Qass. Book. BRITISH DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS— 1838-1846 EDITED BY EPHRAIM DOUGLASS ADAMS Professor of History in Leiand Stanford Jr. University Reprinted from The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, XV, Nos. 3 and 4, and from The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, XVI, No. 1—XXI, No. 2. January, 1912— October, 1917 The Texas State Historical Association Austin, Texas BRITISH DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS— 1838-1846 EDITED BY EPHRAIM DOUGLASS ADAMS Professor of History in Leland Stanford Jr. University J^/U7 T^ajX'. •.7>>/.oWi.v -Yj., Reprinted from The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, XV, Nos. 3 and 4, and from The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, XVI, No. 1—XXI, No. 2. January, 1912— October, 1917 The Texas State Historical Association Austin, Texas UN H 1920 ya-'V ^^ CONTEjNTS Page Introduction 1 Crawford to Bidwell, February 9, 1837 3 Crawford to Bidwell, March 34, 1837 3 Crawford to Backhouse, June 5, 1S37 4 Crawford to O'Gorman, May 13, 1837 5 Crawford to Pakenham, May 26, 1837 9 Hamilton to Magregor, June 23, 1840 16 Sheridan to Garraway, July 12, 1840 18 Maillard to Palmerston, September 15, 1840 27 Hook to Palmerston, April 30, 1841 29 N'epean to Douglas, July 24, 1841 39 Palmerston to Elliot, August 4, 1841 42 Kennedy to Aberdeen. October 12, 1841 43 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 20, 1841 45 Kennedy to Aberdeen, N'ovember 6, 1841 46 Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 9, 1841 48 Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 12, 1841 48 Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 13, 1841 49 Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 16, 1841 50 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 6, 1841 50 Canning to Elliot, December 14. 1841 50 Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 10, 1848 51 Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 28, 1842 55 Houston to Kennedy, January 28, 1842 57 Hamilton to Aberdeen. February 20, 1842 58 Hamilton to Kennedy, March 4, 1842 58 Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 8, 1842 58 Hamilton to Aberdeen, March 25, 1842 59 Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 20, 1842 61 Addington to Elliot, May 24, 1842 63 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 27, 1 842 63 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 27, 1842 64 . Aberdeen to Elliot, May 31, 1842 65 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 31, 1842 65 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 3, 1842 66 iv Contents Page Kennedy to Bidwell, June 7, 1842 66 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 8, 1842 67 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 15, 1842 69 Power to Peel, June 20, 1842 70 Power to Saligny, June 20, 1842 72 Addington to Elliot, June 28, 1842 78 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 78 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 80 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 81 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 81 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842 84 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 2, 1842 86 Kennedy to Bidwell, July 6, 1842 87 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 7. 1842 88 Kennedy to Bidwell, July 14, 1842 89 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 15, 1842 90 Aberdeen to Elliot, July 16, 1842 91 Kennedy to Aberdeeen, August 1, 1842 93 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 14, 1842 93 Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 25, 1842 95 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 29, 1842 95 Addington to Elliot, August 31, 1842 99 Elliot to Addington, September 1, 1842 100 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 101 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 101 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842 102 Elliot to Addington, September 4, 1842 103 Elliot to Addington, September 4, 1842 104 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 10, 1842 104 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 13, 1842 105 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 22, 1842 108 Aberdeen to Kennedy, September 29, 1842 108 Aberdeen to Kenned.y, September 29, 1842 109 Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3, 1842 110 Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3. 1842 110 Aberdeen to Elliot, October 3, 1842 Ill Elliot to Bidwell, October 10, 1842 Ill Contents v Page Elliot to Aberdeen, October 17, 1842 113 Aberdeen to Elliot, October 18, 1842 114 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 20, 1842 114 Ward and Ingram, and others to Elliot, September 24, 1842. 115 Elliot to Ward and Ingi-am and others, September 19, 1842. . 116 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 20, 1842 116 Elliot to Woll, October 18, 1842 118 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 24, 1842 120 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 27, 1842 120 Elliot to Aberdeen, N"ovember 2, 1842 121 Aberdeen to Elliot, November 3, 1842 124 Elliot to Addington, November 15, 1842 125 Kennedy to Bidwell, November 16, 1842 131 Elliot to Aberdeen, November 16, 1842 131 Houston to Elliot, November 5, 1842 131 Elliot to Aberdeen, November 24, 1842 133 Aberdeen to Elliot, December 3, 1842 135 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 11, 1842 135 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1842 141 Elliot to Addington, December 16, 1842 142 Elliot to Addington, December 28, 1842 145 Kennedy to Bidwell, December 31, 1842 149 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 5, 1843 149 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1843 150 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 23, 1843 150 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 28, 1843 154 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 4, 1843 157 Elliot to Jones, February 4, 1843 157 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 5, 1843 162 Houston to Elliot, January 24, 1843 163 Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 11, 1843 165 Elliot to Addingion, March 26, 1843 165 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 29, 1S43 169 Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 29, 1843 170 Elliot to Addington, April 15, 1843 171 Elliot to Pakenhara, April 14, 1843 172 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 25, 1843 178 vi Contents Page Elliot to Aberdeen, April 39, 1843 180 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 9, 1843 180 Doyle to Elliot, April 20, 1843 183 Elliot to Doyle, May 7, 1843 184 Elliot to A'berdeen, May 12, 1843 186 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 15, 1843 187 Hamilton to Moore, March 21, 1843 188 Houston to Morgan and Bryan, March 23, 1843 189 Kennedy to Elliot, May 15, 1843 191 Kennedy to Cocke, May 15, 1843 192 Moore to the Texas Times, April 19, 1843 193 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 18, 1843 194 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 22, 1843 195 Memorandum accompanying the Return of Corn and Grain from the Port of Galveston, Texas, for the Quarter ending March 31, 1843, May 20, 1843 197 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 29, 1843 198 Aberdeen to Kennedy, May 30, 1843 199 Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1843 200 Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1843 202 Kennedy to Elliot, June 5, 1843 202 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 8, 1843 205 Houston to Elliot, May 13, 1843 208 Houston to Elliot, January 24, 1843 213 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 9, 1843 214 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 10, 1843 219 Doyle to Elliot, May 27, 1843 220 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 21, 1843 221 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 22, 1843 221 Elliot to Doyle, June 21, 1843 222 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 24, 1843 224 Elliot to Doyle, June 21, 1843 224 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 4, 1843 227 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 15, 1843 228 Yates to Elliot, July 12, 1843 229 Elliot to Yates, July 13, 1813 233 Yates to Elliot, July 15, 1843 234 Contents vii Page Elliot to Aberdeen, July 16, 1843 235 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 29, 1843 835 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 3, 1843 236 Elliot to Doyle, August 2, 1843 236 Woll to Houston, July 16, 1843 238 Hill to Woll, July 29, 1843 239 Elliot to Doyle, July 30, 1843 241 Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 6, 1843 245 Aberdeen to Elliot, August 18, 1843 250 Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 22, 1843 250 Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 23, 1843 251 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 23, 1843 251 Kennedy to Aberdeen, August 29, 1843 252 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 5, 1843 253 Elliot to Doyle, August 28, 1843 253 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 5, 1843 254 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 6, 1843 261 Aberdeen to Elliot, September 18, 1843 263 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 23, 1843 263 Elliot to Aberdeen 264 Addington to Elliot, October 3, J 843 267 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 10, 1843 267 Elliot to Doyle, October 10, 1843 268 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 11, 1845 270 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 31, 1843 271 Elliot to Aberdeen, November 13, 1843 278 Kennedy to Aberdeen, November 13, 1843 279 Elliot to Aberdeen, November 29, 1843 279 Elliot to Doyle, November 29, 1843 280 M'Leod to Elliot, November 26, 1843 281 Elliot to Doyle, November 29, 1843 282 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 2, 1843 283 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 8, 1843 287' Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29, 1843 288 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29, 1843 289 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 31, 1843 289 Aberdeen to Elliot, Januan^ 3. 1844 291 viii Contents Page Kennedy to Aberdeen, January 6, 1844 292 Kennedy to Elliot, January 2, 1844 292 Kennedy to Bidwell, January 8, 1844 293 Aberdeen to Elliot, JanuarA^ 11, 1844 295 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1844 295 Aberdeen to Elliot, January 31, 1844. •; 297 Elliot to Aberdeen, Februanr 10, 1844 297 Elliot to Jones, February 10, 1844 298 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 17, 1844 299 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 7, 1844 300 Rushton to Elliot, March 7, 1844 301 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 15, 1844 301 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 27. 1844 302 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 7. 1843 304 Elliot to Jones, March 22, 1844 308 Jones to Elliot, March 25, 1844 310 Elliot to Jones, April 3, 1844 312 Lusignan to Aberdeen, April 12, 1844 315 Kennedy to Elliot, April 18, 1844 317 Lusignan to Addington, May 6, 1844 317 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 8, 1844 319 Kennedy to Elliot, May 6, 1844 321 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 10, 1844 323 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 20, 1844 325 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 27, 1844 326 Kennedy to Elliot, May 25, 1844 326 Kennedy to Elliot, May 27, 1844 328 Ktennedy to Aberdeen, May 27, 1844 330 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 31, 1844 333 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 11. 1844 335 Kennedy to Al)crdeen, June 14, 1844 336 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 18, 1844 338 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 22, 1844 342 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 343 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 344 Ruthven and others to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 344 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 8, 1844 346 Contents ix Page Elliot to Aberdeen, July 10, 1844 349 Kennedy to Aberdeen, Jnly 29, 1844 350 Kennedy to Bidwell, Jnly 29, 1844 353 Elliot to Aberdeen, AugTist 13, 1844 353 Kennedy to Aberdeen, Angnst 14, 1844 354 Kennedy to Aberdene, August 24, 1844 355 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 9, 1844 356 Kennedy to i^berdeen, September 9, 1844 362 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 23, 1844 364 Kennedy to Addington, September 24, 1844 367 Orvanne to Kennedy, August 30, 1844 368 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 30, 1844 369 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 2, 1844 370 Kennedy to Addington, October 24, 1844 371 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 28, 1844 372 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 29, 1844 373 Kennedy tO' Aberdeen, October 30, 1844 375 Kennedy to Aberdeen, N'ovember 12, 1844 377 Elliot to Aberdeen, November 13, 1844 379 Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 5, 1844 379 Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 6, 1844 385 Prince of Solms to Kennedy, December 3, 1844 386 Kennedy to Prince of Solm?, December 6, 1844 391 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 10, 1844 391 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 21, 1844 393 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 25, 1844 396 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 28, 1844 397 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 29. 1844 400 Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 404 Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 404 Aberdeen to Elliot, December 31, 1844 407 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 2, 1845 407 Elliot to Aberdeen, Januaiy 15, 1845 410 Aberdeen to Elliot, January 23, 1845 428 Bankhead to Aberdeen, ISTovember 29, 1844 433 Aberdeen to Elliot, February 3, 1845 437 Aberdeen to Elliot, February 3, 1845 437 X Contents Page Elliot to Aberdeen. Febmarv S, 1845 438 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 8, 1845 441 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 8, 1845 442 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 15, 1845 445 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 17, 1845 448 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 2?, 1845 449 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 24, 1 845 449 Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 25, 1845 450 Kennedy to Aberdeen, February 26, 1845 451 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 6, 1845 453 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 7, 1845 459 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 22, 1845 460 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 24, 1845 .' 461 Jones to Aberdeen, March 31, 1845 461 Elliot to Aberdeen, Apdl 2, 1845 462 Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1845 472 Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 3, 1845 473 Allen to Donelson, December 13, 1844 474 Bankhead to Elliot. April 8, 1845 476 Adding-ton to Kennedy. April 18, 1845 478 Kennedy to Aberdeen, April 25, 1845 479 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 3, 1845 481 Aberdeen to Elliot, May 3, 1845 484 Miller to Stewart, May 9, 1S45 486 Bankhead to Elliot, May 20, 1845 487 Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 21, 1845 490 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 30, 1845 491 Kennedy to Addington, May 30, 1845 493 Aberdeen to Elliot, June 3, 1845 493 Kennedy to Addington, June 10, 1845 .- 494 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 12, 1845 495 Jones to Elliot, June 6, 1845 497 Elliot to Bankhead, June 11, 1845 498 Elliot to Bankhead, June 11, 1845 501 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 15, 1845 504 Kennedy to Aberdeen, June 24, 1845 506 Bankhead to Elliot, June 29, 1845 506 Contents xi Page Bankhead to Elliot, June 29, 1845 507 Aberdeen to Elliot July 3, 1845 508 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 3, 1845 511 Elliot to Bankhead, July 3, 1845 513 Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 24, 1815 , 516 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 28, 1845 51S Kennedy to Aberdeen, July 28, 1845 521 Elliot to Aberdeen, July 30, 1845 52G Elliot to Aberdeen, August 12, 1845 528 Elliot to Aberdeen, Aug-ust 13, 1845 531 Elliot to Bankhead, August 8, 1845 532 Elliot to Aberdeen, Au.arust 15, 1845 535 Elliot to Allen, June 13, 1845 535 Elliot to Aberdeen, Au^ist 22, 1845 536 Kennedy to Aberdeen, Au^st 23, 1845 542 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 31, 1845 543 Elliot to Aberdeen, August 31, 1845 547 Kennedy to Aberdeen, September 6, 1845 548 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 13, 1845 550 Elliot to Aberdeen, September H, 1845 551 Aberdeen to Elliot, September 17, 1845 551 Aberdeen to Elliot, September 18, 1845 552 Elliot to Aberdeen, Septemher 29, 1845 553 Elliot to Aberdeen, September 30, 1845 , 554 Elliot to Aberdeen, October 6, 1845 555 Kennedy to Aberdeen, October 16, 1845 556 Elliot to Aberdeen, N'ovember 14, 1845 557 Elliot to Aberdeen, l^Tovember 26, 1845 560 Aberdeen to Elliot, December 3, ] 845 563 Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 8, 1845 562 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1845 565 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 14, 1845 566 Hockley to Elliot, November 14, 1845 567 Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 20, 1845 568 Elliot to Aberdeen, December 24, 1845 572 Kennedy to Aberdeen, December 31, 1845 573 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 8, 1846 575 xii Contents Page Elliot to Aberdeen, January 8, 1846' 576 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 13, 1846 581 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 15, 1846 582 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 18, 1846 583 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 20, 1846 585 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 23, 1846 589 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 26, 1846 590 Elliot to Aberdeen, January 26, 1846 590 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 1, 1846 592 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 15, 1846 594 Elliot to Kennedy, February 15, 1846 594 Memorandum by Elliot, February 15, 1846 596 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 597 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 598 Elliot to Aberdeen, February 16, 1846 598 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 4, 1846 607 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 10, 1846 607 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 14, 1846 608 Kennedy to Aberdeen, March 16, 1846 609 Elliot to Aberdeen, March 27, 1846 610 Johnson to Elliot, March 24, 1846 611 Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1846 611 Aberdeen to Elliot, April 3, 1846 612 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 19, 1846 .' . ,. 612 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 21, 1846 613 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 21, 1846 614 Elliot to Aberdeen, April 25, 1846 615 Elliot to Aberdeen, May 1, 1846 .-: 618 Elliot to Kennedy, May 1, 1846 618 Elliot to Aberdeen, June 18, 1846 619 Kennedy to Palmerston, March 27, 1847 620 INTRODUCTION British interest in Texas was manifested from the time of her declaration of independence in 1836, and Texan diplomats were early in communication with the British government. It was not until 1840, however, that the Texan appeal for recognition met with active official approval in England, and the first steps were taken toward a conclusion of treaties. Thus very little corral spondence from Texas is to be found in the British archives pre- vious to that year. The present publication consists mainly of letters and reports to the British government, hitherto unpublished, written by the two principal British officials stationed in Texas. These were Charles Elliot , charge d'affaires, and William Kennedy , consul at Galveston. Further biographical detail is given in foot- notes where these men appear in the correspondence. Elliot did not arrive in Texas until the fall of 1842, while Kennedy, though in Texas in 1839-1840, and again in 18'42, did not assume his duties as consul until 1843. But as the purpose is to present British evidence as to political, social, and industrial conditions in Texas, as well as of the activities of British agents, various letters from other officials are included in this first installment. On the other hand, in the later years of the Republic, instructions to Elliot and Kennedy have been omitted in most cases. Their substance will be stated in footnotes whenever the connection requires it. The bulk of the manuscript material in the Public Record Office, treating of Texas, — from which these documents are exclusively drawn — is in the form of bound manuscript volumes, some twenty- five in number, containing the instructions of the Foreign Office to British agents in Texas and the reports of these agents. A few of the volumes comprise the records of Elliot's office while in Texas, which were transferred to London when Texas ceased to be a republic. The archives of Elliot's legation, thus transferred, con- tain, in addition to the usual material that one would expect to find there, copies of a great deal of the correspondence between Aberdeen, the British Foreign Secretary, and British diplomats in the United States, France, and Mexico. Copies of all important instructions to tliese countries, treating of Texan affairs, were sent 2 Texas State Historical Association to Elliot for his information. In general, all the Texas material is in very usable shape, being arranged by volumes in chronological order. The material here presented has been transcribed by a copyist, Mr. W. H. Powell, employed by the Texas State Historical As- sociation, and is printed exactly as copied. Final comparison of proof with the manuscripts in the Eecord Office has not been feasible, but it is believed that the matter as now printed is in the main correct, though in the case of Elliot's letters there is always a chance of error because of his atrocious handwriting. Here, however, Mr. Powell's copy has been checked with that of the editor, who had previously himself made transcripts of the letters. The spelling and punctuation of the original have been followed, and usually without calling attention to errors, where the meaning is clear. The chronological order has been used, save in the case of enclosures, which are marked as such and follow the letters in which they were enclosed. It is not intended to print documents that have elsewhere appeared in print, in generally accessible form, but no minute search of printed materials has seemed necessary, save in the three volumes of "Texan Diplomatic Correspondence" edited by the late Professor Garrison. The few documents of this collection there printed or calendared, are here omitted, with notations as to where thev may l)e found. CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE BRITISH ARCHIVES CONCERNING TEXAS, 1837-1846 CRAWFORD TO BIDWELL^ 'No. 1. ' British Consulate Tampico. 9th February 1837. Sir, I have the honour to acquaint you for the information of His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State, that having received In- structions from His Majesty's Consul General in Mexico in conse- quence of Lord Viscount Palmerston's letter to Mr. Pakenham, of the 27th. of August last, I shall within a few days proceed to Matamoros and the Mexican Territory to the Northward, and shall use my utmost exertions and zeal in the objects of my journey, communicating thro' His Majesty's Minister in Mexico the result of my observations from time to time as opportunities offer. I beg leave to acquaint you that this Vice Consulate during my absence will be under the charge of Stewart L. Jolly, Esqr. a most respectable British Merchant in this City, which nomination has met the approval of Mr. Pakenham and the Consul General in a Confidential communication which I made to Mr. O'Gorman to that effect, and when Officially made, I hope will be approved by His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State. Jos. T. Crawford, To John Bidwell, Esqr. etc. etc. etc. Vice Consul. Foreign Office London [Endorsed as received April 17, and answered.] CRAWFORD TO BIDWELL^ No. 2. British Consulate Tampico, 24 March 1837. Sir, I have the honour of acquainting you that I embark this day on Board His Majesty's Sloop Eacer for Matamoros and the Northern 'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. Ubid. 4 Texas State Tlisiorical Assocmtion ports of this Eepublick, and that Mr. Stewart L. Jolly remains acting V. Consul during my absence, to whom I this morning handed over the Archives, and had previously received the appro- bation of His Majesty's Minister and the Consur General to this nomination which has been notified to this Government and by me to the Local Authorities. Jos. T. Crawford, To John Bidwell, Esqr. etc. etc. etc. Vice Consul. Foreign Office. London. [Endorsed as received June 14th.] CRAV^^FORD TO BACKHOUSE^ No. 1. Sir, Few Orleans. 5th. June 1837. I have the honour to enclose herewith for the information of His Majesty's Government Copies of my dispatches from Houston, Texas dated the 13th. Ultimo, addressed to the Consul General at Mexico, and of the 26th. from this place to Mr. Pakenham, rela- tive to the present state of Texas, accompanied with a large pile of papers for reference as to the Constitution and Laws of that province which I request you will be pleased to lay before Lord Viscount Palmerston. Having concluded my visit to the Northern ports, I am to Sail this day for Tampico where on arrival I shall resume the exercise of my Consular duties. Jos. T. Crawford To John Backhouse, Esqr. Under Secretary of State etc. etc. etc. Foreign Office London. ] Endorsed . . . Received July 18th. Answered. 2. Inclosures. . . Copy to Bd. of Trade Sept. 16/37. Dft. to Con. Parkinson Augt. 31/37. This is an intelligent Eeport. 60. P. >F. O., Mexico, Vol. 110. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 5 CRAWFORD TO O'GORMAN^ Houston, Texas. Sir, 13th May 1837. I left Matamoros on the 5th. Ultimo embarked on board His Majesty's Sloop Racer from Braso de Santiago on the 8th. and sailed from the Anchorage same day at noon. The wind being favourable Capt. Hope run down the Coast to the Northward as close as prudence would admit our doing. Thus we saw the entrances to Copano, Aransas and Matagorda Bays and the Rio Sn Bernardo making our passage in sight of the land all the distance and arrived off the Brasos River on the Qth.^ in the Evening. The entrance to Corpus Christi or Copano Bay is in Lat. 27° 36' N", Latitude 97° 28' W: Long: and has on its Bar generally but 6 to 7 feet Water. The trade, carried on by vessels of suit- able construction, is not of much consequence, and at present is less than it was formerly, because the Inhabitants have been obliged to abandon that part of the Country which lays between the Texian Army and Matamoros. This Bay is shallow and altho' surrounded by the finest lands with several streams emptying themselves into it, each stream has its separate Bar, so that except- ing for small Craft or Steamers built on purpose, neither this Bay, nor indeed any of the Bays to the Korthward, can ever be of consequence as harbours. The Coast is very low all the way, and the Soundings lessen gradually till you have 9 or 10 fathoms at about three miles from the Shore, good holding ground, but without any shelter from the Violence of the Northers in Winter, altho' would be safe enough during the Six Months Summer from May till Novr. The entrance to Aransas is in 27° 55' N. Lat: and 97° 9' W. Long : Vessels drawing 8 ft. Water may enter here. The observa- tions as to Trade into Copano Bay, at present apply to this part of the Coast, but in peaceable times will be very considerable for the supply of all the interior to the Westward, as far as Sn Anto. de Besar, and for the transmission of the Crops of Cotton '¥. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. ^The correct date of arrival at the Brazos River is April 12th; see Crawford to Pakenham, May 26, 1837. 6 Texas State Historical Association and other produce, Besar and its neighbourhood being represented to me as the province best Cultivated, having also the best Climate and the richest lands. The Entrance to Matagorda Bay called Pasa de Cavallo lays in Lat. 28° 18' Long: 96° 33' West,— here Vessels drawing 10 feet may enter at Spring tides. The Bay is large and the places where Vessels discharge are at various distances from the entrance, according to the point in the Interior where the Goods are des- tined, as several Rivers empty into this Bay and the trade is very considerable, prosperous and increasing, the Bernard and Caney Rivers are very inconsiderable, offering no facilities for Commerce. At the Mouth of the Brasos in Lat. 29° N^. Long. 95° 37' W. there is good anchorage in 5 fathoms Water, with the entrance bearing West and about three miles off. The Town of Velasco is begun to be built at the north side and Quintana is rising on the south at the Bar of this River — which I ascended on board a Steamer thirty Miles to Brasoria, a small Town on the South or Right Bank, where there is a good deal of business going on and several large and well assorted Stores. — Fifteen miles further up by the River, on the same side is the Village, or as it is here called "Landing" of Marion, distant from which inland and in a Southern direction is Columbia, the late Seat of Government, an inconsid- erable place, and almost abandoned, but situated in a fine country with some good plantations in its neighbourhood. I crossed the Brasos River at Bolivar Perry about thirty miles above Marion, and the last of Steam boat Navigation in the dry Season. When the Rivers are high large Steamers go up 200 miles from the Mouth of the River, which is skirted with the finest tim- ber of Live Oak and other valuable qualities and dotted with Cot- ton plantations for the like distance. On the Bernard there is also a good deal of Cultivation and more land is being brouglit into Cultivation. The destruction of the Crops all over the country from the Rio del Norte to the Trinity, which empties itself into the N". E. of Galveston Bay, owing to the whole of that part of Texas having been overun by the Mexican Army previous to the Battle of Sn Jacinto, and especially the loss of the Grain last year has occa- sioned the planters to sow much Corn this Season and less Cotton will be produced than would otherways have been the case. I British. Correspondence Concerning Texas 7 have been variously informed as to the number of Bales, which has been stated as high as 60,000, but I conceive the present Crop equal to the exportation of 30,000 Bales averaging 450 @ 500 lbs each. The City of Houston is situated upon Buffalo Bayou, which runs into the Bay of San Jacinto and the latter into Galveston Bay, distant from Galveston Island about 80 miles. Galveston is the best and indeed the only harbour in Texas, for Vessels of any Burden, but has not at its entrance sufficient water for Ships of War of much force unless purposly constructed. There are three Channels between the Shoals leading into the anchorage at the East end of the Island. The depth of Water marked on the accompanying map in English feet may be depended upon, and at Spring tides a foot more. It will be seen by the Map that large Vessels must discharge and load in the Harbour of Galveston, whilst smaller Craft can go up about 15 miles to Red fish Bar from whence their Cargoes are carried away by Steamers and lighters to Houston or other points as may be required. During my stay of some weeks in this part of Texas there were about 20 arrivals all Americans, mostly from New Orleans and loaded with provisions, merchandise of all sorts, bringing also their full allowance of passengers. I endeavoured to obtain returns of the Trade corresponding to each port, but as they have had no Duties to collect till this time, so they have had no Collectors nor port Officers to collect informa- tion, and I am only enabled to form an estimate of what the trade is at present, by what 1 have seen and conjecture that it will in- crease proportionately with the population crowding in. At pres- ent about 40 Vessels averaging 100 Tons ea[ch] carry on the whole Commerce monthly which would give an aggregate of 48000 Tons in the year, and they are all under the flag of the United States, with the exception of two or three sailing under the single Star of Texas. The pilotage at the several ports is on the average about 10/=-: Sterling for the foot of water which the Vessel draws. The charge by the Steamers and other lighters for unloading and transporting of the Cargoes to the several points of destination beyond the place of discharge, is borne by the Merchandise and is generally done by agreement according to the distance and the nature of the Cargo. 8 Texas State Historical Association According to the Act passed 20th. Deer, last, Authorising the raising of a Revenue by Import duties, from and after the 1st. June next, the following duties are to be exacted, viz: — Upon all Wines, Spirituous and Malt liqours an ad valorem duty upon Invoice Cost of 45 per Centum, Upon all Silk Goods and all Manufactures of Silk 50 per Cent : Upon Sugar and Coffee 2| per Cent: Upon Teas 25 per Cent, upon Bread Stuffs, one per Cent: upon Iron and Castings 10 per Cent: upon all coarse Clothing, coarse Shirting, Shoes, Blankets Kersies, Sattinetts and Clothes of a mixture of Cotton and Wool 10 per Ct. : upon all other goods not enumerated 20 per Ct. ad valorem upon the Invoice Cost. And upon all Vessels of 10 Tons and upwards 25 Cents per Ton — each time they enter from a foreign port. The Appointment of the necessary Revenue Officers will no doubt be made forthwith, but I have some reason to think that a modification of the Tariff will be carried by the present Congress, to the effect of authorizing the President to exempt from duty for one year all articles for Agricultural use, provisions of all kinds, seeds and plants, Saddlery and Harness, Artificers Tools, Lumber and framed houses with the Glass and fastenings they require, etc. The depot of Goods so as to create a transit of Mer- chandise is also one of the alterations intended to be recommended to the Legislature by the Finance Committee during the present Session of Congress.^ Should Texas maintain its Independence of Mexico an advan- tageous Barter trade can be established with other Countries who will supply manufactures and take Cotton and other produce in return. Almost any quantity of the finest and most durable tim- ber for the purposes of Naval architecture can be furnished from the forests for little more than the expence of felling and taking ^^^^' Jos. T. Crawford To Charles Th: O'Gorman, Esqr. H. M. Consul General, etc. etc. etc. Mexico. [Endorsed] . . . Copy to Bd. of Trade Sept. 16/37. Copy to Adm'y. . . . *Some of these modifications of the tariff were embodied in an act ap- proved June 12, 1837. (Gammel, Latos of Texas, I, 1313-1319.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 9 CRAWFORD TO PAKEXIIAM^ N"o. 3. New Orleans. 26th May, 1837. I have the honour to acquaint you, that I arrived here last Evening on m}'- return to Tampico, last from Galveston Bay, I sailed from Matamoros on the 8th. Ultimo and landed at the Mouth of the Brasos Eiver on the 12th., proceeded to Brasoria and Marion and reached Columbia, the seat of the Texas Govern- ment^ on the 13th., where I was well received by the President General Sam Houston, from whom I experienced very great atten- tion during my residence of one Month in that Country. I was careful to explain to General Houston that my visit was wholly one of a Consular nature to collect satisfactory information respecting the Commerce of the ports to the Northward of the District of Tampico,^ and I found every disposition on his part to assist me in the object of my journey. Under date 13th. In- stant from Houston, I addressed a report to His Majesty's Consul General in Mexico upon the subject of the Trade at the ports from Matamoros to the Sabine, to which as it has doubtless been laid before you I beg leave respectfully to refer, and I shall in the present dispatch convey to you for the information of His Majesty's Government such details of the state of Texas as it has been in my power to collect in so short a time. — I need not recur to the circumstances which have produced the 'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 110. Sir Richard Pakenham, British Minister at Mexico, 1835-1843; at Washington, 1844-1847. -Columbia had been the seat of government since August, 1836, but during the first session of the first congress Houston was selected as the seat of government until 1840. The adjourned session of the first congress would meet there on May 1st. The delay in completing the necessary buildings caused the president and officers of the government to tarry at Columbia until April 13th. They set out within a few days, and Mr. Craw- ford spent the greater portion of his month's visit at Houston. *While in his official intercourse Mr. Crawford may have guarded his remarks very carefully, the Telegraph and Texas Register of May 2, 1837, interpreted his mission as follows: "On the morning of the 12th ult. Mr. Crawford arrived at Columbia, accompanied by several of the officers of H. B. M. Brig of War, Racer, Captain Hope. The object of this gen- tleman's visit to Texas, is we understand to investigate the civil and polit- ical condition of the country and report to the British government." 10 Texas State Historical Association Eevolution in that Province, nor the events of the Campaigns, which have failed on the part of Mexico to reduce the Colonists to subjection, nor to repeat the facts already manifest to the World, that they have, set up for themselves, as a Separate, free and independent iSTation, based upon an Elective Representation, with an Executive Government, Senate and House of Representa- tives, unrecognized by Mexico and that the War of Subjugation by the present State is still continued. Having made these preliminary observations, I shall state the Nature of the Government existing in Texas, composed of a Presi- dent, Vice President, Principal Secretary of State, Ministers of War and Marine, Minister of Finance and Attorney General. The Legislature consists of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives. All Elections are popular, and the powers conferred upon the Government and Congress are those described in the Constitution, of which a Copy will be found in the "Telegraph" of the 2nd. August 1836, as adopted by the Convention on the 17th. March of the same year, which paper I have the honour to transmit herewith. — The Government consists at present of. General Sam Houston, President, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Y. President, Henry Smith, Sec- retary of the Treasury, Genl. Henderson, Sec. of State, W. S. Eisher, Sec. at War, S. Rhodes Fisher, Sec. of the Navy, P. W. Grayson, Attorney General. During the first Session of Congress many salutary laws were enacted, which are in operation, rigidly administered by the Judges and other Authorities in the several districts and Counties aper- taining to their Jurisdiction. I have not been able to obtain the Laws which have been passed in a pamphlet form, as they are not yet so arranged, but I have the honour of transmitting a file of the "Telegraph" Newspaper which contains them all and to which I must beg reference. Much order prevails in the Villages and Towns, if they may be so designated, as well as throughout the Country and the detection of Crime is surely followed by the infliction of the corresponding punishment established by Law upon conviction of the offender by an impartial Jury.— Such is the State of Texas at present as re- gards its Government and the execution of the Laws and it is Britisfi Correspondence Concerning Texas 11 internally tranquil, the roads safe for travellers, unless on the Indian Frontier at a distance from Settlements. The Campaign of 1836, unsettled the whole Country, between the Kio Bravo del Norte and the San Jacinto which falls into the N. West Corner of Galveston Bay. Most of the crops were lost, the Corn all destroyed and the Towns as well as many of the Houses on the plantations were burnt, generally hy the Colonists themselves, to leave the Mexican Army without shelter and by the Mexicans also in many instances, but the inhabitants are again upon their lands and the Cultivation goes on, as far as the Eiver La Baca or the ISTavidad, where the Texian Head quarters has been for some time past. The Army is composed of about 2000 Men enlisted for 2 Years Service, the effective strength on the 1st May was 1830 Bayonets in Camp. — They are said to be well disciplined and they certainly have borne considerable privations without murmuring, having had to subsist of late wholly upon Beef, their Supplies of Bread, and flour having been captured by the Mexn. Fleet. — Besides this, the regular Army, Texas has several Companies of Eangers on the various Frontiers to check the Indian Tribes. — These last however have but little occupation, as the Policy of General Houston has been conciliatory and he has vevj lately entered into Treaties with the most influential Chiefs, who were at the Seat of Government on a "Big Talk" and retired well satisfied. All Volunteers have been disbanded from the Texan Service, and the Militia which could be in the Field on a very short Notice would be very effective, in a Country where there are so many Brakes and so much Timber, where every man is a Marksman and carries his Eifle Between the present Camp of the Army and Matamoros few of the Settlers have as yet resumed the occupation of their lands, situated between the Armies of the contending parties those poor people dread a repetition of the Scenes of Goliad and the diffi- culties of their distressed situation is still fresh in the sad recollection of our poor countrymen Colonists at San Patricio, whose case I particularly stated in my letter from Matamoros of the 4th. Ultimo. Many of those are here and in no very com- fortable circumstances, but it would be highly imprudent in them to return to their Colonies at present. 12 Texas State Historical Association Should the Mexicans undertake another Campaign into Texas, they will probably never reach beyond the Colorado. They would be met by the full quota of the Militia and their Army can count upon no resources, but what their Fleet may supply from Seaward, or they can bring with them, as the Cattle will be driven back the Prairies fired and the whole Country left more devastated if possi- ble than it is in that direction at present, whilst every stream, every tree and Cane Brake will be studded with Eiflemen, so that, the rapid advance practiced last Campaign could not be repeated and if they hesitate and remain inactive they are lost for want of sustenance and destroyed by the Guerillas of the Colonists. — The subjugation of Texas by Mexico, can only in my opinion be effected by a systematic operation and the establishment of posts and Depots, giving time for the occupation of such posts and Depots by fresh troops and by slow progress with a strong Army putting down the spirit of Eebellion by degrees, which is only to be done at last by an effectively continued Military occupation of the whole Country. Such a plan of operation it is impossible for Mexico to under- take or execute, things have gone so far, the population of Texas is too great now, their confidence from past experience so estab- lished in themselves and the superiority of the men contending for the Independence they have assumed and for the possession of the Soil they have determined to adopt, is so great, both as to intelligence and energy, compared with the harrassed and ill paid Mexican Soldiery, that I may be warranted in concluding that Texas has conquered or will ultimately conquer her Independence of Mexico. Having arrived at this Conclusion I shall now state what the opinion is in that Country as to its Annexation to the United State of North America At the time of the Election of the President last year the opin- ion was decidedly in favour of Annexation, and the Minister or Commissioner sent to Washington was instructed to endeavour to bring about that desideratum upon the recognition of their po- litical Independence Since that time reflection has taught them that their interests are at varience with some portion of the North American Union, and that annexation, would be disadvantageous with a Territory British Correspondence Concerning Texas 13 extending 560,000 Square Miles under a benign climate, and a soil capable of producing, as much if not more Cotton than is grown in America and of a rich quality, what could be gained to Texas by exchanging her produce against manufactures, which She re- quires, if that produce was to pass thro' America and the Manu- factures be received thro' the same medium. She would lose the advantage of Competition, and could reap no solid benefit by the adding her Cottons into the growth of the United States. The opinion then has changed and they are very anxious to have a Separate, free and recognised Independent Government, to trade directly with other IvTations, giving the Eaw produce for the Man- ufactures they require, for it must be long ere there are Manufac- tories in Texas. I am not aware whether other Instructions are sent to the Minister in Washington but I know that annexation to that Government is not wished by the people or the Government of Texas, nor will it now be sought for. By the Constitution Slaves are permitted to be introduced over the frontier of the United States only. — No free Negro is permitted to reside in the Terri- tory, and the introduction of Slaves, Africans or Negroes is for- ever prohibited and declared to be piracy, except those from the United States. The number of Slaves as yet is by no means great and in gen- eral they are exceedingly well treated. That notwithstanding the declaration of piracy. Slaves have been imported directly into Texas I lament to say is but too true, and whilst I make this statement it is due to the Government and especially to the President, that I should declare my conviction of their having tried every means in their power to detect the per- petrators and bring them to Justice. — I have good reason to be- lieve that there is still one or more American Vessels employed in this most detestable traffic k, landing the Slaves on the East Side of the Sabine and so evading the Laws of Texas. It is also true that some Slaves were brought from Cuba and landed in Texas by the Am: Schooners Waterwich an^ Emperor a some few Months ago a Cargo was run at the Brasos uiver by a Vessel under Texas Colours I have had several conversations with Genl. Houston upon this important subject, and I am satisfied of his sincere anxiety to put a stop to the traffick in future. I have been shewn his con- 14 Texas State Historical Association fidential communications on the subject with the Government of the United States and I am happy to say that Mr. Poinsetts^ promises to him have been carried into effect, there being at this moment 300 United States troops here destined to the Sabine upon that and other Service. I would also beg leave to call your attention to the Message delivered at which I had the honour of being present in the House of Representatives on the 4th Instant,^ in which General Houston laments the inability of their Navy to put an end to the traffick in Slaves, and calls upon the Government of His Majesty and of America to put it down. The burst of approbation upon the de- livery of that part of the Message was irrestrainable and I am confident that in the present sense of the people of Texas, before the introduction of Slaves from the United States becomes much greater, it would not be a matter of very great difficulty to induce the alteration and have that blot expunged from their Constitu- tional Charter. During the present year, emigration from all the Western Country of the United States owing to the Commercial distress which has of late affected this Country, is expected to be very extensive and all the planters from thence will carry in their Slaves along with them. So that in twelve months from this time, the Slave population of Texas will probably be doubled unless some remedy be applied to prevent it. Consequent of the change of the opinion of the People and Government as to their annexation to the United States, has been the authorization of the President to send a Commissioner to Eng- land in order to open if possible a Communication with His Majesty's Government, and General Houston's wish was to ap- point and dispatch the Commissioner forthwith, in all proba- bility Colonel Grayson the present Attorney General will be selected for this appointment.^ ^Joel R. Poinsett was Secretary of War of the United States from March 14, 1837, to March 3, 1841. -The message was delivered May 5th, and is printed in the House Jour- nal, 1 Cong., 2 Sess., p. 9-16. 'A joint resolution, requesting the president to appoint an agent to the Court of Great Britain, was approved May 15. 1837 (Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 1287). A secret joint resolution, authorizing the president to instruct this agent to visit the Court of St. Cloud, was approved June 7, 1837 (Secret Journals of the Benate, 315.) J. Pinckney Henderson British Correspondence Concerning Texas 15 The Government Vessels of this incipient Eepublick, are too small Schooners, they had issued numerous letters of marque at one time, but these have prudently been recalled excepting one, whose Cruize will not be out for two Months, after which it will not be renewed. Their Vessels have not committed any excesses upon the Commerce of any Nation excepting in the Instance of the Am : Brigantine Pocket,^ and the Cargo being contraband of War destined for the supply of the Mexican Army, the United States have been satisfied that the Texas Government should make good the Value of the Vessel to the Owners, which has been done and the Vessel is moored at a depot in Galveston Bay. I beg leave to acquaint you, that I made all and every enquiry during my stay in Texas as to the assistance which that Country has received from the United States, and I am quite satisfied that none whatever has been furnished by that Government or con- nived at in any way. Means have been found to evade the laws and assistance has been furnished by Individuals to a great extent but wherever there was a suspicion attached to such expeditions, there has been a prosecution of the parties by the United States, but generally such prosecutions have failed, because of the diffi- culty of obtaining sufficient evidence owing to the Sympathies of this people of America being roused by the atrocities of the Cam- paign of 1836, and their Interests also been deeply engaged in the success of the Struggle of their Sons and other relatives the Col- onists of Texas. Great inducements are held out to Settlers the price of land being 50 Cts. or 2/= Sterling pr. Acre, if purchased from the Gov- ernment, but large Grants are given to Emigrants, under the Con- ditions of the 24th Sec. of the Land Office Act passed on the 22d December 1836, to which I beg leave to refer, in the Telegraph No. 49. Upon the whole, Texas at present offers perfect Security of per- sons and property, a large field is opening there for the Con- sumpt[ion] of our Manufactures of every kind. Their Laws and Langfuaae are like our own and unless Mexico receives assistance. was commissioned minister to Great Britain June 20, 1837; he arrived at London on October 9th. 'For an account of the case of the Brig Pocket, see The Quarterly, XII, 276-295. 16 Texas Sinte Historical Association at this time unforseen, that Territory will never be subject to her Controul. Their Bane is the having sanctioned Slavery, a mistake which they would not again fall into, and which even now, were it made a Condition, might be remedied by Treaty with some influential Nation, before the evil has grown greater. America is deriving all the benefit of their Trade and a transit duty of 3 Cts. per lb. on the Cotton taken in return. It is true that this is draw back upon its exportation to Europe but the ad- vantages of a direct trade are wanting to Texas, of which they are well aware and would make a sacrifice to obtain commercial Inter- course with the rest of the World. The finances of Texas are in the very worst possible state, a Species of Scrip called Land Scrip, is issued and some of this paper has been negociated here and elsewhere in America, the amounts of these Bonds are redeemable in Lands. Bonds under similar Security to the extent of five Millions of Dollars have lately been issued and two Millions have been confided to some Commissioners who are gone to attempt their negociation in the Middle and Northern Cities of this Republick. — In the mean- time all the publick Authorities and Officers support themselves out of their private means, and as their pay tickets are issued dis- pose of them as they best can. A considerable and immediate Rev- enue will however arise out of the Import duties which take effect on the 1st. proximo, and will give means for the more pressing wants of the Government -, rn n j? j Jos. T. Crawford. To Eichard Pakenham, Esqr. His Majesty's Minister Plenipotio. etc. etc. etc. Mexico. [Endorsed] . . . Ext. to Bd. of Trade. . . . HAMILTON TO MACGUEGOR^ Copy. No. 1. Barbados. Sir, 23d June 1840. During my Stay in Texas, I was afforded frequent opportunities of conversing with a Number of Merchants, among them, some *F. O., Texas, Vol. 1. Sir Evan John Murray MacGregor, governor of the Windward Islands, in 1840 sent Commander Joseph Hamilton of the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 17 English, and others equally interested in the Trade with Great Britain, also many Cotton Planters, the tenor of their conversation verged to one and the same focus, namely; that they were most anxious to have a Commercial Treaty negotiated between Great Britain and that Country. I was assured by some of the most influential and enlightened persons there, that a Treaty of the description would meet with the greatest encouragement, and be placed upon the most favourable footing by that Country; jSTotwithstanding France might by her Treaty,^ consider herself entitled to a prior claim as the most favoured N'ation. The Planters and those Speculating in Cotton are most anxious to ship their produce direct to England rather than send it to the United States of North America where they only receive eight Cents per pound for the finest Staple and equal to any grown in that Country The advantages of such a Treaty would be reciprocal, moreover it would secure to Great Britain the Trade now carrying on be- tween that Country and the United States and in a very few years, all Commerce between those Countries would dwindle into mere insignificance. Should such a treaty be considered by Her Majesty's Govern- ment unnecessary or impracticable, I trust I am, not assuming too much, in recommending the appointment of a Government Agent to Texas, as an essential requisite for the purpose of protecting the British Commercial Interest now so rapidly increasing. -n-. -ni m Jos. Hamilton. His Excellency. Sir Evan John Macgregor, Bart. : etc. etc. etc. British Navy to Texas to reclaim certain negroes reported to have come into Texas as indentured servants, and then to have been made slaves. (Worley, "Diplomatic Relations of England and the Republic of Texas," The Quarterly, IX, 9-10; Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 901-905 and 911-914, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. The Diplomatic correspondence of the Republic of Texas, edited by Dr. George P. Garrison, is published in two parts; part one appeared as volume two of the Annual Report of the American Historical Associa- tion for the year 1907, part two (in two volumes) appeared as volume two of the Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the year 1908. 'Concluded at Paris, September 25, 1839, by J. Pinckney Henderson; ratified by Texas, January 13, 1840. {British and Foreign State Papers, XXX, 1227-1233.) 18 Texas State Historical Association SHERIDAN TO GARRAWAY^ Copy. No. 3. Secretary's Office. July. 12. 1840. Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your commimication of the 6th Instant together with its enclosure, a Copy of a letter from Captain Hamilton to His Excellency the Governor suggesting the propriety of establishing a British Eesident in Texas for the pur- pose of protecting the British Commercial interest in that Country. With reference to this proposal His Excellency has been pleased to request that I should afford such observations as it may appear to me desirable to submit with the view of enabling Her Majesty's Government to become aware of the actual Condition of the Texian, authorities and people and the merits of Captain Hamilton's pro- posal for the employment of a political Agent in that Country. Before I speak of Captain Hamilton's proposition. It will be necessary for me, in justice to so important a subject and with the desire of affording all the information in my power according to His Excellency's wishes, to give 1st a brief account of Texas and her resources, 2dly. of the Government and Population, and 3rd of .such reasons as naturally occur for the acknowledgment of that Country as a Republic by Great Britain. Texas contains a superficial territory which may be fairly esti- mated at 200,000.000 acres, and lying between Lat. 26, 27 to 29|. 34. 35 and 37| and Long. 93. 30 to 103. 30 West from Greenwich. This I mention because the Admiralty Charts with respect to the Coast are a degree and from 20 to 30 miles in error The value of land throughout Texas is at present from 50 Cents to 15 and 20 Dollars per Acre. The Cotton lands of Texas, from all the information, I could collect, will yield 3 times as much Cotton as the Carolinas or Georgia to the Acre twice as much as Albana [Alabama] and from 25 to 40 per Cent, more than the lands of Louisiana or Mississipi. 'F. O., Texas, Vol. 1. Francis C. Shoridan, Colonial Secretary under Governor MacGregor, Windward Islands, stationed at Barbados in 1840. Joseph Garraway, Acting Private Secretary to Governor MacGregor, and also a Judffe of Assistant Court of Appeals in Barbados. (Brit. Sess. Papers, 1840 — Commons — ^Vol. 3.5. Papers relative to the affairs of Barbados, pp. 41, 145, 149.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 19 The value of Merchandize imported from the 30th June 37 to 30tli June 1838 was estimated at 2,000,000, and a half Dollars. The imports [exports] this year may be estimated at 20,000 bales of Cotton being about double the amount Shipped the year proceeding. The Four principal Sea Ports are. The Sabine, Galveston Mata- gorda, and Aransas. In consequence of Sand Bars which Stretch across the Mouths of all the Harbours of Texas there is none which will permit a vessel of any considerable draught to enter, Galveston is the best, and that has but 12 to 13 feet on the Bar. Texas has a small Navy which is about to be laid up in conse- quence of inability on the part of the Country to support it. To tlie best of my belief Texas may challenge the World to show richer and more productive Soil, than is to be found in her Territory. That, bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, and on the Banks of the Rivers is unquestionably the best adapted to the growth of the Cane and Cotton Plants. The latter is, and in my opinion will continue to be the Staple produce of the Country. Experiments in the culture of the Cane have been attempted and with fair success. Maize and Corn grow well in all parts of Texas but the growth of Wheat and Rye has not answered. It is fair however to state that this has only been attempted within 110 English Miles of the Coast; and it is the general opinion of the Settlers that when the population of Texas shall have advanced into the interior 150 or 200 Miles further the in- creased elevation and difference of Soil will afford a Region for the growth of Corn inferior to none on that Continent. The Lands very generally within the Coast Region have been selected and located by the early Settlers of Texas, and those who have emi- grated to the Country within the last 3 years including the Bounty lands of Soldiers which are at present in progress of location. I believe that a correct Estimate would give 100,000,000 of Acres as the property of Individuals on closing up the existing Claims, and 100,000,000 as National Property of which 20,000,000 is good Cotton Land. The Government is carried on, as in America, and the Laws of Texas have with a very few slight alterations been copied from 20 Texas State HiMcrical Association those of the United States, but are only nominally in force, for from the disturbed state of Society and the lawless characters of the Inhabitants the Authorities are as yet comparatively powerless. The population which may be estimated at 150,000* Souls are chiefly Americans, a few Germans, and some English and Irish. — These are principally Bankrupts, Swindlers and Felons from the United States occasionally diversified with an Oasis of respecta- bility which only renders the Desert of Villainy around more con- spicuous by contrast. The Amount of Emigration into the Country at this time may be reckoned at 5000 Souls per Month, and indeed so anxious are the Texians that it should be rapid and abundant and so utterly reckless as to the comp(ment parts that their Newspapers teem with invitations to the Debtors of America to seek for safety in the New Eepublic. At present I believe the most notable Vagabonds who settle in Texas are importations from New Orleans, owing to the contiguity of the latter, the deranged state of the Money Market in Louisiana the hourly Bankruptcies and because greater facility is afforded for absconding from thence by the Steam Communication kept up be- tween New Orleans and Galveston with which place alone, any thing like a direct and constant trade is carried on. Murder and exevy other Crime is of great frequency in Texas and the perpetrators escape with the greatest impunity. Many Murders were committed in the Island of Galveston and in the Country during my stay on the Coast, and I could never learn that one offender was brought to justice. It is considered unsafe to walk through the Streets of the principal Towns without being armed. The Bowie Knife is the weapon most in vogue and it may not be uninteresting here to state that the greater number of these Weapons are manufactured in Sheffield and Birmingham and brought over in British Ships as a profitable Speculation. I have seen one manufactured by "Bunting & Son" of Sheffield, the blade of which was 18 inches long and ornamented in beautiful trace [r]y on the Steel as "The genuine Arkansas Tooth Pick'' and I have ^This, of course, is an excessive estimate. There are no authentic figures available for this date, but as late as 1847 the white population was but a little more than a hundred tliousand. BrUish Correspondence Concerning Texas 21 been offered another for Sale also of English make the vender of which hinted that I ought to pay him a Dollar more than he de- manded, as he conld assure me it had tasted Blood. The Monetary Affairs of the Country are in a desperate state. The National Debt is only two Millions of Dollars^ but the Notes issued by Government are unavailable out of the Country except at New Orleans and even there, the Texian Dollar Note is at 80 per cent discount. A great part of the Government liabilities have been bought up at these prices by Speculators in New York, Baltimore etc, in expectation of the loan which Texas is endeavouring to raise, being obtained. ■ The Sum desired to be raised is 5,000,000 of Dollars to be con- tracted for under the following terms,^ 1,000,000 would be required in 6 or 9 months, the remaining 4 by instalments of 1,000,000 in every 6 months there after 2,000,000, to be redeemed in less than 30 Years but not less than 5 Years with interest not exceeding 10 per Cent per Annum. With respect to the Government resources the Special Eeport of the Secretary of the Treasury gives the following Account. The estimated receipts for the ensuing year (i. e. 1840) as de- rived from the internal resources of the Country are 1,300,000 Dollars 5'00,000 of which are derived from direct Taxes and land Dues 400,000, from Customs and the remainder from Sales of Land. Under the present Laws however owing to the great de- fects in prescribing the manner of Assessing and Collecting the direct Tax, and the inability of this Department to compel the receivers of Public Money to pay them into the Treasury. It is believed that not one fourth of that Sum would be realized to the Government, He then adds that by certain Sales of land an additional Sum of 283,000 Dollars would be obtained wliich gives $1,441,900 as "the estimated internal resources of the Country for the year 1840 it being but 53,939. less than the current expenditure for the same period.'" ^$2,164,000. in September, 1838 (Morphis, History of Texas, 390) ; but at the date of this letter, approximately $5,000,000. =Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 1484-1486. 22 Texas Slate Tlistorlail Association The funds requested for this year by what are termed the Dis- bursing Bureaus, are as follows War Department $784,351-27 Cents out of which 76,186, is re- quired for the year 1839 and 148,632 for the year 38. The Naval Department 550,787 The President and his Secretary etc. 12,800 out of which the first gets 10,000. The State Department 80,400. The Congress in consideration of their Gigantic labours, and the risk they run of being "Bowie" knived during Debate (a custom of by no means rare occurrence) 135,000. Mr. Speaker appropriating 840 for his share and the Honorable Members 22,800. The Senate 20,950 of which the President and Members content themselves with 18,240 and there is one Striking peculiarity in the Conduct of these Gentlemen, which is, that al- though they deplore the condition of the ill paid Navy and regret that Government should be in arrears with the Army they take very good care to see that their exertions are strictly and regularly recompensed. The Estimated expenses of the Civil Department of the Govern- ment Amount to 276,520 Dollars, and there is a further demand of 71,000 for Civil and Contingent expenses. Before quitting this part of the subject, it may be as well to state that the Texian Governments had prior to my leaving the Coast determined to make one last struggle to relieve the Country of its debt of 2 Millions. This was to be effected by a land Tax which was [to] supersede every thing else of the kind ever at- tempted before. This Tax, whicli was to come into operation on the 1st of the present Month, ranges from 50 Cents (the minimum), or upwards, per every hundred Acres, on all lands whether cultivated or not and the value of the Lands were to be determined by Government Sur- veyors. By the collection of this impost they calculated not only to shake off the national encumbrances and establish the Credit of the Country, but also to put a considerable Sum into the Treasury Coffers; and I do not doubt it in the least, provided they could collect the Tax. But unfortunately the deranged State of Society and the general indisposition to pay anything will militate strongly against the levy, added to which there are vast numbers of men in British Correspondence Concerning Texas 23 Texas who have more acres of Land than half pennies, and to give some idea of the wretched poverty of some of these landed pro- prietors. I have only to state, that many to whom lands have been granted, have been known to hand over half their acres to the person appointed to locate them, in lieu of his (the locators) fees which they were unable to pay in Cash. Having thus to the best of my ability given a brief outline of the present State of Texas and its Government I will return to Captain Hamilton's Proposal. If the British Government have finally decided not to acknowl- edge Texas as an independent Eepublic,^ I cannot see of what use a resident in that Country, as proposed by Captain Hamilton, could possibly be or what protection he could afford to British Commer- cial Interests; But if the Government have it in the remotest con- templation to grant the recognition. It is my humble opinion that a competent person should be at once sent there to examine the Country, make himself acquainted with the character and habits of the people and report thereon. And he might in particular to be directed to obtain a thorough knowledge of the history of, and frauderlent dealings in the differ- ent descriptions of "Land Titles" and locations with a view to the protection and assistance of British Emigrants on their arrival in Texas and also to obtain as much information with respect to that part of the Country (of which little is known) which is best adapted for the growth of Grain and rearing of Cattle for to that region I think the tide of British Emigration will tend. Although the Character and I believe it to be a correct one, which I have given of the Texian people is certainly not a very pleasing one, still I do not wish to convey the idea that they are all Out- casts from Society on the contrary there are individual instances of talent, worth and respectability. On the example and exertions of these Men the future prosperity of Texas mainly depends and what is more to the purpose, the Mass tacitly acknowledge this, and do not seek to shackle their efforts by interference. I will most respectfully advance for consideration, as connected ^Application for recognition made by J. Pinckney Henderson, October 13, 1837; refused by Palmerston, January 27, 1838." (Garrison. Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 812 and 839, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 24 Texas Slate Historical Association with the present condition of the Texian Eepublic, a few reasons for believing that a recognition of her Independence by Great Britain would be of ultimate advantage to the Mother Country One of the greatest objections raised against this Step, in Eng- land as I understand is, that Texas being a Slave holding Country, presents an immense field for the traffic in Slaves. But with the greatest deference, I can but think that a prompt recognition of Texas by Great Britain if accompanied by encouragement and pro- tection to Emigration would have a directly contrary effect. By the Laws of Texas, Slaves may be introduced from the United States but not from the Main. Introducing them from other Countries being considered "piracy" and nominally punish- able by Death. I say nominally for although it is death according to Law and a matter of boast on the Score of humanity among the Texians, no sort of steps are taken to discover and punish Offenders, who consequently run their Cargoes with reckless im- punity, and in order that no doubt may exist as to the laxity of the authorities with the respect of this Law, there are persons, residents on some parts of the Coast, who are very generally known to be Slave Agents. The price of Slaves in Texas is enormous owing to the great demand for labour and the high price of Fetches.