Based on documents from the Laredo Archives, Life in Laredo shows the evolution and development of daily life in a town under the flags of Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Isolated on the northern frontier of New Spain and often forgotten by authorities far away, the people of Laredo became as grand as the river that flowed by their town and left an enduring legacy in a world of challenges and changes. Because of its documentary nature, Life in Laredo offers in sights into the nitty-gritty of the comings and goings of its early citizens not to be found elsewhere. Robert D. Wood, S.M., presents the first one hundred years of history and culture in Laredo up to the mid-nineteenth century, illuminating--with primary source evidence--the citizens' beliefs, cultural values, efforts to make a living, political seesawing, petty quarreling, and constant struggles against local Indians. He also details rebellious military and invading foreigners among the early settlers and later townspeople. Scholars and students of Texas and Mexican American history, as well as the Laredoans celebrating the 250th anniversary (in 2005) of Laredo's founding, will welcome this volume. "Although there have been a number of books on the history of Laredo, …

Letter written from the constitutional court (Juzgado Constitutional) of Nuevo Laredo to the mayor of Laredo, Texas asking that they return archives and furniture that were taken to Laredo in 1863. A response from Laredo on the reverse states that the person they reference (Nicolas Grisanti) is ill and will look into the issue when he is well.

Cancelled letter from the tax collector to Agasito Galván saying he is handing over the archives and documents to the first alderman.

List of possessions of the deceased Gil Treviño, signed by Maria Josefa Bustamente.

List of citizens who voluntarily contribute one peso to pay for baggage which goes with the mail.

Document acknowledging the receipt of twelve pesos by Jose Lázaro Benavides.

List of the names of children who are actually in school, signed at the bottom by Francisco Fernandez.

Notification to José María Ramón of his being chosen as an elector.

Announcement from Manuel Dovalina saying that prices are set by the procurator; the document lists out certain items and their prices.

Receipt signed by Miguel Sidwill for approximately three dollars.

List of of citizens in Laredo, showing the number of mares, horses and mules they each have.

Letter from Rafael Uribe to the Laredo ayuntamiento, informing the council that the governor asks for municipal accounts.

Record of decisions of the Laredo junta municipal (town council) for the year 1845.

Document listing the expenses incurred in remodeling the town hall.

Statement from Ramón Treviño, giving power of attorney to Santiago Zúñiga.

Receipt from Nepumoceno Treviño for ten pesos in payment of a horse sold to José María Ramón.

Statement from the Laredo ayuntamiento to the Governor of Tamaulipas with candidates for the Head of the Northern Department.

Marriage license for Joseph Maria, prepared by Nicolás Gutiérrez de Mendoza, with no impediments for marriage.

Last will and testament for Maria Petra Sánchez, signed and acknowledged by numerous individuals.

Decree from José González concerning insurgents, traitors, those who harbor them, etc. The document is signed by a few local officials towards the bottom of the text.

Part of an official response from the Governor of Tamaulipas, signed and acknowledged by local officials.

Receipt signed by Jesus Barrera for work done on the municipal building.

Receipt signed by J. N. Sanchez for work performed on the municipal building.

Receipt signed by David M. Level for an undisclosed amount of money.