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During the time Austin spent in Mexico, changes occurred in Texas and around the region. The cholera epidemic of 1833 that had struck Mexico also appeared in Matamoros and Monclova in Mexico, and in San Antonio and the Brazoria area in Texas. In the autumn of 1833, heavy rains and many cases of malaria, a disease carried by mosquitoes, added to the suffering.

Cholera and malaria are both very deadly diseases, and the practice of medicine was not very advanced at this time. Doctors could do little to help patients who contracted either disease. Around Brazoria, over 80 people died of cholera, including 8 members of the Austin family.



Although Texans continued to be concerned about Austin’s imprisonment during 1834, they were hopeful about their own situation. Conditions in Texas were getting better. The cholera epidemic ended, and the weather improved.



The reforms Santa Anna had promised for Texas also began. These included recognizing English as an official language for legal and business transactions, allowing immigration from the United States, and improving the court and postal systems. Religious tolerance was also granted. That meant that Anglo American settlers were no longer required to become Roman Catholics. In addition, Texas was divided into three departments, and thus was able to send three representatives, instead of one, to the state legislature of Coahuila y Tejas.



Officials in Mexico sent Colonel Juan Almonte (ahl•MOHN•tay) on an inspection tour of Texas in 1834. He reported that all was quiet in Texas and urged that reforms be continued. He also recommended that Austin be released from prison. That recommendation, however, was ignored.



In the space provided answer the following question:

What can you conclude from the fact that Santa Anna was willing to make some reforms?