^ Slaves have been known to bring 1,500 to 2000 dollars a head there, while at the same time I saw them selling at 3 and 400 Dollars in the Havannah Market. In consequence of this there is a competition between the Span- ish Slave holders and others and those of the United States partic- ularly those of Virginia, Carolinas, Georgia, Kentuchie Missouri and Tenisee, which rivaly will continue until Texas is stocked with sufficient Labourers to work the Lands already in process of culti- vation. The anxiety of the Texians that Great Britain should recognize their Eepublic is so evident, that I need not dilate on it; further than to state (and that from the very best authority,) that if it were done, they would allow England almost, to make her own terms upon every, even the Slave question, in which case The Home Department might not only insist upon the severest restrictions and penalties being imposed at once on the introduction of Slaves from *Co8t of transporting slaves to Texas {?). British Correspondence Concerning Texas 25 the Main, but might appoint their own Agent to suprintend and see that these penalties were inflicted In the mean while Emigration would be increasing gradually, making a proportionate decrease in the price of labour and conse- quently in the price of Slaves, till at length the Market price for them in Texas would hardly hold out sufficient inducement to the Speculator from the United States and most unquestionably little temptation to the Captain and Crews of Slave Vessels, when they found, that in addition to the deteriorating value they received from their ventures, a strict watch was kept upon their nefarious proceedings, and severe and certain punishment followed on de- tection. In addition I will with confidence state that in yielding a recog- nition Great Britain might make it a "sine qua non" that Slavery should ultimately be altogether extinguished, and that, at no very distant period. For it must be borne in mind, that with the excep- tion of the Coast Eegion, the Climate of Texas does not require the Constitution of the "Negro," on the contrary, in some parts the cold is too severe in Winter, to admit of his working without greatly suffering in health. And one White man will in such cases easily do the Work of two Blacks. Again with reference to British Emigration, the Maladies peculiar to the Coast region, will, if what I before advanced prove correct, be encountered by those who are accustomed to them. — Vizt. the American Cotton and Cane Plant- ers, and as I do not think that these Plantations, can be carried on by white Labourers, it will become a matter of consideration whether they could not be worked for the next five Years by the Colouied Population now in Texas under the System of Appren- ticeship, as in the West Indies, prior to thorough emancipation; And I think this might the more easily be done now, considering the small number of Slaves in Texas the Sum total not exceeding 20,000. I need hardly remind you that about 2 years ago, an offer of annexation was made on the part of Texas to the United States,^ This, the latter thought fit to decline, a step which gave the great- est afEront to the young Eepublic and engendered a feeling of hos- ^Refused by the United States in August, 1837. Texan independence was recognized by the United States in March, 1837; by France, 1839; by Holland and by Belgium, 1840; and by Great Britain, 1842. 26 Texas State Historical Association tility, which though rapidly dying away, has yet sufficient life to render the renewal of such a proposition, and [out?] of the ques- tion, particularly as the population of Texas is quadrupled since the offer was made and the successes of the Settlers at the Battles of San Jacinto etc have inflated them with such sentiments of ad- miration at their own prowess as are only equalled by their pro- found contempt, for the Mexicans and Indians; in consequence of which they consider themselves competent to stand alone, I men- tion this because in a few years. They will become almost as in- different towards Great Britain, as they certainly now are towards America, which contemplating the superior terms to be made with them, is another reason for yielding an early recognition Premising this is granted (but again I must add, provided it is accompanied by encouragement and protection to Emigrants from home) England would derive in a few years from Texas a full supply of Cotton for her manufactures, equal if not superior to tliat now obtained from Louisiana, and Mississipi and if some slight and marked preference were given to her produce in Eng- land, the Planter and Labourer now working their nearly worn out land in the States would be found cultivating the Virgin Soil of Texas, and I really believe that twenty years would not pass away, before England (if necessary) might exclude every Bale of Cotton made in the States. I[n] conclusion T will add from Sources on which I can rely, that if England will grant a recognition, her recommendation to the Texians would induce them to pay Mexico from 3 to 5 Millions of Dollars for a recognition of their independence, by that Country and would also assume a portion of the Debt due by Mexico to British Merchants. For these purposes she would agree to issue Bonds, paying interest semi-annually to pledge the National Lands, or any portion of the Revenue derived from Customs as Security for the punctual Payment of such Bonds for the Satisfaction of the Mexican Government and the British Creditor Francis C. Sheridan Col. Secy. Joseph Ganaway, Esqr. A. P. Sy. ■ [Endorsed] In letter from the Colonial Office of 7 Sept, 1840. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 27 MAILLARD TO PALMERSTON^ 66 Ernest Street Albany Street Eegents Park. 15tli Sept. 1840. My Lord, Immediately on my Arrival at Liverpool from the Eepublic of Texas I forwarded to the Government Journal an Account of tlie latest Movements of the Federalists in Texas, Which appeared in the Morning Chronicle of the 17th TJlt. Showing the course whicli the Texain Government has managed to pursue, pending the Strug- gle between the Centralists and Federalists of Mexico. In addition to which I beg to direct your Lordship's Attention to the traffic in Slaves, which is carried on at this Moment in the Most bare- faced Manner between the Southern States of America and the Eepublic of Texas. The Vessels employed in this branch of the American Slave Trade are Steamers of the first Class, of which there are no less than three the JSTeptune, Colombia, and New York. These Boats make two Voyages a Month from the States to Texas and the Num- ber of Slaves thus transported across the Gulf of Mexico may be estimated at one hundred each Boat per Month. Nothing would be deemed more just My Lord than the Seizure of the Boats thus employed, — Con[si]dering that Mexico the Country which in the 'F. 0., Mexico, Vol. 142. Nicholas Doran Maillard, an English barrister at law, who came to Texas in 1840 in search of health and resided there six months. After the appearance of Kennedy's Texas (see note 1, p. 43), Maillard published a History of the Republic of Tespondcnce Concerning Texas 75 fifths at most leaving a heavy balance against her which will be reduced in 5 j^ears in a similar way to a calculation of compound interest, for every new Country will have on first Settlement a strong current against her of this sort but which is very much reduced yearly. I have considered that it will perhaps be as well to give You some idea of the Cotton growing region of this Country including Brazoria, Washington, Ward^ and Matagorda Counties as well as the lands upon Caney and Bernard. The quality of all these lands are superior to any that are known in the U. tStates and consist of Alluvial black Moulds, except on Caney and the upper part of Ward and Matagorda which are mulatto of a very strong and rich nature and more suitable to Cotton in my opinion from their not suifering so much from the drought which almost always happens in the lower Country, as well as producing a silky and long staple of cotton and with care and the same attention to cleaning would obtain the highest market rates in either Europe or New Orleans, indeed by a reference to the quality of the staple grown in the Western part of Texas it will be seen that Cottons here are decidedly superior to the general run of Ameri- can Cottons and are equal to them except the Eed River and Louisiana. The value of these lands vary from 3 to 5 dollars the acre in the present hard times, but sales have been made at much higher and lower prices, the quantity grown to the hand varies according to the industry of the Planter, as an average each Slave on a plantation will cultivate 10 or 12 Acres, and the produce is about 1500 to 2000 lbs. in Cotton seed or about 300 to 400 lbs. of Gin'd Cotton pr. acre. The Brazos has the preference among Planters from the Stream being navigable for about 60 miles, beyond this except in wet seasons when the Eiver rises 20 or 30 feet, no certain communi- cation can be had in consequence of the Shoals, the first that you meet with is between Bolivar and Richmond across which I can 10 months in the vear wade over. You have heard I have ^The judicial county of Ward was created from Matagorda and Colo- rado counties by act of January 19, 1841. This act was later held uncon- stitutional. Its territory was entirely distinct from that of the present county of Ward. 76 Texas State Historical Association no doubt that this river is navigable to Washington. I have seen for Myself and withoiit fear of contradiction say that up to Boli- vai- and no farther can a boat go except under the influence of the rise I before spoke of. The Bernard in the same way is nav- igable about 30 miles and dwindles away in 50 miles to a miser- able swamp. The Colorado in the same way presents many obstacles the first and greatest is the Eaft which obstructs the mouth for about 2 miles but will ere long be removed, a Keel Boat now ascends to near Bastrop and the water varies from 10 feet to 14 inches Every Stream in Texas unfortunately wants water to render them navigable. I believe that the Trinity that emptys into Gal- veston Bay will one day become the best river from the fact not generally known that that Eiver heads within 5 miles of Red River which is about 10 feet higher than the Trinity and by cutting a Canal of about 15 Miles you could have a constant volumn of water that would render that stream navigable as well as throw the whole trade of Fannin, Bowie, Harrison and Red River Coun- ties in this Bay, and which now goes to New Orleans thro' Nachi- toches, of these upper counties I myself have no practical knowledge, what little I have learned is from Judge Mills who I think may be relied upon as being disinterested and who at the same time has been a resident in that Section of the Country for some time They are all in the same parallel of latitude and their produc- tions alike — Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Rye and Flax grow well. Set- tlers from Illinois report that for wheat and Flax they desire no better land and that the average of the former crop is about 25 Bushels to the acre a good average I should consider. The Red River is navigable 1600 miles from the Mississipi to the junction of the Kiamiska and one hundred and fifty miles by land above the point where the boundary lies [line?] between the U. States and Texas strikes the River. The quality of the lands upon this River are similar to those on the Mississipi and Brazos and are alluvial. The Prairie black rich mould and capable of producing almost any production. All the upper Country is much better wooded than on the Gulf side of the Republic and among its products is a wood called Bowdark or Bois d'Arc which is reported to have the same qualities of the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 77 Campeachy Fustic, as well as being capable of hedging in a sim- ilar manner to the Black Thorn of our own Country. The crop of Cotton this year may be calculated as follows and may be relied upon. 1841 and 42. The Counties Harrison 2000, Fannin 700, Bowie 4000, Eed River 3000, Lamar 2000— in all 11,700 Brazoria and Washington — Bernard 7,500 Matagorda, Ward, and Caney 3,000 Sabine — St. Augustine and Nacogdoches 5,500 Montgomery — Fort Bend — Eichmond 7,000 Trinity, Harris, Houston, Chocolate 3,000 37,700 Each Bag will average 450 lbs. In 1840 and 41 Eed Eiver Counties 5,000 Nacogdoches, St. Augustine etc 2,500 Brazoria, Washington 5,400 Matagorda and Ward 1,300 Trinity 500 Sabine 1,000 19,200^ 1839 and 40. The returns of the Custom House shew about 5,600 Bales but I believe that the amount was greater and will be about 10,000 Bales. I calculated from what I have seen and my knowledge of the Country together with the increased planting and acquisition of forces that the year of 1842 will yeild a crop of about ".0% over the returns of last year or about 50, or 60,000 Bags. — 1 shall now conclude and beg to reiterate that if at any time I can give you ^The addition is incorrect; the correct total is 15,700. 78 Texas State Historical Association any information that will be of use to you or your Govt. I shall be most happy. — And Believe me^ [Endorsed.] Copy of a letter addressed to Monsieur de Sa- ligny. French Charge d'Affaires. No. 2. In Sir E. Peel's Note of Aug 15. 1842. ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. June 28. 1842. Capt. Elliot. Texas. Consular No. 6. Sir, I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acquaint you that in consequence of the Diplomatick Character with which you have been invested by His Lordship's Despatch Nos. 1 — of this day's date, it will be expedient that you should separate your Diplo- matick from your Consular Despatches, by affixing a distinct set of Numbers to each, and you will affix to your Despatches on Consular Subjects the word ''Consular" in the same manner as that word is prefixed to the number of this Despatch.^ You will understand that the only Despatches which should be marked and numbered in your Consular Series, should be such as relate solely to the subjects specially treated of in the General Consular Instructions H. U. Addington ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT* Captn. Elliot. F. 0. 1 July 1842. No. -S.-' Sir, The ratifications of the three Treaties concluded in Novr. 184'0 between Great Britain and the Eepublick of Texas, having been *The letter is unsigned. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. T.lliot's consular despatches were not numerous, and were for the most part merely formal reports of his presence at his post. These have been omitted, and only those bearing on his diplomatic activities and personal relations are here printed. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. ■'■Despatches Nos. 1 and 2, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842. are omitted; their substance is given in despatches Nos. 1 and 2, Elliot to Aberdeen, September 4, 1842, printed below. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 79 exchanged on the 28th TJlto. with the Texian Charge d'Affaires accredited to this Government, you will take upon yourself the character and duties of H. M. Charge d'Affaires to the Govt, of Texas, agreeably to the assurance which was prospectively given you to that effect by Visct: Palmerston in his dispatch dated the 4th of August last. A brief instruction for the general guidance of your conduct in your new capacity may suffice in the present position of our relations with the Eepublick of Texas. Those relations will necessarily, in the first instance, be namely, commercial; and, as such, they will come under your considera- tion in your capacity of Consul General, for the performance of the duties of which office you have already been sufficiently in- structed. With reference to our political relations I shall wish that you should, at first, assume the attitude, rather of an observer than of an actor, of a passive, but not inattentive spectator rather than of an energetic agent or counseller. You M'ill watch closely all the proceedings of the Texian Govt., not with any hostile view, but simply with the object of putting Your own Govt, in possession of such facts and circumstances as may enable them to form a just estimate of the power and char- acter of the Texian Govt, and Xation, and to judge thereby of the value of the new relations which H. M. has formed with that Eepublick It is essential that we should be made well acquainted with the resources, military, naval, financial, and commercial, of Texas; with the feelings of her Govt, and her people as represented in the legislative chambers, both with respect to Great Britain, and also with respect to the U. States. And in judging and rejwrt- ing on these matters T can not too strongly recommend to you to use your best endeavours to do so with the strictest impartiality, and not to allow any preconceived notions to bias your judgment in coming to a conclusion on these points The exact truth without any extraneous colouring, is what H. M. Govt, desire in their present very imperfect knowledge of the state of affairs in Texas; and to you they must necessarily look for that information which is to guide their own judgment in those matters. 80 Texas State Historical Association You will of course express to the rulers of Texas the desire of H. M. Govt, to cultivate the best understanding with them, and especially to do every thing in their power to bring about an amicable and early settlement of their differences with Mexico. But you will most carefully abstain from using any language which may, in the remotest manner, lead to a hope that we may ever be disposed to take any part in their contest with Mexico. We should be well inclined, in conformity with our Treaty with Texas, to mediate between the two Govts., but the part which it is our first duty to take, with reference to either, is that of the strictest neutrality. In conclusion, I wish that all representations which you may at any time have to make to the Texian Authorities, either orally or in writing, should be conveyed in such a tone and language as it becomes one independent Govt, to use towards another independent Govt., without reference to the greater strength and more ancient reputation of the one or the lesser power and antiquity of the other. Ab [erdee] n. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office. Captain Elliot July 1st. 1842. No. 4. Sir, I inclose to you a Copy of a Protocol of a Conference^ which I, as Plenipotentiary for Great Britain, and Mr. Ashbel Smith, as Plenipotentiary for the Republick of Texas held at the Foreign Office on the 28th ultimo recording the exchange of the Eatifica- tions of the three undermentioned Treaties between Her Majesty and the Republick of Texas. 1. A Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed at London on the 13th of Novr. 1840. 2dly A Convention containing certain arrangements relative to Publiek debt, signed at London on the 14th of Novr. 1840; 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. -Held at the foreign office, June 28, 1842. See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, ITT, 996, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 81 and 3d]y, a Treaty for the suppression of African Slave Trade, signed at London on the 16th of Novr. 1840. I also inclose to you Six Copies of each of the above mentioned Treaties signed on the 13th and 14th of Novr. 1840. — And also Copies of Protocols of the Conferences held at this office on the 19th of May and 14th of December 1841^ between the Plenipo- tentiaries of Great Britain and of Texas, extending the time for the Exchange of the Eatitications of the Treaties between the Two Countries. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" Draft. Foreign Office. Captain Elliot. July 1. 1842. jSTo. 5. Confidential. Sir. I inclose to you confidentially for Your information, a Copy of a dispatch which I have addressed to Her M's Minister in Mexico,^ relative to the two Treaties between Great Britain and Texas signed on the 13th and 14th of ISTovember, 1840 ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office. Captain Elliot. July 1. 1842. No. 7.= Sir, Having received from more than one quarter, and especially from H. M. Consul at Vera Cruz, in a despatch dated the 30th of April and 10th of May, information that, as far as Vera Cruz at least is concerned, the Blockade of the Eastern Coast of Mexico ^Both in British and Foreign State Papers, XXX, 1127-1128. =F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. 'Aberdeen to Pakenham. July 1, 1842. F. 0., Mexico, 152. Aberdeen instructed Pakenham to urge upon Mexico a recognition of Texan inde- pendence, and a discontinuance of all attempts at reconquest. For ex- tracts and substance, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 101-102. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. ^Despatch No. 6, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 1, 1842, is omitted here; it transmitted copy of despatch No. 28, Aberdeen to Pakenham, July 1, 1842, in regard to Texan blockade of Mexican ports. S'3 Texas State lIxMoricol Association proclaimed by the Govt, of Texas on the '^Gth of March, had not been, up to that date, practically enforced. I have thought it my duty to address a Letter, of which a Copy is herewith enclosed,^ to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in which I have requested that the Commander in Chief of H. M. Xaval forces in the West Indies may be instructed to dispatch forthwith lo the Coast declared under Blockade, a sufficient force for the protec- tion of British Trade in that quarter; and also to report upon the efficiency, or otherwise of the Blockade so declared At the same time I have also thought it my duty to represent verbally to the Texian Charge d'Affaires in this Country the im- policy on the part of a Govt, so recently established, and as yet so scantily recognized, as that of Texas, of resorting to a measure, which ought always to be avoided, except in cases of extreme urgency, and is always attended with great danger and odium to the Blockading Power, and liable to excite feelings of disgust and hostility in all other Powers; — the great Commercial Powers especially I have to instruct you, under the supposition that the Blockade is an actual and effective one, and properly supported by an ade- quate Blockading force, as required by the Law of Xations, to make a temperate but energetic representation in the same sense directly to the Govt, of Texas, and to use your best endeavours to induce that Govt, to raise the Blockade without loss of time; rep- resenting to them the ill will which a continuance of it will excite in foreign Xations, and especially amongst the Merchants of the higher Commercial Powers, whose friendship it must be so greatly the interest of the Texian Govt, to conciliate in the infancy of their Countrev's independence. You may also add that the Blockade of the ^lexiean Ports, which, in the opinion of H. M. Govt, was, from the first injudi- cious has, since the final completion of the Treaties between Great Britain and Texas, become particularly inopportune, since it is now the duty of the British Govt, conformably to the provisions of one of those Treaties, to endeavour once more to mediate a Peace l)€tween tlie two Countries, with a view to the recognition of Texas by Mexico. "Xot found. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 83 It is scarcely to be supposed that such Mediation can be under- taken with an}' rational hope of success at a moment when an obstruction is opposed by Texas to the Commerce of Mexico with other Countries; which, under any circumstances, could contribute but little in proportion to its vexatious character, to the success of the Contest at present raging between the two Eepublicks. Should you have good reason to know that the Blockade of the Mexican Ports is not effective, or that it is enforced, not by Ves- sels bona fide Texian, but by Ships belonging to foreign States or Adventurers, it will then become your duty to protest formally against it, and to declare to the Govt, of Texas explicitly, but in temperate language, that the British Govt, will neither acknowl- edge, nor observe, it.^ You will, under any circumstances, employ all the means within Your reach, for elucidating the important point above adverted to, namely, whether supposing the Blockade to be real, the Blockading Vessels are Texian, or foreign. It is obvious that, considering the proximity of the United States, and the known bias of the people of that Country in favour of Texas and Texian independ- ence, there must always be a great probability that those persons will omit no opportunity of taking part with the Texians either by land or Sea, especially when so fair a chance of gain offers, as the sharing in the Blockade of the Mexican Ports would hold out to them. To this point You will therefore direct Your particular atten- tion, and report accurately to H. M. Govt, all the authentic in- formation which You may be able to collect upon it. I am, Aberdeen. ^The blockade was not effective, but its promulgation had stirred a warm protest by British merchants, who in May and June, 1842, ad- dressed numerous letters to the foreign office. (F. 0., Mexico, 158 and 159. Domestic Various.) Houston revoked the blockade on September 12, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1014, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 84 Texas State Historical Association ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. July 1st. 1842. Capt. Elliot. H. M. Charge d'Affaires Texas. No. 8. Sir. In the Year 1837, H. M. Govt, received accounts of certain outrages which had been committed upon two British Merchant Vessels, named the "Eliza Eussell" and the "Little Penn," by Vessels in the Service of the Texian Authorities, and several suc- cessive Communications were consequently made by my Prede- cessor to Genl. Henderson, an Agent from Texas then in this Country, with a view to obtain redress for these Outrages by amicable means.^ The result of these preliminary Communications was an assur- ance on the part of Genl. Henderson, first with respect to the Eliza Russell, that the Texian Authorities were ready to pay the whole of the Claim brought forward by H. M. Govt, on behalf of the Owner of that Vessel; and secondly, with respect to the case of the "Little Penn" upon which there seemed to be some demur, that they were ready to investigate that Case, and in the event of the Claim proving well founded, that they would not hesitate to make full compensation to the Owners. The stay of Genl. Henderson in England, however, having been only temporary, and H. M. Govt, having then no Agent in Texas, the further prosecution of these Claims was entrusted to Mr. Pakenham, H. M. Minister in Mexico, who was at that time, in Communication upon other Matters with Genl. Hamilton an Agent ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. ^This matter occupies much space in the correspondence between Aber- deen and Elliot. Since Elliot nearly always merely carried out Aber- deen's instructions by transmitting formal official communications to the Texan government, and since these are included in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic o/ Texas, no further letters treating of the Eliza Russell and Little Penn cases will be printed h^re, unless they contain references to other matters. For a succinct account of the cases see Worley, "The Diplomatic Relations of England and the Republic of Texas," in The Quarteely, IX, 5-8. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 85 from Texas theu in Mexico;^ and Statements of the Claims, sup- ported by the necessary proofs, were forwarded to Mr. Pakenham for Communication to Genl. Hamilton and through him to his Govt. Genl. Hamilton having been succeeded in Mexico by Mr. Trent, [Treat] ^ another Texian Agent, Mr. Pakenham made his representations to the last mentioned Gentleman from whom assurances were received similar to those which had been given by Genl. Henderson, but eventually it was deemed expedient to defer the final prosecutions of these Claims until H. M. Govt, should have appointed an Agent to reside in Texas, who would then make a direct application to the Texian Govt, for redress. That Step having now been taken, I accordingly transmit to You herewith for your information and guidance. Copies of the Correspondence, as marked in the Margin, which has passed be- tween this Office and Mr. Pakenham upon this subject,^ together with Copies of the Correspondence and other Papers therein re- ferred to, with the exception of the Inclosures in Lord Palmer- ston's Despatch ISTo. 10 of the 15th of February 1840. These Inclosures comprise authenticated Documents and other Papers relating to the Claims in question; and Mr. Pakenham has been instructed to transmit them to You at Austin by the earliest opportunity. ^Hamilton was not in Mexico, but corresponded with Pakenham from New Orleans. (Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 36-40'.) ^James Treat, confidential agent of Texas in Mexico, 1839-40. Died at sea while returning to Texas, November 30, 1840. Very little information has been found regarding Treat, though he played an important, though brief, role in Texan diplomacy. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 451, footnote; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) There is a tombstone in Wethersfield, Connecticut, erected to the memory of "James Treat, died November 30, 1840. Buried in Galveston, Texas." (J. Harvey Treat, Genealogy of the Treat Family, 505.) The author of this work knew only that Treat was a "Minister to Mexico," and could find no record of his previous history. ^The copies listed in the margin, all of which bore upon the "Eliza Russell" and "Little Penn" claims, were the following: (1) Palmerston to Pakenham, February 15, 1840, No. 10, with list of enclosures (F. O., Mexico, 133) ; (2) Pakenham to Palmerston, April 30, 1840, No. 43, with two enclosures (F. 0., Mexico, 135) ; (3) same to same. August 22, 1840, No. 77, with one enclosure (F. 0., Mexico, 137) ; (4) Palmerston to Ham- ilton, November 28. 1840 (F. O.. Texas, Domestic, 1) ; (5) Aberdeen to Pakenham. .June 1. 1842, No. 18 (F. 0., Mexico, 152). The' last letter notifies Pakenham that henceforth Elliot will assume the duty of pressing these claims on Texas. 86 Texas StaU Ilistorical Association Wlien you receive these Documents, you will be in possession of all that has passed on the Subject of these Claims; And I have to instruct You to lose no time in pressing them in the strongest manner upon the serious attention of the Texian Govt, as Claims which H. Mjty. fully expect and require should be adjusted with- out further delay. In conclusion I have to call your attention to the fact, that great pains have been taken to examine into the Evidence adduced by the parties interested, with respect to the amount of their Claims, and that those Claims have, through the interposition of H. M. Govt, been reduced to the lowest Sum to which the Parties appear in justice to be entitled. Ab[erdee]n. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Gregory's Hotel, Arundel St. Hay market, July 2d. 18'42. My Lord, According to the various accounts which have recently arrived from the United States, it would appear that the greater part of the Texan Navy had (as I have already intimated) proceeded to N'ew Orleans and Mobile, for the purpose of refitting and obtain- ing Stores. There seems no reason to doubt that it was the inten- tion of the Government of Texas to reinforce the blockade The Texan Congress had been summoned to meet at the close of last Month, and the President was, in the meantime, arranging the Army for the projected invasion of Mexico. The force called to the field may be estimated at 5,000 Men, which, in case of actual hostilities, would be largely increased by Volunteers from the United States. The Count de Breteuil, French Secretary of Legation at Mexico, is among the list of passengers brought by the Great Western. This is the second import of French diplomacy from Mexico within a short period of time. In acknowledging the honor of Your Lordship's Note of the 27th ult, I feel a degree of self-reproach lest I should have been much too inconsiderate in pressing for a reply. Per- ^F. 0., Texas. Vol. 3. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 8'7 haps a palliatory plea for undue susceptibility might be found in the fact that my position with relation to Your Lordship has been that of an applicant for office Permit me to explain that the political aim of the contemplated work was to be the establishment of peace between Texas and Mexico. I may add that, were I in the employment of Govern- ment, I would be strongly indisposed to venture into print with- out the knowledge and sanction of the head of the department [to] which I was attached. The name of Tho. L. M. Eate/ of the firm of Eickards Little & Co 15 Bishopsgate St. Within, has been transmitted by Mr. Ashbel Smith to his Government, to be substituted for mine in the Commission of Consul General for Texas in Great Britain William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen. KENNEDY TO BIDWELL" [July 6, 18-42.] Mr. Kennedy presents his compliments to Mr. Bidwell, and begs to submit the following facts, in reference to the appoint- ment of a Consul, or a Vice Consul, at Galveston— leaving out of view Mr. Kennedy's own impression that the Government intended to grant him Consular rank. L France and the United States (each represented by a Charge d'AfEaires) have their respective Consuls at Galveston, who will by Virtue of their rank necessarily exercise greater weight than a British Vice-Consul. The inconvenience of this will sug- gest itself to Mr. Bidwell's experience 2. The Seat of Government in Texas is on the Indian frontier, distant from the more populous Settlements, and above two hun- dred Miles from Galveston, with which it is unconnected by any regular and speedy means of conveyance. For all commercial purposes requiring despatch and arising out of Maritime inter- course, with the Coast, the services of a Consul General stationed ^Lachlan Mcintosh Rate. He was recommended to Ashbel Smith by Kennedy on June 30, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 991, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) "-F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 88 Texas Stale Hktorical Association at Austin would be altogether useless. Yet the representatives of France and the United States have their official residence at Austin, and the representative of Great Britain cannot reside else- where without material detriment to the efficient exercise of his diplomatic functions. The unsettled state of affairs in Texas would seem peculiarly to demand the constant attention of the British Consul General at the Seat of Government. 3. There are several ports on the Coast of Texas which might properly fall under the supervision of a British Consul at Galveston through his Agents. I may enumerate Sabine, at the Mouth of the river of that name, Velasco, on the Brazos, Matagorda and the adjoining places, Copano and its neighbourhood, and Corpus Christi. Matagorda is already the seat of a considerable and growing Commerce, and there is every reason to anticipate that a very few Years will bring an important increase to the trade of all. The United States have Vice-Consuls at Velasco and Mata- gorda, and, I believe, at Sabine For the several reasons herein adduced — namely — The practice of France and the United States — the remoteness of the Consul General's Official residence from the principal Seaports, and the extent of district requiring Consular supervision, together with the prospect of an early enlargement of our commercial operations in Texas. Mr. Kennedy respectfully submits (apart from the consideration of his personal claims or impressions) that an agent of the British Government holding Consular rank should be sta- tioned at Galveston Gregory's Hotel Arundel St. Haymarket. July Gth. 1842. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Gregory's Hotel. Arundel St. Haymarket July 7th. 1842. My Lord, I yesterday received private letters from Galveston in Texas which confirms generally the information I have communicated 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 89 to Your Lordship respecting the blockade and the projected in- vasion of Mexico. The Texan Commodore has sailed to New Orleans and Mobile, for the purpose of refitting, leaving a single brig of war (the Wharton) to watch the Mexican Coast. From the posture of affairs at the date of my letters, I should think that the invading army of Texas would be on its March towards the Mexican frontier about the first of next Month. There seems to be no want of Men or Military means. The avowed object of the war is to extort from Mexico the recognition of Texan independence, and, with it, permanent peace. From an earnest desire to avoid troubling Your Lordship with renewed application on the subject of my appointment, I called yesterday on Mr. Bidwell, to ascertain what steps had been taken in reference to the Galveston Consulate. Contrary to my understanding of Your Lordship's kind and complimentary offer of the 6th Ult. it was intimated by Mr. Bid- well that my name had been sent into him for the Subordinate rank of Vice Consul at Galveston. The inexpediency of such an appointment, in a business point of view, I have endeavoured to demonstrate in a Note to Mr. Bidwell. Its want of accordance with the offer of which I signified my acceptance, and for which I declined the Consul Generalship of Texas in this Country, I beg respectfully to indicate to Your Lordship, from whom the instructions necessary for rectifying the matter are required to proceed. A probable absence of some years in a foreign Country demands not a few preparatory arrangements, more especially if that Coun- try should be, like Texas, recently settled. Among other things, I find that the transport of a dwelling house from England will be requisite. The order for this, which it will take some time to execute, only awaits the issue of my Commission. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ [July 14, 1842.] Mr. Kennedy presents his Compliments to Mr. Bidwell, and in the hope that he is not unduly importunate, begs to remind him of ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 00 Texas State HisforiraJ Association hi? obliging promise to send Mr. K. a letter signifying his appoint- ment to the Consulate at Galveston — early in the present week. In the anticipation of being favoured with this letter, he had made arrangements for leaving London to join his family and recruit his health on the Coast. Gregory's Hotel. Arimdel St., Haymarket. July 14th. 1843. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. July 15. 1842 Captain Elliot. No. 9. Sir, In my despatch No. 7, of the 1st. inst. I instructed you to press upon the Govt, of Texas' the great impolicy on their part of con- tinuing the Blockade of the Coast of Mexico; and to represent to them the earnest desire and recommendation of H. M. Govt, that they should not persevere in such an exercise of belligerent rights. You will still endeavour to attain that object by every means in >your power. But if, contrary to the just expectation of H. M. Govt, the Texian Govt, should determine to maintain the Blockade, 1 have to instruct you to apply to them to give directions to the Officers commanding the Blockading Vessels not to interfere with the Vessels of the Eoyal Mail Steam Company employed by H. M. Govt., but to suifer those Vessells to continue to perform unmo- lested the Packet Service on the Mexican Coast, in the same man- ner as the British Packets were allowed to perform the same service during the French Blockade on that Coast.- And if the Texian Govt, acquiesce in this demand, as that of Her Majesty feel satisfied they will, you will communicate that fact to H. M. Minister in Mexico, as well as to the Commander of H. M, Naval forces in the West Indies, and to the Agents of the Eoyal Mail Steam Packet Company at Jamaica and tlie Havannah. 'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is luisigned. ^In 1838 France blockaded Mexican ports to enforce adjustment of French Claims. (H. H. Bancroft, History of Mexico, V, ch. VIII.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 91 ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office Captain Elliot July 16. 1842. No. 10. Sir. I enclose herewith, for your Information, Copies of a Corre- spondence which has recently taken place between this Depart- ment, and the Charge d' Affaires of Texas, and also between this Department and the Adrairalty,^ on the subject of two Steam Ves- sels, the "Montezuma", and "Guadalupe", which have been fitted out in tlie Ports of Great Britain by Messrs. Lizardi and Co. for the service of the Mexican Government; against the fitting out, and supposed arming and officering of which Vessels the Texian Charge d' Affaires protested.-* A prior Correspondence had already taken place between this Department and Messrs. Lizardi and Co. and the Mexican Charge d' Affaires at this Court, on the subject of a permission which was requested by Messrs. Lizardi and Co. to arm the Vessels in ques- tion. That permission was refused on the ground of the private character of the Vessels until they should have reached Vera Cruz, ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. ^Smith to F. 0., June 14 and July 1, 1842; F. 0. to Admiralty, July 5 and 7, 1842; Admiralty to F. O., July 6, 8 and 12, 1842; F. O. to Murphy, May 31, 1842. 'These two vessels were intended to rehabilitate the Mexican navy. They were built in English ports, equipped, with the official sanction of Aberdeen, by a firm regularly supplying stores to the British navy, and at first it was also intended that they might be armed by similar firms, and commanded by English naval officers on leave. These last two plans were prohibited by Aberdeen after protest by Ashbel Smith, though in fact the ships were taken out by British naval officers who resigned their commissions. (Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 83-96.) The matter occupies much space in Ashbel Smith's despatches from May to September, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- public of Texas. ITT, 955-1026, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) The correspondence listed in this letter is to be found as follows: (1) letters to and from Ashbel Smith, in reference just given to Garrison, III, 986 and 977; (2) letters to and from the Admiralty, in F. 0., Mex- ico, 158, Domestic Various (Addington to Barrow, and replies) ; (3) letter to Murphy, in F. 0., Mexico, 157, Domestic, Mr. Murphy. This last communication though dated May 31, was not sent to Murphy until July 15. Further letters on the Montezuma and Guadalupe aff"air will be omitted in this printing, unless they contain other matters of im- portance. 92 Texas Piatc Historical Association at which period alone they were to become hona fide the Property of the Mexican Government. Had they been fitted out in Great Britain by the order, and on the account of the Mexican Government, that permission might legally have been granted, but, being private Property, so long as they remained in a British Port, such permission would have been contrary to Law. I enclose herewith a Copy of the Letter by which the decision of H. M's Government on this point was conveyed to Mr. Murphy I communicate this Letter to you, not as having any direct con- nexion with the Correspondence between Myself and the Texian Charge d 'Affaires referred to in the first Clause of this despatch, but merely as calculated to give you, and to enable you to give the Government of Texas, a clearer Insight into the Principles which have guided Her M's Government in this matter, as well as in that which formed the subject of that Correspondence Our determination is to observe a strict neutrality in the present Contest between Mexico and Texas; a perfect impartiality in our Conduct towards both Parties; and a rigid adherence to law in all that regards the Proceedings of either in respect to Great Britain. So long as the Steam Vessels in question are, in the eye of English Law, private property and unarmed, although they may be surmised, or even known, to be destined for the use of the Mexi- can Government, the British Government has no right to interfere with them ; nor were the Vessels destined for the use of the Texian, instead of the Mexican Government, would the conduct of Great Britain be altered in any particular You will make a frank Communication to this effect to the Government of Texas. I have thought it expedient to enter thus fully into the subject, as I am conscious that to Persons not thoroughly acquainted with the |>eculiarities of British Law, some doubts might present them- selves as to the Principles on which we have acted in this matter. The above explanations are intended to dissipate these doubts, and will, I feel confident, succeed in doing so. Aberdeen.^ ^Despatch No. 11, Aberdeen to Elliot, July 16, 1842, omitted here, trans- mitted copy of despatch No. 48, Fakenham to Aberdeen, June 2, 1842, and Brifisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 93 KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Glasgow, August 1st. 1843. My Lord, Having visited the West of Scotland to take leave of old and kind friends, I have heen consulted by a number of the industrious artizans who, suffering from want of employment, are desirous to emigrate to Texas. The Engineers Association, which has a com- mon fund of £40,000 and supports four hundred unemployed workmen, has some idea of purchasing Texan lands and planting these men upon them. In the present doubtful state of the rela- tions between Mexico and Texas, I cannot recommend immediate and extensive Settlement in the latter Country. I beg to mention these facts as they may have some weight with Your Lordship in the negotiations for peace. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 3.^ New Orleans, August 14th. 1842 My Lord, I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatches No. 9, 10, and 11 of 1842. An accidental interruption of the Communication by American Steam Vessels between Cuba and New Orleans, and the failure of the Ouhvard West India Mail of the 15th June beyond Nassau in New Providence, detained me at the Havannah till the 30th Ultimo. •the latter's reply to same despatch No. 38, Aberdeen to Pakenham, July 15, 1842, in regard to the threatened blockade of Mexican ports by the Texans. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. Uhid. 'No. 1, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of des;;atche3; and No. 2, reporting that he is en route to his post, are omitted. 94 Texas State Historical Associ/iUoii Upon my ni'rival at this place too, on llic ()t!i Instant. I find llmt the passage Vessels plying between Galveston and New Orleans havo either been sent on to New York, or laid up here; from want of snfficient employment at this Season of the year. But I am informed that a Steam Vessel will sail to Texas on the 16tb or 17th Instant, and T hope therefore to reach my post before the close of this week. In the mean time I have been able to collect some information which it appears to be desirable to transmit without delay. During my detention at the Havannah Her Majesty's Ship "Victor'* arrived there from Vera Cruz, having recently visited Galveston. Captain Otway informed me that the President of Texas had assured him that particular orders had already been issued to the Commander of the Texian Vessels of War not to interfere with the Ships of the Eo3^al Mail Steam Packet Company visiting the Ports of Mexico, and Captain Otway had forwarded a communication to that effect to the Vice Admiral on this Sta- tion, and to Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico. Up to the latest period that there is information here from the Coast of Mexico, there had been no effectual blockade of the Ports involved in General Plouston's Notification, and for Your Lord- ship's further information in that respect I beg to inclose a brief statement of the actual force and situation of the Texian Marine, which I believe may be depended upon. I shall not fail earnestly to press the principal point of Your Lordships Instructions in the despatch No. 9, upon the Government of Texas, and judging from the Moderate and friendly tenor of the President's intercourse with Captain Otway upon that sub- ject, and from the means of maintaining a Blockade now placed under Your Lordship's notice, it seems reasonable to conclude that they will accede to the desire and recommendation of Her Majesty's Government. I would beg to remark that Your Lordship's despatches No. 6, 7, and 8, probably forwarded through the West India line of com- munication, have not yet reached me. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. British Corrnspondence Concerning Texas 'Jo [Enclosure] Statement of the actual force and situation of the Texian Marine. "Austin" Corvette. 18 guns. Now at New Orleans. ''Wharton" Brig. 16 guns. Do. Do. ■'San Bernardo" Schooner 7 guns. Cruizing. ■'San Antonio" Do. Do. At Galveston A Man of War Brig, and Steam Vessel at Galveston, dismantled and unmanned. August 14th. 1843. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Harrogate. August 25th. 1845;. My Lord, By a copy of the Gazette of the 19th Inst, which has been trans- mitted to me from London, I have been apprized of my appoint- ment to the Consulate of Galveston. Permit me. My Lord, to tender to you my best acknowledge- ments, not merely for the recognition of my claims, as signified by the appointment, but for the kindness so grateful to my feel- ings, which I have experienced in approaching and communicating with your Lordship. By advice of my Physician, I am taking the Harrogate waters, my health being considerably impaired. In ten or twelve days, I propose visiting London, and shall be prepared to leave England for Galveston about the first of October, should Your Lordship not deem it necessary to prescribe an earlier day for my departure. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ N'o. 4. Houston. August 29th. 1842. My Lord, An immediate opportunity to New Orleans affords me the hope of reporting to Your Lordship, by this Mail which leaves Boston ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. -Ibid. In this, as in many of Elliot's letters, the paragraphing is un- certain. The arrangement here followed is that which the copyist has fixed upon as best indicating Elliot's intention. 96 Texas State HiMorical Association on the 15th Proximo, my arrival in Texas, on the 23cl Instant. Owing to bad weather there was no communication between Gal- veston and this place till the 27th ; and the next day being Sunday I was not presented to the President till today. I had however in the mean time delivered Your Lordship's despatch addressed to the Secretary of State of this Republic to Mr. Terrell, the Attorney General and a Member of the Cabinet, charged during the illness of the Secretary, with the duties of his Office. 1 had also shewn Mr. Terrell my Commission as Consul Genera] (of which he expressed a wish to take a Copy) and he informed me that the exequatur would be furnished immediately. I mentioned to Mr. Terrell that being anxious to communicate with Your Lordship by the Steam Boat about to sail to New Orleans, I hoped he would excuse me for entering upon business at so early a period of our intercourse, and give me leave to call his attention to the subject of certain despatches which had reached me since my departure from England. Mr, Terrell obligingly assured me that he would endeavor to afford me all the information I might require and would confer with the President before I saw him, in order that His Excellency might express his own views upon any points in question. I then read to Mr. Terrell Your Lordships despatch No. 9, requesting him to observe that it adverted to Instructions of an earlier date, which had not yet reached me, so that I was without the advantage of knowing all that Your Lordship desired to con- vey upon the impolicy of the Blockade, supposed to exist, when that despatch was written. But apart from all sources of objection, and even assuming that an effectual blockade of the Mexican Ports be maintained by the Texian Marine in it's actual force, still I thought the President could not fail to perceive that it would be a Measure of much more inconvenience to pov/ers friendly to Texas, than to Mexico. That State was under heavy obligations abroad : And with very burdensome charges at home, arising chiefly from extraordinary armament alleged to be intended for the invasion of Texas, it would surely be disadvantageous to this Republic, and must be repugnant to the Dispositions of the President, to pursue a course of which the effect would be the increased difficulty of drawing British Correspondence Concerning Texas 97 funds from this Coimtrv, to the embarrassment of foreign Cred- itors, much rather than the distress of the Mexican Government Mr. Terrell did not impugn this reasoning, but remarked that particular orders had already been given to the Officers of the Texian Marine not to interfere with vessels engaged in the Packet Service of Great Britain, and he hoped therefore there would be less inconvenience than might otherwise be the case. He would not fail, however, to press all I had urged upon the President. I next turned to Your Lordship's despatch No. 10, respecting the equipment of the Steam Ships said to be intended for the Service of the Mexican Government, but Mr. Terrell at once as- sured me that the President was perfectly aware of British law and practice in that particular, and was convinced that the Gov- ernment of Texas might always depend upon exactly the same advantages with respect to equipment in England, or in any other respect, as had been enjoyed by the Mexican Government. I said that it was the main object of Your Lordship's despatch to satisfy the Government of Texas of the detemiination of that of Her Majesty to adhere to a rigidly strict Neutrality in the con- test between Mexico and their Republic, and as that feeling was so well understood, I might dismiss the subject with the expression of a sincere hope that the difficulty would be speedily and peace- fully concluded. It seemed to me that the Instruction of Your Lordship's de- spatch No. 11, respecting the period from which the exercise of any blockade could be admitted should most properlv form the subject of a Note, whenever there was any probability that a blockade would be established, and under that impression I did not enter upon th.at point at present. The President received me with great cordiality, and entered fully into the situation and views upon the subject of Mexico. He said that he had always been influenced liy the sincerest dis- position to adjust the difficulties with that Government upon the most moderate footing, involving the acknowledgment of the inde- pendence of the Republic; that He was heartily adverse to an aggressive warfare upon their frontier, which he was sensible with the present means of the Government, could only have the effect of destroying the prosperity, and inciting the lasting ill will of a section of the Mexican population, with which they wish to be 98 Texas State IliMorical Association neighbours, and should therefore cultivate most friendly relations. He said that his own moderate views were not responded to upon the part of the people of this Republic, particularly of the Native portion of it, highly inflamed by constant incursion upon the part of the Mexicans; And he saw reason to apprehend that the con- tinuance of these raids would drive him, contrary to his disposi- tions, into measures of a similar nature, but of far more extensive effect. The relations of this Government with certain Indian tribes always left it in his power to carry on a warfare of the most formidable description along the whole Eastern frontier of Mexico, but he repeated that he was adverse to the adoption of such courses, and would still hope for more satisfactory conclusions. He now said, that if T saw no inconvenience in doing so, he should feel obliged to me to lose no time in writing to Mr. Paken- ham, and requesting that Gentleman to make a communication upon his (the Presidents part) to General Saint Anna, to the elfect that He was ready to consent to an armistice for any length of time, and upon any conditions, that Mr. Pakenham might con- sider suitable, with the view to the mature adjustment of a per- manent and satisfactory arrangement between the contending par- ties. He would wish it to be stated that it was only from feelings of respect towards the Governments of Her Majesty, and the United States, and in reliance upon their continued friendly efforts, and He must add in some reliance too upon the moder- ation and good faith of General Saint Anna himself, that he had always felt himself bound to make every reasonable attempt to maintain his own forbearing policy; and he had done so at the sacrifice, or at least the temporary sacrifice of his own popularity with the greater part of his fellow Citizens. I thanked His Excellency for this mark of liis confidence, and for a communication of views which could hardly fail to be agree- able to Her Majesty's Government on account of their moderation, but I begged him to observe, that beyond the fact of the determi- nation of Her Majesty's Government to adhere to a strict neu- trality in this contest, and my own conviction of It's sincerest desire, that it should be promptly and happily adjusted, I was wholly without instructions as to the particular course which Hor Majesty's Government might decide to take for the furtherance of pacification, either in point of channel, or in point of principle. Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 99 At the same time I certainly did not perceive that there could be any inpropriety or inconvenience in writing to Mr. Pakenham to the effect the President had suggested, and that Gentleman would of course be able to judge to what extent it would be in his power to meet His Excellency's wishes. I think it may be convenient to Your Lordship to peruse the Veto Message with which the President returned a recent Act of Congress authorizing offensive War against Mexico/ and I have therefore taken the liberty to inclose it I would also beg to add that I shall forward a copy of this despatch to Her Majesty's Ministers at Mexico and "Washington The suddenness of this opportunity, and my recent arrival will T trust be my reason for the incompleteness of the information, I am able to transmit by this occasion; But Your Lordship may be assured that I shall not fail to press the impolicy of a Blockade upon the attention of the Government, whenever there is any pros- pect of its establishment, which is not the case at present. The latest intelligence from Mexico at this place is of the 11th Instant, and at that time it was the general belief that the force about to embark was destined for Yucatan. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street. ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT" Draft. Foreign Office Captn. Elliot. Augt. 31st. 1843. Xo. 12.3 Sir, I transmit to you herewith a Copy of a letter from the Ad- miralty* relating to a claim on the Texian Govt, for supplies fur- nished by the Commandr. of H. M. S. "Comus" to the Officer commanding the Schooner of the Texian Govt. "San Bernard" ^The President's veto message to the bill "authorizing offensive war against Mexico" is dated July 22nd, and was printed in the Telegraph and Texas Register of July 27, 1842. =F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. ''For the character of No. 11 see page 92, note. *Dated June 12, 1841. 100 Texas t^iatc Historical Association amounting to £3-15-9 and inclosing in original an order on the Captain Commanding the Texian Squadron at Galveston signed by the Commander of the "San Bernard," for the payment of that Sum I have to instruct you to apply to the Texian Govt, for the amount of this Claim and transmit the same to this Dept. H. U. A[ddington]. ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ No. 5. Galveston, September 1st. 1842. Sir. It was intended that the Capital of this Republic should be at Austin upon the river Colorado, but the state of public affairs led the President to assemble the last Congress at Houston, and since that time the Government has been temporarily residing there. It is not known when, or indeed whether it will return to Austin, or where the next meeting of the Legislature will be held. In this uncertainty as to the permanent seat of Government, I trust Lord Aberdeen will sanction my residing usually at this place, which I find that Mr. Eve the American Minister is doing with the sanction of his Government, and Monsieur de Saligny my French Colleague, also lived here, after the retirement of the Government from Austin, till his return to Europe on leave of absence. There is a constant communication between Galveston and Houston by Steamer, so that the arrangement is free of in- convenience. I mentioned to the President that the state of my health made it an object to me to live nearer to the Sea Coast than Houston, and He requested me to consult my own convenience in that respect. Charles EUioi H. U. Addington, Esqr. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. British Con-espondence Concerning Texas 101 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ ^0. 1.2 Galveston, September 4th. 1843. My Lord I beg leave to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 1 of the 2Sth June last, transmitting a letter to the address of the Secretary of State of the Eepublic, Accrediting me as Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Texas. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honorable. The Earl, of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^ No. 2. Galveston, September 4th. 1842. My Lord, I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 2. of the 28th June, acquainting me, that Her Majesty has been pleased to declare that I shall receive an additional Allowance, at the rate of one pound a day, to meet the additional expences to which T shall be liable as Her Majesty's Charge d' Affairs to this Eepublic, and farther that the Allowance is to date from the day on which I arrived at my post. It has already been reported to Your Lordship, that the date of my arrival was the 23rd Ultimo. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* No. 3. Galveston. September 4th. 1842. My Lord, I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 3 of the 1st July, and shall not fail to observe those Instructions. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. TJliot now begins to number despatches as from charge d'affaires, since he is now accredited in that capacity. His previous despatches to No. 5 were written as consul general. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 'Ibid. 102 Texas State Jlisiorical Association It will be my duty to Submit to Your Lordship somo informa- tion and news upon the points to which my attention has been directed by an early occasion. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 4. Galveston. September 4th. 1843 My Lord, I have the honor to Acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 4. of the 1st July, enclosing a Copy of the Protocol of a Confer- ence between Your Lordship, and Mr. Ashbell Smith, at the For- eign Office, on the 28th June last, recording the exchange of the Ratifications of the three undermentioned Treaties, between Her Majesty and the Eepublic of Texas. 1. A Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed at London on the 13th November 1840. 2d. A Convention containing certain arrangements relative to the public Debt, signed at London on the 14th Novr. 1840 : — and 3d. A Treaty for the Suppression of African Slave Trade, signed at London on the 16th November 1840. I have also to Acknowledge the receipt of six Copies of each of the above Treaties, signed on the 13th and 14th November 1840. And also Copies of Protocols of the conferences held at the For- eign Office on the 19th May and 14th October 1841, betw^een the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain and Texas, extending the time for the exchange of the Eatifications. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. Briiish Cnrrcspnndcvce Concrniing Texas 103 ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ Separate. Galveston, September 4th. 1842. Sir. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 7 July trans- mitting the copy of a letter received from the Treasury, stating the reasons for which, their Lordships consider that they cannot grant rae any allowance in consideration of the extraordinary ex- pence I had incurred whilst acting as Her Majesty's Plenipoten- tiary in China. Although their Lordships have not felt themselves justified in entertaining that request I trust it will be remembered that I was detained in London upon the public Service for some months after my return from China, entirely at my own charge; x4.nd I hope therefore that Lord Aberdeen will move their Lordships to pay me my full salary as Consul General in Texas from the expiration of the Month's leave of absence granted to me after my arrival in England in the Month of November last year, till I commenced to draw my allowances, that is, ten days before the date of my departure, on the 1st June last. The specific period for which I would respectfully submit this claim to their Lordship's consid- eration, is that between the 1st January last, and the above date, when I actually commenced to draw my allowances. My detention was occasioned by the desire of the Lords of the Treasury, that I should remain in England pending the examina- tion of the Accounts of a very large sum of money which I had received for the use of the Crown, and though it has not been possible for their Lordships upon principle which I do not pre- sume to question, to make me any allowance for my Services as Her Majesty's Plenipotentiar}' in China, still I cannot but hope that it will be thought right to relieve me from the burdensome expence of a residence in London, attributable to motives of public convenience. Charles Elliot. H. U. Addington, Esqr. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 104 Texas Sinte Tfistorical Association ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ Consular. Galveston Sept 4th. 1842. No. 7.2 Sir. ' I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch No. 6, directing me to separate my diplomatic from my Consular despatches by affixing a distinct set of numbers to each and marking the last with the word Consular; and I remain. . . . Charles Elliot. H. U. Addington, Esqr. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 8 Houston September 10th. 1842. My Lord, I have the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 8 of June 28th last, relative to the claims on account of certain outrages, committed upon two British Merchant Vessels named the "Eliza Eussell" and "Little Pen" by Vessels in the Service of the Texian Authorities In obedience to Your Lordship's Instructions, I shall not fail to press these Claims in the strongest manner upon the serious attention of the Texian Government, as Claims which Her Maj- esty's Government fully expect and require should be adjusted without further delay. I find, indeed, that the sum of three thousand eight hundred and forty dollars was appropriated by a joint resolution of both Houses of Congress on the 25th January 1840, in satisfaction of the claim on account of the "Eliza Eussell" and therefore the only difficulty in respect to that matter, arises from the actually exhausted condition of the Treasury. Observing in Your Lordship's despatch before me, that Mr. Pakenham has been instructed to transmit to me certain papers relating to these claims I am unwilling to open the Subject till >F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 'Nos. 5 and 6, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of despatches, are omitted. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. British Corr'^spondence Concerning Texas 105 they reach me, particularly as I collect from the Gentleman in temporary charge of the State Department here, that He believes there were some obstacles concerning the Claim for the Cargo saved from the "Little Pen" and in the absence of the Secretary of State and Attorney General, He was not able to explain to me the exact nature of the difficulties. The papers from Mexico will probably reach me by the next arrival from ISTew Orleans, and I propose therefore to delay my application for a few days. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Galveston September 13th. 1842. My Lord, I have now the honor to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 7 of July 1st and the Inclosure^ is a note which I addressed'to this Government under those Instructions. The President informed Mr. Eve, the Charge d' Affaires from the United States, and Myself the day before yesterday, that it was ?iis purpose forthwith to revoke the Notification of the 26th March, as respected Neutrals. I should inform Your Lordship that Mr. Eve had been in- structed in the same sense as myself, respecting the blockade, and had made a Communication to the same effect. He told us He should adopt this course in deference to the views and wishes of our respective Governments; and very sensible of their friendly dispositions He would take the same occasion to express to me the hope that they would strenuously interpose to put an end to the predatorial character of the warfare, waged by the Mexicans along the Western side of the frontier of this Eepublic. He would indeed suggest to us that it would have an immediate. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The despatch is not numbered. ^Elliot to Terrell, September 10, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- spondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1012, in Am. Hist Assoc. Re- port, 1908, II.) 106 Texas State Historical Association and most advantageons effect, (supposing it were consistant with our Situation) if we would communicate directly with the Mexican Officers commanding at the frontier posts, signifying, that the Min- isters of our Countries at Mexico, were endeavouring to Mediate between the two Eepublics, that the President of Texas had de- sisted from all kinds of aggressive warfare, and requesting the Mexican Officers to pursue the same course on their Side. T-he President by no means deprecated regular invasion, or Avarfare of an honorable character. — He was prepared for that, He did hope that the Governments of friendly Nations, would use their earnest, and powerful efforts, to abolish a course of Paid and rob- bery, utterly at variance with the Spirit of the Age, and disgrace- ful to the Country by which it was pursued. I said, that as far as I was concerned, I must at once declare that I did not feel myself warranted in writing directly to the Mexican Officers, because Her Majesty's Government was repre- sented in Mexico, and I was sure the President would think on reflection that the proper, and I should add, the most favorable Channel, for all Communications to Mexican Authorities, or Offi- cers, founded upon the influence of the British Government, was through that Medium. But I entertained no doubt that the nature of the warfare to which the President adverted, would be contemplated by Her MajestA-'s Government with feelings of great concern, and I was equally assured, that Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico would cordially endeavour to dissuade its continuance. It seemed to me too that His prospects of success in that, and still more important respects, must be strengthened by every evi- dence of the President's moderation. With these convictions T would lose no time in communicating with the distinguished Gentleman in question; and beyond the general motives likely to influence him I thought I might also point to the many, and recent proofs. He had afforded of friendly feelings towards the Eepublic, and its Citizens, His interference with the Mexican Government for such purposes as the President wished, would be much more efficacious than my own, addressed directly to its Officers, even if I felt myself in a Situation to write to them, which I really did not. Mr. Eve adopted the same course of reasoning, and the President, admitting it's cogency, said, He British Correspondence Concerning Texas 107 would rely upon the efforts of our respective Official Correspond- ents at Mexico, and was well assured of their friendly dispositions. During my late visit to Houston, the President took occasion to Speak to me again very fully respecting His relations with the Indian tribes, and requested it might be particularly pressed upon Her Majesty's Government, that He had only been prevented from ravaging the Mexican frontier by Motives of great personal repug- nance to desolating measures of retaliation. I must by this time become sensible however, of the extreme difficulty with which He has been able to adhere to this Moderate policy, and He certainly felt that it could not be maintained under any further contin- uance of provocation upon the part of the Mexicans. Very late intelligence from the Western frontier brought accounts of fre- quent incursions and robbery, by parties of Mexicans, and such proceedings would compel retaliation. I told the President that I had not failed to report to Your Lordship, what He had stated on a former occasion upon the same Subject, and I could not but think that Her Majesty's Govern- ment would recognize, and respect the wisdom of his abstinence (in spite of popular discontent) from aggressive hostilities, hope- less of conclusive effect upon the contending party, full of hazard to themselves, and productive of nothing certain except enduring hatred on the frontier, and the organization of adventurous pred- atory bands, on either side of it. With no power on either part to draw this contest to a close ; I could not but think that the more moderate would carry with it most of the good will of bystanding and powerful parties; The President said He had never missed that consideration, and rested much hope in its Soundness. