We have no accurate statistics of the shipping business of any Texas port except Galveston; and it is, perhaps safe to assume that Galveston controls two-thirds of the trade of the State. From the " annual review " of the News we take some figures, illustrative of the business of that city.
COASTING TRADE OF GALVESTON FROM 1870 TO 1877 .- NO. OF VESSELS.
ENTERED.
CLEARED.
Totals for Fiscal Years.
| Number Vessels.
Tonna
Totals for Fiscal Years.
Number
Vessels.
Tonna
1876-7.
388
407,382
1876-7.
301 263,792
1875-6.
428 435,535
1875-6.
311 290,956
1874-5.
460 428,334
1874-5.
531 285.970
1873-4.
490,450.830
1873-4.
315 274,919
1872-3.
636 569.206
18722-3.
422 424,848
1871-2.
481 346.473
1871-2.
495 322,565
1870-1.
522 362,895
1870-1
596 349,990
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