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Galveston September 17th. 1842 P. S. The deferred departure of this vessel which conveys these despatches, offered me an opportunity to transmit to Your Lord- ship the Copy of a Communication from this Government,^ cover- ^Waples to Elliot, September 14, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- sponden<;e of the Republic of Texas, III, 1014, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 108 Texas State Historical Association ing the President's proclamation revoking the Blockade of the 26th March, Copy of which is also herewith transmitted ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 9. Galveston, September 22d. 1842. My Lord, The accompanying Newspapers^ will place Your Lordship in possession of the information which has reached this place, an- nouncing the Capture of Saint Antonio de Bexar by a Mexican force, on the 11th Instant. Your Lordship will observe that the Government entertains no doubt of the accuracy of that intelligence, but I am not able to offer any opinion upon the correctness of this Statement of force, in the occupation of Saint Antonio, or in any of the Misc. details reported in these papers The effects of a severe hurricane which visited this place on the 9th Instant has delayed the departure of the vessel conveying My despatches to New Orleans, till this afternoon, and I am thus en- abled to forward Your Lordship this brief report by the same occasion. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. P. S. The latest intelligence from the Court of Mexico is to the 13th Ultimo. Charles Elliot. ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ Draft. F. 0. Sept. 29th. 1842. Mr. Wm. Kennedy. Galveston. No. 1. Sir. The Queen having been graciously pleased to appoint you to be H. M's, Consul at Galveston, I inclose to you herewith H. M. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. ='The Houston Morning Star and Houstcnian for September 20, 1842. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. British Correspondence Concernmg Texas 109 Commission to that effect, and I have to desire that you will pro- ceed to your Post with as little delay as possible. Yon will lose no time in making yourself conversant with the details of the Consular Service, and with the nature and extent of your Duties. I inclose to you for this purpose a Copy of the General Instructions to H. M. Consuls with the several annexes therein referred to; and I have to draw your particular attention to the Circular Despatches relating to those Instructions, dated the 30th Sept 1833, It Oct. 1836, and It of Augt. 1842. You will be punctual in forwarding to this Dept., at the reg- ular periods, the Eeturns required by the General Instructions; and it will be your duty to avail yourself of every favorable oppor- tunity to collect and transmit to me any further useful or interest- ing information which you may be able to obtain, relating to Com- merce, ISTavigation, and to any other Branch of Statisticks. You will receive a Salary of £500 a year to commence ten days previously to the day of your embarkation for your Post, and per- mission is given to you to engage in Commercial pursuits You are, however, to understand that you will not be entitled to any Pension or Allowance upon the termination of your Services at Galveston. Aberdeen. ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ Draft. F. 0. Sept. 29th. 1842. Consul Kennedy. Galveston. No. 2. Sir, I think it right to draw your special attention to ParagTaphs 7 and 8 of the General Instructions, and to caution you against involving yourself in diflficulties with the Euling Authorities of Texas — You will distinctly understand that your Duties are confined to the care of British Interests at the Port of Galveston and its immediate neighbourhood, and that if at any time, from want of proper redress being offered by the local Auths. of that 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 110 Texas Slate Ilisiorical Association Port, or from any other cause, you may think that a Representa- tion should be inade to the Supreme Govt, of Texas, you will make your Representation to H. M's Charge d' Affaires in that Country, who will take such steps thereon as he may deem expe- dient, in accordance with the Instructions which he may have reed, from H. M's Govt. You will at all times implicitly obey any directions which Captain Elliot may give to you for the guid- ance of your official conduct Aberdeen. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. Octr. 3d. 1843. Captain Elliot. No. 13. Sir, I herewith transmit to you, for your information, a Copy of a letter which I have addressed to Mr. Ashbel Smith the Texian Charge d' Affaires at this Court informing him that H. M. Govt, consider the Blockade of the Ports of Mexico announced by the President of the Eepublick of Texas on the 26th of March last as null and of no efi'ect- I also inclose a Copy of the London Gazette of the 23d inst containing a notification to that effect ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. Octr. 3d. 1842. Captain Elliot. No. 14. Sir, With reference to my despatch No. 10 of the 16th of July last relative to the two Steam Vessels fitting out in England for the use of the Mexican Govt, I herewith transmit to you, for your information, copies of a further correspondence upon this subject, ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. -See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondeiwe of the Republic of Texas, III, 1034-1035, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 111 as marked in the margin/ which has passed between myself and the Mexican and Texian Charge's d'Affaires at this Court. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office. Captain Elliot. October 3rd. 1842. No. 15. Sir, Your Despatch No. 4 of the 29th of August has been received at this Office this Morning, and I lose no time in expressing to you, and desiring that you will convey to the President of Texas, the satisfaction Avhich Her Majesty's Government have derived from the moderation of his Language and Proceedings with re- spect to Mexico. You will, at the same time repeat to him the firm determination of Her Majesty's Government to employ their best exertions to put a stop to the fruitless and desultory War which still exists between Mexico and Texas, and you will not conceal from him their conviction that the continual forbearance and conciliatory conduct of the Texian Government will prove their best auxiliary towards enabling them to persuade the Government of Mexico to listen to the dictates of good sense and sound Policy, and to yield to the friendly and disinterested Advice, which counsels them to delay no longer entering into amicable Negotiations with the Ee- public of Texas, with a view to the formal recognition of its In- dependence. ELLIOT TO BIDWELL^ Consular. Galveston October 10th. 1842. No. 10. Sir. At the request of certain of Her Majesty's Subjects resident at this place, and forming part of the Congregation of a Protestant 'F. 0. to Ashbel Smith, July 16 and September 27, 1842 (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1033 and 1035, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II) ; Murphy to F. 0., August 17 and 20, 1842; F. 0. to Murphy, August 23, 1842 (two letters of this date), F. 0., Mexico, 157, Domestic, Mr. Murphy; Smith to F. 0., September 14 and 19, 1842 (Garrison, Ibid., Ill, 1017 and 1020). -'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. «F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 112 Texas State iristorimJ Associ-ation Episcopal Church severely injured in the hurrican of the 19th Ultimo, I have taken the lihert}^ to address the inclosed letter to the Bishop of London.^ I learn from the Eeverend Mr. Eaton that it would require between £400 and £500 to put the Church into a proppv state of repair, and this place is labouring under such severe distress of all kinds, that he has no hope of collecting any funds upon the spot, particularly as the expences of it's recent erection has been heavier than had been anticipated. Mr. Eaton is under the impression that a Chapel at Athens served by a Clergyman of the Episcopal Church of the United States, receives some assistance from Her Majesty's Government. I have told him that so far as I can judge, the case of the Church at Galveston cannot be brought under the beneficial operation of the Act 8 George the 4th Cap. 87, but if I should be mistaken in that respect perhaps Lord Aberdeen will be pleased to recom- mend the Subject to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury In any event I hope His Lordship will perceive no objection to the transmission of the accompanying letter to the Bishop of London. Charles Elliot. To J. Bidwell, Esqr. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 11 Galveston October 17th. 1842. My Lord, The communications between the United States and this place have been interrupted since I had the honor to address Your lordship on the 22d. Ultimo, but it is proposed to dispatch a small vessel in the course of the day to New Orleans, by which occasion I transmit this despatch. The Mexican force which occupied St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11th Ultimo, retired from there on the 20th, and it is satisfactory to observe that there had been no plunder, and that all the Sup- plies had been liberally purchased ^Not found. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. British Corrpspondence Concerning Texas 11. '> Part of the Texian levies came up with the retiring force on the "Medena" (about 40 miles Westward of St. Antonio) on the .?3d. Ultimo, and skirmished with it, but no General action ensued. I am concerned, however, to say that a Company of Texian Vol- unteers consisting of about 50 men were cut up, or taken pris- oners some days before in an attempt to join their advanced force; stationed too near to St. Antonio, (then in the occupation of the Mexicans) and without secure communication for the approach- ing small parties of reinforcements. Nothing authentic is known here of General WoU's^ actual sit- uation or extent of force, but there is an impression that He has been partially reinforced, and is still to the Eastward of the Eio Grande in some strength. I am not able to report to Your Lordship the existence of any such state of organization in this Country as the aspect of affairs so urgently requires. The Authority of the Government is not respected, there are no resources, and if there be any serious intention of invasion upon the part of Mexico (of which I have no means of judging) the prospect is unfavoral)le. In fact, mil- itarily considered, the bad state of the roads seems to be the chief existing obstacle to impede the advance of such a force, as it is to be presumed would be thrown into this Country with any pur- pose of invasion. But regarded in other points of view Your Lordship will prob- ably see reason to doubt whether Mexico would derive solid advan- tage from the destruction of property, and the breaking up of the Establishment in Western Texas. They could hardly push their success into the Eastern part of the Country; or at all events per- manently maintain themselves in that neighbourhood; and the probability and consequences of reaction from the South Western parts of the United States are serious considerations. It is much to be wished that these difficulties may be promptly adjusted. This harassing character of warfare retards indeed, the Settlement of this Country; But it does not appear to strengthen any reasonable prospect of the re-establishment of Mexican Authority in Texas, and futile attempts in that sense ^A French officer in the service of Mexico. 114 Texas State' Historical Association may readily induce more serious complications than any at present subsisting It is generally rumoured that a descent is to be made upon the Island,^ and if either of the light draught Steam boats have ar- rived in Mexico, it seems probable that Measure would be adopted (that is to say if invasion be intended) both to establish a basis for their own operations, and to cut off the Sea Communication with the United States. Eeport, however, of every kind must be received with more than usual reserve unde!- present circumstances in this Country, and I do not learn upon what better foundation this last statement rests than most of the others in circulation. I have thought it proper to mention it to Your Lordship because of its more gen- eral currency, but I can offer no opinion upon it's probability. Charles Elliot. To the Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Captain Elliot F. 0. Octr. 18. 1842. No. 16. Sir. With reference to Your dispatch No. 3, of the 14th of Augt. last, and the inclosure therein contained, in which you transmitted a list of the Texian Naval force, and their distribution, I have to desire that you will endeavour to add, as soon as you conveniently can to the information thus conveyed to H. M. Govt, the place at which each of the Vessels described in that list was built and equipped. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Consular. Galveston, October 20th. 1842. No. 11. My Lord, I have the honor to submit the Copy of a letter from certain persons resident at Matagorda, Her Majesty's Subjects and others, ^Galveston Island. -F. 0., Texas, VoL 4. The letter is unsigned. »F. 0., Texas. Vol. 3. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 115 requesting that a Consul may be appointed for that Port, together with a copy of my own reply Matagorda is situated off the Mouth of the Colorado Eiver, and will probably become the seat of the Chief trade of the Western part of Texas, when it settles; but I am concerned to report that the late incursions of the Mexicans have seriously thrown back the condition of that Country. It may be remarked that this point lies with [in] limits, which constituted part of Texas Proper according to the demarcation of former Governments. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. WARD AND INGRAM, AND OTHERS TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure] No. 1. Matagorda Sept. 24th. 1842. To Captn. Elliott. Her Britannic Majesty's Charge des Affaire for Texas. Sir, The undersigned Citizens of this Place, having learned with pleasure that a treaty of Amity and Commerce has been ratified between Great Britain and this Country, and anticipating an in- crease of the Commercial relations between the two Countries, believe that the appointment of a British Consul for this Port, would be attended with desirable results. Understanding that you, Sir, have been appointed Her Majesty's Charge des Affaire for Texas, and presuming that it would be within your province to make that Appointment, [we] request you to do so; and beg leave respectfully to name as a suitable person our fellow-citizen Mr. Jas. T. Hefford, who with his family have been resident among us for the last three years. Mr. Hefford is a native and freeman of the City of London, has been some years a member of Lloyd's Coffee House, London, and a number of years engaged in commercial transactions, both in 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. 116 Texas State Historical Association England and the United States. We have the utmost confidence in his ability and integrity and should feel obliged by his appoint- ment. Signed Ward & Ingram. A. Wadsworth & Co. J. E. Value & Co. A. Forster Axson. M. D. Thos. Harvey. Not. Pub. Copy. and others Charles Elliot. ELLIOT TO WARD AND INORAM. AND OTHERS^ [Enclosure.] No. 2. Galveston, September- 19th 1843. Gentlemen I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 24th Instant, and regret that it is not in my power to make a British Consular appointment for the Port of Matagorda. But I am sensible of its growing importance and it will afEord me pleasure to move Her Majesty's Government to comply with your request. Charles Elliot. Messrs. Ward and Ingram, and other Citizens of Matagorda Copy. Charles Elliot ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 12. Galveston October 20th. 1842 My Lord, I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that Mr. John Neill born in the town of Ayr, North Britain, has applied to me at the suggestion of the President upon the behalf of his Brother, Mr. Andrew Neill,* (also born in the same place) captured in 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. ^October ( ? ) . 'F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. ^Andrew Neill was one of the Bexar prisoners. For an account of his capture and subsequent escape see narrative by himself printed in The QUABTERLY, XIII, 313-317. British Correspondence Concerning Texas IIT St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11th Ultimo; when that town was surprised by the Mexicans Mr. John N'eill who resides in that part of the Country informs me that he entertains no doubt the Mexican force is still to the Eastward of the Eio Grande, and thinks it may be depended upon that they will advance again. He is also of opinion that the pris- oners may be detained at Matamoras[?] and under all the circum- stances of the case I have considered it incumbent upon myself to make an effort to obtain his Brother's release, and have therefore addressed a letter to General Woll of which I have the honor to enclose a Copy. As it may not be consistent with the President's purposes in a Military point of v^iew, that any communication should take place with the Mexican Forces, (if they do advance again) I have sent the original letter to General Woll to His Excellency at Washington, with a copy, and committed it to him to transmit it or not, as He may judge tit. At the request of Mr. John Xeill I shall also furnish a copy to Mr. Pakenham. Although I am satisfied that Mr. John Neill is a Subject of Her Majesty by birth, still I have felt great doubt and difficulty about this case, for it is also true that he has assumed the privileges of Texian Citizenship, as Mr. John Neill declares however, with a determination to return to Scotland. I thought it right to ex- plain to Mr. John Neill that as his Brother had assumed the advantages and duties of Texian Citizenship, He had necessarily exposed himself to the consequences : And therefore if He had been captured with arms in his hands in any act of aggressive warfare against Mexico, or with any clear knowledge that He was resisting a regular Mexican force, there could not have been the least pretension to request his release, or any mitigation of the treatment to which He would be liable as a Prisoner of War, according to the usages of Civilized Nations But the considerations detailed in my letter to General Woll seem to me to have left room for interference upon admissible grounds, and I hope the course I have taken will meet Your Lord- ship's sanction. The case is certainly dubious, but I have felt it suitable, (to the extent of my present interference) to afford Mr. Neill the benefit of that state of doubt, feeling Your Lordship would rather I should have erred on this side, than have rejected 118 Texas State Historical Association any sustainable claim upon the behalf of this Prisoner, preferred by his Brother. Charles Elliot To the Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO WOLL^ [Enclosure] True Copy. Galveston October 18th. 1842. Charles Elliot. Sir, I have the honor to address You in behalf of a Subject of the Queen My Sovereign, captured with certain other Prisoners by the Mexican force under Your Command at St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11 Ulto. The name of the prisoner is Andrew Neill, and by the declara- tion before me I find him described to be about 30 Years of Age, and born at a place called Lough Fergus Farm in the County of Ayr, North Britain. I am aware that these persons, or at least most of them were captured with arms in their hands after some slight resistence, neither have I any means of shewing, or any purpose to imply that Neill himself was unarmed. But the moderation of Your late proceedings at St. Antonio, so honorable to You, strengthens me in the confidence that You will at once admit the distinction between the case of a few Individuals belonging to peaceful Classes, of life (universally absolved from the operation of the rules of War) and casually collected at St. Antonio de Bexar, in discharge of their Civil functions, and that of detachments of troops, or persons assembled with hostile intention against Your Government. The exposure of that part of the Country to invasion unauthor- ized by Your Government, and it's liability to sudden attack by Indians, are considerations which will not be lost upon You in explanation of an act of resistance to a complete surprize, by the division under Your Command, effected, it should be observed before the day light had well broken. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 4. British Correspondence Concerning Tea-as 113 You are probably disposed to avail Yourself of any reasonable plea for the release of all these parties; And I can hardly doubt that upon reconsideration you will admit the truth and cogency of their representation that they were ignorant of the nature and extent of force to which they were opposed, and were doing no more than protecting themselves, against what might have been an attack of Indians, or of other disorderly and dangerous persons, coming with no Warrant from constitued Authority, and with no other object than that of plunder. Mr. Neill was at St. Antonio on his peaceful and lawful occa- sion. Being there He was in a situation, which He was amply justified in expecting attack from quarters that too frequently leave to successful resistence the single chance for life. He could know nothing of the approach of the force under Your Command, and through his assumption of arms on this occasion has war- ranted his Capture as a Prisoner of War ; I must declare that it does not seem to me to justify his detention after this representa- tion shall reach Your hand. Founding the claim therefore, upon these premises, and relying upon the amicable disposition of Your Government towards that of Her Majesty, I have to request that Mr. Neill may be released. I have of course no authority to make any formal reclamation in behalf of the other Individuals taken upon the same occasion, and to whose case similar reasoning may be applied, but appealing to Your generosity and Military Spirit I hope to be excused for very earnestly recommending the release of all the persons taken at St. Antonio. It would be an act of consideration worthy of the magnanimity of Your Government, and congenial with Your own character to accept their reasonable declaration that they had no purpose to resist a respectable portion of a regular force. Charles Elliot. Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to the Eepublic of Texas. To His Excellency Don Andrew [Adrian] Woll. etc. The Officer in Command of the Mexican Force in Advance. 120 Texas ,'^'tate Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 33 Craven Street, Strand. October 24th. 1842. My Lord, Being anxious to avoid as much as possible trespassing upon Your Lordship's time with matters of a personal character, I have consulted Mr. Bidwell as to the existence of any precedent for a British Consul colonizing lands in a foreign Country, the seat of his public duties. Mr, Bidwell's experience having failed to supply a precedent, I beg to submit to Your Lordship the course I propose to adopt, under the presumption that it is free from objection. The conditional grant of land, which, under a general law of concession and contract, I received, in common with other Euro- peans, from Texas, would be wholly valueless without the appli- cation of a much larger Capital than I can command. I must, therefore, have associated capitalists with me in the undertaking or have suffered the contract, which is limited as to time, to expire. Instead of being associated with capitalists disposed to embark in the enterprize, I now propose to transfer to them my interest in the Contract, and confine myself to acting in the capacity of agent, which I presume to be in accordance with the Consular privilege to trade. William Kennedy The Right Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ 33 Craven Street, Strand London, October 27th. 1842. My Lord, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Her Majesty's Commission appointing me to be Her Majesty's Consul at Gal- veston, and Your Lordship's despatches (No. 1, 2, 3) together ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 121 with Consular Instructions and doc-uments appertaining to the office. My proper appreciation of the trust with which I have been honored, will, I am sensible, be best evinced by a faithful, diligent, and discreet discharge of the duties connected with it. And in this particular I humbly hope I shall not be found wanting. On Monday the 31st Inst. I shall leave London, for the purpose of proceeding to Liverpool, and there embarking for my post, with as little delay as possible In accordance with paragraph No. 11, of the Consul Instruc- tions for Her Majesty's Consuls, I beg to enclose impressions in duplicate of my seal of office and my official Signature annexed. William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ ISTo. 13. Galveston, November 2nd. 1842 My Lord, Since I had the honor to address Your Lordship on the 20th Ultimo I have received a Communication from this Government, herewith transmitted, with my own reply.- If I may presume to oifer an opinion upon the general subject of this country, thus brought under Your Lordship's notice, I should say that it's present critical condition arises from departure from that steady abstinence from aggressive War on Mexico, either by land or sea, which has always been General Houston's policy, in or out of place; I cannot say power, for this Government is without force or means. The creation of a Texian Marine, at an enormous expense, and which there are no longer any funds to maintain, was unneces- sary, for Mexico had no Military Marine to molest this country, and no merchant ships to .capture. The proceedings, therefore, of the Texian Cruisers were calculated only to trouble and provoke ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 'The reply is Elliot to Terrell, October 31, 1842, on the revocation of the blockade, and refers to a letter from Terrell, dated October 16, and received October 30. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- public; of Texas, III, 1043, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) 122 Texas State Historical Association friendly neutrals, to incite the foreign merchants, connected with the trade of Mexico, and to stimulate the supineness of the Gov- ernment of that country, by futile manifestations before their Ports. The result has been the creation of the present Mexican Marine. The consequences of the Santa Fe expedition undertaken with- out knowledge of the country, without military resources, and without discipline, were the surrender of the whole party on the threshold of the Mexican territory, the incitement of the frontier population, ill affected to their own Government, and not ill neigh- bours to the Texians, retaliatory incursions on the part of the Mexican Government, the strengthening of the confidence of that Government and its troops in their capacity to contend with this people, the organization of a corps armed with the same descrip- tion of weapon, (the rifle) and finally, something little short of the breaking up of the whole Western Country of Texas. When the Character of the Mexican Government and people is considered it seems reasonable to think that adherence to wiser courses, would have long since made it a matter of indifference to Texas whether Mexico acknowledged its independence or not, for a profitable and growing forced trade with the North Eastern Provinces of Mexico was inevitable, (rapidly populating, and strengthening the western part of Texas) and which the Mexican Government could not have disturbed, without the greatest danger of intestine commotion; and could only have regulated by a treaty of peace, and moderate fiscal arrangements. It is a remarkable fact in support of this view, and otherwise of much interest, that the Mexican force which surprised St. Antonio in the course of last September, was accompanied by traders who bought up all the Merchandize deposited there, at very handsome prices, and carried it back under the protection of the retiring force. l^othing certain is known here of General Woll's situation (a circumstance which will enable Your Lordship to judge of the condition of this country in respect to Military vigilance, and information,) but it is generally believed that he is on the "Nueces" and that he has been reinforced, In the meantime considerable numbers of Texian Volunteers, perhaps about 1000, have assembled at St. Antonio de Bexar and in the neighbour- hood, and it is declared with the determination to cross the Rio British Correspondence Concerning Texas 123 Grande, and ravage that line of frontier. It is to be hoped that no measure of that kind will be attempted, for with very high impressions of the gallantry of these levies, it must be added that ihoy are without discipline and I am afraid there can be little doubt that the result would be signally disastrous. Your Lordship will I believe be disposed to think that there is soundness in the opinion that the strength of this people lies entirely in adherence to a system of defensive War. By drawing the Mexicans into the heart of the Country, driving their own cattle before them as they retired, destroying the crops, and never suffer iug IJiem selves to be betrayed into measures of serious attack, till they had the full advantage of an exhausted enemy, remote from their own resources, some moment of tempestuous weather, and a wooded position from which they could use their rifles with- out danger of dislodgement by a regular force, (and the banks of the numerous streams abound in such cover) it appears to be as certain as any event in war can be thought to be, that the Mexi- cans would suffer another heavy discomfiture. With perfect knowledge of the country on the part of the Texians, it is hard to believe that an opposing force, taken at proper advantage', would succeed in getting out of it Movemenis upon these principles, enabled General Houston to achieve the successes of 1836 when the country was much weaker than it is at present, and with leading of equal skill, and equal address in the management of the particular force which this country can assemble the like results might be looked for again. Eecent events have afforded no evidence of such qualities. Arrivals from New Orleans to the 26th Ultimo bring intelli- gence from Campeche to the 14th Ultimo at which date there was a (ionsiderable Mexican force concentrated there. The next ar- rivals will probably bring intelligence of some decisive event in that quarter, and the nature of that event will as probably deter- mine the course of the rulers of Mexico with regard to this country. Sudden and violent revulsions of authority are so usual in Mexico, and there is so much difficulty on the part of such a Gov- ernment in commanding the efficient working of the mixed arm- ament with which they are now operating, that it is possible large 184 Texas Slate Ilktorical As^sociation aJlowancep should be made for the chances of trammel or difficulty in some of these particulars Other motives and impulses of which Your Lordship must be fully informed are also acting upon the Mexican Government, and Your Lordship will of course be able to judge of the purposes of that <.T0vernment much better than I can have any means of doing. But speaking as a Seaman, and with a long experience in these seas, I ]nay add that at this season of the year, and during the winter months, there would be great risk of disaster from bad weather and dangerous navigation, particularly on the Campeche Bank, to a Squadron of Mexican transports and vessel? of War. Before I conclude this despatch I think it right to acquaint Your Lordship that the heavy rains and tempestuous weather of the last month and September have seriously damaged the crops of this year, and upon the whole this Country is struggling through a state of great difficulty of all kinds. Charles Elliot The Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. The last despatch I have had the honor to receive from Your Lordship in this Series is No. 11 of July 16th and I am afraid that some communications from the department must have been lost in the Steam boat "Merchant" cast away in the early part of last month on the passage from ISTew Orleans to this place. Charles Elliot. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ No 17. Foreign Office November 3d. 1842. Sir, With reference to my Despatch No 15 of the 3d. ultimo upon the subject of the Eelations between Mexico and Texas, I inclose to you, for your information Copies of a communication which I have received from Mr Ashbel Smith, and of a correspondence 'F. 0., Texas. Vol. 18. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 135 which I have held with Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, hav- ing reference to that subject.^ Aberdeen. Captain Elliot. E. N. ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ Private. Galveston. I>[ovember 15th. 1842 My Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge and thank you for Your Note of the 3d ITltimo.-' The President is General Houston of your acquaintance, and I am sure that your friendly recollection of him will afford him great pleasure. His career during too large an interval be- tween that time and this, has been strange and wild. Defiance of, and expulsion from a branch of the Legislature of which he was a Member, a domestic tempest of desperate violence, and calara- itOMs consequences, habitual drunkeness, a residence of several years amongst the Cherokee Indians, ruling amongst them as a ^This correspondence treats of the project of joint mediation between Mexico and Texas, by England, France, and the United States. Aberdeen declined to join in this, stating England's preference to act alone. The enclosures were: (1) Smith to Aberdeen, August 19, 1842. (In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re*puhUc of Texas, III, 1011, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II, — but the date there given is "August 15 (?)." In this was enclosed copy of Smith to Guizot, August 15, 1842. (In Idem., Ill, 1387.) (2) Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 147, October 15, 1842. Aberdeen here stated that England, carrying out the plan of her treaties with Texas, had already offered mediation, but had met with no encouragement, and that since Mexico was at the moment angry at an allesced violation of neutrality by the United States, more might probably be accomplished by similar individual action, than by joint action. He enclosed to Cow- ley correspondence to show that there was little present prospect of Mexican acquiescence in the proposed mediation. These letters were: Aberdeen to Pakenham. Mo. 21, July 1. 1842; and No. 24, July 15, 1842; Pakenham to Aberrleon. No. 80 (September?). 1842. (3) Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 349, October 24, 1842. For comment on the proposed tripartite mediation, see Adams, British Interp-f'^ and Ac- tir>itir's in Texas, 117-119. =F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 'Not found. Presumably a private letter, but apparently in response Elliot began the series of unofficial letters to Addington, which convey his personal impressions and opinions in regard to Texan matters. He no doubt understood that these letters were to reach the foreign office, and in fact they were filed with the formal, official despatches addressed to Aberdeen. 126 Texas State Jlistoncal Assocw.iion Chieftain, and begetting sons and daughters, a sudden reappear- ance on this Stage with better hopes and purposes, and commen- surate success, but still with unreclaimed habits. Finally however, a new Connexion with a young and gentle woman brought up in the fear of God; conquered no doubt as women have been from the beginning and will be to the end by a glosing tongue, but in good revenge making conquest of his habits of tremendous cursing, and passionate love of drink. What- ever General Houston has been, it is plain that He is the fittest man in this Country for his present station. His education has been imperfect, but he possesses great sagacity and penetration, surprising tact in his management of men trained as men are in these parts, is perfectly pure handed and moved in the main by the mspiring motive of desiring to connect his name with a Nation's rise. Adverting to his general safe and reasonable pol- icy with respect to Mexico, it must certainly be admitted that He sometimes says and writes what appears to be capricious and contradictory. But the truth is that He knows his own people thoroughly, and when He seems to be running with them. He is prohably satisfied that opposition would only provoke their precipitate purposes. Witli hard fare at the point of assembly, skilful delays on the part of the President, and an abundant measure of mutual laudation, the fit passes away innocently enough. — You desire me to remark that the release of the "Montezuma," and the disallowance of the Blockade are not to be taken as evi- dences of ill will to Texas or partiality to Mexico There will be no diflficulty in making the President understand this because his conceptions are founded upon larger notions of direct motives, and straiglit proceedings than those of most men in this Eepublic. In regard to the public, the case is different. The suspiciousness of the United States races, and absurd imputation of the policy and conduct of our Government to recondite Motives, and perfidious purposes, afford unhappily the most convincing and distressing proof of their own twistiness and unfriendly feeling. They can- not believe in open or fair dealing, because, speaking generally, they are without the ideas or impulses which makes such conduct intelligible. The consequence of this moral and blundering blind- ness is manifesting itself just now amongst the good folks of British Correspoitdence Concerning Tcvos 127 Texas in a pretty general belief that Her Majesty's Government are sitting early and late in London, debating to and fro, how to compass the strangulation of this young Hercules, and it is prob- able that we shall have some songs to that tune during the ap- proaching Session of Congress. Driven away by some of those springs of local politics, feuds and jealousies, which run into such long streams of talk and knavis[h]ness, on this side of the Atlantic, and are so insignifi- eent and unintelligible every where else, the President has con- vened Congress to assemble at Washington on the Brazos, where there are 12 or 13 Wooden shanties, and to which place there are no means of getting except in an ox train, or on a Bat horse. My worthy American Colleague Mr. Eve, who is suffering from indis- position, has requested me to wait till He is well enough to accom- pany me, for the sake of Company, and better protection against Indians, or Mexicans, or wild beasts, and we are then to set forth to this Legislature in the Provinces with such appointments to do Honor to our respective Countries, as may find place in two pair of Saddle Bags. — The President writes to me in a private Note a few days since, that He finds things at Washington rather raw and as He has been accustomed to the elaborate comforts and lux- uries of an Indian Wigwam, I presume he must be living in a commodious excavation. Meditating on the situation and prospect of this Country, and other interests connected with it, I cannot help lamenting more and more that free labor has not been its foundation Stone. The advantages to the Country itself would have been vast indeed, not merely on the results springing from Men's sense that they were laboring for their own and their Childrens' advantage, not merely in beginning upon sound, instead of rotten principles, not merely in dravdng to the land much larger proportions of the orderly and enterprizing settlers from the free States of the American Union rather than the reckless people of the South, but because imme- diately considered it would have left Texas clear of a very dan- gerous state of circumstances, if the Mexicans do invade the Coun- try, and indeed I cannot but think that to have made Texas a fine State, would have been at once to disarm the hostility of Mexico against it's consolidation, and advancement. Texas, with a free population would of course have been an 1?8 Texas State Historicnl Association object of great dislike and suspicion to the South Western States of America, and therefore an effectual barrier between them and Mexico. And it is manifestly the permanent interest of this Country to cultivate more intimate and friendly relations with the people and things AVestward of the Rio Grande, than with those East of the Sabine. If wise Councils could be heard here, T think they point to a course which it may not yet be too late to pursue, and which I do fairly believe would be attended witli vast advan- tages to this Country, to our own substantial concernment, and to the great interests of humanity. My scheme supposes another Convention in this Country. Slavery to be abolished, the entire abolition of political disabilities upon people of Colour, perfectly free trade to be declared to be a fundamental principle; the right of voting to depend upon a knowledge of reading and writing, and a pretty high money contribution to the State, with the payment charge to be made in advance. Congress to have power to lower the rate from time to time according to the state of the public necessities; stringent legislation against squatting, in the form of a land tax and otherwise, improvements upon the well established failure and folly of a yearly elected Legislature and other liberal- ity of the rhodomontade school. It seems to be scarcely doubtful that the Northern tind North Eastern part of Mexico, from Tampico on the East Coast, to San Bias on the West, (involving the most important parts of the Country) would soon find it their interest to join a State founded upon such principles, or at all events constrain their own Govern- ment with the adoption of an equally liberal scheme of Commer- cial policy. Foreign Merchants, foreign Capital, and foreign enterprize and principles would soon find their way into those great and rich regions by peaceful means, and the power of the United States on this Continent would be gradually balanced, and yet without motive for collision; Indeed it seems possible enough that the North Eastern States would not be disturbed to see the power of the South and West effectually limited, and a bound marked, be- yond which Slavery could not advance. In all such speculation the question immediately presents itself how it is reasonable to expect that a Legislature of Slave Holders vvdll ever consent to make a present sacrifice for a prospective and remote advantage. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 129 I have had much experience of such bodies and I know that they talk violently of holding on to their property to the last gasp, of the lawfulness of the System, of the sanction of it in the Bible, Abraham's Slaves. J. L.' and then there are always many hard words about Irish Slaves and press gangs and the like. But in the main, their circumstances make them a timid and needy people, and ready enough to compound reasonably for a monied consid- eration Neither do I doubt that a sufficient loan could be readily raised in England to enable this Government to compensate the present Slave Holders, upon the frank and full adoption of such a system as I have spoken of. I attach great importance to the entire abolition of disability upon people of Colour. Such a Stipulation would at once bring into this Republic tens of thousands of most abused and intelligent people from the United States, and would be exceedingly agreeable to a very influential and wealthy party in our own Country. The present conjuncture is particularly favorable for the Commercial part of the scheme, by reason of the late foolish tarifl; in the United States.- Your kind note has enabled me to trouble you with new thoughts, inadequately ex- pressed, and clumsily thrown together, but I beg you to believe not hastily adopte,d. In a former part of my Official career I had much reason to think upon the subject of Slavery, and to watch it's effects, and I have long since formed the opinion that bad as it is to the enslaved, it is ten times worse to the enslaver, and to the Country in which it obtains. It is a rot at the heart of society, debasing the Master Classes more and more, robbing pros- perity of all sense of security, and frightfully aggravating the calamities and the risks of adversity. I am perfectly sensible that it does not consist with the prin- ciples or policy of Her Majesty's Government to interfere with the Institutions of other Countries, and I feel I need scarcely say to you that situated as I am I should guardedly abstain from offering any opinion here upon this Subject. If I were approached upon it, and you are perfectly aware that it is just one of those ^Meaning uncertain. Possibly should be read V. L., meaning vide locu7n; or I. L., meaning in loco. -The tariff of August, 1842, which raised duties above twenty per cent. 130 Texas State Historical Association topics upon which the motives and purposes of H. M. Governt. are so absurdly misconceived about, I should say, that Her Maj- esty's Government would of course expect a faithful fulfilment of the Slave treaty with this or any other Counti}', that the abhor- rence of the British Nation to the system of Slavery in The Queen's Dominions, had been manifested before the whole world by a costly sacrifice, but that nothing could be further from the intentions of Her Majesty's Government than to interfere with the Institutions of other Countries. It has occurred to me that it might be useful if Lord Aberdeen would be pleased to give me authority to pay a visit to Mexico on leave of absence, if I saw reason to think that my representations on that question might smooth away some of the difficulty in the adjustment of this mis- ehevious contest, but in making this remark I take the liberty to say that I have no personal wishes upon the subject, and have merely mentioned it because I consider it my duty to declare what- ever I think may be of advantage to the public Service. I feel assured that you will accept this declaration literally. It is the bare truth that personally speaking I am weary of going and coming, and would think it my greatest blessing if I had when [been] invitted to sit down (upon the most modest foot- ing) for the rest of my days very far off from public life or poli- tics of any kind. I hope you will not consider this tedious letter to be an intrusion, that the conjuncture with respect to this Country is so important that I conclude you will be content to hear [more] advice upon the subject, than might be the case, if it had passed through it's troubles. Charles Elliot. To H. U. Addington, Esqr. etc. P. S. If any North American IMails should come to you after the arrival of this one conveying these letters without communica- tions from me, perhaps you will be so good as to ascribe the omis- sion to my absence at Washington. Communications between that place and the Coast are quite uncertain. — May I beg you to offer my best respects to Lord Aberdeen and Lord Canning Charles Elliot British Correspondence Concerning Texas 131 KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ Liverpool, ISTovember 16th, 1843. Sir. I beg to inform you that I shall embark today at Liverpool for New Orleans, on my way to my post at Galveston. William Kennedy. John Bidwell, Esq. etc. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Secret. Galveston November 16th. 1842. My Lord, A private letter from the President of which the inclosed is a copy has this moment reached me, and as the Steam Boat is upon the point of sailing to New Orleans, I have no tim.e to offer any observations upon the Subject; but it must be unnecessary to say to Your Lordship that I am prepared for any Service which may be committed to me. The indisposition of my Colleague Mr. Eve has detained me here at his request till He should be well enough to accompany me to Washington, where however v>e shall proceed in the course of a day or two. Affairs remain in the Situation reported in my last despatches. Charles Elliot. To the Eight Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure.] Private. Washington 5th. November 1843 My Dear Sir. I am about to present a suggestion to You, and I hope it will claim your indulgent consideration. It is quite novel in it's char- 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 3. HhuL, Vol. 4. Hhid. 132 Texas State Historical Association acter and would to one, not perfectly acquainted with my direct way of business, require some apology. You are aware of my intense anxiety for peace with Mexico. To obtain it I do not care to pursue formal means. I know of no Gentleman, whose agency in my estimation would go farther in the attainment of the object than your own were it possible to obtain A'our personal Services. Should it be agreeable for you to be so employed I am well aware that the permission of Your Government (of Her Majesty The Queen) will be necessary. This you could do, if you may deem it proper, and the sacrifice is not too great upon your part. I can claim nothing on behalf of My Country or myself individually of Captain Elliot, but I desire to hope everything for Texas. I had the pleasure to peruse your despatch to the State Depart- ment, and regret the bearing which attached to a portion of the protest. It will be rectified forthwith. It v/as owing as I pre- sume to a misapprehension of the revocation of the Blockade on the part of the Acting Secretary of State, as I feel pretty well assured, that as the Archives had not arrived, that He could not refer to the Proclamation, and I am not certain, as He had been absent that He had ever seen it; as we had no Mails to the East- ward, where He was at the time it was promulgated. Xothing conclusive has been heard of the treaty with the In- dians, but as usual I hope for the best. As Congress is called to convene on the 14th Inst, it will afford me great pleasure to see Her Majesty's Charge d'Aff aires. It will be of much importance to Texas if you could be here one or two days previous to the 14th. Mrs. H. as well as myself have been quite indisposed for some ten or fifteen days, but are now pretty well with a hope of better health. It will afford me much pleasure to hear from you by Mr. Scott on his return. I have many thanks to render you for past favors. And beseech you to regard me as faithfully Thine. Sam. Houston. The Honble. Charles Elliot, etc. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 133 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 15.2 Houston. November 24th. 1842. My Lord. In reply to Your Lordship's despatch No. 16 of the 18th Ultimo, I have now the honor to transmit the requested infonnation, and I remain. Charles Elliot. To the Eight Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. etc. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. =No. 14, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging rec-'^ipt of dispatches, is omitted. 134 T'exa^ State Historical Assockition sunr) JO ON -q; O a '-+3 ^ ^ o.^ s - QJ m PQ Is t o o a ■U^ pq H '■+3 PQ'Z o PI "o 53 pq ^^ 1 § M 'o ?" ^ o O) =3 O -^ ^ a - ^ - ^ ~- ^ OOi o o Oi C5 o •^ CO Ttl CO CO CO CO 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 '-sO o ;a;^Q :3 ft: 'A pq British Correspondence Concerning Texas 135 The whole force came out under American Colours, as Mer- chant Vessels, bringing freight and Passengers; But with their Armament in their respective holds, completely fitted, and ready to go into their places; Powder, shot, stores, and provisions, for six Months. With the exception of the Steamer "Zavala" the whole Squad- ron was supulied by the firm of "Wm. Dawson & Co, of Balti- more" ; British Subjects by birth, but I am unable to say whether they have not assumed the privileges of Citizens of the United States. The Steam Vessel Zavala was supplied by Samuel Hamilton of Charleston Charles Elliot. Houston N"ovr. 24th. 1842. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. Deer. 3. 1842. Captn. Elliot. No. 19. Sir, I have to acquaint You in reply to Your Despatch No. 5 of the 1st of September, addressed to Mr. Addington, that under the circumstances therein stated, H. M's Govt, approve of Your resid- ing usually at Galveston, instead of Austin; And in the present unsettled state of the Country, I leave it to your discretion to reside, according to circumstances, wherever You may consider Your presence most conducive to the Interests intrusted to Your Charge. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEX^ Private. Galveston. December 11th, 1842. My Dear Sir. Since I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 15th Ultimo, I have been to Washington, but my stay there was shortened by the necessity of returning for advice and care on account of a bad ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. The letter is unsigned. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 4. 136 Texas State llistoncnl Association accident which befell me on the way up — The Steam boat in which we were going to Houston struck the ground at night, and the tarpaulin leaven within me moved me to go out, and watch the peo- ple heaving her off. A hatch had been carelessly left open, and I stepped down into the hold; a friendly bale of cotton bringing me up with just jerk enough to dislocate a rib. For the first day or two I did not feel the pain very acutely, and being anxious to see the President, I thought that with fast brac- ing, and lacing, and gentle riding I might bear the stress of the journey, but I find now that it would have been more prudent to take the Doctor's urgent advice, and abide at Houston. At least •50 Miles of the way was through a quick sandy bog, and rough riding, and a Blanket on the plank (which last retirement I pre- ferred to half Judge his bed!!) have not helped me. However I am one of the best practised men of my time to strange accidents, and hard rubs of all kinds, and I hope to come straight enough again, for all that is come and gone. I found as I anticipated that the President needed no explana- tion respecting the release of the "Montezuna" and the disallow- ance of the blockade. He said he would detail to me what he understood to be the Motives of Her Majesty's Government, and He had certainly perfectly apprehended them. Being upon the topic, He requested me to present his Compliments to Lord Aber- deen, and say that the tone of Mr. Ashbell Smith's correspondence relating to the release of the "Montezuna" had been a Subject of much concern to him. That Gentleman's natural and laudable anxiety for the interests of his Country had rather hurried and misled him, but He owed it to him to state that his subsequent communications to Texas had frankly and fully admitted his own error.^ The President for his own part knew the British Govern- ment never meant any thing else than it said, and never performed less than it promised. He had the most abiding confidence in the Xeutral professions, and very friendly dispositions of Her Maj- estvs Government. 'No evidence has been found that Smith made such an admission, but Houston did mildly state his disapproval of Smith's vigor in the affair of the Montezuma and Guadalupe (Terrell to Smith, December 7, 1842. Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepuiUc of Texas, III, 1057; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 137 He then took occasion to place in my hand a letter marked "Private and Confidential" from General Hamilton dated at Washington in the United States sometime in the Month of Octo- her.i T^lig^l Gentleman stated that He had recently had some Con- versation with General Almonte, the Mexican Minister in the United States, upon the subject of the difficulties between Mexico and Texas, and thought He was reasonably disposed, rather than otherwise. General Hamilton concludes with the offer to be useful through that Channel, in any way that the President might suggest. The President wished it to be said to Lord Aber- deen that He entirely disclaimed this interference upon the part of General Hamilton. He [Houston] had direct official relations with this Government, [Great Britain] disposed to be helpful to Texas, and He considered it particularly due to Lord Aberdeen and to himself, to disavow all proceedings of the kind. He would employ no other channels of Communication than Official and responsible, and General Hamilton's proposal was the contrary of suitable or agreeable to him. As nearly as I can remember that was General Houston's express language, and He particularly requested that it should be conveyed to Lord Aberdeen as soon as convenient. I mentioned to him (with reference to his private letter to me forwarded in my Second Despatch to Lord Aberdeen of the 16th Ultimo) that I had sent it to England, and was of course ready for any course Her Majesty's Government might sanction. He expressed himself very obligingly to me, and said that He had a belief that my visit to Mexico would be productive of ad- vantage to this Country, and further the purposes of Her Maj- esty's Government. Whilst I was at Washington I spoke both to the President and the Attorney General upon the absolute neces- sity of adjusting the long delayed claims for the "Eliza Eussell" and "Little Pen." They both assured me that the first should be settled as soon as the Governt. could lay its hand upon a few dol- lars, which I must know they had not done since my arrival in the Country. With respect to the second, Mr. Terrell shewed me an opinion He had given just before my arrival upon a claim pre- 'See two letters from Hamilton to Houston, November 6 and 25, 1842, in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, I, 638- 640; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1907, II. 1.38 Texas State Historical Association ferred by the Agents of Mesr. F. Lizardi, and Co., and excused himself and the Secy, of State for not acknowledging my note upon the subject, upon the plea of absence from the Seat of Gov- ernment, and the removal of the papers from Houston. He did not say so, but I have otherwise reason to believe that they hoped to have been able to settle the claim for the "Eliza Russell" before this, and I presumed that they were averse to write till they could promise payment upon that account. The case of the "Little Pen" is not free of difficulty, but it will be my duty to communicate upon this Subject Officially by the next opportunity, and therefore I say no more at present. These despatches carry you the President's Message to Congress.^ He did me the favor to read it to me before it was submitted, and asked me what I thought of his finance scheme. I told him I was a very inadequate judge of such matters, but I must frankly admit that I could not think it would be efficacious. It appeared to me that the Cherokee land was no sufficient basis for the support of the Exchequer Bills in the Market. In the present state of this Country there was no raising funds upon the best improved land in the Republic; with the best titles, and in the least disturbed parts of it and therefore, casting no disparagement upon the Cher- okee lands, it certainly seemed to me that their value was of rather too prospective a nature to serve as a solid foundation for an actiial paper issue. So far as I could judge from all I had seen, or read, the single course for a Governt. and Country in the Sit- uation of Texas was to be as economical as possible, to adhere with unfailing honesty to the declaration, and determination to pay their debts whenever they could, and to promote trade and industry by eveiT means of encouragement. In this view I had much hoped that the President would advise Congress to repeal the dishonest Bill of the July Session,- which would have the effect of making the Exchequer Notes receivable for Customs Imposts at their full value, then I thought that with resolutions of Congress forbidding the issue of another Dollar ^President Houston's message is dated December 1, 1842. (Journals of the House of Representatives of the Seventh Congress of the Republic of Texas, 10-28.) Tlie bill referred to by Elliot is "An a«t to r^ulate the collection of impost duties," approved July 23, 1842. (Gammel, Laws of Texas, II, 812.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 139 until the whole amount in circulation fell within such an amount as would be absorbed by the duties within a period of three Months, and future monthly publicity of the amount issued, and the amount absorbed, He might expect to keep up the value within some reasonable distance of a specie value. I had also hoped to see a recommendation to sweep away the ton-nage duty, which was no more than a device to prevent ships from coming to Texas, and to enhance the value of imports to a people that could ill enough, afford to pay for them at the minimum price, at which they could be supplied. The tariff too at it's present rate (an average of nt least 35 per Cent over the general mass of imports) might be low- ered more than 50 per Cent, with great advantage to the revenue, and to the Consumer — And I could not [help] thinking it, would be worthy of his general wise course of policy to advise Congress to declare that it was expedient to lower the tariff to such a point as would serve to pay the expence of noting exports and imports for Statistical purposes and no more, as soon as the people had the common sense to pay their land and direct taxes, so that the Government m.ight be supported in the way best suited to them on we""] understood interests. The President required that the Custom duties at their present high rate should be paid in Gold and Silver, but I could not per- ceive how the Merchants were to get their Gold and Silver. They could only purchase it by bringing in less goods, and He must excuse me for saying (seeing that I was weak of stomach, and could not easily digest the modification of Sawdust, which they call "Corn bread", that is bread made of Indian Corn) that flour, and coffee, and sugar, and clothes, were to the full as useful as Gold and Silver. The Merchants were already obliged to wait nearly two years for the produce returns for the goods they sup- plied to the Planters, and if those goods was to be charged with 25 per Cent more in the price, which would be at least necessary to cover the cost of the Gold and Silver duty payment, it seemed to me that they would all find a remedy for the mischief, by keep- ing the whole trade of the Country the wrong side of the Custom Houses. The President answered this with a form of expression which He often uses — "My dear Commodore as soon as I have hung a 140 Texas State Historical Afoint of fact we are hastening forwards to ma- terial changes. So far as the aggressive power or purposes of Mexico be considered, in respect to this Country, you must no doubt have better means of judging than I can furnish, but it seems rea- sonable to suppose that the protraction of the Struggle in Yucatan must be shaking General Santa Anna's influence, and exhausting the crippled and severely collected resources of the Government. We hear here, too, (but all our information concerning Mexi- can affairs comes to us through the United States, and must be received with great reserve) that another Federal movement i*i ripening, and that it will be supported by some leading Military Chieftains. liCaving these reports out of question, it may still be thought to be a reasonable calculation that any existing condition of things in Mexico will be replaced by another, within three or four years from it's Establishment, and if I am not mistaken the last final Settlement has already reached that measure of venerable duration. We learn from New Orleans, that the two Texian Vessels of War at that place are at last preparing for Sea, (assisted by funds from Yucatan) and that they will get out in the course of a week or ten days. I am not able to judge of the well founded- ness of these statements, but would observe generally of all man- ner of reports in these parts that they should be received as Dr. Johnson recommended of Short's Stories; Not too easily believed, for the very great probability is that they are false, not entirely disregarded for they may be true. What with my Ultra Malayan and Trans Atlantic drilling, it will be no wonder if I fall into an obstinate Pyrrhonism. I have heard so little truth, and experienced so much injustice, that doubt and distrust is my way of being. The Treaty^ be- tween this Country and the United States has not yet been rati- fied by the Senate of the last, as it is alleged I am told, upon the ground that its provisions would lead to demands for conces- 'A treaty of commerce. The United States Senate refused ratification in certain essentials. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 167 sions of a similar nature upon the part of the other South Ameri- can Republics (and the Foreign powers having possessions in the West Indies with which the United States have Commercial treaties) thus disturbing the protective efPect of their own tariff, upon their own South Western produce. But it may be that there are other motives for declining to ratifv the treaty. The N. Eastern interest would perhaps feel that relaxation of the contemplated nature in favor of Texian produce would gratify the demands from the opix)site points of the Union for a general relaxation of the tariff. "You have let in Texian produce," they would reason "to our detriment.'" "Ad- mit foreign articles of our Consumption, for our relief." Again mindful of the extremely pressed condition of this Country, and sensible of the difficulty of carrying the formal annexation of Texas by Legislative means, the S. W. party may think that the next best thing would be to leave affairs in such a state that the same result might virtually be achieved by a treaty of Commerce, and hence perhaps an unwillingness to conclude any treaty with this Country (it is most remarkable that there never yet has been one) till affairs are in their agony, from which they do not seem to be far removed. Another topic deserving particular attention at this conjunc- ture is a Movement by an Anti Slavery party here. I always knew that such sentiments existed amongst some of the Settlers from the Free States, and a few of the most respected Citizens, but an Englishman who has just returned from travelling through a great part of the Republic assures me that there is a much m.ore general and strengthening feeling in favor of such a course than he had conceived possible. I think he is mistaken in respect [to] the actual state of feeling, and a considerable degree of ex- citement here last week ending in the sudden dismissal of a Mr. Andrews from this Island (a Lawyer of talent and respectability of Houston who had come down to Galveston to test the state of opinion here) is a proof that in this Island at least there is in [no?] readiness for the immediate entertainment of such views. Upon the whole, however, I believe that sound opinions upon this topic are gaining strength and these South Western people are so exciteable, and so ready to jump from extreme to extreme, when- ever they perceive the advantage of the leap, that it would never 168 Texas State Historical Association surprize me to find the subject thrown upon favorable public at- tention by the very event of M. Andrew's forced departure.^ First comes violence, and then come reflection and sympathy, and indeed it is manifest that the advantages of abolition would be so immediate and so momentous, that they only need to be calmly thought of to make their way in the public mind. I am waiting in much anxiety for the next arrivals from New Orleans with the hope that it will bring me some acknowledgment of my despatches and letters as far down as the 27th Deer. The "Great Western" I observe she was to sail from England on the 10th February. As soon as the Boat arrives I am going up to pay a short visit to the President at Washington [on the Brazos] which I have been prevented from doing for some weeks, by the extraordinary floods of the Eivers. The Mischief of ex- tensive inundation has added itself to all the other troubles that have plagued this poor Country for the last 12 Months. The people are rough and wild, but their constancy and cour- age are admirable. I hardly know any more painful and indeed humiliatory subject of reflection than the comparative helpless- ness of our own poor English people, when one finds them thrown amongst these scheming, enterprising, and it is most distressing to add, almost invariably much better informed persons than themselves. The truth is that the poorer Classes of English peo- ple are broken in, or I should say broken down to do but one thing in this world, and then accustomed to all the conveniences and facilities of locomotion etc. etc. in our Country, they make but sorry work of it in taming the wilds, compared with the American races. The training of our social and political mechanism (and my experience has taught me, military too) unfits men for rough uses and reverses. It must all work together perfectly smoothly and successfully, or it will scarcely work at all. These strange people jolt and jar terrifically in their progress but on they do get, and prosper too under circumstances where our people would 'Stephen Pearl Andrews, a lawyer of New Orleans; later of Galveston. After urging a plan of abolition in Texas, he went to England in 1843 seeking the aid of British Anti-Slavery Societies. His later life was spent in Boston and in New York, wliere he gained reputation as a scliolar and Avriter. (Appleton, Cyclopedia of Amer. Biog., I, 76.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 169 starve and die. I am sure it would be a wise and a right course to put forward some authoritative recommendation to the Queen's Subjects to direct their Emigration to parts of the British Domin- ions, or at all events not to entirely new Countries on this Con- tinent. Whenever the born British Emigrant comes into contact with the American or frontier Stations, you find the first squalid, poor and a Wreck, and the last making way chiefly upon the Capital which the others have brought with them. With my excuses for this long letter and small amount of in- formation Charles Elliot. H. U. Addington, Esqr. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Galveston March 29th. 1843. My Lord, The delay of the Steam boat for a few hours enables me to transmit to Your Lordship the accompanying Statement of intel- ligence from Mexico received here two days since, via New Or- leaiis.2 I entertain no doubt of the genuineness of their proposals, but am necessarily without any means of forming an opinion upon the purposes or situation of the Mexican Government in relation to them Upon the face of them, however, it is hard to think that Gen- eral Santa Aiia can entertain a serious hope or wish that they should be accepted in their present form. Their effect would be to leave this Country virtually independent of Mexico, with abund- ance of pretext for further disturbance and pretentions West of the Eio Grande, as soon as Texas is well strengthened, and Mexico still further enfeebled by unsuitable institutions, and that state of intestine trouble, which appears to be almost the usual condi- tion of the Country. Indeed it seems to me to be quite unintelligible that this project T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ='An unidentified newspaper cutting referring to the proposal of a nego- tiation for peace, made by Santa Anna through James W. Robinson, a released prisoner. 170 Texas Stair Historical Association of a Federal scheme of polity as respects Texas, and Central as respects the remainder of the Eepublic can be seriously put for- Avard or expected to work particularly in the present situation of parties in Mexico. It is possible however that these proposals may be no more than the first approach to some practicable solution of the dispute, and upon that point Your Lordship will of course have the means of forming a better judgment by the direct intelligence from Mexico, than any that can be provided upon information or suggestions from this quarter. I do not write officially till this Government has signified it's course regarding these proposals, but I naturally conjecture that, they will not openly take notice of them. I am about to proceed to Washington to pay a short visit to the President, and shall address Your Lordship again as soon as I have returned. My last dates from the Foreipn Office are of the 2d February, but then without, acknowledgments of any despatches from here beyond those of the 2d ^"ovember, Charles Elliot. To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 2. British Consulate. Galveston March 29th 1843 My Lord, I have the honor to inform Your Lordship that, on the 24th of February, I received from the Seat of Government, at Washing- ton on the Brazos, a Note from the Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas accompanying the President's official recogni- tion of My Commission as Her ^Majesty's Consul for Galveston I beg to inclose an extract from the Government paper pub- lished at Washington,'- not because of any terms of eulogy ap- plied to so humble an individual as Myself, but as indicating the light in which the appointment is Viewed by the President, and ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. ^The Texian and Brazos Farmer, Fobruary 18, 1843. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 171 the prospect it holds out of My being enabled to promote British interests in this quarter William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON^ Steam Boat "Dayton" On the Passage from Houston to Galveston April 15th. 1843. My Dear Sir, The inclosure is the Copy of a letter which I have addressed to Mr. Packenham- at the request of the President that He should be moved to make the Communication it contains to General Santa Aiia, and T have added some reflections of my own because it occurred to me that Mr. Packenham would wish to judge of any views of mine upon the effect of these propositions on the Government and people of this Country. I took occasion to mention to the President that I was with- out any other Instructions than had already been made known to him respecting the feelings and purposes of Her Majesty's Gov- ernment upon the subject of the close of the Contest, but I was persuaded they had in no degree relaxed. He assured me, and begged the assurance might be particularly conveyed to Lord Aberdeen that He continued to place implicit confidence in the friendly declaration of Her Majesty's Government, and it was in that spirit, and that trust, that He had felt himself bound to communicate to me what He had done respecting the condition of feeling concerning annexation to the United States. I must feel that in the state of this Country it was no wonder that men['s] minds should turn that way, and it might be de- pended upon that the feeling was growing and gaining strength both here, and in the United States. I thanked him for what I was sure was the motive of this frank exposition of his views upon this subject; but it was one of great importance, and I could only say that I had lost no time in forwarding to England what He had been so good as to write to me on that Matter. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. This despatch is not numbered. ^Pakenham. Elliot at times misspells the name. 172 Texas State Historical Association My letter to Mr. Packenham contains the general substance of the President's remarks, and I must hope that indisposition will be my excuse to you for these few lines by the present occasion. Perhaps a few days rest at Galveston in the comparative comfort, (and at all events the cleanliness) of my own Cabin, will restore me, but the truth is that my health is shattered, and I do not look to make good weather of it through the ensuing hot season, so far to the South as this Country. Charles Elliot. To H. U. Addington, Esqr. ELLIOT TO PAKENHAM^ Private. Houston April 14th. 1843 My Dear Sir, The last Boat from New Orleans has brought here a Citizen of this Eepublic of the name of Eobinson who was captured at San Antonio on the occasion of it's Surprize by General Woll in September last, and the accompanying paper will place you in possession of his own account of the circumstances, and purposes of his release by General Santa Aiia. I was upon the point of starting to Washington to pay the President a short visit when these strange, and vaguely promul- gated tidings reached Galveston, and I was with General Houston when Mr. Eobinson arrived at Washington. The President placed in my hand the original of the paper General Santa Ana had delivered to Mr. Eobinson, but except that it developed the par- ticularity that New proposals were drawn from him by an approach from Mr. Eobinson, I did not detect that that Gentleman had more to communicate to General Houston than had already been made known to him through the medium of his Newspaper. In fact General Houston explicitly told me that Mr. Eobinson brought him nothing but the papers in question; the substance of which you have here before you. He observed that although this approach had found it's way before the Public, and came to him in a strange and informal manner indeed, still He would [state] his belief that it evinced a *F. O., Texas, A^ol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 173 peacefulness of Spirit on the part of the Mexican Government, and [he was] disposed on his own side to proceed to all proper lengths for the Establishment of an honorable and desirable paci- fication. He hoped it might not be incompatible with your posi- tion to state to General Santa Ana that He was ready to send Commissioners to Mexico in furtherance of that object. He had to remark, however, that an armistice would be indispensably necessary before any proposals of a peaceful Nature could be en- tertained for without that there would be no deliberating calmly, or determining wisely on either part. General Houston then con- versed with me upon the subject of this approach. He believed that General Santa Aha had long since been con- vinced that there was no hope of the permanent re-establishment of Mexican Authority in Texas, and He was equally satisfied that General Santa Ana's avowed desire for a close of this futile con- test was sincerely felt, both upon political considerations of vari- ous kinds, and pressing moment, and no doubt also for the sake of putting an end to a fruitless Waste of human life and happi- ness. He could readily understand the feeling which led General Santa Aiia to shape this approach upon the condition of the ac- knowledgment of Mexican Sovereignty by Texas, but he could not suppose there was any deliberate purpose to adhere to that con- dition. General Santa Ana's scheme involved the virtual separation of this Country from Mexico. They were to elect their own Officers from the highest to the lowest, there were to be no Mexican troops in Texas; they were to initiate and prepare their own Laws. He certainly could no[t] understand to what extent or by what means this Sovereignty was to be enjoyed or exercised. It would be a shadowy Sovereignty indeed, but it was plain to his mind that the renewed difficulties and complications to which it would give rise would be very substantial answers. He could not but hope that calm consideration, and the voice of great powers, equally friendly to both ISTations would lead them both to some ^.H'e resting place. I told the President I should not fail to communicate what He had said to you, and living amongst these people I hope it may be unnecessary to offer you any excuse for some reflections of my own upon the same Subject. 174 Texas State Historical Association It is certainly in no great spirit of disparagement of the peo- ple of Texas. In many respects, on the contrary I think them worthy of high admiration, for example in the spirit of daring adventure, and disregard of every kind of difficulty and hard- ship, I know not by whom they can be surpassed. It is certainly, then, I would repeat in no spirit of general disrespect, but purely of dispassionate observation of their variable and excitable politi- cal humour that I would remark I have never lived amongst any people more likely to abandon their solemn declaration of separa- tion to any plausible exhibition of what was best for their imme- diate interests. Joined to this expansiveness of political consist- ency, you will scarcely need to be reminded of their actually pressed condition, and of the absence of those impulses which pro- duce what we understand by patriotism; not to be looked for in- deed amongst a people strange to the soil, and compounded for the most part of wandering and restless Emigrants, from the S. W. States of the neighlwuring Union. Speaking then of things as they actually are here, and of the people now living in this Country it would certainly not surprize me to find this project, temporarily favored, and perhaps it would not be hard for its advocates to shew them that General Santa Ana's scheme would be as profitable an arrangement for Texas and the United States as I am sure it would be a mischeivous one for Mexico. The President, I confidently believe, will act only upon large and honorable views of what is due to his Country and to him- self. But whilst He is sincerely and wisely averse to aggressive War in Mexico, I am persuaded that He is steadily anxious to secure the Independence of the Country, and I do not doubt that He is secretly preparing to resort to that course as vigorously as He can if the interference of Foreign powers shall not otherwise and promptly close this combat. There seems good reason to be- lieve that He will succeed in establishing treaties with most of the Border Indians and when that is accomplished He will be in a better situation to turn to other projects. General Santa Ana will be greatly mistaken indeed if He thought that Houston's real influence in this Country is weaken- ing, or wished that it should, for He is very moderately disposed towards Mexico, and will strive hard to reach some safe and British Correspondence Concerning Texas 175 creditable conclusion. Bnt if he once raises his voice in the opposite way He will be followed by twenty thousand riflemen from the Western States of the Union, in less than 6 Months. To return however to General Santa Aiia's scheme, I think you will concur with me that there is no soundness in a System, flim- sily pretending to be of one kind, but essentially of a diametri- cally repugnant description. And of all the people and Govern- ments on the Earth to select for this experiment of resting con- tented under a scheme of policy, declaratorily masterful, and really powerless, these reckless and enterprizing races that have found their way to this region, and the scantily scrupulous Gov- ernment of the United States would assuredly be the most certain to shiver the fragile Machinery to atoms, at their first convenience That the Government and people of the United States, moved under different motives, are perfectly agreed upon one point in this affair of Texas and Mexico, I make no doubt, and that is a disinclination to the recognition of it's Independence by Mexico. The adoption of General Santa Ana's present scheme would prob- ably suit them all much better. It would effectually sponge out all that has been done in that way, and leave things as they were in 1836 (when they never expected Foreign Powers would recog- nize the Independence of Texas) with leisure to all parties, and full convenience to strengthen this Country, and open out renewed troubles and pretensions in a Westerly direction. I believe that that Government has no more settled purpose than to stretch itself Westward, and I think the present Cabinet at Washington is of the mind that Texas upon an independent footing would be a serious and growing obstacle in their progress thitherwards. It appears to be reasoned that independent Texas with a very liberal commercial policy would adhere steadily to a balancing system, for it would leave Her a great emporium between Coun- tries with high tariffs, and eager dispositions, and ready facili- ties to set them at nought. There is reason too in the suggestion (it has been put forward by leading people in America) that the influx of foreign Capital and principles to this Eepublic from other parts of the world, particularly from England, would pretty rapidly modify present sympathies. Men, they think, would soon begin to feel Texian, as well as to call themselves, Texians. In- 176 Tea-as State Historical Association deed it is more true of the United States races, than of any other in the World that their first best Country ever is at home. They will live friendly or fight with any people for profits sake. Long before I heard of this proposal of General Santa Ana's the impression was gaining strength in my mind that some intrigue was ripening at Washington (on the Potomac) for I had good reason to believe that there had been personal Communica- tions between General Almonte, General Hamilton, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Calhoun, during last Autumn. Revolving the probable sub- ject of that intercourse in my mind, it has sometimes occurred to me (and there is nothing in this proposal to disturb the sur- mize) that a formal and temporary reannexation of Texas to Mexico might he one of the proposed devices, and thereupon after some decent length of time, a rencAval of General Jackson's Nego- ciation for the purchase of Texas from Mexico. That might be a convenient mode enough of adjusting United States Claims on Mexico, without any transfer of funds, and per- haps it might be made more palatable to Mexico by proposing to pay a few more Million than General Jackson had offered. The Mexicans would perhaps be instructed by such advisers that this course would save appearances, and give them a handsome Sal- vage out of what was lost to them for ever, and their own aver- sion to have a Neighbour with a liberal Conmiercial policy would possibly help at the scheme. You are a much better judge of the probability of these speculations than myself, but entertain- ing no doubt at all of the answers of the Cabinet at Washington on the subject, I have thought it convenient to submit them to you. Considering the shape that this Matter has now assumed, (from the point of view that I regard it, and with such means and opportunities of forming a judgment as are within my reach) I cannot help thinking that Her Majesty's Government would regard a renewal of this futile Contest, always pregnant with more risk of inconvenient complication with the United States than there are any safe means of estimating, With great dissatis- faction General Santa Ana has now proposed a concession of all practical hold over the Country, and it will scarcely be agree- able to Her Majesty's Government to learn that a struggle has been reopened for a matter of form. On the other hand you will know much better than I, how the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 177 intelligence would be received in London that affairs here had been adjusted upon General Santa Ana's present scheme; a scheme effectually breaking up existing arrangements, and leav- ing behind the certainty of renewed and more serious complica- tions. By late papers from England I observe that Her Majesty's and the French Governments have recently joined in a Note to the Eepublic of Monte Video, and Buenos Ayres saying in effect, that they might suit their own convenience about making a peace, but that it was necessary they should keep the peace. And I hope you will pardon me for expressing the wish that you may now think yourself in a situation to request the Mexican Govern- ment to suspend hostilities, and recommend me to say the like to this Government for such a length of time as might enable you to learn the pleasure of Her Majesty's Government upon this turn of affairs. In my mind it is a scheme amounting, in few words, to noth- ing less than a swamping of this Country's Independence. And all the military and other arrangements, present and prospective, depending upon it, for the better convenience of the United States. They would be what General Houston calls the "beneficiaries" of such a solution. It is of course impossible that General Santa Alia can have any such thought or purpose as this last, but with deference, it seems hard to reconcile his entire earnestness in these proposals with any moderate degree of knowledge of char- acter of these people, or of the circumstances connected with their situation In every way that I regard this subject, looking at it from here, (but your point of view and experience will at once enable you to arrest any misconception into which I have fallen) it cer- tainly seems to me important that there should be a complete pause, till you can receive Notice of the views of Her Majesty's Government. After the present turn of affairs shall be known in that quarter We learn here that the two Texian Men of War are to get to Sea immediately from New Orleans, but the President privately assured me that the Commodore had orders to give up the Com- mand of the Squadron for repeated disobedience of Instructions, and for a most unwarrantable interference in the affairs of Yuca- tan and Mexico. He shewed me his Messages to Congress upon 178 Teccas State Historical Association that subject, and they were strongly averse to the least interfer- ence of this Country in that struggle. I have to make an excuse for my hard hand writing, but bad as it always is, I write with some considerable discomfort from sickness, in the hot room of a Houston Boarding House which is* a manner of existence that I would not wish to my worst unfriends, and I have had bitter. The Steam Boat is to leave for New Orleans tomorrow, and having no time or convenience to write a despatch from here. — I shall take the liberty of enclosing a copy of this letter to Mr. Addington. I should add that the President wished the Communication to you to be made in a private form. Charles Elliot. His Excellency Richard Packenham, Esqr. Copy. C. E. [Endorsed] In letter from Captain Elliot of April 15. 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Xo. 6, Galveston April 25. 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to report that the two Texian Vessels of War ''^Austin" and "Wharton" sailed from the N. E. Pass of the Mis- sissipi on the 19th Instant, destined as it is generally supposed, to the Coast of Yucatan. It is certain that this step has been taken by the Commander of the Vessels in spite of repeated posi- tive orders of this Government to return direct to this Port. And I am in a situation to inform Your Lordship that the arrange- ments between that Officer and the persons in authority in Yuca- tan were made without the sanction of this Government, and have been disavowed and disapproved in the most unequivocal language by the President of Texas.^ The embarrassments of this Government upon the subject must no doubt be much increased, if a report which has recently been ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ''For additional facts concerning the course pursued by Commodore E. W. Moore, see The Quakterlt, XIII, 113 ff. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 179 circulated in this place be well founded, and I am disposed to attach credit to it. That statement is that the Government of the United States has directed it's Agent here to call upon this Government to desist from any further pursuit of the unsustain- able character of Warfare which has been waged between this Re- public and Mexico for some time past, and has further notified that Instructions to the same effect will be transmitted to their Minister at Mexico. I should perhaps mention that I have not heard that these last instructions direct General Thompson to press the point of the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas on the Mexican Government but merely the cessation of the objectionable description of Warfare. Neither do I hear or ob- serve any thing disposing me to modify the opinion that there is no earnestness upon that subject at Washington on the Potomac. The Texian Vessels are said to be incompletely manned, with crews of a mixed character: I make no doubt, however, that they will be handled with becoming behaviour if any opportunity of collision presents itself, but I am afraid that there is no room to expect that this unauthorized proceeding can produce any other than injurious consequences. If there be success, and the Officer is sustained by the people here it will be a triumph over the Au- thority of the Government and the Law, and in other respects probably not very remote, of extremely unfortunate tendency. And if there be a reverse the consequences will of course be very serious. In the mean time the state of the fact is, that these Vessels are sailing the Seas without due warrant from any con- stituted Authority. And I have had enough of experience of Naval Affairs to offer the opinion that the power of the Officer in Command to maintain any more control over their movements than may be agreeable to the general will of the Crews, will dis- appear as soon as it is generally known that He is himself acting in violation of the orders of his Government I must not close this despatch without once more assuring Your Lordship that there is not the least doubt that the step this Officer has taken is entirely upon his own responsibility, and contrary to his knowledge of the desire of the Government that He should repair direct to this Port. I shall consider it my duty to forward extracts of as much of this despatch to the Senior Officer of Her Majesty's Ships in the Gulph of Mexico, 180 Texas State Historical Association as may place him in possession of the circumstances under which these Vessels are operating, with a suggestion that their move- ments should he reported to the Commander in Chief, to Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico, and in the event of any proceeding of consequence, by any direct means which may present them- selves to England. The Eight Honorable Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 7. Galveston April 29th. 1843. My Lord, The accompanying Newspaper^ contains a letter from Mr. Van Zandt, Charge d' Affaires of this Republic near the Government of the United States to the Address of Mr. Archer, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Eolations in the Senate of the United States, in support of the proposed treaty between the two Eepub- lics. It will be observed that the treaty was not ratified by the Senate of the United States; but Containing the principles of the arrangement as assented to by the two Governments, I have con- sidered it proper to submit Mr. Van Zandt's letter for Your Lord- ship's information. The refusal of the Senate of the United States to ratify the treaty with this Country has led the President to direct the en- forcement of the provision of the tariff Laws of Texas, levying a duty of 5 per Cent ad valorum on Imports in Vessels of Coun- tries, not having treaties with this Eepublic. To The Right Honorable. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 9.* Galveston, May 9th, 1843. My Lord, The Inclosure No. 1 is the copy of a despatch from Her Maj- ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ^The Texian and Brazos Farmer, April 15, 1843. 8F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. *No. 8, Elliot to Aberdeen, acknowledging receipt of despatches, is omitted. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 181 esty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico covering copies of a Communi- cation addressed to him under date 19th April by Senor de Bo- rangra/ and of his own reply dated on the same day, but as these last will have no doubt already reached Your Lordship direct from Mexico I do not transmit them through this Channel. I have also the honor to forward the Copy of my own reply to Mr. Doyle.2 There seems less reason to think that these declarations of the Mexican Government are the forerunners of any serious attempt to recover it's Authority over this Country than to discourage [emigration?] to it, and prevent it's settlement. But continued hostilities of this partial nature, (particularly if they be preceded, as the last were, by fallacious proclamations that the advancing parties were the Van Guards of invading Armies, and now by a declaration of a very unsustainable description as regards the rights of Neutral Governments and their Subjects) will probably attract the serious attention of Powers having treaty relations with Texas. It may be added too that their object of preventing the Settle- ment of the Country seems to be ill-considered both as respects the hope of fulfilment, and the consequences of the mode of oper- ation. For though it is quite true that the Mexican Government has succeeded in obstructing the settlement of the Western Coun- try by steady and respectable people disposed to cultivate the Soil in peace, and particularly by European Emigrants whom the Cli- mate and advantages of that portion of the Eepublic would other- wise attract, it is no less true that that Section of Texas is be- coming the resort of Men from all parts of the World ready for, and equal to desperate enterprize of any description. If General Santa Aiia cannot be promptly arrested in this bad policy I am afraid it will soon be found that He is doing no more than securing the rapid organization of advanced bands of what will accumulate into a formidable irruptionary Movement. Your Lordship will be enabled to judge in some degree from the Vose JVIaria de Bocanegra. -Percy Doyle, British charge d'affaires at Mexico in 1843, after Paken- ham's return to England, and until Bankhead's arrival in Mexico in March, 1844. 183 Texas State Historical Association inclosed proclamation^ how disqnietingly the actual State of West- ern Texas sustains this reasoning, and it is my duty to add that with wise and honorable dispositions on the part of the Govern- ment of Texas, It is wholly without power to regulate or control the course of events in the particulars now drawn under the at- tention of Her Majesty's Government. There is much reason to fear that the Mexican Government has suffered itself to be precipitated into the dismal Measure of deci- mating the Texian prisoner's taken at Mier, and lately recaptured after a successful rise against their guard. It is impossible to ascribe such extraordinary ignorance of the character of these peo- ple to General Santa Ana, as to suppose that He could think after a moment's reflection that such ]\Ieasures were calcu- lated to intimidate them, and hasty orders upon a subject of so much moment, and such very serious consequences can not be too deeply deplored. If these proceedings have had place they will influence these people to the highest degree, and in other respects cast increased difficulty upon the Mexican Government that there was much need for more prudent Conduct. It will probably be declared here that some of the prisoners put to Death by these undistingnishing orders were amongst those who used their best efforts to prevent outrage, and absolutely risked their lives, in the attempt, and the Mexican Government has unhappily deprived itself of conclusive means of refuting such allegations. But beyond this I am sure it will be felt by Her Majesty's Government that the Mexican Government was bound by the conditions of the Capitulation assented to by their Commanding Officer at Mier, and the act of successful rise of a body of prisoners against their guard is no warrant for any other Measures than those of more effectual precaution, if they should be retaken. If particular outrage was charged against them, enquiry should have been had in a regular Military Way, however summarily, and ^Proclamation of the president, April 27, 1843. It declared martial law in the territory between the Rio Frio and Nueces Rivers and the Rio Grande, and ordered all a-rmed parties upon the western frontiers, claiming to act under authority of the government, except Major John C. Hays, to disperse, and not further to molest the citizens of the frontier by acts of lawlessness (Telegraph and Texas Register, May 17, 1843). — Editors OF The Quarterly. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 183 no blame could have attached to the Mexican Government for any proceedings it might have seen fit to take after investigation h}' responsible Officers. I anxiously hope that General Santa Ana, will upon more mature reflection have dispatched orders of a more suitable nature than those in question here, and that they will have arrived in time to prevent a shocking event. H. M. S. Spartan sailed again for Vera Cruz this day with my reply to Mr. Doyle. To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. DOYLE TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure] Copv. Mexico, 20 April 1843. Charles Elliot. Sir, I have the honor to inform You of my arrival in Mexico, hav- ing been accredited in the Character of Charge d' Affaires of this Government. I take the earliest opportunity of communicating to you a note which I have this day received from the Mexican Government, in- timating that on the entry of their troops into the Territory of Texas, they will acknowledge no right, whether as respects their persons or their property, in such individuals as may be found established in that Country, and who may be taken prisoners, nor will they reply to any representations addressed to them in favour of such prisoners, — that they will treat all who may be found in Texas as actual invaders and enemies of the Eepublic, and will cause them to be punished according to the laws of Mexico. They also protest that they will not acknowledge any right in foreign Consuls found in that Territory to be treated otherwise than as Neutral Foreigners, intimating that such char- acter even will not be respected in case they oppose, either directly or indirectly the right, in its full extent, whereby Mexico is en- deavouring to recover possession of her Territory. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of the reply which I have thought it my duty to return to this Communication of the Mexican Government. I have requested the Honble. Captain Elliot^ of Her Majesty's IF. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ^George Elliot, in command of H. M. S. Spartan until June 27, 1843, 184 Texas State Historical Association Ship "Spartan'' to proceed to Galveston as soon as he may con- sider it compatible with the interests of Her Majesty's Service, in order that you may be enabled to take such Steps as may seem expedient to you for the protection of British Subjects and their interests under the extraordinary circumstances of this crisis, but as it is necessary that the "Spartan" should return without delay to the Mexican Ports for the purpose of conveying specie to our Colonies, I trust you will not find it necessary to detain her long. I have been informed that it is the intention of the Mexican Government, as soon as they shall have brought the Department of Yucatan back to its allegiance, to direct the Squadron, to- gether with a considerable land force, upon Texas, and as intelli- gence has just reached Mexico of the submission of Merida the Capital of Yucatan, and the adherence of Genl Yuran,^ a person of considerable influence among the aboriginals, who constitute a majority of the population, it is probable that the whole force now employed in that quarter may shortly be disposable for any operations which the present Government of this Eepublic may think fit to undertake. I shall also write to Admiral Sir Charles Adam,- to inform him of what has occured, in order that he may take whatever steps he may think necessary on this occasion Captain Charles Elliot. ^^^^^ W. Doyle [Endorsed] Inclosure No. 1 in Captn, Elliot's Despatch to Lord Aberdeen. No. 9. May 9th. 1843. ELLIOT TO DOYLE^ [Enclosure] Copy. Galveston May 7th. 1843. Charles Elliot Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 20th Ultimo, with its Inclosures. when he was promoted to the command of the Eurydice. (British Ses- sional Papers, 1844 — Commons — Vol. 33. Return of Naval Appointments from October 1, 1841, to March 1, 1844, p. 3.) ^Santiago Iman. "Commander in Chief in the West Indies, 1841-1845. (Stephen, Diet. Nat. Biog., I, 85.) *F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 185 It is to be wished that your note of the same date (20th April) to Senr. de Bocanegra may have reminded the Mexican Govern- ment of the grave character of any hostile movement against this Country preceded by a plain declaration of the determination to disregard treaty engagements between other Powers and this Ee- public, practically denying to the Governments of great and friendly Countries, any right to clothe their servants with a public char- acter in Texas, and further giving special warning that the Mexican Government will only consider these Officers to be neutral foreign- ers, and separate them from the classification of real invaders, and enemies of Mexico into which all other foreigners found in this Country are to be cast, and from punishment as such according to the laws of Mexico, upon the express condition that they neither directly or indirectly oppose themselves to the full exercise of the rights of Mexico to recover its authority over Texas, as expounded by the Mexican Government, and exercised by Mexican Military Officers In the event of the entrance of a Mexican force into this Coun- try Her Majesty's Officers here will regulate their proceedings, by the rules of public law, for the government of neutrals in such Cases. And if such a circumstance should take place before I can receive instructions from Her Majesty's Government, I shall consider it incumbent upon myself formally to declare and assert the privi- leges and immunities of Her Majesty's Officers in this Eepublic as well as the rights and liabilities of all Her Majesty's other sub- jects resident or trading here I shall also hold it to be my duty to protest against the conse- quences of any hostile movement founded upon the purposes or principals declared in Senr. de BocanagTar s note of the 20th Ulto. or to be undertaken till those principles and purposes shall have been authentically disclaimed and disavowed, so far as they menace the rights and safety of Her Majesty's Officers and Subjects resident or trading here. Charles Elliot. Percy Dojde, Esq. Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires Mexico. [Endorsed] Inclosure No. 2 in Captn. Elliot's Despatch to Lord Aberdeen. No. 9. 9th May. 1843. 186 Texas State Historical Association ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. New Orleans, May 12th 1843 My Lord On my arrival here whither I have taken the liberty to come on my way to Havanna to meet Mrs. Elliot I find that accounts have reached this place which do not seem to be doubted by persons competent to Judge, though they are certainly entirely at variance with those that reached us at Galveston by H. M. S. "Spartan" coming direct from Mexico. The last tidings, however, are neces- sarily much later, and I should presume more trustworthy. By them it appears that a divsion of the Mexican force moving upon Merida, and said to consist of nearly 2000 Men, found themselves compelled to surrender by Capitulation, from want of secure com- munications with their Squadron, and failure of Supplies. Agreeably to the reported terms of the Capitulation the surren- dering force was to depart for Mexico in 8 days, with their Arms, but their Artillery and Materiel to be held by the Yucantanese till affairs are finally adjusted between the contending parties. This event is said to have taken place on the 24th Ultimo. It is also reported that Commodore Moore with his two Texian Vessels of War have been partially engaged with the Mexican Steam Ships and succeeded in checking them. I use the freedom of this mode of communication to mention to Your Lordship that I am troubled with an Ague contracted in a long and painful Service in hot Countries, and I should con- sider it a favor if Your Lordship would sanction my passing the Months of July, August, and September in the Mountains of Ken- tucky where I have been advised as there are Springs of great virtue for Complaints of that kind. I have the less reluctance in proffering this request, as I can always be at my post within two weeks from that Situation, and be in the constant receipt of tidings from Texas of ten days or a fortnight's date. It may also be added that Congress in Texas does not meet till December, and the Offi- cers of the Texian Government usually disperse during the hot Season. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 187 KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Seimrate. British Consulate Galveston, May 15th. 1843. My Lord. In the absence of Captain Elliot, Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires in Texas, who left Galveston last week for ISTew Orleans, I have the honor to transmit Copies of three documents which have emanated from the Government of this Country, relative to the position of the Texian Navy now at Sea., and the steps taken by the Executive with, regard to it's Commander, Commodore Moore: namely, No. 1. Copy of a Proclamation by the President; dated March 23rd. 1843.2 No. 2. Copy of a desptach to Commodore Moore from the department of War and Marine; dated March 21st. 1843. No. 3. Copy of Instructions issued by the Executive to Com- missioners James Morgan and William Bryan Esquires, dated March 23rd. 1843 In addition to the above, I have the honor to inclose the Copy of a despatch to Captain Elliott, and the Copy of a letter to the Collector of Customs at this port (as the intermediate agent of the President) in explanation of the Circumstances under which I have deemed it my duty to communicate to Your Lordship the papers herewith sent. I shall forward to Captain Elliott, under Cover to the British Consul at New Orleans, by the same Conveyance that bears this, the whole of the documents addressed by President Houston to Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires The President, writing to Captain Elliot, states that "All that has been done by Commodore Moore since the 5th Ultimo, has been in violation of orders, and under suspension and arrest." "On the 5th April," he adds "the order of the Department of War and Marine was placed in his (the Commodore's) hands." It seems to be the hope and wish of the President that Her Majesty's Government may receive the Proclamation and collateral documents as evidence of the sincere and anxious desire of his ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. ='The proclamation is printed in The Quaeteelt, XIII, 110-111. 188 Texas State Historical Association Government to prevent aggressive Action against Mexico, unless offensive operations should be rendered necessary by the Conduct of that Country towards Texas. William Kennedy. H. B. M. Consul at Galveston May ICth. The Steamer for New Orleans has delayed its de- parture until today, which gives me the opportunity of forward- ing a published letter from Commodore Moore that has just ap- peared.^ W. K. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. HAMILTON" TO MOGEE.^ Copy. Department of War and Marine Washington 21st March, 1843. To Post Capt. E. W. Moore. T. N. New Orleans. Sir. Your Communication of the 10th inst. has just been received; by which the Department is advised of the receipt by you, of orders dated 23nd Jany. last requiring your immediate presence at the Seat of Government, and notified at the same time, that you decline the execution of the same. — Alleging as a reason for thus disregarding the plain and positive Commands of the Presi- dent, that you have been placed "in Command by the Constituted authorities of the Country, and acting under orders from the Department, from which source alone you look for orders (which have never been rescinded or countermanded'*). Notwithstanding the orders to you of 29th October, reiterated on the 5th and 16th November, to report with the vessels under your Command, at Galveston; which orders you acknowledge to have received, and which were repeated again on the 2nd Deer, with the additional injunction to report in person to the Depart- ment; and renewed on the 2nd of January^ — ^which last you have also received, as allusion is made to it in your Communication. 'Page 193 below. T. O., Texas, Vol. 7. ■''The order of Janiiary 2, 1843, is printed in Secret Journals of the Senate, Republic of Texas, 265. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 189 The "Sealed Orders" to which you refer were issued under the belief that you could, with the means placed in your hands by the Govt, prepare the Squadron for sea, and on that condition alone. You failed to do so, rendered the orders null; and hence your orders to proceed to Galveston and report; which, in the opinion of the Department, countermanded your previous orders to cruize upon the Gulf. That you may distinctly understand the wishes of the Department, however, the "Sealed orders" of 15th Sept 18Jf2, together with all others, not in accordance ivith this, are hereby revoked. Any negociations which may have been concluded, or may now be in progress with the Commissioners of the Government of Yucatan, have been entered into without the Authority or sanction, or even knowledge of tlie Government, and will not be recognized by it. In consequence of your repeated disobedience of orders, and failure to keep the Department advised of your operations and proceedings, and to settle your accounts at the Treasury within three, or at most in six months from the receipt of the Mpney which has been disbursed as the laws require, and as you were recently ordered to do. You are hereby suspended from all Com- mand, and will report forthwith in Arrest, to the Department, in person. Any interference on your part with the Command, or with those who have been directed to assume it, will be regarded by the Gov- ermnent as Mutiny and Sedition, and punished accordingly. By Order of the President. M. C. Hamilton Actg. : Sec : War and Marine [Endorsed.] No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked "Separate" of May 15th 1843. ^ HOUSTON TO MORGAN" AND BETAN^ ^^Plf- Executive Department To James Morgan. Washington, Texas. and Wm. Bryan, Esquires. March 23d/43. Gentlemen, Your report of the 10th inst. with the accompanying papers, has 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 190 Texas State Historical Association been laid before me, by the acting head of the War and Marine Department. In full contemplation of all the subjects involved in the transaction, I must now render my orders, touching the at- tainment of the design of Congress, in passing the Secret act for the disposition of the Kavy.^ Col. William Bryan, Consul of Texas, and Naval Commissioner, will immediately proceed to New Orleans, and in connection with Col. James Morgan, also Naval Commissioner, employ all proper and legal means to get possession of the National vessels, the Ship Austin and Brig Wharton, likewise all the public Stores, arms, equipments, and public property, of every description, belong- ing to the Eepublic; holding the same subject to the future orders of the Government of Texas, Should any resistance be made to the orders of this Government, by any officer of the Navy, or by other persons, you will apply, in the name of this Government, to the Federal or other proper Authorities of the United States, and demand of the same, such aid, as may be compatible with the rela- tions of the two Countries, and the Laws of Nations Post Captain E. W. Moore has had no authority from this Gov- ernment, to Ship Men, appoint officers, enlist marines, or do any other act, or thing, but to sail to the port of Galveston, and report, or turn over the Command of the Navy to the Senior officer next in rank present, and report in person to the Department. Since the 29th October 1842, he has had no Authority to enter into any arrangements with Yucatan, nor could do so, without contumacy to his superiors, or treason to his Country. The fact of his shipping men, or enlisting or receiving, volunteer marines, with an inten- tion of going out to Sea, without the orders, or sanction of his Government, or contrary to order, on armed vessels, will clearly render it a case cognizable by the Government Authorities of the United States.* His setting nt "defiance the laws of his own Coun- try" to which he owes allegiance, is clearly treason. — When the orders under which he received his "Sealed Orders" were suspended, by the order for him to repair to Galveston, the "Sealed Orders" were of no avail, and it is his duty to return them "Sealed" to the Department: as the event authorizing the Seal to he hroJcen has not transpired, and can not now occur, under the Sanction of his ^The secret act to provide for the sale of the navy of Texas is printed in Secret Journals of the Senate, Republic of Texas, 316. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 191 Government. — His existence as an officer is derived from the organs and functionaries, under the Constitution and Laws of Texas, and he is bound to know and obey them. Not to obey, is "Unofficer- like" to "resist"' them is "Mutiny," and to "defy" them is "trea- son." For him to persist would be "Piracy." Should Post Captain E. W. Moore not forthwith render obedience to the orders of the Department, with which you are furnished, you will have published, in one or more Newspapers, in the City of New Orleans my Proclamation, and forward one authentic Copy with which you are furnished to the Hon. Ashbel Smith, Charge d' Affaires of Texas, to France, at Paris, and also a Copy to our Charge d' Affaires to the United States, the Hon. Isaac Van Zandt, at Washington City. It is deplorable for a Nation to be reduced to the dilemma of either exposing the Shameless delinquencies, and most flagrant crimes of her officers, or suffer herself to become the object of contempt, or the victim, of insubordination and anarchy. Our national humiliation is attributable to a few disorganizing men, who seek power without Merit, and a few incendiary presses, which are supported by such men, \^dth the avowed design, of pros- trating the Constitutional Officers, by Eevolution. Thei/ shall fail. — I suggest these facts^ that you may meet and counteract their in- fluence for the Nation's sake, and honor. I beseech you to intermit nothing, until you have accomplished, the objects of the law, for the prompt execution of which you were appointed Should sickness, or any other cause, prevent the Commissioners, from acting jointly, they, or either of them, may act in all things, separately and singly, but not adversely. Sam. Houston [Endorsed.] No 3. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked "Separate" of May loth 1843. KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ Copi^/. British Consulate. Galveston, May 15th 1843. Sir, Major Cocke, Collector of Customs at this port, called upon me yesterday Morning, bearing a packet from President Houston, ip. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 192 Texas State Historical Association addressed to you, which I was given to understand the President was desirous I should open, in the event of your absence. — Packets containing similar enclosures — Major Cocke informed me — had been simultaneously transmitted to the Ministers of France and of the United States, resident at this place. Permit mo to refer you, for explanation of the course I deemed it best to pursue, to the enclosed Copy of a letter to Major Cocke, acknowledging the receipt of the packet and its enclosures I beg to assure you, Sir, that it was with reluctance, I opened a Communication addressed to you, notwithstanding the intimation of Major Cocke, who was aware of its contents. On this occasion, however, the persuasion that I should be acting as you would wish me to act under the circumstances, and that I should thereby best consult the interests of the service, induced me to waive my scruples, — More especially as the packet bore not the slightest intimation of being other than of a purely public character. „, ^ . ^„ -niT X T. AT William Kennedy Captam Chas. Elliot. E. N. ^ [Endorsed.] No 4. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked Separate of May 15. 1843. KENNEDY TO COCKE^ Copy. British Consulate. Galveston, May 15th 1843. Sir. -^ I beg to acknowledge the receipt, through your hands, on yester- day, of a packet transmitted by the President, General Sam Hous- ton, to Captain Elliot, E. N., Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires in Texas, and, which in consonance with your suggestion, — as being agreeable to the wishes of the President, and otherwise ex- pedient, — I opened in your presence. — The said packet contained the following documents, viz:. — No. 1. Copy of a I'roclamation by the President of the Eepub- lic, respecting Coramoaore Moore and the Texian Navy; dated March 23rd 1843. No. 2. Copy of a Despatch to Commodore Moore, from the De- partment of War and ]\Iarine dated. March 21st 1843. No 3. Copy of Instructions issued by the President to the 'F. 0., Texa.s, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 193 Commissioners, James Morgan and William Bryan, Esquires, dated March 23rd 1843. N"os. 4 and 5. Two letters from the President to Captain El- liot.i By the return of the Hon, Anson Jones Secty of State, to the Seat of Government, the President will have been apprized of the absence of Captain Elliot from Galveston, he having proceeded to New Orleans, for the purpose of meeting his lady at Havannahj on her way from England. Under the circumstances, and being in the receipt of no specific instructions, I shall feel it my duty forth- with to transmit the several documents heretofore named and ennumerated under cover to the British Consul at Kew Orleans, for Captain Elliot ; and to forward, at the same time, copies of the President's Proclamation, the Despatch to Commodore Moore, and the Instructions to the Commissioners, Messrs. Morgan and Bryan, to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Do me the favour to convey to the President the assurance of my profound respect ^^,.^^.^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^_ H. B. M. Consul at Galveston Major Cocke, Collector of Customs. P. S. Should Captain Elliot be in New Orleans on the arrival of the New York Steamer, (by which I shall forward the communica- tions addressed to him by the President,) it will not, of course, be necessary for my Agent to transmit the documents I have men- tioned to Her Majesty's Secretary of State. [Endorsed.]. No. 5. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch, marked "Separate" of May loth. 1843. MOORE TO THE TEXAS TIMES^ Texas Sloop of War Austin, Outside N. E. Pass, Miss. April 19th, 1843. Mr. F. Pinckard, Editor of the Texas Times, Galveston, Texas. In the event of my being declared by proclamation by the Presi- ^For the first of these letters, see Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 10, May 29, 1843. The second is presumably Houston's letter of May 13, enclosed in Elliot to Aberdeen, Secret, June 8, 1843. Pp. 311-312, 318-321. ^Quoted by The Morning SUir, May 18, 1843. 194 Texas State Historical Association dent as a Pirate, or outlaw ; you will please state over my signature that I go down to attack the Mexican Squadron, with the consent and full concurrence of Col. James Morgan, who is on board this Ship as one of the Commissioners to carry into effect the secret act of Congress, in relation to the Navy, and who is going with me, believing as he does that it is the best thing that could be done for the country. This Ship and the brig have excellent men on board, and the offi- cers and men are all eager for the contest. — We go to make one desperate struggle to turn the tide of ill luck that has so long been running against Texas. You shall hear from me again as soon as possible. E. W. Moore. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office Captain Elliot. May 18th. 1843. No. 5.=^ Sir, I have received your Letter of the 29th of March, in which you inform me that a Texian Citizen named Eobinson had arrived in Texas bearing to the President of Texas from General Santa Anna Propositions of a peculiar but pacific character for the adjustment of the Differences between the Two Countries Those Propositions although calculated and perhaps intended to afford an opening for further Negotiations, do not appear to Her Majesty's Government to be of a very practical description, nor fitted in their present shape to create more than a faint hope of a satisfactory Settlement of those differences. But as Her Majesty's Government have received no Accounts from Mexico respecting those Propositions, and are therefore unable to judge of the Mo- tives which gave rise to them, or of the probable course which the Mexican Government intend to pursue in furtherance of them, or even of the authenticity of the Propositions themselves, which yet ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The concluding phrase of the last paragraph only has been printed in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Re- public of Texas, III, 1096; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Aberdeen to Elliot have been omitted. No. 1 trans- mitted correspondence with Ashbel Smith on tlie Guadalupe and Monte- zuma. No. 2 was an inquiry as to the fate of a Mr. Orr, and No. 3 in regard to a Mr. J. Dickson. No. 4 transmitted a despatch from Paken- ham, descriptive of the war between Mexico and Texas. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 195 appear uncertain, it is unnecessary, in the present stage of the business, to indulge in any speculations respecting this Matter. With regard to the project for the annexation of Texas to the United States, which has formed the subject ot some of your re- cent communications to this Office, Her Majesty's Government do not think it necessary to give you any Instructions at the present moment on that subject, further than to desire that you will as- sure the President of the continued interest which the British Grov- ernment takes in the prosperity and independence of the State of Texas; and of their full determination to persevere in employing their endeavours, whenever they see a reasonable hope of success, to bring about an adjustment of the differences still existing be- tween Mexico, and Texas, of which they so much lament the con- tinuance. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ N"©. 3. British Consulate Galveston, May 22nd. 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a return in duplicate of the prices of Agricultural produce- within the limits of the Galveston Con- sulate, for the Quarter ending 31st March, 1843, together with a Memorandum, in reference thereto, also in duplicate. Although I was not empowered to enter upon the duties of My office until the 24th of February last, I have deemed it best to Commence these periodical Eeturns, which will be continued in regular succession, with the beginning of the year. From the observations in the ''Memorandum," it will be seen that there is, at present, no export of Corn or Grain from this Port, and that the Eeturn, as a register of the prices of this Class of domestic products, is almost valueless. Convenient lines of Communication must be opened and adequate means of transport provided before Galveston can possess a Corn Market worthy of the name. In conformity with the terms of Paragraph 14 of my "Instruc- tions," I have given the prices for each week of the quarter ; at the ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. ''Returns of corn and grain prices were frequently made by Kennedy, but they are not printed here as they were merely copies of current prices quoted in newspapers. 196 T'exas State Hii^torical Association same time, I am inclined to think that, under the circumstances of price and Supply, a Quarterly, or Monthly, average of Com and Grain would be clear and more practically useful. When in London during the Autumn of last year, I had the pleasure of presenting to the Hydrographic Office, at the Ad- miralty, some documents illustrative of the geography of Texas. And it was suggested that I should endeavour to obtain for the Department, a Copy of the Chart of the Coast used in the Texian Navy, and drawn up from the observation of its Commodore. Since my arrival at my post, I have endeavoured, not only to meet this particular suggestion, but to collect such additional Materials as might elucidate the general aspect and character of the Coast and limitary lines of the Republic. On the 8th of this Month, I had the satisfaction to transmit to Captain Beaufort, by Her Majesty's Ship of War Spartan, then lying oif Galveston, the following documents ; viz : — 1. General Chart of the Coast line of Texas, Compiled from the Observations of the Texian Commodore, and from the Bound- ary Survey made under the direction of the Commissioners of Texas and the United States. 2. Tracings of the Boundary line between Texas and the United States. 3. Large Plan of Galveston Island and Sketch. 4. Government Survey of the entrance to Galveston, recently made. 5. Survey of the Entrance to jMatagorda Bay, by the Texian Commodore. 6. Eunning Survey of Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays. 7. Survey of the Eio Grande, from the Mouth to the Mexican town of Mier. I hope to render these Materials, the Collection and Arrangement of which have entailed no expense upon the Admii-alty, still more complete, but I have reason to believe that the information they embrace is nearly as ample and as reliable as can Avell be ob- tained, until it shall please Her Majesty's Government to employ a Vessel in Surveying the Coast. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 197 Memorandum accompanying the Return of Corn and Grain from the Port of Galveston, Texas, for the Quarter ending March 31st. ISJ^S."- Galveston. May 20th. 1843. The Corn and Grain trade of Galveston is, at present, alto- gether unimportant in a Commercial point of View. The only kind of grain yet produced, in noticeable quantities, throughout the lower section, or rich Cotton-growing region of Texas, indeed throughout the limits of the Eepublic— is Maize or Indian Corn ; And, in consequence of the imperfect State of Com- munication with the interior, but little of that finds its way into the Galveston Market. Nearly all the Corn and grain consumed on the Island is imported from New Orleans; whence, also, are received Supplies of flour and potatoes, and even hay, oats, poultry and pork.— Thus although Texas is one of the most fertile Coun- tries on the American Continent, the cost of living is higher at Galveston than in the United States or England. Texas, admirably adapted to the raising of Stock, and the Culti- vation of some of the more profitable products of tropical Agricul- ture, will, in all probability, never rank as a Corn-exporting Coun- try; as it is likely to prove sounder economy for the farmers to exchange the great Staples of the Eepublic for the flour and small grains of the Western States of the neighbouring Union, than to incur the outlay of erecting an independent Supply. There is no stock of Corn or grain in granary at Galveston. From New Orleans the importation is regular, being graduated by the wants of the population. Freight from New Orleans to Gal- veston is twenty Cents per bushel, for Corn, and fifteen Cents per bushel, for Oats. The only restriction on the grain trade is an import duty Amount- ing to twenty Cents per bushel on Indian Corn and fifteen Cents per bushel on Oats, with fifteen per Cent ad valorem on other grains. In common with other Articles of import, subjected to tax- ation, grain introduced from Countries with which Texas has no Commercial Treaty, is liable to an additional duty of five per Cent ad valorem. This duty is at present Levied on imports from ^F, 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 198 Texas State Historical Association the United States^ owing to the non-renewal of the Treaty between the two Republics. Freights to England is three fourths of a penny per pound for Cotton, by which freights generally are governed. Exchanges at Galveston are ruled by the New Orleans rates. For the quarter ending March 31st. 1843, they ranged as follows, viz: — On the Dollar. January 10th. 1843 lOU to 102i Premium 35th 1031 to 104. February 14th lOlf to 102i. 25th lOOi to lOOf March lOth 100^ to lOH. 24th 102 to 1021. [Endorsed] No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch of May 22d 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 10. New Orleans. May 29th. 1843. My Lord. Mr Consul Kennedy's Despatch and its Inclosures will have placed Your Lordship in possession of the course taken by the Gov- ernment of Texas with respect to Commodore Moore in command of the Texian Vessels of War "Austin" and "Wharton" off the coast of Yucatan ; and I beg to add to the papers forwarded on that occasion the copy of a private letter from the President,^ the sub- stance of which your Lordship will observe He has desired should be communicated to Her Majesty's Government. The inclosure No. 2 is a Newspaper^ containing accounts of an affair between the Mexican Squadron and the Texian Vessels of War on the 16th Inst, off Campeche. These reports are said to be made by the Commodore, and his Brother acting as his Secretarj^, and I perceive no ground to question their genuineness It is proper to draw Your Lordship's attention to the details 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. -Houston to Elliot, May 6, 1843, in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspond- ence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1089; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^Unidentified cutting. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 199 reported in these notes respecting the display of the English Ensign at the main of the Mexican Steam Ship "Guadaloupe" previous to the commencement of the action, and the immediate hoisting of the English and American Ensigns at the fore :of the Texian Ship "Austin." jSTo further particulars concerning this feature of these transactions are stated: I may add however, that I shall lose no time in forwarding a copy of this despatch to the Commander in Chief on this Station, to whom I have already communicated the movements, and situation of the Texian Vessels of War. The recent proceedings of the Mexican Government towards the retaken Texian prisoners, joined to these accounts from the Coast of Yucatan and the measures of the President of Texas with re- spect to Commodore Moore, are said to be occasioning considerable excitement in this City, and probably more or less, throughout the whole Southern part of the Union. Charles Elliot. To the Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ABERDEEN TO KENNEDY^ Slave Trade No. 1. Foreign Office Draft to Mr. Wm. Kennedy. May 30. 1843. Sir, I have to desire that you will do your utmost to obtain for the Information of H. M's Govt answers to the following queries. 1. What is at present the amount of the Population of the State in which you reside, and what the number of whites, and of col- oured people forming that Population, distinguishing Males from Females, and Free People from Slaves: — What was the amount of the population in the same State in the year 1832, and what was the amount in the year 1837, distinguishing the particulars as in the case of the present time ? 2. Is it supposed that any Slaves have been imported into the Country within the last ten years, either direct from Africa or from other quarters; if so, how many in each year? 'F. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. This instruction and Kennedy's answers (September 5 and 6, 1843) have been printed in British Sessional Papers, 1844, Slave Trade Correspondence, Class C, but are here inserted as of un- usual interest. Kennedy's reply of September 5, 1843, will be printed later in its chronological order. 200 Texas State Historical Association 3. Is the Slave protected by Law equally with a free man in criminal cases? 4. What protection is there by Law to a Slave against ill-con- duct on the part of his Master? 5. Is the evidence of a Slave received in a Court of Law? 6. Is the Slave well or ill-fed, well or ill-treated? 7. Is the Slave considered generally to enjoy as good health and to live as long as a free person? 8. Is the Slave population considered to be on the increase, or decrease, and from what causes? 9. Is the manumission of Slaves of common occurrence? 10. Have the I^aws and Eegulations in respect to Slaves become more or less favourable to them, within the last ten years ? 11. Is there in the State in which you reside a party favourable to the Abolition of Slavery? and what is the extent and Influence of such party ? And is such Party on the increase or otherwise ? 12. Is there any difference in the eye of the Law between a free white and free coloured man ? 13. Are free coloured men ever admitted to Offices of the State ? 14. You will state whether you have drawn your answers from Public Documents, or from private Information ; and you will state whether any Periodical Census is taken of the Population within the district of your Consulate, and what was the last period at which it was taken. You will be careful to make your reply to each question as concise as possible. 1 am, etc. Aberdeen ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. Foreign Office Captain Elliot. June 3, 1843. No. 6. Sir, AVith reference to your Letter dated the 29th of March, inclosing a printed Copy of the Propositions conveyed from General Santa Anna to the President of Texas, by the medium of Mr Eobinson, to which Letter I made a brief reply by my Despatch No. 5, of the 18th Ultimo, I have now to communicate to you a Copy of a 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 201 Despatch from Mr. Pakenham, dated the 23d of March/ relative to those Propositions. They appear to have been made by Genl. Santa Anna in the full hope, and even expectation, that they would be accepted by the Government of Texas as the basis of an adjust- ment between Texas and IMexico. You will perceive from that Despatch that General Santa Anna has expressed his anxiety that Her Majesty's Government would employ their good offices in order to promote an arrangement be- tAveen Mexico and Texas on the footing laid down in those Proposi- tions. Although Her Majesty's Government do not intend to make themselves in any way a Party to this Transaction or to incur any responsibility respecting it, they are nevertheless perfectly willing to employ their good offices, in an entirely neutral and impartial sense, in order to bring about a peaceful and equitable adjustment of the differences existing between Texas and Mexico. It appears to Her Majesty's Government that the propositions of General Santa Anna go far to establish the virtual independence of Texas, although by the first of those Propositions Texas is required to acloiowledge the Sovereignty of Mexico Her Majesty's Government might have supposed that this latter demand had been put forward pro forma, and, to save appearances, were it not that they have learnt from Mr Pakenham, since his arrival in England, that he does not consider it at all probable that General Santa Anna will recede from this Demand, since, even were he personally disposed to do so, which he does not seem to be, public opinion would effectually oppose him in carrying out that in- clination. It may therefore be taken for granted that the demand for the recognition of the Sovereignty of Mexico will be adhered to by the Mexican Government. Under these circumstances it will be for the Government of Texas to determine whether the virtual independence of Texas would, in their opinion, be too dearly purchased at the price of the nominal concession required of them, or whether it may not be well to admit that concession, and to look to the future for the means of removing that sole remaining badge of their dependence. T. 0., Mexico, 161, No. 21. This despatch was written by Pakenham in Mexico, but carried in person to England. Doyle, as charge, was now the British diplomat at Mexico. 202 Texas State Historical Association By adopting this course peace would be immediately secured, and with peace, commerce and agriculture would flourish, and the foundations of daily encreasing wealth and power would be at once laid. Difficulties will undoubtedly stand in the way of giving practical effect to the propositions submitted to Texas by Mexico; and it is very obvious that various Modifications will be required in those Propositions before they can be carried into execution. But if both Parties enter upon the task of endeavouring to bring about an ad- justment with good faith, and prosecute that task with temper and a full determination to bring it to a satisfactory issue, Her Maj- esty's Government do not perceive in the terms of accommodation proposed by Mexico any insurmountable obstacle to the conclusion of an agreement on equitable grounds between the Parties. Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to offer any advice to the Government of Texas in this mattei-; but I repeat that they will very readily lend their good offices, whenever called upon, in order to facilitate the termination of the existing Dispute. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. June 3d. 1843. Captain Elliot. No. 7. Sir. I transmit to you herewith for your information, a Copy of a despatch from H. M. Minister in Mexico- respecting the recapture of a Body of Texians who had been made prisoners in an unsuc- cessful attempt to penetrate into Mexico and had over]Dowered the escort in charge of them, and also respecting the measures adopted by Genl Santa Anna with regard to those prisoners. KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure] British Consulate Copy. Galveston, June 5th 1843. Sir. The following information which I have received, when taken in T. O., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. =F. 0., Mexico, 161, No. 11, March 22, 1843. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. The letter is here placed in correct chronolog- ical order, though transmitted by Kennedy to Aberdeen, May 8, 1844. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 203 connexion with the general character of the relations subsisting be- iween the United States and Texas, and the Critical Situation of the latter, appears to be of a sufficient importance to warrant the formality of a despatch. My informant, whose name I am not at liberty to mention is, I believe, quite worthy of trust, besides being a person of intelligence, and experience in the affairs of this Coun- try. — I give his statement from a Minute which I took at the time. "General Murphy"^ — (says my informant) — "the new Minister from the United States to this Eepublic, has but lately returned from a diplomatic Mission to the Republic of Colombia. He is now entrusted with a Special Mission to Texas * * * "The object of his present Mission is to submit Certain proposi- tions, with a view to some agreement between the United States and Texas. The ISTature of these propositions, or agreement, is not specified. The only known ground of surmise is included in the following observations, which dropped from him in conversation with the Mayor and a deputation of Citizens, this Morning, be- tween eleven and twelve o'clock. "Texas" — General Murphy remarked — "was virtually independ- ent, and the bombast of Mexico, like that of Spain, anticipated Matters that could never be accomplished. The border Warfare between Mexico and Texas was an evil which the United States would stop; and, in so doing, they would act in accordance with the sentiments of every other Civilized Nation. Texas should be, and, indeed, was independent, and all that could now be desired was a Security to emigTants to people the Country. The inhabit- ants of Texas wanted emigrants like themselves — and no others — Men spealdng their own language, and subject to their own Cus- toms and laws — ^Security would be given to such emigrants. — Our friends on the other side of the Water might be "much irritated and disappointed" (these latter, says my informant, are not the ex- act words, but, in meaning, they are substantially the same) — "at the Matter, hut what do we care for that? As a Virginian Member of Congress observed, in one of his Speeches at a former day — "For what reason should we ask for independence, when we are actually independent — what care we for that puny little Isle ?" I examined my informant as to the exact impression made upon ^W. S. Murphy. 304 Texas State Historical Association him by the Minister's tone and style of expression, when alluding to Great Britain: — his decided feeling, (he replied) was that they were unfriendly. When, with this information is conpled the recent introduction of a South Carolina politician (Mr. Legare)^ into the Cabinet of the United States, in the room of Mr Webster, and the attempt to displace Mr. Everett as American Minister to England,^ I am led to infer, Sir, that the observations of General Murphy, as reported to me, may not be wholly unworthy of your consideration. General M. has, I understand, announced his intention to pro- ceed to Washington on the Brazos, by way of Virginia Point, to- morrow. William Kennedy. Captain Elliot. E. E". Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires (at Galveston) Copy. British Consulate Galveston June 7th. 1843. Sir, In reference to my Communication (No 3) of the 5th Inst., I beg to state that, according to information, more recently received, General Murphy was accredited to Guatemala, instead of Colombia I have been further informed that he is an able engineer, much trusted by his Government, and that, during his Southern Mission, he made a Survey of the Country bordering on the river San Juan and the lake of Nicaragua, with a view to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by Means of a Canal Communication. William Kennedy Captain Elliot. E. N. [Endorsed]. Enclosure ISTo. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedj^'s despatch No. 7, dated May Sth, 1844. ^Hugli Swinton Legare, a prominent lawyer, writer and politician of South Carolina. He was attorney-general of the United States under President Tyler and on Webster's resignation of the Secretaryship of State, conducted the duties of that office for a short period in 1843. (Appleton, Cyclopedia of Amer. Biog., Ill, 677.) =It was planned to have Webster replace Everett, but the latter clung to his position. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 205 ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^ Secret. Galveston June 8th. 1843. My Lord. The Inclosure No 1 is the Copy of a private letter addressed to me by General Houston, which it is proper that I should transmit for the information of Her Majesty^s Government. In his posi- tion, he necessarily could not request nor directly authorize me to forward this communication of his private views to Your Lordship. But the subject of the letter is entirely political, and whilst I am sensible that these opinions have been communicated to me in the confidence of friendsJiip, I am also persuaded that General Houston must have felt that they would be made known to Your Lordship, and I am equally satisfied that it would be unnecessary and unsuit- able on my part to do more than mention my own earnest request that they should only be used for the private information of Her Majest3^^s Government. Your Lordship will readily conceive that in the state of feeling in this and the neighbouring Country, on such topics, they could not be publicly adverted to, without conse- quences of the highest inconvenience. It will be noticed that General Houston has alluded to some Newspaper attacks to which He has been exposed botli in this Country and the United States with respect to secret engagements with the British Government. And I should mention that the last time I conversed with him He touched upon these observations and strictures, at least as to the feelings of, Her Majesty's Government upon the existence of Slavery in Texas, for it had been alleged amongst other things that Her Majesty's Government had required the abolition of Slavery in one of the South American Eepublics as the price of it's Mediatorial Offices with another; And it was thence argued that the same Concession was required from Texas. I told General Houston that the sincere desire of Her Majesty's Government' to put an end to the Contest between Mexico and this Country had been frequently declared; that I was sure He would understand that no conditions were intended, which were not ex- pressed; and that the subject of Slavery in Texas had never been mentioned to me in any despatch from Her Majesty's Government, ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 206 Texas State Historical Association or by word of mouth. As to the feelings of the British Government and Nation upon the Subject of Slavery, abstractly considered, which seemed to be the foundation of these speculations of the press, they were well known to the whole World, and it was quite unnecessary to enter upon that topic ; But as He had alluded to this Institution in Texas, I could not help expressing my own opinion that it's existence was a Subject of deep regret. General Houston did not conceal his own opinions to the same effect, and added, that unless the propitious Moment of a Settle- ment of the difficulties with Mexico should be taken for devising some mode of getting rid of the Mischief, He foresaw that Texas would sooner or later become the "impound" of the Black and Coloured population of the United States, to the incalculable in- jury of it's well understood interests and happiness. Another point which will require a few words of comment is the allusion to the case of the Prisoners taken at Mier in whose behalf I wrote to Mr Packenham at General Houston's request. I for- warded Mr Packenham an extract from General Houston's letter to me upon the Subject, in which I understood him to reason that the Prisoners were entitled to the benefit of the Capitulation with the Mexican Commanding Officer, though He did not deny that the movement beyond the Rio Grande had been made upon their own responsibility. It seemed to me that his purpose in saying that was to free him- self from the imputation of using language of aversion to irregular incursionary Warfare in his Communications with foreign Govern- ments, whilst He sanctioned it in his orders to his own officers: But I certainly never supposed that General Houston intended or wished that any representations of that kind should be made to General Santa Ana. The accompanying extract from General Houston's letter upon the Subject will probably convince Your Lordship that his reason- ing was addressed to me for representation to Her Majesty's Min- ister at Mexico, and I am sure that it will be a source of great sur- prise and concern to Mr Packenham, and entirely contrary to the [his?] wishes, that any other use has been made of it. General Houston's present remarks are founded upon declarations nmde by Prisoners recently released through the good offices of the American Minister at Mexico which have foimd their way into the public British Correspondence Concerning Texas 207 press, to the effect that General Thompson shewed them the Copy of General Houston's letter to me communicated to him in confi- dence hy Mr. Packenham. It appears very probable that Mr. Paek- enham conferred with General Thompson upon ihe cause of these unfortunate people, but it is quite unnecessary to say that I am certain He never authorized the exhibition of General Houston's letter to these Texian Prisoners, or much less, gave the least room for the extremely unjust and injurious insinuation that General Houston wished to prejudice these jirisoners in the sight of the Mexican Government. Mr. Packenham's whole course in Mexico, with respect to the Government of Texas, and any Citizens of the Eepublic who fell into the hands of the Mexicans was marked by unvarying Consid- eration, and kindness, often too, as it is well known at considerable pecuniary Sacrifice, and it m-ay be depended upon that any com- munication He might have had with General Thompson upon this subject, was made in a spirit of perfect appreciation of General Houston's Motives, and of a cordial disposition to meet his wishes. I shall take occasion to say this to the President, and to add that I find it easier to believe that these released prisoner's misconceived General Thompson, than that He afforded them any ground to mis- represent General Houston's plain and kind purposes on their be- half. It remains to be hoped that there has been some mistake as to the representation that General Thompson shewed any of these released prisoners a Communication He had received from Mr Packenham in a confidential way. I have taken the liberty of forwarding the original of General Houston's private letter to me, because it does not appear to me to be desirable to retain it in this Countrj^, in case of accident to my papers. p 5. Charles Elliot. I abstain from offering any opinion upon the probable turn of affairs as respects this Country, in the present crisis, because with all things in a deplorable and helpless condition here, it is plain that results must depend chiefly on events, or Kegociations beyond my sphere of observation ^, , ^^■,. . •^ ^ Charles Elliot The Eight Plonorable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 208 Texas Siaie Historical Association HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure.] Washington May 13th 18-13. (Private.) My Dear Captain We are mnch excluded here from important intelligence, among which may be reckoned the thriUing events passing in your Com- munity of Galveston. We occasionally receive papers from the United States, and from them learn that they are taking a very deep interest in the Welfare of Texas — so far at least as the pa- triotic effusions of editors go. I may be mistaken, but I think the course pursued there is not difficult of comprehension. For Texas not to be completely subservient to the United States, is regarded by them as rebellious and ungrateful. Their political parties have not yet determined what capital is to be made out of us; and the Southern section at least, with a hope of ultimate an- nexation, is unwilling that any change from our present attitude should take place. They perceive that, if a pacification is brought about between Texas and Mexico, by England, we must know that it will result more from generous feeling than from a hope of pecuniary gain, and will necessarily inspire, on the part of Texas, feelings of kindness arising from a sense of obligation. The quid pro quo of five Millions cannot be the desideratum with England now, for the time for that has passed by- If England produces a pacification between this Country and Mexico, she will thereby secure a friend on the gulf whose con- tiguity to the United States, in the event of a War, would not be desirable to that country. All movements on the part of the U. States would seem to indicate that they have an eye to a rupture at some period not remote. But I need not suggest this to a gentleman of your observation. The genius as well as the excitabil- ity of that people, united to a bold and generous daring, impel them to war. Their love of Dominion, and the extension of their territorial limits, also, is equal to that of Rome in the last ages of the Commonwealth and the first of the Caesars. The Continent of North America is regarded by the people of ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. G, =This refers to the plan whereby Texas was to assume five millions of the Mexican debt if Great Britain was instrumental in securing recognition of Texas by Mexico. British Corresporidence Concerning Texas 209 the U. States as their birth-right — to be secured by policy, if they can, by force if they must. Heretofore Texas has been looked upon as an appendage to the U. States. They cannot realise that we now form two Nations. Therefore every act done in reference to us by any power of which they are jealous, or for which they do not cherish kind national feelings, is regarded as an unauthorized interference and necessarily provokes their denunciation. This is the case at present in relation to England, British in- fluence and every ridiculous humbug which their crazed imagina- tions can start, are conjured up and marshalled in fearful array for the purpose of alarming Texas, exciting disorder, producing disrespect towards England, and compelling us to look to the U. States as our only hope of political salvation. They are willing to see Texas tantalized by every annoyance until, in a fit of despair, she is compelled to identify herself with them, and by some act of good fortune become incorporated with them — though they cannot precisely point out the means. In support of this opinion, the rejection of the late treaty with us, by the U. States Senate, to my mind, was not at all an equiv- ocal expression of the notions of that Country in relation to Texas. It was assigned as a reason, though not in debate, that the Condi- tion of Texas was such as to render them reluctant to form closer connexions with us than those already established by their recog- nition of our independence, and such provisions as they could make in our favor by Law. Such reasons, I presume, have never been uttered concerning any other nation, since the establisliment of Hayti. The humility of our condition, however, compels us to pocket this; as the U. States regard us, from their expressions, nothing more than a pocket attached to their outer robe. I shall look with amusing interest to the journals of the U. States for a formal denunciation of the Executive for having en- forced the law requiring a discriminating duty upon articles im- ported from countries not in treaty with us. It will not be the law or people of Texas, I apprehend, that will be blamed, but the Executive for having the audacity to enforce the law against them. But so long as Texas does exist, I am determined, that if I should not be so fortunate as to conciliate good opinion, I will at least evince to the world that, so far as any merit may attach to the 210 Texas State Historical Association execution of her laws, so far as I have the power, I shall he en- titled to it. Texas has once evinced a willingness, amounting to unexampled unanimity, to become annexed to the United States, We sought the boon with humble supplications. In this posture we remained in the outer- porch of their Capital for many months. Our solici- tations were heard with apathy. Our urgency was responded to Avith politic indifference. Apprised of this, I directed our Minister to withdraw the proposition. This I did from a sense of national dignity. Since that time Texas has not renewed the proposition; and the United States now, in order to get it into an attitude be- fore them that would be creditable to them, desire no doubt that Texas should again come forward soliciting the boon. They have not as yet received such indications as they desire. If it were the case, it would place the subject before the poli[ti]cal parties of the U. States, in a position different from that in which it now rests. In that event there would be but one question to ask: Shall the Annexation of Texas to the U. States take place ? As it is, there are two: First, Is Texas willing to be annexed? Second, in that case, shall it be annexed ? This renders the matter more compli- cated and produces feelings of excitement and irritibility that in- duce the leading journals of certain sections in that Country to traduce and vilify the authorities of Texas in a very unbecoming manner. This I presume is done by [way?] of whipping prom- inent Men into the list of petitioners. Again, if war between the U. States and England should take place, and the independence of Texas not be recognized by Mexico, or not annexed to the U. States, under the excitement and commo- tion which would exist in a state of war, the contiguity of a situation united with kindred inhabitants, would, without form of law, amalgamate us with the U. States. If however the independ- ence of Texas should be recognized through the medium of English influence, such a result could never take place. If the U. States upon the Gulf can maintain a parallel influence to that which they may establish on the Pacific, Texas will become a cantonment for the pioneers in the van of that mighty advance whose political power will not halt short of the isthmus of Darien. If Texas is sustained as an independent Nation, it will necessarily retard the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 211 consummation of schemes which, though now but in embrj^o, will at some future period be developed by much human suffering. It is not selfishness in me to say that I desire to see Texas occupy an independent position among the Nation's of the earth, to which she is justly entitled by her enterprise, daring, sufferings and pri- vations. The blood of her martyrs has been sufficient to give cement to the foundation of a great nation, and if her independence be steadily [speedily?] recognized by Mexico, heaven will direct and carry out her destiny to a glorious consummation. Every day that it is delayed affords to demagogues a theatre for mischief, and when repose should refresh her, factious political incendiaries are marching about with their torches of discord. I am wearj^ of this state of things. All that Texas requires, to make her healthy and vigorous is a respite from execution. I cannot believe that all this fustian about British influence and abolition in Texas, has its origin with the Government of the U. States, But in a Country where the Chief of it is elective in ninety nine cases out of one hundred, I presume the Administration de- rives complexion from the Clamours, or what is supposed to be the feelings, of the people. If so, as far as Southern influence can be exercised upon the Administration of that Govt, it is highly probable that the Agency of England, exercised in behalf of this Country would not receive a hearty cooperation from all the agents which that Government may have employed. Of Mr Tyler my opinion is too exalted to think that he would sanction a course so much at war with the avowed wishes of that Government — its nat- ural Character and the rights of hmnanity. If the prisoners who have been released by Santa Anna have reported truly the conduct of Genl. Thompson in Mexico, he could have had but one object in view, and that was, by the return of those gentlemen to create a strong prejudice against the representa- tive of Her Britannic Majesty in Texas, as well as the Executive, who was understood to be on terms of personal friendship with him and entertaining at the same time for his character and capacity the highest respect. If Gen. Thompson really has stated, as repre- sented, confidentially, to every prisoner with whom he conversed, that Mr Pakenham, enjoining secrecy, had shown him a letter from yourself, stating that I had written to you desiring your interfer- 212 Texas State Historical Association ence — representing that the Mier prisoners had gone into the enemy's territory in violation of My orders, and that I hoped that Santa Anna would show them mercy etc. and if Gen. Thompson gave these things such a coloring as represented, the object is too plain. If Mr. Pakenham showed to Gen. Thompson any letter, it must certainly have been showTi under, as he himself declared, injunctions of secrecy, and by violating these injunctions he acted in bad faith. Again — If its facts had been as represented by G«n. Thompson, they could not have prevented Mr Pakenham, as a gentleman, from exercising any influence in behalf of humanity ; which, as an individual, he might possess. I regret that Gen. Thompson has placed himself in the attitude he occupies. By his own showing he was unauthorised, and I much fear that neither the act nor the motives will find a justification in truth. Mr. Paken- ham will certainly regard it as an act of discourtesy on the part of Gen Thompson, if not one of faithlessness; Being fortified as I am, and being assured, from your intelligence, and feelings, that you would pursue no course, but one induced by the highest princi- ples of honor and generosity, I am very much at ease, I regret that our friends in the U. States should have any un- easiness on the Subject of Santa Anna's propositions. If we were to judge from the Newspapers, as well as from the private Corre- spondence which I receive, we might conclude that there was dan- ger of my being favorable to retrocession to Mexico; and as for the subject of Texas becoming a British Colony and abolition in Texas, and all that, they have been exclusively confined, so far as I can learn, to Galveston, and Houston. I have never understood that they have been discussed in any other sections of the Eepublic. So I can neither sympathize with the distresses of our friends, nor can I entertain commiseration for their ridiculous credulity. From our Charge d' Affaires in Europe, we have had no recent advices. I am exceedingly anxious to hear what course Her Majesty's Government has taken on the subject of the Protest, as well as the course of the French Governmt. I would be very happy to hear from you by every safe opportu- nity; and, if any thing important, by express I hope you have had a very satisfactory interview with Doctor British Correspondence Concerning Texas 213 Jones, Secretary of State, relative to the consistent policy of this Government. Sam. Houston Captain Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.] Inclosure No 1 in Captain Elliot's despatch "Secret" to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 8. 1843. HOUSTON TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure]. Extract of a letter from General Houston to Captain Elliot marked "Private" and dated at. Washington Jany. 24th. 1843.^ "In relation to this Subject I am constrained to solicit the kindness of you should it not be out of the line of your official Action, that you would address Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico, and bad as matters are, make this representation. "It is true that the Men went without orders ; And so far as that was concerned the Government of Texas was not responsible, and the Men thereby placed themselves out of the protection of the rules of War. This much is granted. But the Mexican Officers by pro- posing terms of Capitulation to the Men relieved them from the responsibility which they had incurred, and the moment that the Men surrendered in accordance with the proposals of Capitulation they became prisoners of War, and were entitled to all immunities as such. Upon this view of the Subject I base my hopes of their Salvation, if it should be speedily presented, thro' the agency of Her Majesty's Minister to the Mexican Government. Should it be proper to do so I feel assured that your kind offices will not be wanting in an early application upon the Subject. This view of the Subject seems to me the only feasible one which has presented itself to my mind" Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Captain Elliot's despatch "Se- cret" to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston. June 8th. 1843. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ^See above, page 154. 214 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ N"o. 4. British Consulate Galveston. June 9tli 1843 My Lord, I have the honor to ti"ansmit enclosed the following docmnents relating to the trade and commerce and Maritime regulations of the Eepublic of Texas, and the Consulate of Galveston ; namely : — The present TarifE of the Eepublic of Texas. - Historical Abstract in reference to the Tariff. Eeturn of the British and Foreign Trade at Galveston for the year ending 31st December 1842.^ Eeturn of British Trade at Galveston for the year ending 31st December 1842.2 Charges on Shipping in the ports of Texas — Pilotage Eegula- tions at Galveston/ description of the National Flag of Texas.* Eegulations for the Coasting Trade and Protection of Texian Shipping^ Warehousing of Goods and Drawbacks" I beg to observe that I have drawn up the "Historical Abstract" for the purpose of rendering the series of official documents more complete, and have furnished trade Eeturns for 1842 — the year previous to my arrival at my post — in order to note, by comparison with the Eeturns for the Current year, the Commercial progress, or retrogression, of the Eepublic. "William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. ''Omitted. "Omitted, since the matter submitted by Kennedy is a synopsis of "an act regulating the appointment and duties of pilots at the Port of Gal- veston," approved February 4, 1842 (Gammel, Laics of Texas, II, 773. 774). *The description of the Texas flag is copied from the act approved January 25, 1839 (Ihid., II, 88). "Under this title Kennedy submitted a synopsis of "an act for the regulation of the coasting trade and the protection of Texian shipping," approved January 4, 1841 {Ibid., II, 479-482). ''Under this title Kennedy submitted a synopsis of "an act to pro- vide and establish the warehousing svstem in the ports of this Republic," approved February 5, 1840 (Ibid., II, 225-229). British Correspondence Concerning Texas 215 Historical Abstract, in reference to the Tariff of the Republic of Texas, in operation on the first of June ISJ^S^ On the 17th of January 1821, Moses Austin, a Native of New England, obtained permission from the Supreme Government of the Eastern Intenial Provinces of Mexico, to introduce three hun- dred families as Colonists from Louisiana into Texas. In consequence of Moses Austin's death, his project of Coloniza- tion was taken up and prosecuted by his Son, Stephen, who was obliged, in 1822, to apply to the Authorities of revolutionized Mexico, for Confirmation of the privilege which had been conceded to his father by the Authorities of old Spain. On the 4th of Jan- uary 1823, a Colonization law, approved by the INIexican Emperor Iturbide, was promulgated, and, on the 18th of February of the same year, an Imperial Decree was issued, empowering Austin to found a Colony under the provisions of the general law. A revolutionary Movement having displaced Iturbide, and the Government which succeeded him, having decreed the Nullity of all Imperial titles, Austin was Constrained to Solicit the Con- iirmation of his Concession from the Congi-ess of Mexico. This he obtained on the 14th of April 1823, which may, therefore, be re- corded as the legal date of the Commencement of Anglo American Colonization in Texas. To encourage the settlement of her waste frontier lands, and thereby interpose a barrier against Indian aggi-ession, and streng-then herself against Spanish attempts at reconquest, Mexico held out various inducements to the earlier Colonists of Texas, and, among them, a temporary exemption from tithes and taxes. By Article 24, of the j\Iexican Colonization Law of the 4th of January 1823, it was enacted that, during Six Years from the date of the Concession, the Colonists should not pay tithes, or duties, on their produce, nor any Contribution whatever, of a public kind. By Article 25, of the same law, it was enacted that, during the Six years, immediately succeeding the termination of the first spec- ified period the Colonists should pay half the tithes and half the Contributions, direct and indirect, that were paid by Native Citi- zens. These enactments emanated from the General Government of Mexico. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 216 Texas State Historical Association The State of Coahuila and Texas, as a Member of the Mexican Federation, by Article 32, of a Colonization Law passed by its Legislature on the 24th March 1825, ordained that, during the first ten years, — reckoning from the Commencement of the Settle- ment, — Colonists within the limits of the State should be free from every kind of public Contribution, except such as were gen- erally demanded to prevent, or repel, foreign invasion. — After ten years, new Settlers were to bear an equal proportion of the public burthens with Native Citizens. The law containing these provisions was repealed by an Act dated April 28th 1832. which exempted all "New towns," for ten years, from the time of their foundation, from every description of tax, except Contributions for defence against foreign invasion. For the Site of each of these "New towns," the State appropriated four Square leagues of land. The establishment of Custom-houses in Texas, and of garrisoned posts to enforce the Collection of the National Eevenue, which fol- lowed the periods of exemption from taxation granted to the in- fant Settlements, formed with the Colonists prominent Causes of dissatisfaction, while, on the other hand, the infraction of fiscal enactments was regarded by the Government of Mexico as indica- tive of an ungrateful and rebellious Spirit on the part of Men invited by its liberality to occupy its fertile lauds. In June 1833, a party of Colonists attacked and Captured the Mexican garrison at the port of Velasco. — in April 1833, petitions complaining of the Tariff, and praying for the privilege of free importation, for a term of three Years, of the most important Articles of Consump- tion, were transmitted by the Colonists to the General Government. — in the Autumn of 1834, a number of persons seized the Collector of Customs at Anahuac, and expelled the Military stationed at his post, — and, in the Autumn of 1835, Texas and Mexico were in a State of open Warfare, In November 1835, a Convention was called in Texas, and a Provisional Government proclaimed, which Conferred on a Gov- ernor and Council the power "to impose and regulate Impost and Tonnage Duties, and to provide for their Collection under such Regulations as might be deemed expedient" An Ordinance of the Provisional Government, imposing certain duties of Customs, passed on the 12th of December 1835, was re- British Correspondence Concerning Texas 217 pealed by another Ordinance on the 27th of the same Month, which placed a duty of twenty five per Cent, ad Valorem, on such goods, wares, and Merchandize as Avere "entitled to a debenture" in the port of Shipment, and a duty of fifteen per Cent, ad Valorem, on such as were not entitled to debenture. — Articles imported hona fide for the use of emigrants, including farming implements, house- hold furniture, provisions, stores and Machinery of all kinds, were to be admitted free. The declaration and establishment of the independence of Texas, and the adoption of a Constitution of its inhabitants, were fol- lowed by the Convocation of a Congress, which, on the 20th of December, 1836, passed an Act "to raise a Revenue by Impost Duties," under which the following charges were exigible : — On Invoice price of Wines, Spirituous and Malt liquors 45 per Cent ad Valorem. Silk goods, and all Manufactures of Silk 50 per Cent ad Va- lorem. Sugar and Coffee 2^ ad Valorem. Teas 25 ad Valorem. Bread Stuffs 1 ad Valorem. Iron and Castings — 10 per Cent ad val. Coarse Clothing, Shirtings, Shoes, blankets Kerseys, Sattinets, and Stuffs formed of a Mixture of Cotton and Wool. 10 per Cent ad Valorem. All the non-ennumerated goods an ad Valorem duty of twenty five per Cent on invoice price. Another, and more Comprehensive, Customs law was passed on the 12th of June 1837 "for the purpose of raising a revenue to aid in defraying the public expences, sustaining the public Credit, and securing to the public Creditors a fair Annual, or semi-Annual interest on the Shares of Stock in the funded debt." The Tariff underwent a farther revision by an Act passed on the 5th of February 1840, to which the law at present in operation is termed "Supplementary" It is to be observed that the receipt of duties in jSTational paper, profusely issued, on an unsound basis, — and, of course, rapidly depreciated, — has from time to time, caused the Tariff to appear much higher than it really was, and the successive endeavours to realize, Amidst the Confusion occasioned by a spurious Currency, 218 Texas State Historical Association an adequate, tangible revenue, has imparted a capricious charac- ter to the fiscal legislation of the Republic, discouraging and in- jurious to the Merchant and the emigrant. The duties, at present, are receivable only in gold and silver, or in "Exchequer Bills," at their Marlcet value. There is a general and increasing feeling in favor of diminished duties, vidth a view to the ultimate adoption of a System of Free Trade, but no material alteration in this direction can well be an- ticipated until the Country is tranquillized in regard to its ex- ternal relations More than two thirds of the revenue derived from Customs is received at the port of Galveston. The Eastern Counties of Texas, which possess a comparatively dense population. Contribute but a small proportion to the public funds, owing to their geographical position, which secures impunity to the Smuggler. The gross amount received at the port of Galveston for the year ending the 31st of December. 1842, may be set doAvn, in round numbers, at 110,000 (one hundred and ten thousand) dollars; the receipts for the same period at Brazos, Matagorda, Eed River, San Augustine, and Sabine at 30,000 (thirty thousand) dollars. The average ex- pense of Collection was a fraction above fourteen per Cent. The attempts hitherto made to raise a revenue by direct taxation have been unsuccessful [Endorsed.] No. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch of 9th June. 1843. Charges on Shipping in the Ports of Texas'^ Tonnage Duty. All Sailing Vessels entering any port of the Republic, from any foreign port or place, are chargeable with a tonnage duty of Sixty Cents per ton, and Steam boats with thirty Cents, according to registered tonnage. Entrance. Any Ship, or Vessel, of less than one hundred tons burthen, pays one dollar and a half, of one hundred and upward, two dollars and a half, — Clearance. For every clearance of Vessels of the above-men- tioned burthen, the same fees respectively. Port Entry. Two dollars. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 219 Permit to land goods. Twenty Cents. Bond taken Officially. Forty Cents. Permit to land goods for exportation that may he entitled to debenture, or official Certificate. Forty Cents. Bill of Health. Twenty Cents For every document (registers excepted) required by any Mer- chant, Owner, or Master of any Ship, or Vessel, not before enumer- ated. Twenty Cents. [Endorsed.] Ko. 5. In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch of 9th June. 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 13.2 Galveston, June 10th. 1843. My Lord, Mer Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" arrived last night from Vera Cruz bringing me a Despatch from Mr. Percy Doyle Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico of which I have the honor to trans- mit a Copy, as well as a Copy of the Communication I have there- upon addressed to the Secretary of State of this Eepublic.^ The departure of the Steam boat for New Orleans, prevents me from adding more upon this occasion. I should mention however, that in the state of understanding between the Government of Her Majesty, and that of the King of the French concerning the close of the Contest between this Eepublic and Mexico, I have felt it right to communicate the subject of Mr Doyle's despatch in confi- dence to my Colleague Monsieur de Cramayel; And He concurs with me that every suitable effort should be made to dispose the ifovernment of this Eepublic to meet these advances of the Presi- lient of Mexico. Charles Elliot To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. -No. 11, Elliot to Aberdeen, on the Elisa Russell claims, has been omitted. 'Elliot to Jones, June 10, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1090; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 220 Texas State Historical Association DOYLE TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure.] Mexico, 27 May. 1843. Copy. Charles Elliot. Sir, I have the honor to inform you that at an interview which took place with His Excellency the President General Santa Ana on the 24th Instant, He spoke to me a good deal about the present po- sition of this Country with Texas, and added that He was ready to treat upon the terms proposed by him and forwarded tlirough Mr Eobinson, with which you are acquainted. I pressed him as much as possible with respect to the fallacy of the plan with respect to the Sovereignty of Mexico being acknowledged by Texas; but at present He does not seem at all inclined to give way on that point. *I further stated to him how useless I felt it would be to send Commissioners to treat on any terms so long as the present warfare was carried on; and His Excellency has Authorized me to acquaint you for the information of General Houston, tliat He will agree to an Armistice, and He told me he would at once give orders for a total cessation of hostilities on his part, and requested that General Houston would send similar orders to the different Officers Com- manding the Texian forces ; and that in such case He was ready to receive any Commissioners which might be sent from Texas to treat on the terms proposed by him*^ I am of the same opinion with yourself respecting the total fallacy and impolicy of that part of the plan of the President Santa Ana claiming an empty Sovereignty over Texas, but as I collected from your Correspondence how important you felt it to be that an armistice should be granted, and even intimated that a large party in Texas with a view of doing what they thought best for them at the present moment might accept General Santa Ana's proposition, I felt it my duty to accept the offer He made and acquainted him that T would write to you on this Matter without loss of time. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. ^Tliis paragraph only is printed in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1091; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. "The portion of this Despatch contained within the crosses [asterisks], is the portion which has been communicated to the Grovernment of Texas. — Charles Elliot." British Correspondence Concerning Texas 221 I have by the last packet informed Lord Aberdeen of what has taken place. Percy Doyle. To Captain Charles Elliot, R. N. [Endorsed]. Inclosure No 1 in Capt. Elliot's despatch No. 12. to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 10th 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 13. Galveston June 21st 1843. My Lord, Thinking it possible that Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" may catch the Mail of the 29th at Vera Cruz, I have the honor to forward by her the accompanying Copy of the Proclamation of Armistice issued by this Government.* But as it seems probable that my Communication through the United States will reach England before the Mail from Mexico I shall transmit the Correspondence connected with this Affair through the usual channel. Charles Elliot To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 15.^ Galveston, June 22nd 1843. My Lord, Having reference to my dispatch No. 12 of the 10th Instant I have now the honor to transmit to Your Lordship the reply of the Secretary of State of this Eepublic to my Note to him/ a Copy of which was forwarded in the despatch No. 12. I beg also to transmit a Copy of the Proclamation of the Armis- tice issued by the President of Texas, and a Copy of the despatch I =F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. *A proclamation suspending hostilities with Mexico, June 15, 1843. Printed in 'Niles' Register, LXIV, 307. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ^No. 14, Elliot to Aberdeen, on the whereabouts of Mr. John Orr, has been omitted. 'Jones to Elliott, June 15, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the EepuUic of Texas, III, 1092-1093; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 222 Texas State Historical Association addressed to Mr. Doyle in reply to his of the 27th Ultimo, a Copy of which has already been forwarded to Your Lordship in my despatch No 12. I also avail myself of this occasion to acloiowledge Your Lord- ship's despatch No. 5 of the 10th Ultimo/ and to transmit a Copy of .the note I have thereupon addressed to Mr. Jones.^ To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. Downing Street ELLIOT TO DOYLE^'' [Enclosure]. Galveston June 21st 1843. Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge Your despatch of the 27th Ultimo by Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" (received here upon the night of the 9 Instant) and in reply I beg leave to transmit to you. 1st. Copy of a Note from myself to the Secretairy of State of this Republic, dated on the 10th Instant." 2d. Copy of the reply of the Secretary of State to my Note of the 10th Instant, dated 15th Instant. ^^ 3d. An authentic Copy of a Proclamation of Armistice by the President of Texas, dated 15 Instant." I trust that it will be in your power to induce the President of Mexico to accede to the arrangement made by this Government respecting the duration of the Armistice pending the Negotiations for peace, and till due notice of a determination to renew hostili- ties upon the part of either Government should be given to the other through Her Majesty's Representatives in Mexico and Texas. It is satisfactory to me to find that your opinions are concurrent with my own upon the fallacy and impolicy of that part of General Santa Aiia's plan claiming an empty Sovereignty over Texas, and thinking it possible that your dates from England may not be so *The correct date for Aberdeen's No. 5 is May 18, 1843. *Elliot to Jones, June 18, 1843. In G&TTison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1096-1097; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. "Elliot to Jones, June 10, 1893. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1090; in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^^See Note 7, page 221. "See Note 4, page 221. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 223 recent as my oAvn, and that it may be convenient tO' you at this Con- juncture to know the impressions of Her Majesty's Government upon the propositions sent on to this Country by Mr Robinson, I have herewith the honor to transmit to you the Copy of a despatch from Lord Aberdeen, received three days since, dated upon the 18th Ultimo.i* I would remark, here, that there has been some misconception as to any opinion upon my part that a large party in Texas with a view of doing what they thought best for them at the present moment, might accept General Santa Ana's proposition. I re- marked indeed in a private communication to Mr Packenham that it would not surprise me to find the project temporarily favored, and I have heard that was the Case to a limited extent, and for a brief space of time, but it was not my belief that it would be countenanced for a moment by the Government of the Republic, or indeed steadily, by any considerable part of the people. My obser- vations upon that part of the subject were intended generally to sustain my own impression that a cessation of hostilities was very desirable on every ground of consideration, and particularly till you could learn the views of Her Majesty's Government after these overtures should become known in that quarter. It is to be hoped that the wise and becoming conduct of this Government in refusing to take part in the struggle in Yucatan and respecting the late unauthorised movement of the two Texian Ves- sels of War to that Coast from New Orleans, will facilitate an early and honorable close of this Contest. In the state of understanding between Her Majesty's Govern- ment and that of The King of the French concerning the settle- ment of these differences I considered it suitable to communicate the subject of Your despatch to my Colleague Monsieur de Cra- mayel before I addressed this Government in relation to it, and He concurred with me that every proper effort should be made to dis- pose the President to agree to the Armistice. Percy W. Doyle Charles Elliot. H. M. Charge d' Affaires, Mexico. Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed]. Inclosure Xo 3 in Captain Elliot's despatch No 15 to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston June 32d. 1843. "See Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 5, May 18, 1843. Above, page 194. 224 Texas State Historical Association ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^' No. 17.^" Galveston June 34th 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to forward Your Lordship some extracts from a private letter which I sent to Mr Doyle, with the reply to his despatch of the 27th Ultimo. The other parts of this letter need not be intruded upon Your Lordship; They referred to a request General Thompson had made to Mr. Doyle to see a private commu- nication I had addressed to Mr. Packenham by the request of Gen- eral Houston, upon the subject of the Prisoners taken at Mier, which Communication Mr Doyle had of course declined to shew to General Thompson. I have also thought it convenient to forward with these despatches two Newspapers for Your Lordship's examination, the first (The ''National Vindicator"^^ which is the Government organ) contain- ing the President's Instructions to the Commissioners sent on to New Orleans for the purpose of enforcing the orders upon Com- modore Moore to return to this Port; and the Second (the "Civil- ian"^® by far the best conducted Journal and of most influence in the Country) containing some observations on the Armistice, de- serving of attention. Charles Elliot To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street. ELLIOT TO DOYLE'® Extracts from a private letter from Captain Elliot to Percy W. Doyle, Esqr. Mexico, dated at Galveston June 21st 1843. No. 1. "My despatch will make you acquainted with General Houston's acceptance of the Armistice, and I hope you will have no difficulty in inducing General Santa Ana to accede to the usual and reasonable arrangements General Houston has made respecting the ^T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. "No. 16, Elliot to Aberdeen, reporting that he has received from Texas £3 I5s 9d for supplies furnished the schooner San Bernard, has been omitted. "Issue of June 3, 1843. i^The Civilian and Galveston City Gazette, June 24, 1843. «F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 225 duration of the Armistice. I do sincerely hope that these advances, on all sides, ma}^ be improved into a speedy and honorable pacifica- tion, and however great the relief to tliis Country will be, it seems manifest to me that it will be of higher permanent advantage to Mexico. For I firmly believe that it is in General Santa Ana's power, by speedy, wise, and liberal arrangements with Texas, upon the basis of it's independence, pretty rapidly to detach it from it's intimate connexion with the people and things East of the Sabine, to the great increase and security of the just and powerful influence of his own Country on this Continent. With a compre- hensive policy on his part, steadily directed to these ends, Texas would settle to a considerable extent by emigration from England, Germany and Fl-ance; And a people will be placed between the United States and Mexico, w^hose interest it will be not merely to maintain a JsTeutral attitude, in the event of dispute with that Country (which would draw a large portion of the foreign trade with Mexico into the ports of Texas) but rather to lean to the side of Mexico. For independent Texas will be in many respects a rival producing Country with the United States, and will soon come to feel that it is more likely the United States should stretch West- ward over Texas, than that Mexico should stretch Eastward over Texas. I should tell you that there is no reason whatever to be- lieve that the present Government of Texas has any undue feelings of partiality towards the United States. There is no bias that way, and the late honorable conduct of President Houston concerning the movements of the Texian Squadron to the Coast of Yucatan may also serve to help out a happy conclusion of this Contest; the continuance of which is filling this. Country with desperadoes from every part of the South, eager to penetrate into Mexico and bidding fair to turn the Gulf of Mexico into a piratical cruizing ground. General Santa Aiia is preventing the settlement of this Country by people disposed to be peaceful and orderh^ and filling it pretty fast with a class of persons, the fellows of whom I do not believe are to be found on the face of the Globe. The sounder policy will be to make a very liberal peace with Texas, and to strengthen the hands of this Government by every kind of friendly Countenance. Such a course would roll back a tide of mischief East of the Sabine, and a contrary will as surely induce a high flood West of it." "Speaking of the late movement upon Yucatan by the Ships, I 226 Texas State Historical Associntio7i cannot refrain from observing, that it was rniich more a United States, or at all events a New Orleans expedition, than a Texian. This Government was conscientiously, and extremely averse to it, did all that it could to prevent it, and all that it could to put an end to it, regardless of shameful abuse both in the United States and here, and much worse, be it ohserved, in the United States, than here. The Expedition sailed from New Orleans, was mainly assisted by Citizens of this place, and has I believe been recently re- inforced by A^olunteers raised in that City; and all this though it was notorious that Commodore Moore was acting in total disobe- dience of the orders of his Government. If the Government of the United States, could have prevented these things they surely ought to have done so, and if they could not, their powerlessness is very dangerous to their Neighbours, and deplorable for themselves." 2d. "The plain fact is that General Houston is very unpopular in the United States and here, because of his moderate policy with regard to Mexico, and particularly since his determined opposition to these purposes of interference in the Affairs of Yucatan." "These feelings of ill will to him are aggravated by the impres- sion that his mse and moderate conduct is agreeable to Her Maj- esty's Government, and well calculated to strengthen their efforts for a speedy and peaceful Settlement of this Contest. This is the true cause of all the bitterness towards him in the United States, and I happen to know that General Thompson has very particular friends in that Country, most particularly hostile to General Hous- ton. Putting all these things together you will not wonder that I should earnestly beg that there may be no relaxation of your just reserve respecting the exhibition of my private letters to General Thompson." 3d. "The American Government and it's functionaries need careful handling in this Texian matter. Be assured that the ad- justment of this question on the basis of the independence of Texas, is ill liked in the United States, particularly through the help of our own and other European Governments. These good folks de- sire to keep it an open question, as well for the chances of the future incorporation of Texas with the Union, as because it serves as a sort of raw upon Mexico, whenever there is any hesitation about American demands upon that Country. This reflection leads me to British Correspondence Concerning Texas 327 think that it will be very advantageous if you can persuade the Mexican G-overnment to adopt the principle of General Houston's arrangement with respect to the duration of the Armistice. If the duration of the Armistice depended in any way upon the good offices of American Officers near either Government, it is to be apprehended that it might not last long enough for any perma- nent useful purpose" Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed] Inclosure in Captain Elliot's despatch to the Earl of Aberdeen No 17. Galveston June 24. 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^i ■^0. 18. Galveston July 4th. 1843. ]\fy Lord, I have the honor to transmit a note from Mr. Jones,^^ in reply to the note I addressed to him upon the 18th Ultimo communi- cating assurances of the continued interest felt 'by Her Majesty's Government in the prosperity and independence of Texas, and of the full determination to persevere in efforts for the peaceful ad- justment of the difficulties between this Country and Mexico, when- ever a hope of success should present itself. With this communication I have also received private letters from General Houston, and Mr. Jones expressive of an earnest desire for the appointment of a British Consular Agent at Corpus Christi. General Houston thinks that "the effect would be very beneficial upon the dispositions of the Mexicans as well as the Texiaris, and even upon the Indian?^ who have recently depre- dated upon the poor families at that point. The Irish families who have claimed to be British Subjects will derive confidence, and resume their former habitations, and pursue the arts of peace with delight and Advantage. I doubt not, but what the United States will support a Consul at Corpus Christi." Mr. Jones thinks that a flourishing trade will soon grow up in that quarter with the neighbouring Mexican Settlements, and looks to the increase and ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. ''^Jones to Elliot, June 28. 1843. In Grarrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Repuhlic of Texas, III, 1097, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 228 Texas State Historical Association security of Commercial intercourse, as the surest means of estab- lishing the steady pacification of the frontier. I shall inform the President and Mr. Jones that my Instruc- tions prevent me from making the desired appointment without Your Lordship's sanction, but that I am persuaded the President's wishes will always have great weight with Her ]\Iajesty's Govern- ment. Aransas Inlet, and Corpus Christi Ba}^, are situated at the Mouth of the river "Nueces," and formed the Western limit of Texas, proper, according to the Spanish and Mexican divisions of the Country. It's contiguity to the San Patricio Settlements, alluded to by the President, will probably recommend this sug- gestion to your Lordship's consideration Charles Elliot. To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 19. Galveston July 15th 1843. My Lord, The Inclosures form a Correspondence, which I have recently had with a Gentleman of the name of Yates, a Citizen of this Eepublic, resident in this place. It arose from a letter He had addressed to a Mr. S. Converse in London dated on the 19th March last (of which I heard for the first time two day's since) recently published at Boston, and republished at New Orleans.^"* The impressions that the abolition of Slavery in this Eepublic, would be agreeable in England, and that it would be practicable to raise a loan there on the Security of the lands in Texas, in furtherance of that ohject, are probably entertained by many per- sons in this Country. But whether such views be well founded or not, it is the fact that Mr. Yates has been conveying to Mr. Converse his own inferences and impressions in these particulars, and not what I said to him; and Your Lordship will observe that ^T. O., Texas, Vol. 6. -■•Yates' letter to Converse, widely printed in American newspapers, cre- ated the impression that he was writing with Elliot's authority, and that Great Britain was actively interested in procuring abolition in Texas. Smith, Amvexation of Texas, 113. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 239 He has ascribed the different turn of his letter to Mr. Converse, to the haste of that Communication; which would no doubt have been avoided if He had supposed it would find it's way before the public. It is the case as Mr. Yates observes that I was on board the Steam Boat on the passage from Houston with my Colleague Monsieur de Cramayel, on the occasion to which He alludes, though I did not hear the address of which He speaks. But I did not consider that the excitement prevailing here at that time was otherwise than temporary; and I do not perceive that it formed part of my duty to report every casual ebullition of pop- ular Sentiment, on Subjects of internal interest, in my despatches to Her Majesty's Government. I have conversed with my Col- league since upon the subject, more than once, and I believe his opinions were coincident with my own, as to the temporary char- acter of the excitement manifested on that occasion; and per- haps, it may not be amiss to add that we both of us ventured to suggest to the Gentleman who was coming to Galveston to test the state of public feeling here, that He might expose himself to 3ome degree of danger, by the abrupt introduction of such a Sub- ject, on the people of this Town. That the opinions of Mr. Yates and those who think like him, are founded upon sound conceptions of what would most conduce to the strength and durable prosperity of this Eepublic, is cer- tainly my belief. But I have never given any warrant for the use of my name on such subjects, and certainly never said what has been imputed to me. Charles Elliot The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street YATES TO ELLIOT^^ [Enclosure.] Cop}'. Charles Elliot. Galveston July 12th. 1843. To Captain Charles Elliot. Sir— I was much surprised to receive by the Steamer which arrived this Morning a Copy of the "Xew Orleans Republican" of July 3d "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 230 Texas State Historical Association containing a letter i3urporting to have been \\Titten by me to S. Converse, Esqre. of London, which was preceded by a letter from a London Correspondent of the Boston Post, and some editorial remarks reflecting on yourself, and the Government you have the honor to represent in a most unwarrantable manner, and in which my letter was referred to as Authority for the correctness of those remarks. Without reflecting on the impropriety of my Correspondent in publishing that letter, I feel it a matter of duty to place in your hands without delay, and as far as in my power a full exculpation from the charges thus made or insinuated. In my letter to Mr. Converse under date of 19th March last, speaking on the subject of emancipating the Negroes of Texas, the following expression occurs "I had also held several conver- sations with the British Minister here, and from him I learned that such a Measure would secure for us the warmest support from the British Government, in our present Struggle, and also the means of paying for our Slaves, by their Citizens giving lands in exchange" The Writer of the London letter under date of June 2d, says "I enclose the Copy of a letter received here by the last Steamer from Galveston, in which you will see that the British Minister in Texas has been endeavouring to persuade the people of that Ee- public, that if they will alter their constitution so as to abolish Slavery, then this government will aid them in their Struggle with Mexico, and furnish the Money to pay for their Slaves, the Texians giving lands, &c, ,&c". My letter to Mr. Converse was written in much haste after the arrival of the Houston Boat referred to, in it, which occurred at a very late hour on Saturday Night, and the Steamer sailed for New Orleans on the Morning of the following day. ]\Ir. S. P. Andrews of Houston and some others came passengers in the Houston Boat, with the avowed intention of ascertaining the feel- ings of the Citizens of Galveston on the Subject, not of abolition, but of gradual emancipation of Slaves, and on the representations of himself and his Associate I was induced to write in the strong and encouraging terms used in that letter. With respect to your- self and the efforts you have made to persuade the people of Texas, to entertain such a project it is due from me to you to say that British Correspondence Concerning Texas S31 as far as my knowledge and your communication to me extends, you have stated distinctly that you were instructed by your Gov- ernrnent to interfere in no manner with the internal institutions and regulations of this Grovernment; and that in answer to my enquiries, you stated your private opinion as an individual, that such a measure (which I intimated as probable) M^ould be grati- fying to the British Fation, and secure for this her ardent sup- port, and that there were parties in England who felt so deeply interested on the subject, that you believed such might be found who would advance the Ca|)ital necessary to purchase our Negroes, for the purpose of manumission, and that they would receive our lands in exchange on the assurance of a prohibition to the further importation of Slaves. As you were a passenger on board the Houston Boat at the time I have mentioned, and witnessed the state of feeling which then existed amongst the passengers on that trip, and must have heard the address made to them by a distinguished Citizen, on their way down warmly advocating the Measure I presumed you would ad- vise Your Government of the state of feeling which you then saw evinced, and therefore stated in my letter to Mr. S. Converse that I had reason to believe you had communicated on the Sub- ject. You never have stated to me those communications, or any part of them ; and I did not see you after your arrival from Hous- ton, previous to the departure of the packet, for iSTew Orleans, the suggestion on this point was therefore only conjecture on my part. As to the intervention of Your Government in our Affairs with Mexico, emanating from a desire to promote the abolition of Slavery here, and it's being exerted as a consideration for such a Measure, the statement is too publicly destitute of foundation to need a refutation. Those who know anything of the foreign re- lations of this Government are aware of the fact that the inter- vention nf the Government of Great Britian has been pledged to us by treaty stipulation, near three years since, and without the most remote reference to this Subject, and that it has since been most efficiently exerted in our behalf. The London Correspondent and the New Orleans Editor have alluded to the true cause of the difficulty. They evidently care but little for Texas "her weal or woe" but are willing to sacrifice her prosperity and welfare to the protection of the Slave property 232 Texas State Ilisiorical Association held in the States on her frontier. This country has been in a great measure governed and controlled by this influence, and it was to avoid it that I stated in my letter that the emancipation must be incidentally laid before a Convention of the people, in order to ensure success, and not because of the opposition I feared it would meet with at home. There is no reason for the alarm these writers have expressed because if Texas should entertain the project, She will afford the Slave holders of the Union a better protection for their slave prop- erty, by treaty, than they now have from their Sister States. Sir, I am no abolitionist, nor am I, nor have I ever been, nor can 1 be in correspondence with any, for the purpose of promoting their views, but I do believe that free labor is ten fold more pro- ductive of prosperity in this, or any enlightened country, than Slave labour, and it is for this reason I desire to see the introduc- tion to this Country of free Wliite industrious families of the laboring Classes, well satisfied that they will eventually supersede the Slave; and gradually but surely remove the incubus that rests upon us. This change must be a voluntary and a gradual one, and I have uniformly advocated the doctrine that a Government composed as ours is can only prohibit the further introduction of Slaves, and having provided the means for the purchase of those already introduced, must leave it optional with the proprietor to sell or retain at pleasure, and I sincerely believe that such a pro- vision being made, Texas would become a free State, by the unani- mous will of the Citizens, in ten years thereafter. In conclusion permit me to assure you that while I sincerely regret the occasion for this letter, I cannot but feel happy in the opportunity it affords me of bearing my humble testimony to the uniform expression of your desire for the prosperity of my Coun- try, the firm conviction that your official as well as private inter- course has contributed much to promote that object, and that in so doing I express the sentiments of a large Majority of my fellow Citizens. A. J. Yates. [Endorsed]. Inclosure No. 1 in Captain Elliot's Despatch No 19. to the Earl of Aberdeen. July 15. 1843. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 233 ELLIOT TO YATES-^ Private Galveston July 13th. 1843. Sir. I beg to acknowledge your letter of Yesterday's date founded upon a letter from you to Mr. S. Converse, recently published in Boston. Whenever the subject matter of that communication has been mentioned to me in conversation, either by you, or any other Gl-en- tleman of my acquaintance in the Republic, I have invariably made the remark to which you advert, namely, that I was in- structed to interfere in no manner with the internal institutions or regulations of this Government. But either in doing that, or in denying the unfounded charge of undue interference, I have always guarded myself from being supposed to entertain difPerent opinions upon the general subject, from those held by the great body of my Countrymen. Sensible, however, of the inconvenience of any misconception on such a point I have also always said to others what I said to you; that is, that what fell from me must be particularly understood to be no more than the expression of my own individual opinion, for I had neither knowledge of, nor authority to speak to, opin- ions or feelings in any other quarter I can readily understand [in] the hurn^ of your Communication to Mr. S. Converse you intended to convey your own impressions founded upon your conservation with me, and not my expressions. But at all events I entertain no doubt that you will take some suitable means of preventing further misconception, so far as I am concerned. Copy. Charles Elliot. Charles Elliot. A. J. Yates, Esqre. Galveston. [Endorsed.] Inclosure No, 2 in Captain Elliot's Despatch No. 19, to the Earl of Aberdeen, July 15th 1843. ""F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 234 Texas State Historical Association YATES TO ELLIOT^^ [Enclosure] . Private. To Captain Charles Elliot. Galveston. Sir, Your favor of the 13th Instant in reply to my letter of the letter \_8ic'] of 12th is before me. That portion of my letter to Mr. Converse, under date 19th March last, which refers to conversations held with you on the subject therein alluded to was intended and can certainly be con- sidered as nothing more than an expression of inferences drawn by me from your remarks, and in the excitement which then ex- isted in this Community, I am free to acknowledge that those in- ferences were not warranted so much by your expressions, as by ray own knowledge of the dispositions and feelings of your Coun- trymen on the Subject. So far from understanding you to say that the British Gov- ernment were disposed to interfere with the question of Slavery in this Country, I distinctly recollect your reiterated declaration that you had been positively instructed to avoid any interference with our Civil and domestic institutions. I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity to remove the misconstruction put upon my letter to Mr. Converse in relation to yourself, and the misconception of the part you have taken in the matter which seems to be entertained by some and founded on expressions contained in that letter. Sincerely hoping that no inconvenience may result to yourself from the temporary prevalence of erroneous impressions, which may be entertained by a few individuals in regard to the course you have pursued, and which can be so readily removed, I have the honor to be with Sentim.ents of the highest respect and con- sideration ■ . ^ ^^ , A. J. Yates. Copy. Charles Elliot Galveston, July 15. 1843. [Endorsed.]. Inclosure No. 3 in Capn. Elliot's Despatch No. 19 to the Earl of Aberdeen. July 15th. 1843. "F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 235 ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^s No. 20. Galveston July 16th. 1843. My Lord, I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatches ms. 6 and 7. This Government has not yet appointed Commissioners to pro- ceed to Mexico; pausing, till it shall be ascertained whether Gen- eral Santa Ana has adopted General Houston's arrangement with respect to the duration of the Armistice. It is much to be hoped that the Mexican Government will not insist upon the immediate and unqualified acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of Mexico, as an indispensable preliminary condition to the opening of negoti- ations, but content itself with an expression of general readiness upon the part of this Government maturely to consider any scheme of adjustment which may be proposed, upon the part of Mexico. With a continued state of pacification, and the lapse of time, feelings of irritation will naturally subside; and both parties ad- dressing themselves to the task in a spirit of temperate enquiry I should hope that there are no insuperable obstacles to the set- tlement of this dispute upon a durable and creditable footing, and certainly upon terms of advantage to Mexico which there is no ground to believe could be secured by a protraction of the Contest. I avail myself of this occasion to announce the return of the Texian Ships of War "Austin" and "Wharton" to this port, from the Coast of Yucatan, reporting intelligence that the difficulties in that quarter, are not yet adjusted. The Vessels arrived on tho 14th. Instant. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN^S No. 21. Galveston July 29th. 1843. My Lord. With reference to my despatch No. 19, I have now to solicit Your Lordship's attention to a letter"" addressed by Mr. Yates to the Editor of the same New Orleans print, in which his letter to ='F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. -'¥. O., Texas, Vol. 6. '"Yates to the Ifew Orleans Republican, July 17, 1843. 236 Texas State Historical Association Mr. Converse of the 19th. March last was recently Copied from a ^°^^°^ P^P^^- Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ 'No. 22. Galveston August 3rd. 1843. My Lord, Her Majesty's Sloop. "Scylla" returned to this anchorage on the 23rd Ultimo, bringing me despatches from Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires in Mexico dated on the 8th Idem, and I have now the honor to transmit to Your Lordship my subsequent correspondence with this Government,^^ and that Gentleman. I have also taken the liberty to forward some extracts from a private letter I have addressed to Mr. Doyle with these despatches. I may mention that I do not forward copies of Mr. Doyle's com- munications to me,-^^ because I learn from him that they have already been transmitted through the United States. Trusting that the present attitude of these Affairs will be satis- factory to Her Majesty's Government, I have the honor to remain, Charles Elliot. Her Majesty's Sloop sailed to Vera Cruz, with my reply, last evening The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. Charles Elliot. ELLIOT TO DOTLE^* [Enclosure.] Copy. Charles Elliot. Galveston. August 2nd. 1843. Sir. I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch of the 8th «F. 0. Texas, Vol. (5. ■"Elliot to Jones, July 24, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspomlenct of the Republic of Texas, III, 1112-1113, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^'F. O., Mexico, 163. Doyle to Aberdeen, No. 51, July 30, 1843, enclosing copy of letter to Elliot of July 8, outlining; Santa Anna's ideas as to an armistice. »*F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 237 Ultimo, by H. M. S. "Scylla;'' and in reply beg leave to transmit to you, 1. Copy of a letter from myself to the Secretary of State of this Eepublic.^^ .2. Copy of Mr. Jones's reply.^® 3. Copy of a despatch from the Secretary of War and Marine to General Wells." I have also forwarded the Copy of a desj^atch which I have re- cently had the honor to receive from Lord Aberdeen dated on the 3rd Ultimo,^^ thinking it possible that you may not yet have re- ceived any despatches of so late a date at Mexico. These moderate dispositions of the Government of Texas cannot fail to be satisfactory to the President of Mexico. But His Ex- cellency will naturally have collected from public sources of in- formation that General Houston is exposed to violent opposition in. this Country on account of that Moderation, and it is much to be hoped that the Government of Mexico will have constant and yery considerate regard to that state of things in the negociations for the final adjustment of this painful and fruitless contest. The release of the Texian prisoners in Mexico would have the effect of allaying angry feeling, and strengthening the influence of this Government for the attainment of its wise and moderate purposes : I believe too, that I cannot be saying too much in adding, that this step would be agreeable to Her Majestj^'s Gov- ernment, and perhaps facilitate their dispositions to be helpful in the satisfactory settlement of this dispute. In conclusion, I will take the liberty to express the hope and belief that General Santa Ana will fully avail himself of any becoming opportunity of reconciling his own personal and gen- '"See page 236, note 32 above. '^Jones to Elliot, July 30, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepuUic of Texas, Til, 1114-1115, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. '■WoU to Houston. July 16, 1843, and Hill to Woll, July 29, 1843 (copies of which were enclosed in this letter and are here printe-^i^, are noted by Garrison as "not found." (Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1115, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) ^F. 0., Texas, 19, Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 9. This was really a dispatch to Doyle (of which a copy was sent to Elliot) on Mexican threats with regard to foreigners in Texas. Elliot, therefore, sends a copy to Doyle, because mails to Texas were more regular than to Mexico. 238 Texas State Historical Association erous impulses toward these Prisoners, with the dictates of sound Policy, and a just consideration for the situation and wishes of this Government. Charles Elliot. Perc}'- W Doyle Esquire. Mexico [Endorsed] Inclosure Xo 5 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to the Earl of Aberdeen. No. 32. August 3d, 1843. WOLL TO HOUSTON^® [Enclosure] Cuerpo de ejercito del Norte, General en gefe. Matamoros Julio 16 de 1843 Sor Gral Dn Samuel Houston Muy Senor mio, Conforme a las ordenes del Supremo Gobiemo que me anuncia ha proclamado V. un Armisticio en Tejas me apresare a manifestar a V, que dare las convenientes para que s*^ suspendan por las tropas de Ejercito de mi Mando, las hostilidades contra Tejas Mandando retirar en todos los puntos de la linea las avansadas, descubriertos, y partidas de observacion que tenemos sobre dicha pais, tan luego como se sirva V. anunciarme, que ha prevenido a las fuerzas que componen la espedicion de Santa Fe retroeedan immediatamente suspendiendo toda hostilidad contra la Republica Mejicana, en el caso que dicha espedicion estuviere autorisada por Tejas — 6 que se sirva hacer una declaracion oficial y solemne de que aquellos invasores no pertenean a Tejas, para que en este ultimo caso puedan ser batidos perseguidos por los tropas Mejicanas en atencion a que no estan y no puedan estar comprehendidos en el armisticio que estoy facultado para celebrar con V. ni en la consiguente suspencion de hostilidades. Por lo tanto, desio que a la mayor brevedad posible se sirva V. Contestar, y si como es de crerse la espedicion de Santa Fe no ha sido autorisada por V. y de consiguiente hace V. a nombre de Tejas la declaracion oficial y solemne ya mencionada sera, con- veniente nombre V. los Comisionados que en Union de los que eligere por parte del Supremo Gobierno se ocupan de celebrar un armisticio entre las partes beligerentes. »»F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 239 La villa de Laredo pudiera ser el punto en que los Comisonados se reiinierori, Aprovecho esta ocasion para opecer a V las se guridades de la distinguida consideracion de afecmo Servidor. I. S. M. Adrian "Woll. Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed]. General Adrian Woll to General Houston. Mata- moros 16th July 1843. Inclosure No 4 to Captain Elliot's Despatch to the Earl of Aber- deen. August 3d, 1843. HILL TO WOLL*** [Enclosure]. Copy. Charles Elliot. Department of War and Marine Washington 29th July 1843. To General Adrian Woll. Commander in Chief of the Northern Army of Mexico. Sir, Your Communication of the 16th July addressed to General Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas was by him re- ceived on the 26th inst. and referred to this Department for con- sideration and reply. Added to the facts set forth in your Communication, the Presi- dent of the Eepublic of Texas having been informed through Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' Affaires near this Government that Authority had been given to you by President of the Eepublic of Mexico, to act as Military Commissioner on the part of that Gov- ernment to adjust an Armistice between the two parties, I hasten to inform you in accordance with instructions from His Excel- lency the President, that according to the suggestions made by you, the proper measures will be adopted on the part of this Gov- ernment, to Ensure the Appointment of two Military Commission- ers to meet those who may be appointed by Yourself at the Vil- lage of Laredo on the 25th day of September next, or near that time, to Engage in arranging the terms of an Armistice between the parties belligerent. ^'F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 240 Texas State Historical Association Orders have been issued in accordance with the proclamation of His Excellency the President of Texas, dated 15th June 1843 (a Copy of which is herewith enclosed) to the Officers Commanding the Forces of the Eepublic to cease hostilities against Mexico, and Commanding them to observe the requirements of the same. Owing to the extent of uninhabited territory to the North, and the numerous obstacles which might, by possibility, intercept and cut off communications to the Troops to which you allude as com- posing the Santa Fe Expedition, they may not have received the proclamation and orders of the President in relation to the sus- pension of hostilities, to provide against and obviate the interposi- tion of any obstacle from this Cause, to the successful issue of pending Negotiations between the two Governments. I enclose here-^dth a copy of the Order to Col. Charles A. Warfield revok- ing authority previously granted, and also an authenticated Copy of the Proclamation declaring an Armistice, with an order to Col. Jacob Snively endorsed thereon, that should those Officers with the forces under their Command, or either of them have appeared, or should in future appear on any portion of the frontier of Mex- ico, previous to the reception of similar orders through another Channel, you may have it in your power, and which it is hoped you will deem proper to Communicate to them, or either of them (as circumstances may require) these Orders, that they may in obedience thereto, immediately cease hostilities against the Mex- ican Eepublic with draw their Forces, and return to the interior Settlements of Texas. I feel Confident that you will at once perceive the necessity of appointing the time for the meeting of the Commissioners on the part of the two Governments in September next, that the return of the Troops of this Government, from the North, may be pro- cured, and the Armies of the two Countries with drawn and or- dered so as effectually to prevent Collision during the Convention, and ensure the preservation of the consequent suspension of hos- tilities A reply at your earliest convenience is solicited, and the time suggested for the meeting of the Commissioners it is hoped will meet your approbation. I avail myself of this occasion to tender vou assurances of the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 341 very distinguished Consideration with which I have the honor to be. Your most obedient Servant The Secretar}^ of War and Marine of the Eepublic of Texas. G. W. Hill. A Copy. Signed, Anson Jones. ELLIOT TO DOYLE*^ [Enclosure.]. Galveston July 30th 1843. Extracts from a private letter to Percy W. Doyle. My dear Sir, I have to thank you for your letter of the 8th Instant; and I hope the President will accede to General Santa Ana's arrange- ment with respect to the Armistice I look for the answers from Washington by the 1st or 2d Proximo. I am sorry to find from your letter that General Santa Ana still adheres to this point of the acknowledgment of the Sov- ereignty of Mexico by Texas, not for the sake of Texas, be it understood, for as a matter of private opinion I have long since thought that if the Texians were to consult only their interests, they could not do better than to treat upon General Santa Ana's basis. All the advantages are to them, and all the risks and dis- advantages (and they are great) are to Mexico. What the peo- ple of Texas will do, I cannot undertake to say, but it is likely that they will be mainly guided by the feeling in the United States, and it seems quite probable that the arrangement will not be discouraged in that quarter. They would feel there, that it would be the firm and strengthening settlement of a United States population on the Mexican frontier with abundance of pretext to renew disturbances, and extend intrigue and pretensions West- ward, as soon as it suited all their convenience to do so; and be- sides too, it would effectually break up the independence of Texas, which is extremely distasteful in the United States. Lord Aberdeen's despatch to me of the 3rd Ultimo will place "F. 0., Texas, Vol 6. 242 Texas State Ilistorical Association you in possession of the views of Her Majesty's Government at that date. It is much to be wished, (in furtherance of their dis- position to be helpful in the adjustment of this Affair) that the Mexican Government may not insist upon the immediate and un- qualified acknowledgement of the Sovereignty of Mexico as an in- dispensable preliminary condition to the opening of Negotiations, but Content itself with an expression of general readiness on the part of the Government maturely to consider any scheme of paci- fication proposed by Mexico. General Santa Ana should have regard to the position and diffi- culties of this Government as well as his own, and if the parties can only agree upon a suitable point de depart in these negotia- tions I do not quite despair of a satisfactory result. In considering the chances of such a Solution, it has sometimes occurred to me that if Mexico were to offer to admit the limits of Texas to the line of the Eio Grande, and to grant the Navigation of that river under rules to be agreed upon between the two Gov- ernments, that of itself might be a tempting inducement. With regard to the aclmowledgment of the Sovereignty of Mexico I suppose the Vocabular}' might furnish becoming means of temper- ing the bitterness of that form of speech. It might be sufficient for example if Texas would [insert] in the Articles of Convention that She was reunited to the Eepublic of Mexico, and that all Laws, and Decrees passed or issued by the Supreme Congress or Government not at variance with the conditions of the Convention, should be binding upon this Government and people of Texas. Another point of difficulty and delicacy is the treaty making power, and upon that Subject Her Majesty's Government will no doubt express their views at some early date. Perhaps it would be possible to reconcile the difficulties and exi- gencies in that respect by an article in the Convention agreeing upon the part of Mexico to the Commercial arrangements which Texas has contracted by treaty with foreign Powers, and further agreeing that Texas should continue to enjoy the rights of a Sep- arate State for all purposes of foreign trade and Commercial in- tercourse, including the right to conclude and ratify future Con- ventions respecting foreign trade, and Commercial intercourse. But if Texas is to be left to regulate it's trade with other Powers as it sees fit, it follows of course that Mexico should be at liberty British Correspondence Concerning Texas 343 to consider Texas a foreign State, in respect to it's trade with Mexico, and an article in the Convention, providing for the reg- ulation of this point from time to time according to altering cir- cumstances by Commissioners appointed by the two Governments^ would do all that was formally requisite in that respect. I say, formally, for to speak plainly, as soon as there is a State of peace upon the frontier, high tariffs in Mexico, and venal Officers^ and active Smugglers on both Sides of the frontier will do all the rest for themselves. Another point is the flag: In that particular it might be ar- ranged that Texas should retain it's own flag within it's own ter- ritor}', and on board of it's Merchant Vessels, except in the ports of Mexico, and that therein the Vessels of Texas should wear the flag of Mexico, but be subject to the duties and charges agreed upon in the Convention. All these are of course mere speculations of my own, and I should particularly say to you that I have never had one word of Conversation with any Member of this Government upon such subjects, but still I have thought it may not be entirely useless to mention them to you. The Commissioners from this Government are Mr. Samuel Williams, and Colonel George Hockley, both of them I believe known to General Santa Ana. Mr. Williams how- ever will be the active Commissioner. He is one of the original Settlers in Texas, and I should think one of the very few men in this country -with sense and moderation enough sincerely to regret the Separation from Mexico. I am persuaded that the Instructions will be as reasonable and as moderate as they can be, due regard being had to General Hous- ton's position, and I am equally persuaded Mr. Williams will be found cordially disposed to do all He can to accomplish some conclusion of this Affair upon a footing which ought to be satis- factory to the Mexican Government. But I cannot but repeat that General Houston's difficulties at home will be very great in- deed; and General Santa Aha should have regard to themx, and remember that it may be very easy to destroy his influence by un- reasonable uncomplyingness at Mexico, and with it, all hope of a peaceful and moderate Settlement of this dispute. Whilst I am upon the subject of modes of expression, may I use the freedom to suggest to you that it might be convenient if 244 Texas State Historical Association General Santa Ana and his Government would fall upon some mode of designating General Houston which may leave it in my power to place their communications before him. It cannot be expected of course that they should commit themselves to any tacit acknowledgment of the independence of this Eepublic by their modes of address, but General is not a term of commital, and Seiior Houston is not a term of suitable respect. General Santa Ana owes General Houston becoming Military respect and courtesy, as well as deep personal gratitude, for he saved his life; and seeing that Her Majesty's Government, and the Government of The King of the French deal with General Houston as Gen- eral, and President of Texas, I hope we shall hear no more of Senor Houston from Mexico. At all events I must decline to be the medium of any Communication from the Government of Mex- ico wliich speaks of him as Sehor Houston, for I feel He would have a right to complain of me if I made myself a party to frivolous incivility of that kind. I observe that the Government of Mexico does speak of the Government of Texas, and therefore upon that score I have no remark to offer. Galveston August 2d. 1843. The despatches have just arrived from Washington, and I hope their contents will be satisfactory^ to the Mexican Government I learn from Mr. Williams that General Houston wishes that Col- onel Hockley and himself should perform the double office of Com- missioners to General Woll, for the arrangement of the truce, and then go on to Mexico. Pray strenuously endeavour to per- suade General Santa Aiia to release the Texian prisoners. No measure would be better calculated to allay angry feeling, and support the influence of the Govmt. for useful, and modern results. Charles Elliot. To Percy W. Doyle, Esqr. Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.] Inclosure No 6 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to the Earl of Al>erdeen. No. 22. August 3d. 1843. Briiisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 245 KEISTNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. British Consulate Galveston — August 6th. 1843. My Lord, The information which I have the honor to submit to Your Lordship has been tendered to me by a party concerned in the transactions to which it refers, upon the condition that I would not Communicate it to any person now resident in Texas. W The facts set forth in documents placed before me relate to the islands of Cozumel and Mugeres, or "Mohair," situated on the coast of Yucatan, and claimed as part of the territory of Mexico, but they bear more closely and immediately upon Cozumel, than upon Mugeres. — Subjoined is a rude outline of the form of Coz- umel, with Sections marked for first, second, and third "choice." On his first expedition against Mexico, Cortes touched at Coz- umel, then an inhabited island, and the ruins of buildings erected by that Commander are said to be still visible on its E. N. E. portion. — Its length is estimated at about ten leagues — its breadth at the widest part, about five, and it is distant about fifteen Miles from the Mainland. The outside, or Eastern, coast of Cozumel is represented as iron- 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 246 Texas State Historical Association bound and inaccessible; the Southern and Western sides are said to have a firm, accessible beach, with deep and tranquil water, where "Vessels of any draft may anchor, within a Cable's length of the Shore". — About three leagues from the Southern most point of the Island, lies "a fine Bay, well land-locked, having deep water inside, with a bar of nine feet water, at the entrance." The whole Coast abounds in fresh water springs. The larger division, towards the South, is "completely covered" with a dense mass of valuable forest timber, and brushwood. The lesser division, towards the North, consists of "low ]\Iarshy ground mixed with small lagoons." The arable land is a rich. West Indian Soil, "suitable," (says an agent sent to examine it) — for the Culture of Sugar, Coffee, Cotton, &c. in a fairly healthy climate, where frost is never known and every inch of ground is covered with thick forest of the tallest trees, among them, Teak, Cedar, and dye stuffs, — with two excellent harbours, "Brutus Cove," and "Port Thomson." Easy to be defended and offering many advantages for Ship- ping, Cozumel is said to be well adapted for the establislmient of a Commercial Kation; possessing local facilities for supplying Southern Mexico, the Bay of Honduras and Colombia, and, in a measure, commanding the passage between Yucatan and Cuba. On Arrowsmith's Map of Mexico, Cozumel is placed about two hundred Miles jSTorth from the Capital of the British settlement at Honduras, and about fifty Miles South from the little island of Mugeres. Mugeres, which is estimated to be about three leagues in length, possesses hardly any agricultural value l^eing chiefly composed of sand, but it is said to Command a harbou.r of ample extent and great security, having "not less than three and a half fathoms of water at the entrance." A Vessel, once inside, cannot well be dis- covered, "the land surrounding the Bay, or Harbour, being high enough to hide a Ship's Masts". — It has been commended by the French as "a most desirable Kaval Station," and the Texan Com- mander (Moore) thus writes concerning it, in a letter dated Sisal de Yucatan, 20th January, 1842. "I have had the island and harbour of Mugeres examined, and have sent a Chart of the Harbour to the Navy Department, (of Texas) It is an excellent Harbour, but tbere is British Correspondence Concerning Texas 847 very little good land, and scarcely any heavy timber on it. Before I return to Texas, I will examine the island of Cozumel myself." Cozumel, which contained an Indian population, when visited by Cortes, appears to have been long abandoned by its ancient in- habitants, whose fields have been overrun by the rank and rapid vegetation of a tropical Country. — Within the last few years, it has become the object of Speculating, and, perhaps, political cupid- ity in this quarter. In 1837, it was visited by two Texan Privateers named the "Brutus" and the "Invincible." At that time, it contained no Settled inhabitants. Some Indians who had crossed from the mainland in Canoes, were employed in catching turtle. "They had no knowledge of to whom the island might belong." The Texan privateers, or "Men of War," as they have been styled, took a nominal possession of the place, hoisting their flag, and commis- sioning Indians as representatives. When the privateers returned to Texas, they reported their proceedings to the Government, but the matter, with the view, as it would seem, to speculation, was not allowed to transpire. In 1840, a project was devised, under the auspices of some leading Members of the (then) Texan Government, to open a way to the future occupation of the island. Taking advantage of dis- sention between Yucatan and Mexico, a plan was formed for its purchase by some Citizens of Texas, who proposed to offer their Government a rendezvous for its Navy; to encourage emigration, and, ultimately, when fit opportunity arose, to claim the right of self-government under Texan protection. — A Mr. Eobinson, for- merly United States Consul at Tampico, with certain associates, agreed to bring some hundreds of emigrants from New York, and to pay the Yucatan Government the sum of $100,000 (dollars) within three Months from the date of the contract. Owing to the pecuniary embarrassments of the Married friends of these parties at New York, this project fell to the ground. An agricultural establishment had been made upon Cozumel in the year 1838, by the Governor of Yucatan, the first Alcalde of Merida, and Colonel Peraza, a man of influence among the Yuca- tans. They engaged in the cultivation of Cotton, sent to their plantation about thirty debtors and criminals taken from the prison of the City of Merida, and confided the Superintendence of 248 Texas State Historical Association the business, with a share of the profits, to Vicente Alvino a Spaniard well acquainted with the locality, and who had been navigating many years as a Contrdbandista between Belize and Sisal. In 1841 Colonel Peraza, then on a Mission from Yucatan to Texas, when passing through New Orleans, was requested to co- operate with a Military officer of Texas who hoped to succeed in organizing a Company in Tennessee, for the purchase of a large part of the island of Cozumel. The documents before me State that Colonel Peraza pledged himself to favour this individual "all tliat he could." The State of Yucatan embroiled with the general Government of Mexico, and, pressed for resources, issued a Law on the 5th of April, 1841, relative to the Sale and Conveyance of its vacant lands. On the 14th of October 1841, a Company was formed at Galveston, to purchase a portion of Cozumel, under the provisions of this Law. The first associates were three in number, and there ^^ere five others who were to have the privilege of joining them, if they came forward with funds "in good time." Among the five were the Commodore of the Texan Navy and two officers of rank in the regular service of Texas. One of the three original associates who had been Collector of Customs at Galveston, under the Mexican Government, was fur- nished with Money and instructions, and sent to Galveston, where he arrived in November 1841. He was Commissioned, in the first instance, to purchase two Square leagues of land in the island of Cozumel, proceeding according to the designated order of selection already shown in outline. With the sanction of the local Authori- ties, he surveyed six Square leagues of land, and assured his asso- ciates that, "with sufficient powers of attorney and funds in hand," he could, "from time to time, acquire the whole island gradually, but not at once, in order to avoid suspicion." In consequence of the failure of the New Orleans Banks, the necessary means was not forthcoming, and the agent, who seems to have been a person of considerable acuteness, but not over wise in his moral percep- tions, returned to Galveston in July 1842, after an absence of Nine Months, transmitting to his associates "A contract and de- tailed Map of Survey of Six I-eagues of land on the island of Cozumel, and Translations of Official documents accrediting the Bn'tisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 249 location, survey, and purchase of the said land, and the Sale by the Government of Yucatan confirmed, and the titles ready to issue whenever the provisions of the law upon the subject, as set forth in the said official Communication, are complied with." It is alleged that the right of pre-emption yet remains with the parties for whom the agent selected the six leagues of land I now come to the last point in the proceedings respecting Coz- umel, according to the information placed before me. I am assured that the quiet occupation of the Island, by the path already opened, was suggested to M. de Saligny, Charge d' Affaires of France in Texas, who is at present in Europe, by whom, it is alleged, the proposition was seriously entertained Whatever may be the value of the present Communication, I have deemed it my duty to transmit it to Your Lordship, for the following reasons 1st. That — I believe the facts, as I have stated them, to be sub- stantially true. 2nd. That — Americans are quick in discerning local advan- tages, and persevering in the endeavour to turn them to their own account. 3rd. That — The Government of Mexico, having been baffled in its attempts to reduce Yucatan to obedience, the latter state may be so far free to exercise an independent prerogative as to trans- fer its vacant lands to Foreigners for a trifling consideration 4th. — That desirous of insular aggi'andizement, France might be willing to secure an early hold on a position near to Mexico, within a short sail of the British Settlement of Honduras, and not remote from the Isthmus of Panama. 5th. That — Without presuming to attach any special impor- tance to the transactions under review, it is, at all events, the more prudent course to report them to Your Lordship. William Kennedy, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 250 Texas State TTistorical Association ABERDEEN TO ELLIOTT." Draft. F. 0. August 18, 1843 Captain Elliot. No. 10.^ Sir, Your Despatches to ISTo. 20 inclusive, with the exception of No. ]3, have been received and laid before the Queen. With reference io my Despatch No. 6, of the 3rd of June last, relative to the proposals made to Texas by Genl Santa Anna for the Settlement of the Contest between Texas and Mexico, I have to transmit to you herewith for your information, a Copy of a Despatch which I addressed to Mr. Doyle, Her Majesty's Charge d' x\.ifairos in Mexico, on the 1st Ulto, upon the same subject.* KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. British Consulate. Mv Lord. Galveston August 22d. 1843. I beg leave to transmit to Your Lordship a printed Article which I have extracted from the "New Orleans Bulletin" of Thursday, August 10th. It has been the Subject of Comment in this place. By Statements in the London Newspapers recently received here, it would seem that parties in England entertain the impression that the people of this Country are willing to treat for the eman- cipation of their Slaves. I have been, and am, endeavouring to ascertain how far the impression is waiTanted by facts, — before I transmit a reply to the Queries contained in Your Lordship's De- spatch marked "Sc Te No. 1," and dated May 30th, 1843. The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. William Kennedy. =T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. »F. 0., Texas, 19. Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 8, June 19, and No. 9, July 3, 1843, have been omitted. The first referred to tlie land claims of Cotes- worth, Powell, and others; the second transmitted copies of correspondence with Doyle, in Mexico, relative to the threatened treatment of all foreigners found in Texas when Mexico should reconquer that territory. ^F. 0., Mexico, 169. Aberdeen to Doyle, No. 10, July 1. 1843. Aberdeen urged larger concessions by Mexico, and also expressed the view that by making these, abolition in Texas might be secured. (Adams, British Inter- ests and Activities in Texas, 130-131.) For a different view of Aberdeen's leading purpose, see Smith, The Annexation of Texas, 93. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 251 KENNEDY TO ABERnEEN® Private. British Consulate. Galveston August 23rd 184:3 My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a printed translation of the Land Law of the Mexican State of Yucatan, referred to in my despatch marked "Private" and dated the 6th Instant. I hope soon to be enabled to transmit a Chart of the Harbour and Sketch of the Island of Mugeres, oif the Yucatan Coast. Information has been brought by the Texan War Vessels lately employed in aiding Yucatan, that the Government of that State had granted to American officers and Seamen, in their Service, the privilege of settling a certain portion of Vacant public land, and that the said officers and Seamen were making preparations, — when the Texan Vessels left Campeche — "to visit the island of Cozumel, and locate their Claims upon it." . William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN'^ No. 24« Galveston August 23r. 1843 My Lord, I avail myself of a short delay in the departure of the Steam Boat to New Orleans to report the return (last Evening) of the Texian Custom House Vessel which took back to Matamoros the Mexican Officer who had brought in General Woll's dispatches of the 16th Ultimo to this Government Mr. r. L. Gitfard Her Majesty's Vice Consul at Matam.oros went down from here to that place in the same vessel, and I learn by a Note from him dated on the 14th Instant that General Woll had assured him He would use his best efforts to induce the President of Mexico to release the remainder of the Texian prisoners. It does not appear to be determined whether the Commissioners for the arrangement of the Armistice are to meet at Laredo or at Matamoros, but it is probable that Matamoros may be preferred. They would meet about the 25th of next Month 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 'Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 23, of 1843, is missing: from the archives. 252 Texas State Historical Association I take the liberty of forwarding a Newspaper which will place Your Lordship in possession of all that has transpired respecting the result of the late attempts to obstruct the Santa Fe traders on their return to that place from Missouri. Your Lordship will re- mark that the order to the Texian Officer was dated on the 16th February last, that is, rather more than a Month before any prospect of jSIegotiation presented itself to this Grovernment. It appears probable that this interference of the Government of the United States in behalf of the Mexican traders would be pleaded in support of decided interference in behalf of Texas, in the event of a resumption of hostilities, and any recurrence of the incursionary Warfare of last year upon the part of Mexico against this Country. Your Lordship's dispatches to Ko 9 inclusive have been re- ^^^^^^' Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. British Consulate ,^ ^ , Galveston, August 29th 1843 My Lord, ' *= In a despatch marked "Private," and dated on the 23rd of the Month, I expressed a hope that I might "soon be enabled to trans- mit to Your Lordship a Chart of the Harbour and Sketch of the Island of Mugeres, off the Yucatan Coast. Availing myself of the opportunity afforded by Her Majesty's Sloop of War "Scylla," which sails today from Galveston for Vera Cruz, I have the honor to forward a Map of the Island of Mugeres, with the Survey of the Coast and Harbour made by order of the Texan Commodore. I have incurred an outlay of a few dollars in this Matter, which I propose to include under the head of "Consular Contingencies" William Kennedy P. S. The Map transmitted is enclosed in a tin case, and I have reserved another copy for transmission, should the one now sent by any accident fail to reach its destination W. K. The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. »F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 253 ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN^o No. 25. Galveston September 5tli 1843 My Lord, I have the honor to report that Her Majesty's Sloop "Scylla" ar- rived here on the 28th Ultimo, bringing me a despatch from Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico dated on the loth Ultimo," proposing on the part of General Santa Ana, an exchange of pris- oners. The Inelosures are the Note^^ I addressed to this Govern- ment npQn the subject, and my reply to Mr Doyle, but Mr Jones's answer will hardly reach me in time to be despatched by this opportunity. The Scylla sailed to Tampico and Vera Cruz on the 29th Ultimo. Affairs in tliis quarter remain in the situation reported in my last despatches. I may mention however that the elections for the next Session of Congress closed yesterday, and I believe it is gen- erally considered that the result has been favorable to the Admin- istration Charles Elliot To the Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ELLIOTT TO DOTLE^^ [Enclosure]. Galveston. August 2Sth, 1843. Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge your despatch of the 15th In- stant (received this morning) and in reply I beg leave to forward the copy of a note which I have addressed to this Government.^* In the absence of General Houston on the Upper Trinity at an Indian Council, from which he is not expected back for the next fortnight, and under the circumstances of the other claims on the Services of the "Scylla," I have not thought it right to request the "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. "F. 0., Texas, 23. Doyle to Elliott, August 15, 1843. i-Elliot to Jones, August 28, 1843. In Garrison, Diplomatic Correspond- ence of the RepuUic of Texas, III, 1123-1124, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. ^*See note 12, above. 254 Texas State Historical Association Commander to remain 'till I can receive replies from Washington. She will therefore Sail again tomorrow. Wliilst I perceive no reason to donbt that General Houston will accede to General Santa Ana's proposal, I must beg it may be observed that I am speaking vsdthout authority, and must by no means be understood to commit him to that effect. The Mexican prisoners, however, are perfectly at large, and I am so sensible of General Houston's considerate dispositions toward them, that I am persuaded He would not offer the least objection to their return. It should be mentioned that many of them are engaged in profit- able Employments, and it is possible some amongst them may prefer to remain by their property, more particularly under the hope that peace is about tO' be restored, and that they may have an opportunity of realizing it, and returning at their leisure. It is very satisfactory to learn that the President of Mexico seems inclined to do whatever may be in his power, in the sense of conciliation, for the promotion of an honorable and lasting peace; and I am sure it may be depended upon, on the other hand, that this Government will cordially respond to those feelings. Copy. Charles Elliot. Charles Elliot. Percy W. Doyle Esqre. H. M. Charge d' Affaires Mexico. [Endorsed] Inclosure No 2 in Capt Elliot's despatch to The Earl of Aberdeen No 25. Sept. 5. 1843. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ Slave Trade. British Consulate No 4. Galveston. Septr 5th. 1843 My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a Eeturn to Your Lordship's de- spatch marked "Slave Trade No. 1," and dated May 30th 1843. In conformity with Your Lordship's instructions, I have en- deavoured to make the reply to each question as concise as possi- ^T. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 255 ble. Had Texas been an older Country, offering ampler materials for the return, some of the replies would have been more brief ^ , „ . , -, T^ -n William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^ [Enclosure.]. Republic of Texas. Consulate of Galveston. Return to a Despatch Mai-Iced, Slave Trade No. 1 — dated May SOth. ISJkS Query 1st. Anstver. No Census of the Eepublic of Texas hav- ing yet been taken, it is impossible to state, with accuracy, the amount of its population, or the respective Numbers of Whites and of Coloured people forming that population. According to election and other returns, the White population may be esti- mated at 80,000 (eighty thousand) souls, the Indians at 12,000 (twelve thousand) and the Slaves at 16,000 (sixteen thousand). The free persons of Colour are extremely few. It is to be observed that this estimated population is embraced within the limits that desiguated Texas as a department of Ee- publican Mexico. The additional territory claimed by Texas since the Revolution, but neither occupied by her Settlers, nor held by her troops, contains a considerable Mexican and Indian popula- tion, for estimating whose numbers, tliere are no reliable data. By far the greater portion of this territory is waste. There is no Eegistry of Slaves in Texas. An Act of Congress "to raise a Eevenue by direct taxation," imposed a tax upon Slaves, and the Assessors appointed under the Act gave in returns for the year 1840, which produced the following result: — Negro Slaves under 15 years of age 4,992 Over 15 and under 50 5,899 Over 50 332 Total 11,223 There were no returns from nine (probably remote and thinly peopled) Counties. Allowing for omitted and imperfect returns, the whole Slave population of Texas, at the close of the year 1840, may be set down, in round numbers, at 12,000 (twelve thousand). Owing 256 Texas State Historical Association to her unsettled relations with Mexico, the amount of Slaves in- troduced into Texas, since 1840, especially by sea, cannot have been considerable nor is there any substantial ground for sup- posing that the entire Slave population of the Eepublic, includ- ing a late accession by the adjustment of the North Eastern boundary line with the United States, at present exceeds 16,000 (sixteen thousand) souls. Population in 1S32. By calculations chiefly based upon the Statistical Report of a Commission, employed by the Mexican Government, the population of the, then. Department of Texas, in the year 1832, may be estimated at about 20,000 (twenty thou- sand) Whites, 2,000 (two thousand) Negroes, and 15,000 (fifteen thousand) Indians. Population in 1837. The Texan Revolution in 1835 had, on the one hand, the effect of breaking up Settlements and dispers- ing Slaves, and, on the other, of attracting a crowd of Military Adventurers and speculators from, the United States. No good estimate can be formed of the amount of the population in the year 1837. It may be remarked that, at this period, there was no material decrease in the numbers of the Indians of Texas. In subsequent years, the Cherokees, and other tribes from the United States, were treated as intruders on the soil, and expelled from the Republic by force of Arms. Query 2d. Answer. — Information, drawn from competent pri- vate sources, warrants the conclusion that, within the last ten years, no Slaves have been imported direct from Africa, and in- deed, that no vessel from the African Coast has, of late years, entered a Port of Texas. It is confidently alleged that the fol- lowing list includes nearly all the Slaves that have, been imported from every quarter, with the exception of the United States, since the year 1833. 1835. In this year, the notorious Munroe Edwards and a part- ner named Christopher Dart purchased 183 Slaves in Havanna, Shipped them openly on board an American Schooner called the "Shanadoah," and landed them in Texas, at the river San Ber- nard, South of the Brazos, in the Neighbourhood of the Cotton plantations. These Slaves continued under the control of Ed- wards until 1838. A Mortgage had been executed to the factors at Havanna, to secure the payment of 35,000 dollars, the un- British Correspondence Concerning Texas 257 liquidated balance of the purchase Money. Edwards endeavoured to avoid payment of this claim, and also refused to account to Dart for his interest in the purchase. The Slaves were placed under legal Sequestration, and Edwards filed a release from Dart for his share, which release proved to be a forgery. Edwards was arrested, but availing himself of enlargement on bail, he fled to the United States and passed from thence to England. By plausi- ble representations and the use of fabricated letters of introduc- tion, he succeeded in imposing on the friends of Negro Emanci- pation in both Countries. He is now imprisoned in New York, where he has been sentenced to undergo a long term of Confine- ment for swindling. — The Havanna firm, concerned as factors in the purchase of the Slaves for Edwards and Dart, have instituted legal proceedings in Texas for the recovery of the 35,000 dollars still owing to them, but, as yet, without effect. In the same year (1835) 40 Slaves, Shipped at Cuba, on board the American Schooner Harriet, was landed at the river San Bernard. 1836. This year a Schooner (name unascertained) conveyed 40 Slaves from Cuba to the Port of Velasco, where part of them were landed, but a Collector of Customs being stationed at that Port, the Schooner was ordered off, and she landed the remainder at Caney Creek. In the Autumn of the same year (1836) a Schooner under the Spanish flag. Commanded by one Moro, a Spaniard, and owned by a person named Coigly, born of American parents at Matanzas, and supposed to have carried 200 Slaves from Cuba, ran up the liver Sabine, which divides the United States and Texas. It is not known, here, whether the Slaves were landed or not. There is a story that the owner, Coigly, who was on board, was mur- dered, and that the Spanish Master went off with Cargo and Schooner. 1837 and 1838. During these years, 41 Slaves, in two Ship- ments, were brought from Cuba and landed near the Brazos river, and thence distributed over the plantations Excluding some persons of Colour, kidnapped from the British West India Islands, who do not belong to this classification, and who were claimed by the British Government, the total of ascer- 258 Texas State Historical Association tained imports of Slaves into Texas, within the last ten years, from all places except the United States, Amounts to 504. The fact that there were few or no persons in Texas possess- ing sufficient Capital to enable them to undertake the risk of the Voyage, is the reason assigned for there having been no direct importation of Slaves from Africa. There are no means for ascertaining the annnal amount of Slaves imported from the United States. With the exception of some purchased by Europeans at New Orleans, nearly all have been introduced by American immigrants. By Section 9th of the "General Provisions" of the Constitution of Texas, the admis- sion, or importation, of Africans, or Negroes, into the Kepublic, except from the United States of America, is for ever prohibited, and declared to be piracy. The same section provides that — "Con- gress shall pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing their Slaves into the Eepublic with them, and holding them by the same tenure by which such Slaves were held in the United States." Query 3d. Answer. In criminal cases, the law does not extend either to the Slave, or to the free Man of Colour, the same pro- tection that it yields to free White persons. — For example — a Slave, or free person of Colour, Convicted before a District Court of maiming a free Wliite person, (which, in the case of Whites is punishable by fine and flagellation) incurs the penalty of death. By the same Act, it is provided that, for offences, not Capital, Slaves shall be tried before County Courts, at a special term to be immediately called, and "it shall not be necessary in such cases, that a bill be found by a Grand Jury, but the party shall be required to proceed to trial npon a charge made out and signed by the person holding the information, setting forth the offence, with which such Slave stands charged." — It is further provided by said Act, that — "if any Slave, or free person of Colour, shall use insulting, or abusive language to, or threaten any free "White per- son, upon complaint thereof before any Justice of the peace, such Justice shall cause such Negro to be arrested, and, upon Convic- tion, the Slave, or free person of Colour, shall be punished by stripes, not exceeding one hundred, nor less than twenty-five. Quenj Jfth. Answer. The law enacts that if — "Any person shall unreasonably, or cruelly treat, or otherwise abuse, any Slave, British Correspondence Concerning Texas 259 he, or she, shall he liable to be sued in any Court of Competent Jurisdiction, and on Conviction thereof, shall be fined in a Sum not less than 250, nor more than 2,000 dollars." It is further provided that — "if any person, or persons, shall Murder any Slave, or so cruelly treat the same as to cause death, the same shall be felony, and pimished as in other cases of Murder/' It is the duty of the District Judges to carry into effect the provisions of this law. Query 5th. Ansiver. The evidence of a Slave is not received in Courts of law. Query 6th. Answer. Opinion stigmatizes persons who maltreat their Slaves, and the general tendency is to feed them sufficiently, and to use them without rigour. Scanty fare and harsh treat- ment are generally confined to the Slaves of impoverished owners. Query 7th Ansiver. The Negroes of Slaveholders in easy cir- cumstances are considered to enjoy as good health, and to live as long as free persons, but it may well be supposed that this can- not be the case in regard to the Slaves of persons comparatively poor. Owing to the comparatively recent introduction of Slaves into Texas, there is no satisfactory test of their longevity. When the owners are poor, the dwellings of the Slaves will too often be insufficient to protect them from the variations of the Climate, which, in Winter, is cold even along the sea coast. The search- ing "Northers" cannot fail to operate keenly upon the African temperament, and to call for a supply of warm clothing, which insolvent owners are unable to afford. Nor are the Negroes on the low Alluvial lands that are subject to overflows exempt from the fevers peculiar to such localities. They suffer occasionally from attacks that require Medical remedies and care, and these, in a measure suited to their wants, their Masters are not always in a condition to provide. Query 8th. Answer. The Slave population is annually in- creased by the introduction of Negroes from the United States, most of whom belong to immigrants — Owing to the unsettled state of the external relations of Texas, the increase has been compara- tively small, and is chiefly exhibited in the Eastern Counties of the Eepublic. The Constitution declares that — "Congress shall pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing their Slaves into 260 Texas State Historical Association the Eepnblic with them, and holding them by the same tenure by which such Slaves were held in the United States." Query 9th Answer. The Manumission of Slaves is of rare oc- currence. — Section 9th of the "General Provisions" of the Consti- tution of Texas has these words. — "Nor shall Congress have power to emancipate Slaves, nor shall any Slave-holder be allowed to emancipate his, or her, Slave or Slaves, without the consent of Congress, unless he, or she, shall send his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, without the limits of the Eepublic." Query 10th Answer. — The laws and regulations have become — in, the letter — less favourable to Slaves since Texas obtained the position of an independent State. The real condition of the Negroes is little, if at all, affected thereby, as, during the period of Mexican supremacy, the laws for the mitigation of Slavery were virtually unenforced. Query 11th Answer. There is no professed or recognized sec- tion of Citizens in Texas favourable to the Abolition of Slavery. Whatever concurrence of opinion may exist among individuals, it has not yet developed itself through open Association, public Meet- ings, or the agency of the press. Query 12th Answer. The difference in the eye of the law be- tween a free White and a free Coloured Man, is extreme. Some evidence of this difference has been given in the answer to the third Query. The Constitution declares that — "No free person of African descent, either in whole or in part, shall be permitted to reside permanently in the Eepublic without the Consent of Congress." An Act of Congress makes it unlawful for any free persons of Colour to emigrate to the Eepublic. Any person so emigrating is to be arrested, and required to give bail for 4,000 dollars with the security of an approved Citizen for his removal out of the Eepublic. If unable to comply with this requisition of the law, such person is to be committed to Jail, and, after Notice, to be sold into Slavery for the term of one year. During the year, he is open to liberation, on rendering the specified bond. Failing in this, he is to be returned to the Sheriff at the end of the term, to be by him sold, at public Auction, and — "Any such free person of Colour so sold, shall remain a Slave for life." — The same Act pro- hibits Owners and Masters of Vessels from bringing, or aiding in British Correspondence Concerning Texas 261 bringing, free persons of Colour into the Republic, under a penalty varying between 1,000, and 10,000 dollars, with a reservation in favour of Ship Cooks and working hands. Query ISth. Answer. Free Coloured Men have never been ad- mitted to offices of the State. Query Hth. Answer. No periodical Census has yet been taken of the population in the District of the Galveston Consulate. William Kennedy. Consul at Galveston [Endorsed.] In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch of 5th Septem- ber 1843. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^*' Private. British Consulate. Galveston. Septr. 6th. 1843. My Lord, In the return which I have had the honor to make to the ques- tions in Your Lordship's despatch of 30th May, marked "Slave Trade No 1," I have stated that there is, in Texas, no recognized party favourable to the Abolition of Slavery. — This statement has been made with a full knowledge of the fact that, within the present year, certain proceedings have occurred, in this Section of the Eepublic, having reference to the emancipation of the Slaves. Some idea of the character and local effect of these proceedings may be gleaned from Newspaper publications, of which I beg leave to enclose extracts." On or about the 18th of last March, a Mr Andrews, who has been about three Years resident in this Country, and who, I un- derstand, has been in the legal profession, at the town of Hous- "F. 0., Slave Trade, Vol. 479. "This and the preceding dispatch from Kennedy have been printed in British Sessional Papers, 1844, Commons, Vol. 49; Slave Trade Correspond- ence, Class C, pages 282-286. They are here reprinted as of unusual interest and not easily available. The eleven enclosures in Kennedy's letter of September 6 are newspaper cuttings for 1843, as follows: Texas Times, March 18; Galveston Civilian, April 1 and 29, August 9, 12 and 26; Neio Orleans Republican. July 3 and August 29 ; Houston Telegraph, August 22 (two cuttings) and August 30. These treat of the Andrews abolition movement and of the Yatcs-Converse correspondence, and are all printed in the volume of the British Sessional Papers just noted. The volume also contains much interesting material on the alleged violation of slave trade laws by a British firm, Frankland & Co. Other volumes of the Sessional Papers containing slave trade correspondence on Texas are 1845, Commons, Vol. 50, and 1846, Commons, Vol. 51. 262 Texas State Historical Association ton, accompanied by a Mr. League, visited Galveston, and began, cantiously, to unfold a project of Slave emancipation. The sup- porters they found were not, it appeared, numerous; they were not permitted to develope publicly the object of their Mission; and, ultimately, Mr Andrews was forced, by the unlicensed inter ference of the populace, to enter a boat and proceed to the Main- land, under an injunction not to revisit the Island. His Col- league, Mr. League, quietly withdrew, without abiding the risk of ejection by a Mob. At this point, the agitation of the project of emancipation ceased in Galveston, and I am not aware that it has been again commenced in any other part of the Eepublic. The last of the Newspaper extracts which I have taken leave to transmit (No. 11) is from the avowed and admitted organ of the President of the United States at New Orleans. To that Article I would respectfully invite Your Lordship's attention, as I am assured, by a party whose trustworthiness I have long known, that Materials for its Composition, and of others in a similar vein, were received from a "qualified" source at the City of Washington (U. S.). I am told that the suggestion of the "New Orleans Republican/' recommendatory of the occupation of Texas by American troops, had (according to the writer from Washington) given "great satisfaction to the Secretary of State." — The Journalist was counselled to avoid political extremes, so that, by appealing to the interests of all Sections, unanimity of action might be secured "When the question of Annexation came before Congress in December next, — at which period it would be sub- mitted to that body, in the President's Annual Message." The New Orleans Journalist was farther advised to address the Southern interest on the topics most likely to stimulate — to ex- patiate, among other points, on the danger to be apprehended from the emancipation of the Texan Slaves — (estimated by his Correspondent at 15,000) — And the loss, by Texian rivaly, in the Cotton Market of England. — To the North, independent Texas was to be held up as a sort of British Colony, whose smuggling operations would defeat any Tariff, and whose Anti- American prej- udices would be fostered by British Capital and emigration. — "Annexation" — it was added — "had become a leading question with the administration, and decided action would take place upon it." British Correspondence Concerning Texas 363 My informant, who has no connexion whatever with News- papers, dates his commnnication on the 28th. of August, on which day he left New Orleans— the extract (No 11.) to which I have referred, appeared on the 29th of August. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. Sepr. 18th 1843. Captain Elliot. No. 11. Sir, Your Despatches to No. 22 inclusive have been received and laid before the Queen. With reference to your Despatch No 11 in which you convey the desire expressed by the Texian Govt that a British Consul Agent should be appointed at Corpus Christi Bay, I have to in- form you that H. M. Govt, do not consider that such an appoint- ment is necessary as yet. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Strictly Private. British Consulate. Galveston. Septr 23d. 1843. My Lord, I had the honor to transmit to Your Lordship on the 29th of last Month, by Her Majesty's Sloop of War "Scylla," proceeding from Galveston to Vera Cruz, the copy of a Map of the Island of Mugeres, with the Survey of the Coast and Harbour, made by order of the Texan Commodore for the use of his Government. Eeferring to my despatch marked "Private" and dated August 6t]i, I beg to state that I have seen the Signature of M. de Saligny, Minister from France to Texas, attached to a document to be used by the party holding it in the event of M. de Saligny's death. This document is in acknowledgment of certain claims of the holder to be recognized by France in case she shall obtain possession of the island in question. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unsigned. =F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 264 Texas State Historical Association Eeferring to my despatch marked "Private" and dated Septem- ber 6th, I have to inform Your Lordship that recent accounts from the United States tend fully to establish the accuracy of the information conveyed to me by my Correspondent at New Or- leans, and, in all important particulars, communicated to Your Lordship in that despatch. It may be proper to mention that M. de Saligny has been ab- sent in Europe more tlian a year, that the duties of French Charge d' Affaires are discharged by a locum tenens, and that the friends of M. de S. in this place profess to anticipate his early return to his post. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOTT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 28.* My Lord, I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatch No. 10 inclosing the copy of a despatch to Mr. Percy Doyle dated on the 1st July.^ It has always appeared to me that the Course of the people of this Country concerning the final adjustment of their difficulties with Mexico will be entirely controlled, or at least mainly influenced by the purposes and proceedings of the Gov- ernment and people of the United States. Her Majesty's Government will have better means of judging of those purposes and proceedings than I can furnish from this quarter. But I can certainly perceive no grounds for modifying the opinions I have already had the honor to submit that the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico has al- ways been ill liked by the present Government, and a large part of the people of the United States; that such a Solution has be- come much more unpopular throughout the whole Union since it 8F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. *Ihid. Elliot to Aberdeen, Nos. 26 and 27, September 15, 1843, have been omitted. No. 26 treated of the Eliza Russell claims. No. 27 en- closed Houston's proclamation of September 4, 1843, permitting any Mexicans in Texas to repair to headqviarters of General Woll, and also on this topic a copy of Jones to Elliot, September 4, 1843. This last in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1125, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ■^See page 250, note 4, above. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 265 has been supposed to be favored by the Government of Her Majesty, and that of the King of the French; and lastly that if General Santa Ana be brought to act upon a material suggestion of Your Lordship's despatch 1st July to Mr. Doyle, this ques- tion will at once become one of great importance in the Affairs of this Continent. Your Lordship is no doubt aware that there is considerable and growing uneasiness upon this subject throughout the South West- ern part of the Union, and the reports which reach us here through the press of the United States and other sources are noticeable because of the evidence they afford of that state of dis- quietude. We hear of the rights of Louisiana to all the territory as far West as the "Nuecas," of the determination of the people of that State to assert those rights for themselves if the General Government does not otherwise effectually interpose for the break- ing up of any arrangement menacing, in their view, the stability of their Slave Institutions, of the' renewal of General Jackson's negotiations for the purchase of Texas, and a variety of other rumours of the like nature. It is commonly said here too, that the Conversation of the new Charge d' Affaires from the United States, near this Government, (General Murphy), is unreservedly hostile to a settlement of the difficulties under any other auspices than those of his own Gov- ernment, and I learn that at a late festive meeting he addressed a large assembly as his "Fellow Citizens." I take the liberty of mentioning this incident to Your Lordship, and [not?] that I attach much importance to it, for if His Government had any immediate purposes in view, this Gentleman would probably have been more circumspect than he seems to have been; but it causes a state of general feeling which I have thought it right to place under Your Lordship's attention. Indeed I would wish to men- tion that whilst it is my conviction that nothing can be more set- tled than the disinclination of a large part of the people of the United States to any adjustment of the affairs of Texas and di- rectly carried out by their own Government and [not?] in what they understand to be their interests, it is equally my habit to receive the details of any reported project with the utmost reserve, and I certainly have had no means of forming any safe opinion as to the manner of interference in these concerns. 266 Texas State Historical Association I am of course sensible that mueli that is said and written in the United States on the subject deserves no attention, but I be- lieve that I have made no mistake as to the real state of feeling in respect to it, and I have considered it proper at this conjuncture to repeat the impression. It is to be supposed that this uneasy treatment of the acknowl- edgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico upon liberal arrangements with respect to the Slave population, must help to satisfy Genl Santa Aha of the soundness of that course for the strength and safety of his own Country. And if he bases his policy upon that condition, granting an amply sufficient period to this Government for deliberation, and liberal limiting proposals, (for it will need both time, and favorable concomitant terms to prepare the people to adopt such a combination) I believe he will succeed in accomplishing a signal political triumph, lastingly hon- orable to his fame both as a Statesman, and a benefactor of Man- kind. One great practical advantage of the proposal of Mexico to acknowledge the Independence of Texas upon the condition to which Your Lordship has adverted, would be the indisposition of the Slave holders of the United States to bring any more of their people into this Country with the prospect of that conclusion be- fore them, or with the prospect of a renewal of hostilities upon such a ground, if Texas refused such a condition. It is a very material consideration in this subject, that the Cotton growing capabilities of Texas are superior to those of the United States; and if the principle of free labor can be established here, what with the opportunity of procuring labor from Mexico, and by im- migration from other quarters, and the increasing supply and im- provement of the Staple from India, there would be very soon an end of the remunerative production of Cotton by Slave labor in the United States. The supply from Texas this year will amount to nearly 100,000 Bales (a considerable portion of it the produce of free labor) and if peace can be secured upon the terms Your Lordship has sug- gested, I entertain no doubt whatever that the Supply from Texas will exceed a Million of bales within 10 years from the date of such an arrangement. That supply must be exchanged chiefly against British Manufactures; And unless the tariffs of the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 267 United States, and the recent one of Mexico are very soon abated, it is easy to foresee that this Country will rapidly come to be the Seat of a considerable trade. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. I shall take the liberty of providing a Copy of this despatch to Mr. Doyle. C. E. ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT® Draft. F. 0. October 3, 1843. Captain Elliot. Sir, In reply to your despatch marked "Separate" of the 4th of Aug+.. in which you request to be transferred to some other post, on the ground of ill health, I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acquaint you that His Lordship regrets that he can not hold out any hopes of being enabled to comply with your request; but His Lordship directs me to add that if you are desirous of ob- taining temporary leave of absence for the restoration of your health. His Lordship will very willingly grant it. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Galveston. October 10th 1843. My Lord. I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that the Commis- sioners from this Government for the Settlement of the difficulties with Mexico, Mr. Samuel M. Williams and Colonel George Hockley will sail for Matamoros tomorrow or next day. Their immediate object will be the arrangement of the terms of the Armistice, but I collect from them that they will not be able to go on to Mexico till Congress here shall have meet and sanctioned the necessary appropriation I beg leave to forward herewith the Copy of a letter of intro- duction* which I have taken the liberty to give the Commissioners to Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Mexico, as also the copy T. 0., Texas, VoL 6. The letter is unsigned and unnumbered. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. *Not transcribed. 268 Texas State Historical Association of another private letter addressed to that Gentleman by this occasion, Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO DOYLE^ Private. Galveston October 10th 1843 My dear Sii. The departure of the Commissioners for Matamoros affords me an opportunity to write to you a few lines. You will observe by the extracts from the American papers in the accompanying News- papers that they are rather excited upon the subject of British in- terference in the Southern Sections of that part of the World, I trust that Mexico will be true to the great cause of human- ity, and to itself, on this momentous occasion. The mere an- nouncement of their just and honorable determination that a land which was free under their rule should not be turned into a Pen of Slaves for the convenience of persons possessing such prop- erty in the exhausted Slave States of the North American Union would of itself be a very important step towards the establishment and security of the due and needful' weight of Mexico in the affairs of this Continent. They have but to signify that the sine qua non conditions of their acknowledgment of Texas by Mexico are decided and approved measures for the early and final dis- appearance of Slavery here, and formal adherence to the declara- tion of Mexico that the Independence is recognised and under- stood to be complete, whilst Texas remains a Separate Nation, but if [of] non effect in the case that it should annex itself to any other Countr)^, without the consent of Mexico. Such a pol- icy on the part of Mexico in the present emergency will have the effect of turning evil into good to it's lasting honor, and disaster into safety and advantage, interposing more effectual barriers against encroaching purposes from the other side of the '^Sabine," than the best lines of military defence, maintained in strong force, and the most effectual manner. I said in my note to you a few days since that I am satisfied General Santa Ana may consent to a truce of very liberal dura- •F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 269 tion (it matters not how long) if He causes it to be publicly un- derstood at the same time that no combination of circumstances would ever induce Mexico to conclude a definitive arrangement with Texas till perfectly satisfactory arrangements were made for the Abolition of Slavery within some reasonable space of time, and on the contrary that Mexico is prepared to adjust finally on the most liberal footing as soon as that difficulty is removed. No more Slaves will be brought into Texas after such a dec- laration of the Mexican Government, and the tide of immigra- tion from the Slave States will be at once arrested; but there vail be, instead, a very large immigration from the free States of the Union (orderly people that come to work for their bread in peace, not to idle away their time in the hope of profitable adventure into Mexico), and from quarters in Europe well affected to Mexico, chiefly directed to the frontier conterminous with Mex- ico, which is the region of Texas best suited to European Con- stitutions. If hostilities are resumed again (a very unlikely event after such a declaration of the Mexican Government), that Gov- ernm.ent would find itself in an attitude of great importance and force in this part of the World. The people of the United States are given to keen speculative calculation, and that prospect would present to them the possibility of Mexican Arms marching forward into Texas with proclamation that Slavery had no legal existence as far West as the "Saline," that the disabilities of people of Colour whether of the mixed Indian or African races were in like man- ner non existent within those limits, that the lands in Texas held by Settlers not possessed of Slaves, or willing to manumit them, should be confirmed to them provided they hold themselves neuter to the contest, and finally that sympathy from the S. W. States of America would be answered with sympathizing invitations to the Black and Coloured people of all races in those regions to pass over to the right bank of the "Sabine" where they would find less talk about the rights of Man, and a little rational enjo}''- ment of them. Such reflections as these would assuredly present [a barrier?] to the blustering part of the population here and in the United States, immediately upon the public signification of the policy of the Mexican Government to have fast peace with Texas as soon as Texas saw fit to place Itself in a really inde- pendent attitude, as respected the S. W. States of America, in- 270 Texas State Histmical Association stead of one of advanced post of aggression against Mexico, which it will continue to be till Mexico has the sound wisdom to sever the tie that connects Texas with those States. Added to the high honor and other force that Mexico would derive from this policy, there should be joined the reflection of that certain distraction and violence as in the Councils of the United States sure to follow any attempt of the S. W. States to force on a War with Mexico, arising out of any just measures for it's honor and safety, as to the Abolition of Slavery in Texas, which was a violation of the Constitution of Mexico from it's very commencement. The best and wisest Statesmen of the United States fully comprehend that it is for the well understood interest and safety of their own Country that Slavery should not be suf- fered to extend in a S. W. direction. They are opposed to it both on lofty moral principle, and upon grounds of policy; and if Mexico acts upon the suggestion which has been made from London, I believe there need be no serious apprehension of any- thing worse than a great deal of talk. If there be any unreason- able faltering in that particular, I believe on the contrary that the intrigues which I am persuaded are ripening, will occasion some very serious inconvenience. I make you no excuse for troubling you with these thoughts be- cause I am sure you will feel that I do so in some hope they may help the public Service, and I need not say that it will give me great pleasure to attend to any suggestions which you think may serve the like purpose in this quarter Charles Elliot. Copy Charles Elliot [Endorsed] Inclosure No. 2. in Captain Elliot's private de- spatch to the Earl of Aberdeen Octr. 10th 1843. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^" No. 7. British Consulate. Galveston October 11th. 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a Eeturn in duplicate of the prices i^F. O., Texas, Vol. 7. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 371 of Indian Corn, Cotton and hides at the Port of Galveston, for the Quarter ending 30th. Ultimo. I shall take an early opportunity of transmitting a General Eeport respecting the Trade of this Country, which I have held over, for the purpose of rendering it as correct as possible. To arrive at statistical accuracy in an extensive and thinly peopled Country, where intelligence is not always enlisted on the side of truth, and where the Machinery of internal administration is of necessity very imperfect, is an extremely difficult task. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Secret. Galveston October 31st. 1843. My Lord, In a conversation with the President yesterday, he placed in my hand an original despatch from Mr. Van Zandt, Charge d' Affaires from this Eepublic in the United States, to the Secretary of State of Texas, dated at Washington on the 18th Ultimo. The President did not offer to furnish me with a Copy of the de- spatch, neither did I consider it suitable to ask for one, and I can therefore only furnish Your Lordship with a general state- ment of its contents from memory. But I read it with atten- tion, and I do not think that any material point has escaped my notice. Mr. Van Zandt begins by stating, that he had called a day or two before at the Office of the Secretary of State upon a sub- ject of trifling importance but Mr. Upshur interrupted his repre- sentations by remarking that He was glad to see him, for he had been on the point of writing to request him to converse on a mat- ter of moment. He then entered eagerly into the subject of the annexation of Texas to the United States, expressing much hope that the Governmient of Texas had not changed it's policy upon that point. The President informed me, at this place of Mr. Van Zandt's despatch, that upon announcing the late Armistice to that. Gentleman, He had been desired to take an occasion of verbally acquainting the Government of the United States, that the gen- 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 272 Texas State Historical Association eral Instructions to the Agents of this Grovernment near that of the United States upon the subject of Annexation must be con- sidered to be no longer of force, I use General Houston's lan- guage ; "that, that door was closed/' Mr. Van Zandt in reply to Mr. Upshur's first observation ad- verted to an expression in a despatch of the Secretary of State of Texas, (quoted in his own despatch of the 18 September) to the effect that it did not seem to the Government of Texas that the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico would interpose an insurmountable obstacle to annexation with the United States, if that combination should therefore be con- sidered convenient. It seemed on the contrary, that it might smooth the way to that result, by means of subsequent treaty be- tween the two Countries Both the President and the Secretary of State, with whom I have conversed this morning, told me that this observation had been thrown out to induce the more hearty efforts of the Govern- ment of the United States with that of Mexico to secure the acloiowledgment of their Independence by Mexico; but having that Independence recognized, it was not the wish of the present Government, nor they firmly believed would it be found to be that of the majority of this people, that any treaty or other sclieme of Annexation should be entertained. Eeturning to Mr Upshurs conversation, as reported by Mr Van Zandt in the despatch of the 18th. September, I should in- form Your Lordship that it conveyed generally the determination of the Government of the United States to endeavour to effect the annexation of Texas during the next Session, if the Govern- ment of Texas consented to the promotion of such an arrange- ment. To Mr. Van Zandt's remarks (speaking in that particular, as an unauthorized person) that though it certainly seemed to him that such a proposal might find favor in Texas, still he could not but remind Mr. Upshur of the former failure of the scheme of annexation in the United States, Mr. Upshur replied that cir- cumstances had materially changed since, that it was the great measure of the present administration; that they had already sounded leading persons in the Senate, and that though if, was British Correspondence Concerning Texas 273 probable they would be stormily opposed, still they believed they should be able to carry the project. He wished Mr Van Zandt to report the subject of the present conversation to Texas by express, and to ask for immediate in- structions in order that affairs might be sufficiently advanced by the next meeting of Congress in the United States. But Mr. Van Zandt did not consider there was any need for an express, prob- ably because he had nothing to transmit, but the statement of a personal conference, for I remarked that nothing was delivered to Mr Van Zandt in a written form, and that Mr Upshur declined to furnish him with a Copy of the Instructions to General Thomp- son at Mexico, though he suffered me [him] to peruse them. Mr Van Zandt closes his despatch with a request for early In- structions, and a decided expression of his own opinion that the present administration at Washington is perfectly sincere in these professions and purposes, but leaving it to his own Government to form it's own judgment of their political strength to carry out such a scheme I said I hoped I was not asking too much in requesting to know in what sense this Government proposed to reply to these overtures. General Houston answered that Mr Van Zandt would be in- structed to communicate verbally that it did not seem to the Government of Texas to be convenient or necessary to entertain such proposals at all, till the Senate of the United States had manifested its readiness by resolution to treat with Texas, upon the subject of Annexation I did not pursue the conversation for the moment, desiring to reflect upon the course that it might be convenient to take in the present state of my information. But I have now to report the subject of a conference which I sought with the President and the Secretary of State this morning. Attentively considering the Communication from Washington which the President had been so good as to shew me, and gener- ally the indications of public feeling, and violent attack to which he had been exposed on account of some supposed undue and dangerous influence on the part of Her Majesty's Government in the Affairs of Texas, I thought that it was incumbent upon me to declare (after renewed examination of my communications 274 Texas State Historical Association from Your Lordship) the scope and sum of Her Majesty's pur- poses concerning the settlement of the dispute between Mexico and Texas. The President might assure himself that the Queen continued to take a lively interest, in the prosperity and Independence of Texas; and moved by a sincere desire to hasten the close of a fruitless and painful Warfare, Her Majesty's Government w^ould willingly use every friendly effort in a strictly impartial sense, to consolidate a peace upon terms conducive to the honor, advantage, and stability of both the parties engaged in this contest. This was the plain purport of all my communications from Her Majesty's Government. But observing from what had passed at Washington that an- other phase of these affairs had now presented itself, I hoped the President would give me leave to offer some reflections arising out of that condition of things. I spoke of course without au- thority. If however His Excellency felt himself in a situation to assure Her Majesty's Government that he had entire confidence in the good will and ability of the Government of the United States to secure the recognition of the bona fide, and durable In- dependence of Texas by Mexico, by friendly means, and further that the associations between the people of this Country and of the United States, made it an object of moment to this Govern- ment that their affairs at Mexico, should be left to the countenance of the United States, it certainly was my opinion that Her Maj- esty's Government would readily desist from pressing the subject in that quarter, neither could I suppose that Her Majesty's Gov- ernment would take umbrage at the expression of a such a wish upon the part of this Government. How far it might be con- ducive to a speedy settlement of these difficulties, and to the well understood interests of the people of Texas that the Government of Mexico should find itself negotiating with the Government of the United States for the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas, to be followed by a treaty of Annexation with that Union, were points upon which it did not belong to me to offer any opinions. I hope, however, that His Excellency would authorize me to make a communication of his own views and intentions upon these British Correspondence Concerning Texas 275 of the Government of the United States to Your Lord- ship The President requested me to convey the expressions of the gratitude of the Government of Texas for the kind and power- ful support they had received from that of Her Majesty; earn- estly to request that there should be no relaxation in these friendly efforts to hasten the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico, to state with perfect plainess that the Government of Texas had no ground to consider the professions of the Govern- ment of the United States to be directed by other motives than those of internal convenience; and that no reliance was placed upon their hearty interposition for the settlement of this dispute upon the basis of the Independence of Texas. But that even if the case were otherwise, the Government of Texas could never so far forget what was due to the Government of Her Majesty from which it had received earnests of helpfulness, or to its own in- terests, as to postpone the[ir] support to any other. Her Majesty's Government might rest assured that with the Independence of Texas recognized by Mexico, He would never consent to any treaty or other project of annexation to the United States, and He had a conviction that the people would sustain him in that determination. He had formerly been favorable to such a Combination. But the United States had rejected the proposals of this Country in its time of difficulty; neither was the subsequent conduct of that Government calculated to induce the Government and people of Texas in this mended state of things, to sacrifice their true and lasting advantage to the policy of party in that Country. The Government of the United States had been appealed to for interference in these affairs simultaneously with the Government of Her Majesty and that of the King of the French, and if those Government's had taken a m.ore active and decided part in secur- ing the recognition of their Independence, the President could see and feel that they had entitled themselves to the gratitude and confidence of Texas, but He could not observe that the existence of such feelings furnished just ground of complaint or uneasi- ness to the Government of the United States. He learnt that the Government of the United States was now taking a very lively in- terest in their efforts, as he anticipated would be the case as soon 276 Texas State Historical Association as tliey heard of the Armistice, and the withdrawal of the In- structions respecting annexation; But up to this moment the Gov- ernment of Texas had not been favored with one word in a writ- ten form in explanation of their purposes and proceedings. They were no doubt kind, but what they were he could not positively say. I remarked to the President that this might be a convenient occasion to advert to one point which appeared to be the founda- tion of the existing misconception respecting the purposes of Her Majesty's Government. The subject to which I alluded was the desire of Her Majesty's Government for the Abolition of Slavery in Texas, collected from what had appeared in the public prints, and particularly from a late Conversation in the House of Lords. There was nothing here to occasion surprize or uneasiness. The Government of Texas in common with the whole world must have been perfectly aware of the settled feeling of the British Govern- ment and Nation upon the subject of Slavery, and though I had not yet received Instructions to press that topic, I naturally con- cluded that such instructions would soon reach me. Her Majesty's Government would probably dwell upon the wrongfulness of Slavery; on the deplorable error of setting out in the life and fortunes of a Nation, with all its prospects based upon an Institution, condemned and decaying every where, ac- knowledgedly a cancer where it did exist, and the subject of in- creasing want of confidence, and aversion in States, from which it had passed away These and other grounds of reasoning would possibly be strongly pressed upon the attention of this Government, but the President was too well acquainted with the character of the British Govern- ment to suppose that it would be unmindful of the just right of this Government and people to decide for themselves. General Houston had not the least uneasiness upon such a point; And without entering at all into this particular Subject, He could at least say generally that the views of Her Majesty's Government would always receive the most attentive considera- tion of the Government and people of Texas. Implicit reliance may be place in the sincerity and steadiness of the opinions General Houston expressed in this Conversation; but I certainly perceive no such gi-ound to depend upon the course British Correspondence Concerning Texas 277 of the people of Texas, if the project of annexation should be presented to them. The President would no doubt use strenuous efforts in the sense he has declared, but his administration closes in the Month of December 1844, and if He is not succeeded by a person influ- enced by the same policy, the uncertainty upon the subject would be much encreased. Your Lordship will perhaps be already informed as to these intentions of the Government of the United States, and no doubt of their ability in respect to them; But I have nevertheless felt it my duty to report this information in detail, and I will take the liberty to add an opinion which I offered to the President in a private way, that is, that their project seems to be shaped with the alternative intention of settling the matter in the way that pleases them, or of disordering any other settlement, and of the two, it seemed to me, that the last was the more hopeful result, for T did not believe that the G-overnment of the United States, had any confidence in their own power to carry out a project of an- nexation. But the agitation of it could hardly fail to alarm the Government of Mexico. I should mention that the American Schooner of War "Flirt^' arrived here on the 17th. Instant with Despatches for General Murphy, and referring to the date of her departure from ISTorfolk (the 30th, Ultimo) I conclude that the intelligence she brings is to the effect related in Mr Van Zandt's despatch. But General Murphy does not appear to have been authorized to commit him- self in writing upon the subject. General Houston and Mr Jones told me, that incredible as it seems, they were disposed to believe that the Government of the United States had listened to hastily to some extravagant reports from here, as to the sinister purposes of Her Majesty's Govern- ment in connexion with the Governments of Mexico, and of Texas for the assumption of this Country in Her Majesty's uame, and assured me that a small squadron of American Ships of War would shortly follow the Schooner. I remarked that these rumours were no doubt calculated to excite the people of this Country, and by throwing discredit upon General Houston to facilitate the frustration of his negotiations with Mexico; but I 278 Texas Stale Historical Association would undertake to say that the Government of the United States never attached the least credit to such folly and falsehood. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 30.3 Galveston, November 13th. 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to acknowledge Mr Addington's despatch No 12,* and I avail myself of this occasion to report that intelligence has reached this place from Matamoras to the 29th. Ultimo, an- nouncing that the Commissioners from this Government had pro- ceeded to Sabinas (about 90 leagues to the Northward of Mata- moras) to meet General Woll and arrange the terms of the truce. It is probable that a reference will be necessary both to Mexico and to this Government before the conditions are finally adjusted. Having heard through the public press of some misunderstand- ing at Mexico upon the subject of an English Ensign, displayed amongst some flags said to have been taken by the forces of that Republic.^ I think it may be convenient to forward to Your Lordship a newspaper containing an account of the manner in which that Ensign fell into the hands of the ]\Iexican Govern- ment.*' I also take the opportunity of this despatch to men- tion that the trade between Mexico and the Western parts of this Country has once more revived with considerable vigour, imder the influence of a state of truce, and particularly of the prohibi- =r. O., Texas, Vol. 6. 'Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 29, September 30, 1843, has been omitted. It referred to the "Little Penn' claims, and contained copies of Jones to Elliot, September 16, and Elliot to Jones, September 28, 1843, which are in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of tJw Republic of Texas, III, 1128 and 1139, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. 'October 3, 1843. ^September 28, 1843, while attending a public ball, Doyle observed draped among "trophies taken in war," an English boat flag. He demanded its removal, was refused, and later the Mexican government declined to give it up to him. As a result, he discontinued diplomatic relations with Mexico until ordered by Aberdeen to resume them. (Adams, British Interest and Activities in Texas, 153-154.) "Not fotind. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 279 tory regulations of the Mexican Government, so favourable to the promotion of extensive illicit traffic. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN'^ No. 8. British Consulate. Galveston, November 13th 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a return in duplicate, relating to the following Subjects : — Custom Laws of Texas, Wreck Masters and their Duties. Maritime Jurisdiction. Collectoral Districts.® William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 32.i« Galveston, November. 29th. 1843. My Lord, I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of a dispatch which I have this day addressed to Mr. Doyle at Mexico, in reply to a despatch from him, announcing the interruption of his offi- cial intercourse with the Government of Mexico, and I also take the liberty to forward an extract from a private letter which I have sent to him with my public Communication. Begging to refer Your Lordship to the appeal made by Gen- eral McLeod^^ in his letter to nie of the 26th. Instant (Inclosure No 2 in my despatch to Mr. Doyle) in behalf of Mr Antonio Navarro, I venture to hope that Your Lordship will compassion- ate his situation, and instruct Her Majesty's Minister at Mexico 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 7. 'Kennedy merely summarized the laws on these subjects. They can be conveniently consulted in Gammel, Laws of Texas. "F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. "Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 31, is missing from the archives. "Hugh McLeod, a graduate of the United States Military Academy (1835). He resigned from the army, practiced law, and early joined Texas in resisting IMexico. He commanded the Sante Fe expedition, was a member of the Texan Congress, 1842-1843, served in the Mexican War, and later on the Confederate side in the Civil War. (Appleton, Diet, of Am. Biog.) 280 Texas State Histmical Association to intercede in his favor on the renewal of the public intercourse between the two Governments. His fate has always been the subject of great solicitude to the Government and people of Texas, and I am sure they would be grateful for the kind Offices of Her Majesty's Government. It has also occurred to me that acts of public clemency at the sug- gestion of Her Majesty's Government may be amongst the most pleasing proofs of respect and atonement which the Government of Mexico can afford for its late unsuitable conduct. The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ^ ^1^^^!^= ^^^io* ELLIOT TO DOYLE^- [Enclosure]. Galveston, November 29th 1843. Sir, By the last arrival from New Orleans, I have had the honor to receive Your Despatch of the 5th. Ultimo, acquainting me that you had been compelled to suspend all diplomatic intercourse with the Government of Mexico 'till you had received further Instruc- tions from Her Majesty's Government. Accounts of the circumstance which induced that event had al- ready reached this place through the press of the United States, and in a dispatch to Lord Aberdeen, dated on the [13th.] Inst which will go to England by the Mail of the 1st Proximo from Boston, I had thought it might be convenient to forward His Lordship the copy of a Newspaper [of which another copy is herewith transmitted] containing a statement of the manner in which the English flag in question fell into the hands of the Mexican Government.^ ^ Since the receipt of your despatch of the 5th Ultimo, I have communicated with the Editor of this paper, and I learn from him that He received his information direct from General Green, who was present in the affair at Meir {sic). I have also ascertained from other respectable persons who had conversed with General Green upon this subject whilst He was here, that no English flag was displayed in that conflict, or upon any other occasion in the course of the operations which closed at that place. «F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. "See Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 30, November 13, 1843. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 281 The flag was used by the man into whose possession it had fallen, as a sleeping covering, and was found by the Mexicans, either, in his Knapsack, or it may be as a wrapper to his kit. Thinking it possible that there may be some pretension that a British flag was captured, when the persons composing the "Santa Fe" expedition surrendered, I have taken an opportunity of ascer- taining directly from General H. Mc.Leod who commanded that force, that no English flag was ever used in that service, or to the best of his knowledge was in the possession of any person in that expedition. Percy W. Doyle, Esqr Charles Elliot. Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.]. Inclosure. 1. In Captn Elliot's No. 32. Novem- ber 29. 1843. m'LEOD to ELLIOT^* [Enclosure.] Galveston. Sir, November. 26th. 1843. Inage Morris informed me on yesterday that you had desired to learn from me, whether any British flag accompanied me in the Expedition to Santa Fe, in 1841, under my command. — No such flag could have been officially used, and if any individual carried one it was without my knowledge — Indeed I am quite sure it was not done. While addressing you upon this subject, would it be improper, to solicit your kind offices, unofficially, for my unfortunate Com- panion, Mr Antonio Navarro. — His release would be but an act of justice to himself, and would confer happiness on a large fam- ily and numerous friends. This, if it can be accorded, I respectfully solicit in the name of General Lamar, under whose authority, as President of this Eepublic, that Expedition was sent as well as in that of. True Copy. H. McLeod. Charles Elliot To. Honl. Chas. Elliot. H. B. M. Charge d' Affaires [Endorsed.] Inclosure No. 2. In Captn. Elliot's No 32. No- vember. 29. 1843. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 282 Texas State Historical Association ELLIOT TO DOYLE'^ Private Note. Galveston November 29. 1843. Brought np in a Military profession I take the liberty of re- marking, that the triumphant display of flags as National trophies, alvs'ays requires unequivocal proof that they were actually fought under, and captured in conflict. Ships of War, for example, usually carry the flags of all Mari- time Powers, amongst their stores, but when a Ship of War of one nation is taken by a Ship of another, it would be absurd and insulting to display any other Ensign in triumph than that of the Country to which the captured vessel belonged. If the British flag had been displayed and fought under at Meir, which it certainly was not, the right course would have been to forward a detailed and authentic statement of the facts to H. M. Government, with a request to know if any authority had been given for the use of the British National Colours to the persons from whom they were taken, within the limits of the Mexican ter- ritory or elsewhere. It was not time for the Mexican Government to take any fur- ther proceedings with respect to that flag 'till they had been for- mally answered in that particular. Persons who were captured in Mexico, fighting under National Colours which they had no authority to use, would no doubt be liable to be treated as mere marauders. But the triumphal display of the flag of a friendly Power, taken from such persons, is really much less an act of disrespect to that Country, [foolishly disrespectful as it is] than of total want of regard to the character of the Nation, exhibiting such spoils amongst the trophies of honorable and regular War. Whatever degree of dissatisfaction this impertinence may occa- sion Her Majesty's Government, it is manifest that the offence is much more serious against the honor and dignity of Mexico. For if it had been true that the people at Meir had fought under a British flag it would be equally [true] that, that very fact had rendered them within the description of marauders, or banditts, and Nations do not make triumphal display of the proofs of their prowess, over persons in that category, at the disregard too, of the ^°F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter was not addressed, but was probably from Elliot to Doyle. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 383 obligations of public comity to friendly Powers. The statement, however, that a British flag was taken in action at all, is void of foundation, and the unavoidable conclusion is, that the Mexican Government, has fabricated an explanation of it's conduct, which would have been discreditable in the last degree if it had been faithful. If there is any military person amongst your colleagues, I am sure he will testify to the correctness of this exposition of mili- tary usage, and probably satisfy the Mexican Government of the unfortunate attitude in which it has placed itself by this un- semmly adoption of the false report of this Commanding officer at Meir. His immediate and examplary punishment, and the most signal, and public proof of their own respect for the flag of a friendly Power, are steps far more necessary for their own re- lief, from a very discreditable scrape, than for the sake of any other consideration. It will no doubt be very easy for H. M. Government to set this nonsense to rights, so far as the dignity of Great Britain is concerned, but the Mexican Government should be told by some friendly adviser, that what they do spontaneously is what alone can set them to rights in the estimation of other Powers. Charles Elliot [Endorsed.] Inclosure 3. In Captn. Elliot's No 32. Novem- ber 29. 1843. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Galveston Dec. 2d. 1843. My Lord, The late accounts from Mexico induce me to address Your Lordship upon som.e points which may be of interest if these diffi- culties should grow into serious heats. Since I have been in this Country I have been endeavouring to procure some trust worthy information respecting the suitableness of the Eio Grande for purposes of Commerce, and therefore if need me, for flotilla opera- tion. An intelligent English Mariner of the name of Simpton was in the Service of the Texian Government, in command of a small revenue vessel is well acquainted with the Mouth of that river, T. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. 284 Texas State Historical Association and I hope in the course of a few weeks to forward Your Lord- ship a chart of it, rudely drawn indeed, but upon the general correctness of which I should be disposed to place reliance. He is now absent at Corpus Christi, but will bring his papers back with him, and I shall then be able to select what may be useful. The river itself, so far as I can learn from persons who have crossed it at various points as high up as the Presidio Grande (which Your Lordship will find marked on all the Maps) is ill fitted for general commercial use, or military transport, being very shallow in the dry season, and it is said, having rapids, be- fore that point. All the rivers however, discharging themselves into the G-ulf, vary greatly in their navigable facilities, according to the season, and I dare say, that in the winter and spring Months, the Rio Grande would be navigable for a great distance in light iron boats, such as are used in the upper Ganges and Indus. There is a safe anchorage at it's Mouth called the "Brassos del Norte" for vessels not exceeding 10 feet of draught, but on the bar itself, there are not more than 7 feet of water. My experience in China, My Lord, taught me that one very se- rious want of our Military Marine is a sufficiency of vessels of force and resource, either of the Steam arm, or sailing, of a light draught of water. For expeditionary purposes into an enemy's Country, and conjoint operation, when troops must be covered and supplied, this is a very great want, and I would take the liberty to submit that three classes of iron Steam boats would be very necessary for effect- ive Service in Mexico. The largest like the "Nemesis," "Pluto," and "Pligothen" and not to draw more than 6 feet of water at the utmost, with a full supply of coal and other Materiel. A second, with a lighter Armament say a long 18 lb. brass gun, forward and aft not to draw more than 3 feet or 3 feet and a half, and lastly four or six of the class of boats em-ployed on the Upper Indus and Ganges, or even more with a force of ten or fifteen sail of boats of these classes it may be depended upon that there would be no diffi- culty in penetrating into the heart of Mexico, by the Eio Grande and the rivers to the Southward and Westward of Vera Cruz. It may be added too that after San Juan had fallen there would be no manner of use for any large Ships or Steam boats on this Coast of Mexico, except to serve as Depots for the light force in advance. Matamoros, Tampico, Alvarado, Tabasco are all accessible to British Correspondence Concerning Texas 285 Vessels of the draught I have indicated, Indeed I should mention that at Tabasco there are 11 feet of water on the bar, and that is one point to which I would most particularly draw Your Lordship's attention. The temper of Yucatan and Tabasco towards the present Govern- ment of Mexico is a consideration of much interest. The Tabasco river, or indeed the rivers into which the Main stream branches are navigable for a great distance. The Texian Corvette "Austin" for example drawing iipwards of 10 feet of Water went up as high as San Juan de Baptiste (about 80 Miles from the Mouth) and I be- lieve there is said to be a boat communication very nearly the whole way to the City of Mexico by that Stream. If that point were at once secured, and the people of that Prov- ince assured of protection and security at the period of the General Settlement, it is in the highest degree probable, that they would at once declare against the Central Government, and either join themselves to Guatemala or to Yucatan, forming a Eepublic with easy means of communication between the two Seas, and good ports on either Shore, i^either do I believe there would be much difficulty in pushing a flotilla so far either by the Tabasco Stream, (or by another to the Westward of it, also accessible by vessels of draught), that a land force might be transported to within a very few Marches of Mexico. Tampieo is another point of importance on account of it's contig- uity to the Mining Districts, and with that and Matamoros in the possession of Her Majesty's forces, and declared to be free ports during the continuance of hostilities, I am disposed to think that a much more extensive trade would be carried on with Mexico, than we have ever had in a state of peace; — And further that the North Eastern Province would very readily second this scheme, and be equally unwilling to return to General Santa Aiia's pro- hibitive system, for the better maintenance of his authority in the Central part of the Country. The eagerness with which the people of those parts of Mexico have returned to the illicit traffic between this country and their own, satisfies me that it might very easily be thrown open upon the most extensive scale. Blockade, Your Lordship will perhaps permit me to remark, is a mode of Warfare less likely to be stringent upon these people than inconvenient to ourselves, for tliey have no Merchant Marine to 286 Texas State Historical Association distress, and they are generally independent of foreign Commerce. Indeed it would seem that a blockade would be seconding General Santa Ana's purposes of foreign exclusion, and I am afraid of dishonesty. The supply of any force operating on the Coast be- tween the Eio Grande and Vera Cruz (if there should be difficulties in that particular in the Country itself) could always be depended upon from Texas. Cattle are abundant here at extremely moderate rates, and depots of every kind of provision de bouche could al- ways be kept up here from New Orleans to any extent, and also at moderate prices. Depots of Coal might also be formed here if it were not considered preferable to establish them at the Brasses del Norte, Tampico, and on the Keys ofE Vera Cruz, as well as at Loguna and Tabasco. In the sending of stores of any land to the Brasses del Norte, or Tampico it would be necessary that they should be transported in vessels of very light draught; not more than 7 feet for Tampico or 9 for the Brasses del Norte. If iron Steamers of the smaller class should be considered necessary for any purposes of Her Majesty's Government in this quarter, I would submit that they might be sent out in frame to this place with their Machinery and everything ready for setting up, and with people competent to perform the work. It might be given out that they were sent here to be disposed of for the Navigation of the rivers of Texas, but with a Secret understanding with this Government, as to their ultimate destination; or they might be set up at Jamaica. I would take the liberty to say that Vessels for such a Service should not he long, on account of the sinuosities of the rivers of these Countries; from 70 to 80 feet. I would also suggest that Captain Hall late of the "Nemesis" should be consulted on all points calculated to render them more handy and efficient for Service in small Water, and in rapid streams with abrupt turns. I have seen such feats performed with vessels of light draught (the passage of the "Nemesis" to within a few miles from Canton by the inner Channel, for example; and where she was only prevented from arriving by having a few feet too much of length) that I have a confidence a force of the kind, I have suggested could be pushed into the very heart of Mexico. Hoping Your Lordship will ascribe this intrusion to it's true motive, that is, a desire to further the public Service The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 287 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN- Galveston December 8th. 1843. My Lord, I have now the honor to forward Yonr Lordship the original draught of a Coast Chart of Texas (No 1) procured from Mr. Simpton the person to whom I adverted in my private letter of the 2d. Instant. In the event of hostilities with Mexico an accurate knowledge of the Coast and it's ports might be important, for shoal as they are, they are the most practicable in this Gulf be- tween New Orleans and Vera Cruz, and indeed between that place and Cape Catoehe, and at all events they might be necessary of resort, for purposes of Supply, I would once more take the liberty to remark that though the Chart is roughly drawn, I believe it's general accuracy may be relied upon. I also transmit herewith a Sketch of the "Tobasco Eiver" which I have procured from Lieut Downing H. Crisp of the Texian ISTavy who visited it in command of the Schooner "San Bernard" in 1841, in company with the Corvette "Austin" This Gentleman is an Englishman by birth and the Son of an old Commander in the Eoyal Navy — He has been well known to me ever since I have been in Texas, and being able to speak to his good character and sufficiency as a steady Officer and Seaman, I am sure that reliance may be placed in his information as far as it goes. Mr. Crisp did not visit Huasacalcos (about a degree and a half to the Eastward of Alvarado) but one of his Brother Officers did so, and reported 8 or 9 feet water on the Bar, and good naviga- tion inside. I believe it is at this point that the Mexican Govt, has projected a Canal to communicate with the "Chimalapa" upon the Pacific side. I may perhaps mention to Your Lordship that in my passage from England to this Country I became acquainted with a very intelligent Spanish Gentleman who had been many years in Mexico, and He assured me that the "Eio Grande" or "Tololot- lan" disemboguing at San Bias upon the Pacific, is navigable at Seasons for a long way, and speaking of it's practicability for Commercial purposes, he said that he was satisfied there would be no difficulty of getting up within easy distance of Guadalaxara, by that river, in such Vessels as I described to him to be navigating the ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. The letter is unnumbered. 288 Texas State Historical Association Upper Ganges and Indus. — He also^ spoke favorably of the Tampico River and the land route from that point to San Luis de Potosi (with very little expence) for commercial transport. I have once more to offer Your Lordship my excuses for this in- trusion, but not being sure that Her Majesty's Government may have the same information, I have thought it right to transmit it. I would also beg to add that I have no good Map of Mexico with me, and am therefore unable to judge to what extent this informa- tion is either superfluous or erroneous. I would take the liberty to remark however, that if there is correctness in what I have heard of the practicability of the "Tololotlan River" or indeed of any of the Rivers disemboguing on the Pacific Shores of Mexico, there would be no difficulty in despatching an effective Steam flotilla to that part of the Coast of Mexico from Bengal and Bombay through Torres Straits, forming Coal depots from India and New South Wales at Port Essington, the Sandwich Islands, and any other con- venient points in the Pacific Islands. Iron Steamers of the smaller class would have to be sent out in frame, and set up at the point on the Pacific Side of Mexico, or at least near the point that they are intended to move from ; But such Steam Vessels as we had in China could readily perform the Voyage by Torres Strait, and keeping in a low parallell, they would avoid the strength of the Trade The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^^^^^les Elliot. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 34.^ New Orleans. Deer. 29th 1843. My Lord, Having reference to my despatch No 7 of this year, mentioning that the Government of Texas has levied discriminating duties on the trade from the United States, in consequence of the failure of the treaty of Commerce, I have now the honor to report that the Government of the United States by Treasury order dated on the ]2th Instant has adopted a similar course in relation to the trade from Texas. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Charles Elliot. »F. O., Texas, Vol. 6. *Ibid. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 33, is omitted. It transmitted The Civilian and Galveston Gazette for November 8, 1843. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 289 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Separate. New Orleans. Deer. 29th. 1843. My Lord, Having reference to Your Lordship's obliging readiness to grant me leave of absence for the restoration of my health I beg to ob- serve that in the present Situation of circumstances I have not felt myself warranted in requesting that favor. But I have taken the liberty of repairing to this place, chiefly for better advice and con- venience than I can find in Texas for an instant, [having] fallen into a very weak state of health. Your Lordship is aware that I am in the channel of my public correspondence here, and I shall of course proceed to my post in any case of necessity. But in the actual attitude of affairs connected with Texas I believe I am as suitably posted at New Orleans as I should be in that Country, and I will therefore request Your Lord- ship's sanction to remain here or there, for the present, as I may judge most convenient for the public interests. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. New Orleans. December 31st 1843. My Lord, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Clay last Evening, who is here upon a visit, and he made some observations upon the sub- ject of Texian Affairs, which I think it convenient to communicate to Your Lordship. In reply to some remarks from a friend of his own upon that part of the Message^ of the President of the United States referring to Texas, he said that all question of the advantage or otherwise of annexation either to the United States or Texas, was entirely super- fluous, for he could state in the most positive manner that no scheme of that kind either by treaty, or in any other form, could be ^F. O, T^xas, Vol. 6. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 6. Ihid. Elliot to Aberdeen, Nos. 35 and 36, Decem- ber 31, 1843, have been omitted. No. 35 referred to the "Eliza Russell" claims, and the method of their payment through the collector of customs at Galveston. No. 36 enclosed a return of correspondence for the year 1843. 'President Tyler's annual message, December 5, 1843. 290 Texan State Historical Association carried through the Senate of the United States. The prepon- derance of Mr. Clay's party in the Senate, and the decided man- ner in which he repeated this declaration two or three times, will T hope be my excuse for this intrusion. Being upon this subject I take the liberty to observe to Your Lordship that both my Colleagues Monsieur De Cramayel (who is also staying here) and myself, have been much surprised that the President of the United States should have dwelt at so much length on the affairs of Texas without a word of notice of the feelings or wishes of the Government and people of that Country. It has also appeared to us that this lively interest in the affairs of Texas would have been more kindly timed, and more suited to the necessities of the case in December 1842, when there was reason to appre- hend that the Mexicans did meditate an incursion into Texas : But at that time the Government of the United States was negotiating it's claim convention with Mexico, and in the prepare of that business Texian interests and dangers appear to have been over- looked. At all events there can hardly be thought to be any practical need to declare that Mexico must not be suffered to make war upon Texas, at the particular moment that She is engaged in the at- tempt to make a peace with Texas, and I must confess that the in- terference of the United States is not intelligible to me, upon any ground that has been explained. The President's allusion to the particular views, of other Powers, or I believe the phrase is, the peculiar views, is not compatible with due respect for the inde- pendence of Texas. It has been forgotten or disregarded that it is for the Government and people of Texas to consider, and accept or reject any counsels founded upon the peculiar view that Slavery is a wicked and a dangerous Institution, and I am inclined to think that nothing would be better calculated to help the suggestions of other Powers, that [than] these arbitrary declarations of the United States. The President of the United States would never have spoken so im- periously of the perfect right of any State in this Confederacy to deal with it's own affairs, as he has upon this occasion concerning Texas. I do not believe that this tone will be agreeable to General Houston, and I look for some early and calm notice from that British Correspondence Concerning Texas 291 quarter, that Texas has a Goverrnnent and people. The Message of the President of Texas will reach Your Lordship with these despatches, and I believe it will afford Her Majesty's Government much satisfaction. I hardly know whether I can give better proof of the favorable effect it has produced in this Country amongst well judging persons than to mention that Mr Clay spoke of it in terms of approbation, and indeed generally of General Houston's policy; a circumstance the more honorable to General Houston, as he was always a strong political opponent of Mr Clay's in this Country. Mr Clay indeed did not seem to me to be friendly to the Annexation of Texas to the United States either now, or pros- pectively. He said more than once that the United States were wide enough already, and that there was much more of risk, than convenience or strength in extended Confederacies. In a separate despatch which I had the honor to write to Your Lordship on the 29th Instant, I have requested sanction to reside here or in Texas during the present Agitation of Texian affairs in this Country, and I would wish to add in a private form, that the want of quiet trustworthy channels of Communication between Texas and ISTew Orleans is one of my chief reasons, for requesting that permission Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Draft. F. 0. January 3d. 1844. Captn. Elliot. No. 2.^ Sir, I transmit to You herewith, for Your information, a Copy of a Despatch which I have addressed to H. M's Minister at Washino-- ton,^*' with a view to put a stop to the Misrepresentations which have been circulated of late in the United States, and the errors «F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. °F. O., Texas, 20. Aberdeen to Elliot, No. 1, January 3, 1844, has been omitted. It acknowledged receipt of despatches from Elliot. ^''Aberdeen to Pakenham, No. 9, December 26, 1843. Tliis is the first of the noted Calhoun-Pakenbam letters, and in it Aberdeen, while maintain- ing Great Britain's right to take ground against slavery wherever found, disclaimed any intention of interfering improperly to secure the abolition 292 Texas State Historical Association into which the Govt, of that Republic seem to have fallen, on the subject of the polic}^ of Great Britain with respect to Texas. You will communicate the inclosed Despatch to the Texian Govt. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ ^ No. 1. British Consulate Galveston, Januar}^ 5th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to forward Copy of a Despatch addressed by me to Captain Elliot at New Orleans. To avoid the risk of delay where delay might, perhaps, be disadvantageous, I have also trans- mitted Copy of the same despatch to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, United States. I beg to enclose extracts from a Kewspaper called the "Citizen''^'^ which was established last Summer for the express purpose of supporting the Measures of General Houston. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^^ [Enclosure] British Consulate Cofy. Galveston January 2d 1844 Sir. I beg to inform you that, by accounts received from the Seat of Government, it appears that on the 19th Ultimo, a "Joint Resolu- tion for the Annexation of Texas to the United States," was read a second time and referred to Committee. of slavery in Texas, or of "seeking to act directly or indirectly in a polit- ical sense on the United States through Texas." The correspondence as published in the United States is in Sen. Doc. 341 (Serial No. 435), 28 Cong., 1 Sess. As published in Great Britain it is in Sessional Papers, 1847-8, Commons, Vol. 64, Return of Pakenham-Calhoun Correspondence (136), and contains an additional letter, Pakenham to Aberdeen, April 28, 1844. There are also two additional unpublished letters. Aberdeen to Pakenham, January 9 (F. 0., Texas, 20), and June 3, 1844 (F. 0., America, 403). For quotations and analysis, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, ch. VII. Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 200 seq. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. "December 30, 1843. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 293 The impression of parties recently arrived from the Seat of Government is that this resolution will pass. Captain Elliot, E. N. New Orleans, U. S. ^^^^^'""^ ^'^^^"^y- [Endorsed] Enclosure No 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's, despatch, dated January. 5th 1844. KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^^ No 2. British Consulate Sir, Galveston January 8th. 1844. The growing Commercial intercourse between England and this Country, and the prospect of its progressive enlargement, render it desirable that the attention of the Shipping Interest, should be directed to the character of the Charts generally consulted on voyages to Texas. Of all that I have had an opportunity of in- specting, not one is correct, while some are considerably, and some extravagantly in error. There are, at present, five British Vessels in this Port. — The Chart used on board one of these (represented by the publishers as corrected to the year 1841) exhibits an error of nearly two degrees in the Longitude of Galveston Island. The Charts of two others, which the publishers describe as having been corrected to the year 1843, severally indicate the depth of water on Galveston Bar at Sixteen or Sixteen and a half feet, — the real depth being, at low water, about ten feet, and, at high water, twelve, except on the occasion of a Spring tide. In all the Charts hitherto in use, the Coast line of Texas is wrongly laid down. — Of the five Merchant Vessels I have mentioned, the last that has arrived — A Schooner from Nassau, New Providence — ran aground in attempting to make the Port, and was only got off by sacrificing part of her Cargo, — A Misfortune attributed by the Master to his Chart, which it appears, misled him to the extent of some sixty Miles. Voyages to Galveston are burthened with an unusually high rate of insurance, yet, with such a Measure of Caution as no honest and judicious Ship Master will fail to exercise, and the assistance of a trust-worthy Chart, no extraordinary danger, or dijfficulty need be apprehended for vessels whose draughts of water will permit them to pass the Bar. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 294 Texa^ State Historical Association In the hope that it may prove useful, I have the honor to trans- mit a Chart^* of Galveston Bar, and Harbour, as surveyed in 1841 by the Commodore of the Texan Navy, and recently corrected by an experienced local draughtsman. On the accuracy of this Chart, with reference to all the points essential to be known by Naviga- tors, reliance may be placed. It will be seen that the North East end of Galveston Island is in Latitude N. 29°, 18', 50" and Longitude W. 94°, 48', 30". The average height of the Island, above the bed of the Sea, is eight feet — and of the Sand-hills that border the Coast, fifteen feet. — Some conspicuous land mark is much required, as a guide to Vessels when making the Port. There were formerly beacons on the North East end of the Island, but these disappeared in 1842, and have not yet been replaced. The authorities, however, in answer to an application from this Consulate, have expressed an intention "to have the necessary beacons, or land-marks erected, so as to enable vessels bound inwards to make the Anchorage, or pass into the Harbour, without danger." The Coast being so low, particularly in the neighbourhood of the Bars, breakers may generally be observed, and vessels becalmed, on approaching the Bars, must guard against the indraught Cur- rent, from neglect of which precaution, some have been lost. Navigators will do well to keep a sharp look-out for Currents, which run in the direction of the prevailing winds. The Currents inshore will vary a little according to the veering of the wind, and the shallovniesss of the water renders this variation comparatively rapid. A vessel becalmed near the land is liable to drift ashore, unless she be brought to an anchor, which can be safely and easily effected at any point along the Coast. The "Norther," which is the prevailing wind during the Winter Months, produces gales, but they are not of long duration. If a Ves- sel is caught by a "Norther," it will blow her off the shore. During the greater part of the year, especially in Summer, South Easterly winds prevail, with variations caused by local influences. After a continuence of strong Northerly winds, the water in Galveston Bay is "blown out," and, for some succeeding days, the tides seem very strong. — A vessel at Anchor in the Stream should be carefully and well secured. "Not found. I British Correspondence Concerning Texas 395 According to returns from the Galveston Custom-House, Sixteen British Vessels, sailed to that Port in the years 1841 and 1843. Of these, four were lost on the Coast, while it does not appear that any American Vessels, of which a much greater number visited the Port, experienced a similar fate during those years. Other causes than the intricacy of the Navigation, or the infidelity of the Charts, have certainly been assigned for the loss of the four Ships, but the latter is not the less an evil that calls for remedy as well as notice. William Kennedy. John Bidwell, Esq. ABEEDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ Draft. F. 0. January 11th. 1844. Capt. Elliott. R. N. No. 4." Sir. AVith reference to my Despatch No. 3, of the 3d Inst. I transmit to you herewith, for Your Information a Copy of a Despatch^'^ which I have addressed to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, on the subject of that part of th£ late Message of the President of the United States to Congress which relates to Texas. P. S. I have to direct You to read the inclosed despatch to the Texian Secretary of State. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 4.i» New Orleans, Jany. 15th. 1844. My Lord, Nothing is yet officially known of the proceedings of the Texian "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. "F. 0., Texas, 20, Aberdeen to Elliot. No. 3, January 3, 1844, has been omitted. It related to the whereabouts of Mr. John Orr and contained copies of letters from Doyle and from Orr's father. "F. 0., Texas, 20, Aberdeen to Pakenham, No. 1, January 9, 1844. See note 10, p. 291. Aberdeen expressed indignation at the tone of President Tyler's message in which it had been hinted that England was seeking to block the annexation of Texas. Pakenham was instructed to communicate the contents to the American Secretary of State, but did not do so, and the letter was never published. For quotation, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 156-157. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. "F. 0., Texas, 9, Nos. 1 and 2, 1844, Elliot to Aberdeen are missing from the archives. No. 3, January 12, 1844, has been omitted. It trans- mitted bills in settlement of the "Eliza Russell" claims. 296 Texas State Historical Association Commissioners charged with the attempt to conclude a truce with Mexico. But I hear from authentic sources of a letter from one of them (dated on the 6th Ultimo) which mentions that although their progress was slow, he did not despair of some satisfactory conclusion The Message of the President of the United States, however, could not be known in Mexico before the end of last Month, at the earliest, and Your Lordship will he best able to judge of it's effect on the pending negotiations. I collect from the public prints in this Country that a Second Convention for the settlement of certain Claims of Citizens of the United States has recently been concluded at Mexico, and I am disposed to think that the agitation of the question of of Annexa- tion, at least by the Government of the United States, will be a good deal quieted by that event. That agitation, with other acci- dental circumstances, served no doubt to forward the conclusion of the Convention. But perhaps that Measure,. and the breaking up of the Negotiations, if that too should happen, will restore the Government of the United States to the same state of feeling in this respect, as had always obtained up to the period of the late ar- mistice; except indeed when their own immediate affairs become matter of urgent pressure at Mexico. In that state of things, the Situation of Texas, and the character of the warfare, were forci- bly insisted upon, as was the case for example, shortly before the claim convention of last year; But the satisfactory settlement of the claim negotiations appears to have been attended with tran- quillising effects on the other grounds of interest and remonstrance. Observing that these affairs are once more in question between the Governments of the United States and Mexico, it is to be hoped that the first will be able and willing to satisfy the other, that there is no purpose of annexing Texas to the North American Union. That would probably be the most hopeful mode of pacificat- ing this Contest, the kindest course both to Texas and to Mexico, and in the opinion of the most eminent Statesmen in the United States, the sound and honorable policy for their own Country. I should mention to Your Lordship that movements have been made in the Texian Congress in the direction of annexation to the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 297 United States, but I do not enter into that subject at present, because they have not yet passed into any definite form. Charles Elliot. To the Right Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT"" Draft. E. 0. Jany. 31. 1844. Captain Elliot. No 5. Confidl. Sir, With reference to my despatch No. 4. of the 11th inst. respecting that part of the late Message of the President of the United States to Congress which relates to Texas, I transmit to you Confidentially herewith for your information a Copy of a despatch upon this sub- ject which I addressed on the 12th inst. to Lord Cowley H. M Ambassador at Paris, together with an Extract of H. E. reply thereto. I also enclose an Extract of the despatch from Mr. Fox referred to in my despatch to Lord Cowley.^ ^ ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-2 No. 5. New Orleans February 10th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's despatches to No 3 of this year, and to transmit herewith the Copy of a Note which I have this day addressed to the Secretary of State of Texas, covering the Copy of Your Lordship's Despatch No. 9 of last year to Mr. Pakenham.-^ ^"F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. 'T. 0., Texas, 20. Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 16, January 12, 1844; Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 33, January 15, 1844; Fox to Aberdeen, No. 133, December 13, 1843. Aberdeen, stirred by Tyler's message foreshad- owing annexation, virtually proposed to France to join with "Great Brit- ain in preventing this. France gave a favorable reply. For quotations from these documents, and analysis, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, pp. 157-160; Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 383, seq. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. '''This was Aberdeen's instruction to Pakenham, December 26, 1843. See Note 10, page 291. 298 Texas State Historical Association The state of my health has prevented me from proceeding to Texas by this occasion. But it appeared to me to be of consequence at this Conjuncture, that no time should be lost in placing General Houston in possession of this exposition, — And I therefore de- termined to forward a Copy of the despatch, signifying at the same time, in a private note to the Secretary of State, that it would not be convenient it should be published in Texas, unless the Govern- ment of the United States, to which it was particularly addressed, should see fit to publish it in this Country. I am recovering from my indisposition, and hope to be able to pay a visit to General Houston by the next boat, which will leave in two or three days. Eumours are in circulation here (brought from Texas) that a truce of 10 years has been agreed upon, between the Mexican and Texian Commissioners, — but I have a few private words from an authentic source dated at Washington in Texas on the 6th Instant, and at that date they were not in possession of any such informa- tion, and did not write in confidence of such a result. I am not without hope, however, that a state of truce may be maintained. Charles Elliot. To the Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO JONES^* [Enclosure.] JSTew Orleans, February 10th 1844, Copy Charles Elliot. The Undersigned Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d' AfPaires to the Eepublic of Texas, has the honor to transmit to Mr Jones the Copy of a despatch from The Earl of Aberdeen to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, and he regrets that the state of his health prevents him from having the pleasure of communicating it in person. The President will perceive from this exposition to the Govern- n.-ent of the United States how accurately he has always estimated the friendly purposes of Her Majesty's Government towards the Eepublic of Texas, and their state of feeling and principle of "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 299 guidance upon all the other points adverted to in the despatch to Mr. Packenham. In forwarding this Commnnication The Undersigned is sensible that it would be superfluous on his part to dwell upon the con- tinued interest which Her Majesty's Government takes in the Independence and prosperity of Texas, or to do more than repeat the assurance of their continued efforts to promote those results. Charles Elliot. To The Honorable Anson Jones, Washington on the Brazos. [Endorsed.] Inelosure in the Despatch No. 5. from Captain El- liot to the Earl of Aberdeen, Feb. 10, 1844. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-^ No. 6. New Orleans, Feby 17th 1844. My Lord. It has been so generally reported in Texas that a scheme of Annexation to the United States by treaty, is in an advanced state, that I consider it right to notice these reports to Your Lordship; remarking that nothing of the Idnd has transpired here, and that the statement is not believed by persons of great knowledge and weight in this Country. Your Lordship has however been for some time aware of the feelings and purposes of the present administration in the United States upon this subject, and will of course be fully informed of the actual position of circumstances at Washington, in relation to it. But speaking of the policy of the Government of Texas, I will not hesitate to repeat my belief that the President is steadily determined to sustain the durable independence of the Country. Your Lordship however, is aware of the pressed condition of Texas, and if the recent movements at Washington should induce a rup- ture of the truce, and the option of annexation to the United States should really present itself (of the likelihood of which, I am an incompetent judge) it is not to be expected that the Government of Texas could or would resist the popular impulses in that di- rection. =^F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 300 Texas State Historical Association Upon the whole there is reason to believe that the Government of Mexico should put an end to all further risk of inconvenient Complication, by adjusting a truce with Texas, accompanied by declarations, necessary for it's own safety I leave for Texas the day after tomorrow to pay a visit to Gen- eral Houston, but my health is so shattered that I must request Your Lordship will have the goodness to grant me leave to pro- ceed to the Northern parts of the United States whenever I may find it necessary to depart. Indeed I should have already availed myself of Your Lordship's leave of a.bsence, but I thought it might be convenient to the public interests that I should remain, either till the truce had been steadily established, or till it's rupture, consequent upon the tone at Washington, had produced such a diff- erent phase of affairs, as might change the position of Her Ma- jesty's Government in respect to them. To The Eight Honorable ^^^^arles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K, T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ Separate. New Orleans. March. 7th 1844. My Lord, Since I had the Honor to address you last, I have been afflicted by a dangerous Sickness, which has left me almost without strength. Your Lordship will observe by the accompanying Medical Cer- tificate that I have no choice but to request permission to leave these Climates as soon as possible I should prefer to return to Europe as the Certificate advises, but if Your Lordship shall be of opinion that it would be more convenient for the public interest that I should not go so far from my Post at present I would endeavour to find suitable change on the Northern parts of this Continent, and return to my duties as soon as my health enabled me. The Eight Honorable, ^^^^^^^ ^1^^°^' The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. '''F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 301 RUSHTON TO ELLIOT"^ [Enclosure.] ISTew Orleans. 7th March. 1844. My Dear Sir, I think it my duty to advise you as a Measure absolutely necessary to re-establish your health, that you change our Climate for a Northern one and that you leave New Orleans and its vicinity at as early a period as may be practicable I conceive that your attack of severe Dysentery has proceeded from a debilitated state of the Digestive Organs, brought on by long residence in tropical Climates, and am satisfied that your continued residence either here, or in a latitude as low as Texas, would be attended with great risk of a return of your present Complaint, and from the consequences of such a return you have everything to dread. Under these circumstances, I conceive it your duty at whatever sacrifice, to leave our hot and humid Climate, for one more dry and bracing. W. Eushton: M. D. Edin To Capt. Elliot. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEX-^ No. 8.2« New Orleans, March 15th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to transmit the Copy of a note which I have recently received from Mr Jones^^ acknowledging my own note of the 10th Ultimo already forwarded to Your Lordship. The Government of Texas has lately dispatched two Gentlemen in the President's particular confidence (General Henderson^" and "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. ='F. 0., Texas, 9. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 7, March 7, 1844, acknowledg- ing receipt of despatches, has been omitted. ^Jones to Elliot. February 19, 1844. In Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- spondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1149, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^" James Pinckney Henderson, b. North Carolina, 1808; d. Washington, D. C, 1858. He served as brigadier-general in the Texan army, 1836, was secretary of state, 1837-1839, diplomatic agent in England and France, 1839-1840, was sent on a special annexation mission to the United States, 302 Texas State Historical Association Mr. J. D. Miller) to Washington, and joining that circumstance to the movements in the Texian Congress and to the steady current of report, both in the United States and in Texas, that Negotiations are either on foot, or in contemplation upon the subject of annexa- tion. I shall consider it my duty to request the Government of Texas to furnish me with explanations of the real state of affairs in this particular, for transmission to Your Lordship. My health is still very weak, but I trust I shall be able to go to Galveston for a few days by the boat of the 18th instant. I should add that I am going under strong Medical advice as soon as possible, and proceed to to the Northward. I learn by a few private lines from Mr Jones of the 16th Feb- ruary, that up to the 6th January their Negotiations for a truce had gone on perfectly satisfactorily, indeed that every point but one was adjusted. But at that period the negotiations were suddenly suspended by command from Mexico, and forming my opinion from the date of this order, it seems probable that the interruption may have arisen from the nature of the Communications which the Mexican Govern- ment was then receiving from Washington on the Potomac. It was thought by the Texian Commissioners, and Government that the Negotiations would be renewed. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABEEDEEN"*^ No. 9. Galveston March 27th. 1844. My Lord, I have just received from Mr Jones in a private way, a Copy of an Armistice^^ recently concluded between the Mexican and Texian Commissioners, and the Steam boat being upon the point 1844. He became Governor of Texas, 1846, and was appointed to the United States Senate, 1857. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. '^This was the armistice signed February 15, 1844, by Hockley and Williams, the Texan negotiators, in which Texas was characterized as a Mexican Department. The government of Texas refused to ratify such an agreement. Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 303 of starting for New Orleans, I have only the time to offer a very- few remarks upon the subject. It is not to be doubted, that these stringent conditions upon the part of Mexico are attributable to the alarm, and irritation excited in that quarter by the movements of the Government of the United States in relation to annexation, joined to the impression that the Agents of this Government at Washington upon the Potomac, were in the actual course of negotiation upon that subject. I offer this opinion without hesitation, because it consists with my knowledge that the terms agreed upon between the Mexican and Texian Commissioners before the intelligence of the movements at Washington could have reached Mexico were of a much easier and more practicable nature than these. I think it can be no source of surprise to Her Majesty's Government that later intelli- gence should have determined the Government of Mexico to pro- vide for it's own security, by taking care not to grant a truce of convenient duration for the deliberate conduct of negotiations at V/'ashington, having in view the Annexation of this Country to the Korth American Union. The single prospect that presents itself to my mind of a renewal of these negotiations between Mexico and Texas upon a hopeful "footing" is that this Government should at once desire it's Agents at Washington to signify to the Government there, that an Armis- tice had been concluded between this Republic and Mexico; and that the President felt it due to the honor of this Country, and just to all other parties concerned to put an end to ISTegotiations for Annexation to the United States of America, whilst Negotiations were going forward at Mexico, proposing a totally different settle- ment. And if this Government take that course, and proposes at the same time to the Government of Mexico to extend the Armistice to such a period as will be really necessary for the conduct of the Negotiations in that quarter, it seems possible that the Ministers of the Powers friendly to a safe and honorable adjustment of this dispute may be enabled to induce the Government of Mexico to grant more satisfactory terms of Armistice, than these now placed under Your Lordship's notice. Having no time to write a Separate despatch to Her Majesty's Minister a.t Washington by this opportunity, I have taken the 304 Texas ^iate Historical Association liberty to enclose this dispatch to him, with a request that he will peruse, and forward it to Your Lordship. I remarked to the President and the Secretary of State last Au- tumn that it seemed to me the Schemes of the Government of the United States were shaped with the alternative project of settling this question in the way that pleaised them, or of unsettling any other arrangement, and I can detect no subsequent reason for think- ing that the impression I formed then, was erroneous. My health is still in a very precarious state, but I am remaining here for a few days in the hope that I shall have the pleasure of seeing the President or the Secretary of State at this place. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honorable, The Earl ©f Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ Secret. Galveston. April 7th. 1844. My Lord, I have tlie honor to inclose Copies of a correspondence which I have recently had with this Government, and I take the same opportunity to report to Your Lordship the substance of a Con- versation that I have this day had with General Houston, taking the liberty to remark that he particularly requested me to consider it unofficial, and private. The period and nature of the first approach of the Government of the United States to that of Texas upon the subject of annexation are known to Your Lordship, as well as the manner in which it was met from this quarter. The Texian Agent at Washington con- tinued nevertheless to move the President to abandon the deter- mination not to entertain the matter whilst any uncertainty ex- isted as to the willingness of the Senate of the United States to ratify a treaty of annexation: But General Houston adhered steadfastly to his own policy, not- withstanding all the eagerness excited in Texas, both in Congress and amongst the people, by the movements of the Government of the United States, and I should add in spite of pressing private »'F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 305 i]istances from persons of great weight in that Country, to whom he is warmly attached. At length, however, having reason to know that the two Houses of Congress had prepared and would carry resolutions, either unan- imously, or certainly by a Constitutional Majority, which would have deprived him of all further control of this business, he con- pidered that the safest course was to prevent that turn of affairs by a Secret Message,^* expressing his readiness to attempt to meet the wishes of the people, and for that purpose requesting an ap- propriation to dispatch a Special envoy to Washington to be charged with the proposed Negotiations. It may be observed here, that General Houston led me to imderstand that he had not committed himself to any personal opinion in favor of the contemplated ar- langement, in this Message. The result of this step was the passing of an Act or resolution involving the required appropriation, the other details of which General Houston did not feel himself at liberty to disclose, the Measure having been committeed to his further management under ihe Seal of Secrecy. In this stage of affairs Congress separated, and General Houston does not appear to have been in any haste to dispatch the Envoy, till he should ascertain the result of the Negotiations for the truce with Mexico. The consequence of the proceedings at Washington upon these Negotiations is already before Your Lordship; but it appears that about the time that the Government of Texas learnt that there was little to hope from that quarter, another very press- ing official representation from Mr Upshur was brought to the President by General Murphy, accompanied by General Hender- son, the Gentleman selected for the Mission to Washington This representation, of great length and urgency, (I use General Houston's language as nearly as my memory serves me) Containing argument, encouragement, solicitation, and indeed little short of Menace, was met upon his side by an exhibition of the uneasy condition into which the proposal of these Negotiations had al- ready cast the Country, and of the still more dangerous conse- quences which would ensue from the probable breaking up of '^Houston's secret message on annexation, Januarv 20, 1844. (Wooten, Texas, I, 425-426.) 306 Texas State Historical Association their present hopes of arrangement, and present support, and the equally probable result of the failure of the Scheme of annexation in the Senate of the United States. In view of all these considerations he required from the Ameri- can Charge d' Affaires an ofScial letter t« the Secretary of State of Texas (beyond the letter of Mr Upshur) expressive of his consent upon the part of the Government of the United States, that they should Communicate in a formal written way to the Envoy of Texas, lefore any Negotiations were opened, their readiness to place at the disposal of the Grovernment of Texas, a Column of 1000 infantry, and 600 or 700 heavy Cavalry, to be moved, whenever it might be considered necessary for the safety of this Country, to the Western border of Texas, further that a Naval force equal to that of Mexico should forthwith be stationed in the Gulph of Mexico, also to be at the disposal of this Government, and finally, that the Government of the United States should distinctly guaran- tee to Texas the aclmowledgment of it's Independence by Mexico, if the project of annexation failed of success. General Houston states that General Murphy did write the letter in question, and assures me that the Instructions to General Hen- derson are precise and imperative upon the refusal to open Negotia- tions till the required written guarantees of the Government of trie United States are duly furnished. I have now submitted to Your Lordship what I collected from General Houston's private conversation to be the present situation of these affairs, so far as this Government is concerned; and in reply to his observations on the difficulty of his position, I said that I could not doubt they would be appreciated by Her Majesty's GoAernment. But I could not refrain from remarking that I thought it would have been a wiser and more just policy upon the part of the Con- gress and people of Texas, to have adhered to their declarations of determination to maintain their Independence. Such a course would have reassured the Government of Mexico, and given in- creased force to the representations of the Powers engaged in in- ducing the settlement of this dispute upon that footing — Indeed, except for these proposals of annexation to the United States, and the readiness of Texas to meet them, it did not seem to me that British Correspondence Concerning Texas 307 there was much risk of any renewal of hostilities between the Contending parties. Mexico had invited negotiation and settle- ment; and as Texas seemed to be willing to make the sacrifice of it's Independence in one question, I could not [doubt] the Govern- ment of Texas would have found any serious difficulty in maintain- ing a state of truce (particularly with the assistance of friendly powers) but that state of truce should gradually ripen into a state of permanent peace. Speaking without express authority from Her Majesty's Govern- ment, I would nevertheless take the liberty to say that it seemed to me the honorable and the wise course upon the part of the Government of Texas to all parties concern.ed would be to instruct General Henderson forthwith to announce to the Government of tlie United States that an armistice had been concluded between Texas and Mexico, and that whilst Negotiations continued open in tliat quarter, there must be an end of all Negotiations not act- ually concluded at Washington, upon the express terms of General Henderson's Instructions Situated as he feels himself to be, General Houston would not take this step, but I think it highly possible that he has pressed upon General Henderson the necessity of precise adherence to his Instructions, neither do I imagine that he has ever entertained much confidence in the success of the Scheme of annexation, or cer- tainly any personal wish to postpone the Independence of the Country to such a solution. He said that if the project failed he trusted that the Governments of Her Majesty, and The King of the French would find means of preventing all further risk of com- plication in that direction, by forthwith accomplishing the Settle- ment of the question on the basis of the acknowledgment of Texas by Mexico. I remarked that what had lately passed was hardly calculated to strengthen the friendly purposes of those Govern- ments, or to inspire them with Confidence. General Houston appeared to attach much importance to General Murphy's letter, and to the stringent conditions General Henderson would insist upon, before Negotiations were opened. But I told him that I would not regard those considerations in the same point of view. It seemed plain to me, on the contrarv, that if the Government of the United States could carry through their pro- 308 Texas State Historical Association ject, it would be upon their own terms, not upon conditions dic- tated by Texas. General Henderson would be told in an early stage of affairs that if he adhered to conditions which General Houston must ha\'e known that the Government of the United States could not act upon, the arrangement must fall to the ground, and the peo- ple of Texas would judge where the blame should be laid. As for General Murphy's letter of consent, it would be easy for the Gov- ernment of the United States to disavow that proceeding, and ujjon the whole I could not think that these precautions would serve any other purpose than to enahle the Government of the United States to get rid of the difficulty easily, and injuriously to General Houston, if they found they could not carry out their Scheme, If they could carry it, General Henderson would prob- ably be easily prevailed upon to sign the treaty upon their terms, and trust to the people of Texas for support. The detention of the Texian prisoners by Mexico, and the in- disposition to grant a truce of any considerable duration to Texas deprived this Government of sufficient strength to resist the recent influences from another quarter, and it may be that General Hou- ston adopted the only course left to him for the maintenance of any control over events. I shall take the liberty to forward this despatch under cover to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington for his perusal, as also a Copy to Mr Bankhead.^^ To the Eight Honorable, Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO JONES^ [Enclosure] Galveston March 23d. 1844 Copy. Charles Elliot. The Undersigned etc. etc. etc, has lately had the honor to '"British Minister at Mexico. Pakenham had been transferred from Mexico to Washington in 1843, and after an interval during which Doyle represented Great Britain, Bankhead was appointed, arriving in Mexico early in 1844. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. This and the two following letters are calendared in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, but as not all have been printed in easily available form, they are reprinted here. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 309 acquaint Mr Jones that Her Majesty's Government was engaged in continued efforts to induce the Government of Mexico to ac- knowledge the Independence of Texas, and he has now the gratifica- tion to add that renewed communications have taken place between the Government of Her Majesty and that of The King of the French, and that His Majesty has expressed His concurrence in the purposes of The Queen, and has signified His Pleasure to command the French Minister at Mexico, to join his continued friendly as- sistance to that of Her Majesty's Eepresentative But adverting to the proposals of the Government of the United States respecting annexation, to the recent Mission of distinguished Citizens of Texas to Washington on the Potomac, and to the im- pression so general in Texas that Negotiations having that object in view are either in progress, or in contemplation, the Under- signed finds it his duty to express the hope that the Government cf Texas will furnish him with explanations on the subject for transmission to Her Majesty's Government. He is sure that they will be made in that spirit of frank and friendly unreseiwe which has always characterized the intercourse of the two Governments It must be unnecessary to say that the Undersigned is perfectly aware of the President's personal opinions upon this subject, and he has not failed, agreeably to the President's wish, to communicate tc Her Majesty's Government His Majesty's determination to sustain the Independence of this Kepublic, and His Excellency's confident hope that the people would uphold him in that course — Indeed referring to the Conferences which the Undersigned had the honor to have with the President and Mr Jones at Galveston during last Autumn, he can suppose that the Mission to Washing- ton of the Gentlemen in question, has been dictated by a wise desire to avoid any cause of offence or irritation to the Government of the United States, and to explain with frankness that the Government cf Texas could not entertain the subject at all, even if all other obstacles were removed, after the former rejection of such an arrangement by the Government of the United States, and wholly without reason to know that the Senate of the United States would ratify it now, or in future. The Congress of Texas, however, has met and separated since the date of the Communications to which the Undersigned has 310 Texas State Historical Association referred, and the President will feel with force that it is is just and necessary in the present appearance of circumstances that there should be no room for the least uncertainty on the part of the Governments engaged on the behalf of Texas at Mexico; for it is not to be supposed that they could continue to press the Government of Mexico to settle upon one basis, whilst there was any reason to surmize that JSFegotiations were either in actual existence, or in contemplation, proposing a combination of a totally different nature. It is manifest on the other hand, that a distinct disavowal on the part of the Government of Texas of any intention to consent to such a Scheme either now, or prospectively, could not fail to strengthen the hands of the Ministers of Their Majesties The Queen, and The King of the French at Mexico. Confiding in the steadfastness of the people of Texas to the pledges in the fundamental acts of their National existence, Sev- eral of the Great Powers have acknowledged the Independence of this Republic, and entered into treaties with it. Whilst that con- fidence subsists, it may be depended upon that the Government of Her Majesty will never relax in their friendly efforts to induce the Government of Mexico to adjust on the policy so forcibly pressed upon the attention of Her Majesty's Government by the Government of Texas, not adopted without mature deliberation by Her Majesty's Government, and in their judgment equally nec- essary for the security of Mexico, and the strength and prosperity of Texas. Charles Elliot The Honorable Anson Jones. [Endorsed.] In closure No 1 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7 1844. JONES TO ELLIOT- [Enclosure] Department of State Copy. Washington Charles Elliot March. 25th. 1844. The Undersigned Secretary of State of The Eepublic of Texas has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Kote addressed h^"m on the 22d Instant by Captain Elliot H. B. Majesty's Charg6 ''F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 311 d' Affaires, informing this Government that Her Majesty was en- gaged in continued efforts to induce the Government of Mexico to acknowledge the Independence of Texas, that renewed communica- tions have taken place between the Governments of Her Majesty and that of the King of the French, who had expressed His con- currence in the purposes of The Queen, and also requesting ex- planations on the subject of the r.ecent Mission of Citizens of I'exas to Washington on the Potomac, and the Negotiations sup- posed to be in progress between Texas and the United States in reference to annexation. The friendly interest which Her Majesty's Government have on this as well as many previous occasions expressed for the Wel- fare, prosperity, and Independence of Texas has been received by the President with the liveliest satisfaction, and it is due to that friendly interest that the request made by Her Majesty's Eepre- senlative should be answered with frankness and unreserve. Early in the present summer and just before the propositions for an armistice were received from General Santa Anna instruc- tions were given to our Ministers abroad to inform the friendly Powers whose good offices had been invoked in settling the difficul- ties between this Country and Mexico, that unless a satisfactory prospect of such a Settlement soon appeared, Texas would assume a new and entirely different attitude, and abandoning the hope of an adjustment of the existing War by their friendly aid, resort to other means for the accomplishment of this object. For a while the hope of the establishment of a satisfactory Armistice was en- tertained, during which time and while this hope appeared reason- able, this Government omitted any change in it's national policy. In this situation matters remained until the recent meeting of the Congress of the Nation, soon after which time it became very apparent the Government of Mexico were indisposed to any amica- ble settlement upon reasonable and admissible terms. The Texian Prisoners were detained in captivity, contrary to the pledges given by Santa Anna for their release, the friendly relations between Great Britain and Mexico were suddenly interrupted, by which our hopes from that quarter appeared to be disappointed, intelligence from our Commissioners beyond the Eio Grande engaged in con- ducting the terms of the Armistice was of a very unfavorable 312 Texas State B.istorical Association character, and the people of this Country tired of uncertainty and delay naturally turned their attention to annexation, the door to which had just been unexpectedly opened, as the most certain remedy for existing evils. Under these circumstances, the Congress of the Nation met and adjourned. Their acts in relation to the subject have been committed to to the care of the President under the seal of secrecy. Whatever has been done, therefore, in relation to "this subject has been In obedience to the requirements of their acts. The Mission of General Henderson to the City of Washington is immediately concerned with this subject, and should the Govern- ment of the United States yield it's assent to the assurances which the Bepresentatives of this are required to ask of it, the Government of Texas will view the policy of annexation as the most proper one left it, under all existing circumstances, at the present time, to pursue. In the earnest hope that this statement and explanation may be entirely satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government, . . . Anson Jones. To Captain Charles Elliot, H. B. M. Charge d' Affaires. [Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7th 1844. ELLIOT TO JONES^ [Enclosure] Galveston April 3d. 1844, Copy. Charles Elliot. The Undersigned etc, etc. etc, has had the honor to receive Mr Jones's note of the 25th Ultimo in reply to his own of the 22d idem, and he offers his acknowledgments for this statement of the situa- tion of circumstances which shall be transmitted to Her Majesty's Government without delay. In the mean time, however, he considers it right to remark that he does not believe Her Majesty's Government have formed the same opinion as this Government upon the indisposition of Mexico to any amicable settlement with Texas upon reasonable 'F. O., Texas, VoL 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 313 and admissible terms. Indeed he is disposed to think that Her Ma- jesty's Government had become more sanguine that a difEerent state of feeling was growing np in that quarter, and he considers any recent appearances to the contrary to [be due to] the indisposition of Mexico to the annexation of Texas to the United States. Thus impressed he believes that Mexico would have consented to terms of armistice more acceptable to this Government, if it had not been, thought prudent to avoid a truce of convenient duration for the conduct of Negotiations at another point, having in view a com- bination naturally so ill liked at Mexico, as the Annexation of Texas to the United States. He will merely further remark of the truce agreed upon between the Commissioners of Texas and Mexico, that if it had conformed with the policy of this Government to avail themselves of that opening, he entertains the opinion that it might have been improved into a convenient duration and form. Of the detention of the Texian prisoners in Mexico which has been noticed by Mr Jones as another proof of the indisposition of the Government of Mexico to amicable settlement, the Undersigned will freely admit, (speaking for himself) that he thinks the Gov- ernment of Mexico ought to have released those prisoners. But he is bound to confess, with equal frankness that he has reason to think the Mexican Government will be able to adduce motives for their conduct in this particular, which may account for it, without resorting to a general indisposition to adjust with Texas upon peace- ful and honorable terms, as the ground of the continued detention of these unhappy men. The temporary interruption of the Official intercourse between Her Majesty's Charge d'Aff aires at Mexico and that Government is noticed by Mr Jones as another event of a discouraging charac- ter. The Undersigned can only say upon that point that He is sure Her Majesty's Government would not have delayed to Communi- cate their apprehensions to the same effect to the Government of Texas if they had participated in them for a moment. Weighing all the circumstances of the case as carefully as he can^ the Undersigned will take the liberty here to express the beliefj that at no period of the interposition of Her Majesty's Gov- ernment for the settlement of the dispute between Texas and Mex- 314 Texas State Historical Association ico, could it ever have appeared to them that there were better founded hopes of an early and honorable adjustment than at the moment, when, as Mr Jones observes, the door to Annexation was unexpectedly opened to the people of this Country. The approach in that sense was most probably unexpected in Mexico too, for it came when there was a state of known truce between the parties, when Texian Commissioners respectfully received, were actually in the Mexican territory, and whilst JSTegotiations, first for an armistice, and then for a peace, were known to be in contemplation, and in point of fact in progress. The intimation of such a proposal to the Government of Texas by the Government of the United States would of course become known in Mexico about the same time, and made under the state of circumstances then existing it can hardly be a source of surprize that it produced the disturbing eifect which has followed. The Undersigned thinks he should not discharge his duty if he emitted to express the earnest hope that the Government and people of Texas will not make the incalculably hea\7^ sacrifice of their separate National existence under the impression that the prospect of amicable settlement with Mexico has passed away. He believes there is no good ground for such an impression, and he is also of opinion that it is still in the power of the Government of Texas to renew the Negotiations with Mexico upon a hopeful basis by reassuring that Government upon a point on which it is entitled to expect complete reassurance before friendly Negotia- tions with Texas are firmly set on foot. The Undersigned cajinot refrain from observing that there is no want of evidence in the press of the United States that very eminent and practised Statesmen in that Country are firmly op- posed to the annexation of Texas to that Union, either at all, or at least under any other condition than the consent of Mexico, }ieacefully obtained. Neither does it seem to be doubtful, judging from the same sources that these opinions are shared by a large part of the people of that Confederacy. The Undersigned trusts that his own sincere desire for the Independence and prosperity of Texas will be the excuse for alluding to these considerations, on which, however, he has no intention to dwell He will close this note with the renewed declaration of the British Correspondence Concerning Texas 315 desire of Her Majesty's Government to be helpful in the adjust- ment of this dispute npon terms of honor, justice, and advantage both to Texas, and to Mexico, and with the expression of the opin- ion of Her Majesty's Government, that the preservation of their Independence is the best security of the people of Texas for their ultimate prosperity, both political and commercial. The health of the Undersigned is still in a very broken con- dition (so much so that he writes with difficulty) but he will wait at New Orleans or in it's immediate neighbourhood as long as he safely can, and will be happy to receive any Communication which the Government of Texas may do him the honor to forward to him through the channel he has already indicated to Mr Jones. The Honorable Anson Jones. ^^^^^^' ^^^^°*- [Eidorsed.] Inclosure Xo 3 in Captain Elliot's Secret Despatch to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston April 7th 1844. LUSIGNAN TO ABERDEEN^ Cambrian House. Ryde, Isle of Wight Monseigneur. 12 Avril. 44 Je vous prie d'excuser la liberte que je prends de vous ecrire sans vous avoir prealablement ete presente mais je ne connais personne, et d' ailleurs j' ai trop entendu parler de votre bonte, pour craindre de vous offenser. J' ai longtemps vecu parmi les tributs Sauvages du Texas, et principalement parmi les Comanches et les Wakoes. Je les ai laisses aves 1' intention de venir en Angleterre eveiller 1' attention d' un public genereux, et s' il etait possible d' obtenir que votre Gouvern- ement exigeat au nom de 1' humanite, plus de justice de la part des Texiens, envers cette noble race d' hommes qui disparait tons les jours sous le Bowie Knife et la misere. Lorsque je laissai les Wigwamps des Prairies, j' etais aussi ignorant que les bons Indiens de la difficulte d' obtenir un acces aupres du grand Monde de Londres : je promis aux chefs des nation alliees de faire des propositions au Gouvernement Anglais et d' implorer La protection. Je vins a Londres oil je ne tardai pas a decouvrir que 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 11. 316 Texas State Historical Association les chosGs se faisaient differemment, alors je souris de ma simplicite, et me preparai a retourner aiis grandes Prairies. Une chose, neanmoins m' inspire le courage de vous ecrire Mon- seigneur; je ne veux pas me reprocher de n'" avoir point ose' faire une tentative pour Soulager ces Indiens si bons, et si superieurs au peuple demoralise, qui les opprime actuellement Je vois dans les journeaux que Mr Tyler machine en ce moment 1' union du Texas aux provinces du Sud des Etats-Unis. Tin tel evenement a etc prevu par les Indiens qui sont resolus dans cette circonstance a en venir a une guerre d' extermination. lis out forme une ligne formidable, comptant plus de quatrevingt mille g-aerriers, et comprenant toutes les nations sur les frontieres de la civilisation, depuis les Dahcotahs (Sioux) du Mississipi, Jusqu' aux Pawnees et aux Comanches du Eio Colorado. Je ne sais pas jusqu' a quel point une reaction si terrible pourrait etre desirable pour le bien etre de 1' humanite, mais dans tons les cas, f ose Monseigneur, vous adresser une demande: "si le Texas est annexe aux Etats-TJnis, et si les Indiens de 1' Quest du Mississipi se Icvent en masse dans le but d' une guerre d' extermination, leur serait-il permis par le Grouvernement Anglais de traverser les fron- tieres des hautes provinces du Canada, pour s' y procurer de la poudre et des armes, et s' y refugier momentanement en cas d' une defaite dans le territoire de 1' loway. Je suis jeune, Monseigneur, mais j' ai la Confiance des ISTations Indiennes, et si je puis leur donner une reponse affirmative au sujet de la question que je viens de vous soumettre, jamais le Gouvernement de "Washington ne possedera, de facto un pouce de terrein, au dela dela Piviere Sabine. Thaddeus di Lusignan. A Son Excellence, The Earl of Aberdeen. London. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 4. British Consulate. My Lord. Galveston April 18th 1844. I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship Copy of a Com- munication which I have this day addressed to Captain Elliot, E. N, Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to this Eepublic, (at present in the "T. O., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 317 United States) respecting the expediency of obtaining early Official Information, as to any Measures, contemplated, or enacted by the Legislature of Texas, have reference to the Commercial and Mari- time interests of Great Britain. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ™^^i^^ Kennedy. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ [Enclosure] British Consulate Copy Galveston, April 18th, 1844 Sir, I beg leave to request that you will endeavour to obtain for me, from the Seat of Government in this Eepublic, a copy of the laws passed during the last Session of Congress, in order that I may report to the proper quarter all enactments of consequence to our Commercial and maritime interests. With a view to the public advantage, I would respectfully suggest tJiat, on occasion of the absence from this Country of Her Majes- ty's Charge d' Affaires, during the Legislative Session, it might be expedient to have a proper person, duly authorized, to watch over the proceedings, to note whatever Measures promised to prove prejudicial, or otherwise, to British Interests, and seasonably to advise the resident Consul, or Consuls, of the passage of any act that might effect the trade of the Current year. Congress usually closes its deliberations about the first week of February, and, for lack of some arrangement by which an early and accurate knowledge of the laws may be secured. Shipments may be made from England to Texas under the faith of one Tariff, and arrive just in time to be taxed inopportunely, under the pro- visions of another. William Kennedy. LUSIGNAN TO ADDINGTON* Cambrian House. Eyde, Isle of Wight. Sir, , May 6th. 1844. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of Your letter of the 4th It.^ 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 11. 'Not found. 318 Texas State Historical Association I will remain in England, till I hear something positive respecting the intentions of Prest. Tyler towards Texas. I humbly hope His Lordship did not think that my address was actuated by any Motive of unbecoming curiosity. — In fact, I have lived among the Indians, I feel as they do, — and that feeling is bitter hatred against the dishonest population which is daily in- truding into the very heart of our hunting grounds. If in the course of events the Foreign Office should require an exact Statistic of the hostile Indian population upon the borders of the States, from the Mouth of the Sabine river to the great Dahcotahs tribes, I could furnish one quite correct, togther with an insight of the underhand policy of the Mormons with the loway tribes The combined Indian Nations, could they but receive powder and flints from the Canadian Military Posts, would soon Master the Country "West of the Mississipi. They can appreciate to its real value the boasted power of the United States. They have Wit- nessed the Black Hawk expedition (1832) and also the Florida War. They are not to be imposed upon by the Indian Agents, In fact they are now aware of their own strength. Moreover, with the cunning of their wild Nature, they have discovered the difficulties both political and " financieres" under which the States are actually labouring. I see in the News papers, that a Mr Anderson is coming over to England to treat of the Annexation business. — If he is the same Genl Anderson living in San Agostino near the Sabine, and a Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, a man vrith red hair, I v,"ould pray You Sir, to submit to His Lordship the following request. T' is That during Mr Anderson's transactions at the Foreign Office, not the least hint should be given to him, by which he could suspect that I am in Europe. All these who, in Texas may wish to watch my conduct believed me gone to California, and Mr Anderson knows enough of Indian dealing, not to perceive at once that the Texian "Big heads" have been deceived upon my Move- ments, ever since 1842. Knowing which, he would send infor- mation at home, and many poor fellows, entirely devoted to me, would soon taste "of the Bowie Knife." British Correspondence Concerning Texas 319 The immediate Neighbourhood of Genl Anderson's dwelling is inhabited by halfbreeds and old Mexican hunters — these, un- suspected, furnish me with all kinds of information. Were they to suffer through my means, I would feel it deeply. During the interviews which the General may obtain at the Foreign Office, His Lordship will perhaps require some accurate information as to the truth of the Statements made by the Texian Envoi. This I am ready to furnish faithfully and correctly, — for I am but too well acquainted with all the Secretaries, leaders, and hoc genus omne of Texas. One thing I will beg from the Foreign Office ; in the event of the Annexation I have mentioned, the office will know it a long time before the fact is made public. — Could I hope to receive hint, as early as possible, so that I could hasten home and begin operations immediately You will I hope. Sir, excuse my bad English and still worse phraseology, together with my ignorance of forms in addressing myself to "Superiors," my only excuse is that among the red men of the Wilderness, I had but little opportunity to become "au Fait" -rr XT . T T i T-i Thaddeus di Lusignan. H. TJ. Addmgton, Esqr. ^ KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 7. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, May 8th. 1844. My Lord, As Captain Elliot is, I am instructed to believe, at present in the United States, and has merely left general directions to forward bis despatches to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at New Orleans, I beg to enclose to Your Lordship Copy of a Communication which I have addressed to him. — I have likewise deemed it best, under all the circumstances, to transmit a Copy to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, in the United States. I also beg to enclose to Your Lordship Copies of two official letters to Captain Elliot, severally dated 5th and 7th June 1843,'^ explanatory of an allusion to the character and object of General Murphy's Mission to this T?epublie, contained in Enclosure N"o. 1. T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 'See The Quaeteely, XVI, 316-318. 3?0 Texas State Historical Association On the 5th of January last, I addressed a despatch to Your Lord- ship (No 1 of this years series) enclosing Copy of a letter to Cap- tain Elliot (then in the United States) dated January 2d., in wJjieh I apprized that gentleman of the fact that parties recently ari'ived from the Seat of Government in this Country, entertained the impression that a Eesolution for the Annexation of Texas to the United States, which had been advanced some Stages by Con- gress, would pass the Legislature. I avail myself of the occasion to state that the Spirit of the Eesolution referred to was carried out, and with speed that might well be termed precipitate, by the as- sembled representatives of the Eepublic, ] enclose copy of a letter® from these representatives to Members of the United States Con- gr€S3_, published in the American Newspapers, of whose authenticity I have no doubt, containing an unofficial overture for Annexation. — This letter it will be seen, is dated January 2d of the present year. The Capacity and experience of General Andrew Jackson, for- merly President of the United States, his unquestioned patriotism, and the force of his character give weight to his opinions abroad, as well as at home. On the territorial importance of Texas, he is entitled to speak with the authority of a Man to whom the Subject is familiar. There is historical evidence to show that he was no stranger to the operations for Western aggrandizement which pre- ceded the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States, were sub- sequently revived, and suspended for some years, in consequence of the alarm produced by what has been called "the Conspiracy" of Colonel Burr, I have heard, and I believe truly, that General Jackson, has used all the influence he possesses with the President of this Eepublic, as his old political and Military leader to induce him to aid in accomplishing the Annexation of Texas to the Union. — I take leave, therefore, to enclose extracts from the public prints, indicative of General Jackson's sentiments on the question of An- nexation, even at the risk of submitting to Your Lordship Matter already comm.unicated from superior Sources, to whose functions tlie transmission of intelligence purely political, and the comments that naturally spring from it, are exactly and altogether germane. *A declaration passed by Congress, affirming that Texas earnestly de- sired annexation. The members of Congress Avere tor the moment suspi- cious of Houston's diplomacy. (Smith, The Atmexation of Texas, 161.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 331 Tf I might be permitted to volunteer an observation, respecting General Jackson's estimate of the territorial worth of Texas, I would respectfully remark that he has by no means, overrated tJie value of the Country in a Military point of view. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ELLTOT'' [Enclosure.] Her Majesty's Consulate Copy. Galveston, May 6th. 1844. Sir, The United States', Cutter "Vigilant," arrived at this Port on the evening of the 25th Ultimo, conveying, as the bearer of des- patches requiring quick transmission, a son of General Murphy, Charge d' Affaires of the United States to this Eepublic. I have been assured, from a quarter in which I place reliance, that the "Vigilant" has brought official communication of an arrangement entered into by the Government of the United States and that of Texas, by which the former Stipulates to provide a frontier force, and to station Vessels of War in the Gulf of ]\I(.'xico, for the protection of Texas during the progress of Nego- tiations and Measures preliminary to it's contemplated Annexa- tion to the Federal Union. I have been farther assured that, as a sequel to the preceding arrangement, the intention to send Commissioners to the Mexican Capital, to treat for a pacification, — understood to have been en- tertained by the Texan Executive has been relinquished. I have also been assured that a formal Notification had been transmitted by the Government of the United States to the Government of Mexico, signifying the determination of the former to repel, by active agency, and hostile interference, on the part of the latter, with 1'exas and it's inhabitants, during the time appropriated to the Negotiations and Measures previously mentioned. The party from whom I have derived these assurances is the same who, on the 5th of June last year, furnished me with a Eeport in- dicating the special character and object of General Murphy's Mission to this Eepublic, the details of which Eeport I took instant "F. 0.,, Texas, Vol. 10. 322 Texas State Historical Association occasion to impart to you, officially, and the substantial faithfulness of which subsequent events have but too clearly established. The general accuracy of the information now supplied to me is fully borne out by Statements of fact in the local Newspapers, whether advocates, or opponents of the Executive. I am apprized, likewise, of the corroborative fact that a Con- centration of United States' Troops, has been ordered to be made at Fort Jessup, which on reference to the Map, will be seen to be only some twenty or thirty Miles distant from the Sabine Eiver, that forms part of the North Eastern Boundary line between this Country and the United States. My informant — in whose fidelit}^, judgment and discretion I repose the utmost confidence — states that he has learned — "from a source the most authentic" — that two Regiments of Infantry has been ordered to Fort Jessup. The Americans of Galveston, with but few exceptions, are much elated by the anticipated introduction of Texas into the Circle of Confederated States. So strong is their faith in ''Annexation" that lists are going round for Signature, in support of the Claims of Candidates for office under the Federal Government, Names have been subscribed to two Memorials recommendatory of parties for the Office of Collector of Customs at Galveston, under the impression that the expected change is at hand. By all the European residents who form a considerable proportion of the inhabitants of this place, — the Annexation of Texas to the United States is, I believe, regarded with extreme aversion. If a contrary Sentiment be entertained by any, it is only by the grossly ignorant, or by those, whose character and condition render them indifferent to the future. — The better class of British, and the more stable of the Mercantile Community are disquieted by appre- hensions as to the future, and speculated uneasily on the Silence hitherto maintained by those Powers of Europe who recognized the Republic of Texas, and concluded Treaties with her in the capa- city of an independent State. Captain Elliot. R. N. William Kennedy. Her Britannick Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. To Texas. Care of Her Majesty's Consul, at New Orleans. P. S. May 7th. The United States' War, Steamer "Poinsett" arrived at this British Correspondence Concerning Texas 323 port to day, from Pensacola, and will, it is said, leave tomorrow, w:tb despatches for Vera Cruz. W. K. May 10th. The United States Frigate "Potomac," arrived off Galveston to- day, and sent in her launch. [Endorsed.] Enclosure jSTo 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch No 7, dated 8th May. 1844. ELLIOT TO ABErxDEEK-^" No. 11.^^ New Orleans May 10th. 1S84. My Lord, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's despatches to No. 8 inclusive. The details of the proposed treaty of Annexation between Texas and the United States are now known to Her Majesty's Government, and Your Lordship will no doubt be fully informed as to the probability or otherwise of it's ratification. After the 1st Instant however, failing the arrival of Texian Commissioners in the City of Mexico, that Government is in a situation to renew hostilities, and it seems possible that early steps will be taken to move forces, at least up to those limits, which never formed part of Texas by an territorial division, except the Act of the Texian Congress. It is noticeable that it was proposed in the Congress of Texas, in their early proceedings, to extend their Western frontier to the Pacific. Their present limits in that direction are no doubt a moderate raodification of those wider pretensions, but it does not appear that there is a better title to the line of the Eio Grande carried up to the 42d degree of latitude, than there would have been to the line of the Pacific. At all events by this treaty the Government of the United States has formally taken over from the Texian Plenipotentiaries, the whole Country described to be Texas by the Texian boundary Act; that is, a region of vast extent involving an immense part of New "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. "Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 10, 1844, has not been found. As there is no reference elsewhere to such a Number, it is possible that Elliot by error counted his despatch "Secret" of April 7, as No. 10. 324 Teocas State Historical Association Mexico (it's Capital inclusive) as well as considerable portions of Chichuaha, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. Within the greater part of Avhich territory no Texian Citizen has ever yet been for any purpose of settlement. Mr Tyler, indeed, in his late Message states that the question of limits is open for discussion with Mexico. But the treaty itself is silent upon that point, and therefore if it should be ratified and lead either to a struggle or Negotiations with Mexico, the United States would be setting out from these territorial preten- sions of Texas. The Government of the United States appears to be under some impression that there will be a movement of Mexican forces within the limits of the territory which it is the purpose of this treaty to make part of the domain of the United States, for they have lately strengthened the American force at Fort Jessup on the Texian frontier, and it is also said that a Squadron is shnitly to rendevouz in the Gulf of Mexico. It does not appear to be likely that the treaty will be ratified at present, and I remain of the opinion that it is still in the power of the Government of Mexico to put an eft'ectual end to this long foreseen complication, or to any possibility of it's renewal. But if the policy so often pressed upon Mexico by Her Majesty's Government and other friendly powers, should continue to be rejected, there can be little doubt that these difficulties will soon present themselves again. For whilst there is reason to think that the powerful part of the democratic party in the United States, moved by various motives, will join their politi- cal opponents in resisting the present treaty, it seems equally prob- able that they will at some more convenient moment renew the attempt to secure all that portion of the territory, which it is declared formed part of the Louisiana domain, before the treaty with Spain of 1819, with the consent of Mexico, if it can be pur- chased, without it, if it is refused. It may, I think, be depended ujjon, that if Mexico can be induced to acknowledge the Indepen- dence of Texas, the Government and people would reject any re- newed overtures for annexation to the Xorth American Union. Their recent consent has been less the result of a desire to form part of that Union, than of a belief that the agitation of such British Correspondence Concerning Texas 335 a project would dispose the Government of Mexico to acknowledge their Independence. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" ;^i-o. 13. New Orleans May 30th 1844. My Lord, I have had the honor to receiA^e Your Lordship's despatches to No. 10. inclusive. With the expression of my thanks for the leave of absence I had requested, I have to report that I shall proceed in the course of a fevv days to the Springs in the Mountains of Virginia, and I would take the liberty to suggest that Communications addressed to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at Boston would reach me in four or five days after their arrival at that place. By the way of the river I could repair to New Orleans, and thence to Texas, in tne course of a very short time, and I shall be ready to do so if your Lordship shall deem it necessary to forward me instructions to that effect. I have desired Mr Kennedy to forward any informations to Her Majesty's Government, during my absence, which he may judge to be of interest, — But in view of the state of affairs I have considered it right to direct him not to enter into any Correspondence with the Government of Texas respecting their political relations with the Governments of Her Majesty, or of the United States, or of Mexico, and to confine himself strictly to an unobtrusive and prudent discharge of his Consular duties. I have sealed up the Archives, and placed them in the custody of Her Majesty's Consul at this place, and they are deposited in a fire proof vault. There seems to be a general impression in this part of the United States that there is no prospect of carrying a Measure of annexation, at least during the present Administration. The Right Honorable, Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street ^=r. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 336 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ No 9. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate Galveston May 27tli 1844. My Lord,. T have the honor to transmit herewith Copy of two Communica- tions addressed by Me to Captain Elliot, — one having reference to the hoisting of the National Flag at Galveston — the other advert- ing to the character of the instructions furnished for the discharge of my duties during the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Aifaires. I would respectfully request Your Lordship's Consideration of the question embraced in Enclosure No. 2. In the Copy with which I have been honored of Your Lordship's letter to Mr John Macdougall, dated the 18th Ultimo, it is stated that Captain Elliot is "Compelled, from ill health, to return to Europe, on leave of absence" It appears from Captain Elliot's letter to Me, dated New Orleans, May 20th (twentieth) that he contemplated proceeding to — "Some Northern part of the United States, for the restoration of" (his) "health," — he having — "by the last Mail received per- mission" to do so. ITnder the presumption that Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires will still be found in the United States, I have forwarded the originals of the two enclosures, to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at New Orleans. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^* [Enclosure.] Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate Copy. Galveston May 25th 1844. Sir, On the occasion of your absence at Havanah, in the Month of May last year, not having been favoured with instructions of any kind by you, I followed the example of the local Authorities and the Consuls of foreign Nations, and hoisted a flag at the Consular "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 327 Office, on the Morning of the 24th of that Month, in honor of our Gracious Sovereign's hirth-day. After your return to Galveston, in reply to a Communication which I addressed to you, on the subject, you directed me, by letter, dated 17th June — "jSTever to display the National Flag at all, except in the case of an approach of a force hostile to the Eepublic/' — Whatever my opinions touching the matter might have been, I deemed it my duty to yield implicit obedience to the order, and immediately copied your letter, for future guidance, into the Consular records It having been the custom for the Consuls of other Nations represented here to hoist their flags on all special occasions, the omission on my part to do so became, from time to time, a theme of animadversion, especially among the residents of American birth, the Consuls of whose Nation are furnished with a Flag, as part of their Official outfit, and are instructed to "hoist it every day, in front of the Consular office unless in boisterous, or rainy weather" On the death of Judge Eve, late Minister of the United States to Texas, the flag of Texas and the flags of Bremen, France, and the United States were hoisted half mast high, at the respective Consular offices, and I did not escape censure for omitting what the fellow-Countrymen of the deceased Minister were accustomed to consider a becoming and usual indication of respect. — My in- structions, however, left no doubt as to the course to be pursued by me, and I have continued to abide strictly by your order. In a letter which I received from you on the 15th of December last, on the eve of your departure for New Orleans, you reminded me of your "desire that the National Colours should not be dis- played at (my) residence or office." My reply to this letter, writ- ten on the same day contained the following words : — "While each particular of your directions shall command my most careful at- tention, I would respectfully observe that I duly recorded for my official guidance the instructions with Avhich you favoured me in a letter dated June 17th 1843." Some eight or ten days previous to the 24th of this Month, I was waited upon by the Mayor of Galveston, and the United States Consul at this Port, who, in friendly terms, inquired 328 Texas State Historical Association whether I intended to hoist a Flag on Her Majesty's Birth-day, as they were desirous to unite in demonstrations of respect foi the day. — I told these gentlemen — as in your letter of June 17th you directed me to do, whenever the question should be raised — that you — "disapproved of the practice, because it is not usual for Consuls in Civilized Countries to hoist their National Flags" — Conceiving it possible that inferences not Complimentary to the parties whose object was to honour a day dear to every loyal Subject of the Crown, might be drawn from the bare citation of the pre- scribed reply, I took the liberty of adding such expressions as ap- peared to m.e calculated to obviate such an effect. It not [now?] only remains for me to state that, on Yesterday, being the Anniversary day of Her Majesty's birth, no Consular, or other National Flag, was hoisted in the town of Galveston, — ■ the external Celebration of the happy occasion having been con- fined to the British Merchant Vessels at present in Port. n J- • ii^n- X T> TVT William Kennedy. Captain Elliot, E. N. Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. [Endorsed.] Enclosure. No 1. In Mr. Consul Kennedy's despatch No 9, dated May 27th. 1844. KENNEDY TO ELLIOT^ ^' [Enclosure]. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate Copy. Galveston May 27th. 1844. Sir, I beg to acknowledge your letter of the 20th Instant, in reply to mine of the 6th in which after stating that you have — "by the last Mail, received permission to proceed to some Northern part of the United States, for the restoration of" (your) "health."— You direct me, during your absence, to forward any information to Her Majesty's Government which I may "Consider of interest" — while I am carefully to abstain from — "entering into any cor- respondence with the Government of Texas, upon the subject of their political relations with the Governments of Her Majesty, or of the United States, or of Mexico" — and — "in view of the actual state of affairs" — you are pleased to add — "you cannot too par- "F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 329 ticailarly press upon" (my) "attention. the necessity of confining" (myself) "strictly to an unobtnisive and prudent performance of (my) "duties as Consul at Galveston." It would seem, from the exceptional character of a portion of the preceding instructions, that, during your contemplated absence, I should be warranted in corresponding with the Government of Texas upon Subordinate jMatters; such, for instance, as questions involving the interests of British Subjects, that might arise within my Consular limits, and, in regard to which— from want of proper redress being afforded by the local Authorities, or from any other cause,— I might think that a representation should be made to the Supreme Government of Texas. In reference to all cases of this description, I have hitherto held it to be my duty to make my representation to you, as Her Maj- esty's Charge d' Affaires, that you might take such steps therein as "you might deem expedient, in accordance with the instructions which you might have received from Her Majesty's Government. But now — with your intimation of an undefined term of absence before me— unadvised of your wish to continue official Communi- cation with me during that absence,— unacquainted with your in- tended place of Sojourn— undirected, save by the passages of your letter wliich I have taken leave to quote — I am constrained to say that, should any cas(!S of the class alluded to arise, I shall be perplexed as to the course to be adopted, wishing on the one hand, so to discharge my duties as to escape the reproach of obtrusive- ness, and most reluctant, on the other, to see the interests of my Countrymen suffer for lack of seasonable representation in the proper quarter. It is my immediate impression that it would not be prudent for me to take any steps for which I have not the clearly expressed sanction of Her Majesty's Government, or of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires, and in the various official Communications with which I have been honored as Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston, I am unable to discover any directions exactly applicable to the antici- pated contingency. Under the circumstances herein mentioned, should any incon- venience, or detriment, be occasioned to the public service, or to individual interests, it would appear to be no more than equitable 330 Texas State Historical Association that the measure of m}'- responsibility be in strict proportion to the extent of my delegated powers. In a Communication dated the ISth Ultimo, I requested you to endeavor to obtain for me a Copy of the Laws passed during the last Session of the Texan Congress, in order that I might be enabled to "report to the proper quarter all enactments of conse- quence to our Commerce and Maritime interests" — Not having been favoured with a reply, and unwilling to make a direct applica- tion to the Seat of Government for a duly Certified copy of the Laws in question, I propo,?e to avail myself of a Copy of the Acts, as recently published for general use, — it being desirable that Legislative changes, of the kind referred to, should be reported as early as possible William Kennedy. Captain Elliot, E. N. Her Majesty's Cliarge d' Affaires. [Endorsed.] Enclosure No 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch No 9, dated May 27th. 1844. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 10. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate Galveston May 29th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor, to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's despatch Marked No 1, of this year's series, apprizing me of the appointment of Mr John Macdougall as provisional British Vice Consul at Gialvestoti. and directing me to convey to that Gentleman a letter containing the offer of that appointment, of which letter Your Lordship has been pleased to transmit a copy to myself. I beg to enclose a copy of a Communication which I forwarded to Mr Macdougall, with the letter from Your Lordship tendering to him the appointment of provisional Vice Consul, together with a copy of Mr Macdougall's reply to the same.^^ From the tone of "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. "These letters not transcribed. Macdougall had been recommended by- Elliot for the vice-eonsulship, and appointed by Aberdeen. Kennedy strongly opposed him and accused him of interfering to aid the British slave-traders in Texas, whom Kennedy sought to bring to punishment. Kennedy finally succeeded in preventing Macdougall's acting as vice- consul. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 331 that reply, I must confess my inability to hope from its writer amicable cooperation in the public service. Had my instructions in reference to the matter, permitted any exercise of discretion on my part, I would have deemed it my duty to have held over the Communication to Mr Macdougall until I had put Your Lordship in possession of facts to which I owe it to the service still to invite attention. The Sixth Section of the General Provisions of the Constitution of Texas contains these words : "All free White persons who shall emigrate to this Republic, and who shall, after a residence of six Months, make oath before some competent Authority^ that they intend to reside permanently in the same, and shall swear to support this Constitution, and that they will bear true allegiance to the Eepublic of Texas, shall be entitled to all the privileges of Citizenship." The Ninth Section of the General Provisions contains the follow- ing words : "All persons of Colour who were Slaves for life previous to their emigration to Texas, and who are now held in bondage, shall remain in the like state of servitude — Provided the said Slaves shall be the lona fide property of the persons so holding said Slaves as aforesaid. Congress shall pass no laws to prohibit emigrants from bringing their Slaves into the Eepublic with them, and holding them by the same tenure by which such Slaves were held in the United States. For shall Congress have power to emancipate Slaves : Nor shall any Slaveholder be allowed to eman- cipate his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, without the Consent of Congress, unless he, or she, shall send his, or her. Slave, or Slaves, without the limits of the Republic. ISTo free person of African descent, either in whole or in part, shall be permitted to reside permanently in the Republic without the Consent of Congress" By the laws of Texas, a Slave, or free person of Colour, Convicted of maiming a free White person, incurs the penalty of death, and the immigration of free persons of Colour into the Republic is prohibited, under penalties extending to the forfeiture of freedom. An Act of the Texan Congress sets forth that — It shall not be lawful for any Master of a Vessel, or owner there- of, nor for any other person, or persons, whomsoever, to bring, 332 Texas State Ilistoricat Association import, induce, or aid and assist in the bringing, importing, or inducing any free person of Colour within the limits of Texas, directly or indirectly. — And any person so offending shall be deemed to be guilty of a Misdemeanour, and, on Conviction, shall be fined in a sum of not less than one thousand, nor more than ten thousand dollars. The Constitution from which I have extracted the previously cited provisions, and the Laws enacted under that Constitution, Mr John Macdougall has solemnly bound himself to support, by assuming tlie obligations of Citizenship Mr Macdougall has voted for public officers, and has served as a Juror at Galveston, — the law declaring that "No person who is not a Citizen of the Republic of Texas, shall be capable to serve on a Jury, for the trial of any Cause, Civil, or Criminal." — He is liable to be called upon to join in a Verdict in any Slave Case. He may be summoned to assist in the apprehension of runaway Slaves. He may be required to aid in bringing a British Ship- master under the operation of the law prohibiting the introduction of free persons of Colour, within the limits of the Republic. — Burthened with the obligations of his new Allegiance, can Mr Macdougall be free to fulfil the duties of an Agent representing, however remotely and reflectivelj^, the wishes and Convictions of Her Majesty's Government. Previous to his acceptance of the Office appointment, I thought it but fair to Mr Macdougall — knowing that he has been in the habit of having domestic Slaves, to apprize him that Her Majesty's Government (as appears by Slave Trade Correspondence presented to Parliament by Her Majesty's Command) has pronounced it un- fitting for any Officer, with an Appointment under the British Crown, directly, or indirectly, to hold, or be interested in Slave property, or to employ hired Slaves. It was surely more consistent with order and equity to make this Communication to him before, than after, acceptance of the Appointment I am inclined to think that if Mr Maedougall's convenient no- tions of Allegiance were known to the Government of Texas, he would hardly receive the sanction necessary to enable him to act as the Agent of a Foreign power. — When I was occupied with the Slave trading transactions of Britisli Correspondence Concerning Texas 333 Messrs. Franklancl Jones & Co./^ Mr. Macdoiigall was forward in obtruding the opinion that I ought not to report those very flagi-ant transactions to Her Majesty's Government, intimating, among other reasons of equal weight, that Her Majesty's present advisers were not earnestly determined to use their endeavours for the Suppression of Slavery. In conclusion, I would beg respectfully to submit to Your Lord- ship, that since my arrival at Galveston, while I have abstained from all improper interference with the internal affairs of this Country, I have unhesitatingly and openly carried out the in- structions which I have received relative to the trafSck in Slaves by British Sul)jects, — that, in pursuing this plain course of duty, 1 have experienced no obstruction, or annoyance, except from British Slave-Jiolders, or their ahhetors among their own Countrymen, — that I am fully sensible both these classes of persons have done, and are doing, their utmost to injure me, personally and officially, — that their activity was especially manifest on the occasion of my late siclmess, and that if, in future, I be not better supported than I have been hitherto by the Countenance of British Authority upon the Spot, it seems much less likely that I should put down Slave trading and Slave holding among Her Majesty's Subjects resident here, than that the Slave traders and Slave holders should put down me — at least so far as my power to restrain their illegal practices is concerned. William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN ^^ Private. Her Britannick Majesty's Consulate Galveston May 31st. 1844. My Lord, In accordance with the direction contained in a letter from Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to this Republic, dated New Orleans ^'In 1843 Kennedy attempted to take action against a British firm bringing slaves into Texas, but ^as advised by Elliot (lat-er confirmed by Aberdeen) that no action by him was legally possible. The correspond- ence and documents are in print in British Sessional Papers, 1844, Com- mons. Vol. 49: Slave Trade Correspondence, Class C, Texas. "F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 334 Texas State Historical Association May 30th, I propose to have the honor to Communicate to Your Lordship, from time to time such matters and occurrences within the circle of my observation as appear to be of public interest, or importance In a postscript to my letter of 6th instant, addressed to Captain Elliot, of which I took occasion to transmit a Copy to Your Lord- ship, I noticed the arrival off Galveston, of the United States Frigate "Potomac.'' The "Potomac" bore the Flag of Commodore Conner-" the Officer in Command of the American "Home Squadron," which it is understood, is intended to cruize in the Grulf of Mexico, during the Negotiations for Annexing this Country to the United States. After remaining some days, the Potomac left Galveston, it was said, for Vera Cruz; and has been succeeded by the Sloop of War "Vin- eennes." Three more American Men of War are shortly expected off this Port, and a new War Steamer called the "'Union." The "Poinsett" War Steamer left Galveston for Vera Cruz, about the time indicated in my letter to Captain Elliot of 6th May. It was remarked to me that a Mr Thompson, who was on board the "Poinsett" as bearer of propositions from the Government of the United States to the Government of Mexico, had resided in Texas formerly; and, in the course of the Eevolutionary War, had. been arrested by the Texans, on a charge of treasonable Correspondence with Mexican Authorities. His selection for his present employ- ment was thought to be significant. A ground of suspicions against him, at the period of his arrest, was the rumour that Colonel Almonte, at present Minister from Mexico to the United States, was about to be married to his (Thompson's) daughter. I was lately favoured with visits of inquiry respecting my health by President Houston, and Judge Terrell, the Attorney General of the Eepublic, the President seemed desirous to explain the nature of the preliminary arrangements entered into with the Government of the United States. The Statement he volunteered agreed, in the main points, with the information upon the Subject contained in my previously mentioned letter of 6th of May. — ^"David Conner, in 1844 in command of the United States squadron on the West Indian Station. He was later a leading naval commander dur- ing the Mexican War. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 335 With the addition, as I understood him, that, in case of the faihire of a Treaty of Annexation, the Government of the United States had pledged itself to adopt effective Measures for securing the in- dependence of Texas. He evinced some anxiety to show that the Scheme of Annexation had been prematurely forced upon him, dur- ing last Session of Congress, by a factious Majority, against which he was unable to maintain his ground. That a violent legislative opposition, aided and abetted by the Ministry of the United States in this Country, was arrayed against him, and threatened impeach- ment, is undoubtedly true. The Attorney General separately de- clared that, had the Foreign (European) Ministers been at the seat of Government, to sustain General Houston by their presence against the coercive operations of part}^, he (the President) would not have sanctioned the proceedings then adopted by Congress, for Annexing Texas to the United States. — I may observe that the Attorney General, although a Member of the President's Cabinet, is warmly opposed to Annexation The information from the President would have been more full and explicit had not a sense of duty forbade my putting questions to him on political affairs. Some of his oldest friends now profess to consider him altogether and decidedly in favour of Annexation. It is alleged that, to induce him to promote the project, a powerful party in the United States held out inducements tempting to his political ambition. The Country is at present perfectly tranquil. In Galveston peo- ple seem quietly to await the issue of the Negociations with the United States, and with abated expectations of their success. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABEEDEEN^i Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston June 11th 1844 My Lord, I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship, in a Communica- tion marked "Private" on the 31st Ultimo. Since which time no event of moment has fallen under my notice. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 336 Texas State Historical Association T]ie "Poinsette" IT. S. War Steamer, entered this Harbour, on the 7th Instant, on her way from Vera Cruz to New Orleans, bearing it was said, the refusal of Mexico to entertain the over- tures for "Annexation" made by the United States. She went to Sea again on the following day. The United States Sloop of War, "Vincennes," mentioned in my last, left her Anchorage in Galveston Roads about the first of this Month, but returned in a few days, and was joined by the "Somers," United States Brig of War, on the 5th Instant, To these was speedly added the new War Steamer called the "Union." — On the 9th Instant, the three vessels put to Sea, with the inten- tion, if rumours might be credited, of appearing before Vera Cruz. There has been a petty Indian inroad, attended with some loss of life, at Corpus Christi, which is also threatened by Mexican Marau- ders. The Government of Texas is about to strengthen that fron- tier position, and I have been informed that an American Vice Consul is to be stationed there, with Authority to display the JSTational Flag. Corpus Christi is considered of some importance as a Texan trading post, to which Mexican Contrabandists resort for the pur- pose of Smuggling good[s] across the Rio Grande. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 14. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston. June 14th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a statement of Laws affecting Ship- ping and commerce, passed during the last Session of the Congress of this Republic, which terminated on the 5th of February in the present year.^ I have also the honor to enclose Copy of a Communication from Captain Elliot,^ Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires to Texas, in T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ^^See Gammel, Lmcs of Texas, II, 969, 976, 998, 1017. Kennedy's en- closure summarizing the laws is here omitted. ''Elliot to Kennedy, May 1, 1844, telling the latter to buy copies of Acts of Texas Congress, rather than communicate with the Government of Texas. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 337 answer to mine of the 18th April, of which I deemed it my duty to transmit a Copy to Your Lordship. Captain Elliot's letter, though dated the 1st of May, did not arrive at Galveston until the 3d of the present Month, and it might have been delayed still longer, had not the packet containing it been found at a Steamboat office by my New Orleans Agent. It would be seen by my Correspondence, that, before the receipt of Captain Elliot's letter dated 1st May, I had proposed to avail myself of a Copy of the Acts of the Texan Congress, as "published for general use," for the purpose of reporting "to the proper quar- ter all enactments of consequence to our Commercial and Mari- time Interests." But, while taking this course, I must respectfully take leave to dissent from Captain Elliot's opinion that it was not necessary to make any application to the Government (of Texas) "upon the subject." On the contrary, the examination of the Acts of Congress, previous io drawing up the enclosed Statement, has impressed me still more with the necessity of obtaining, for offi.cial use, a Copy of the Laws the fidelity of which shall have been certified by the Department of State. I have had long experience of the general inaccuracy of docu- ments printed in the United States. The usual causes of this inac- curary exist in a still greater degree in Texas, and there is a pro- portionate Amount of typographical error. Among the published Laws of last Congress, there is, for instance, one entitled "An Act Supplementary to an "Act regulating the Sale of Eunaway Slaves," approved January Fifth 1841." — According to the Statutes for 1841, the original law (which, together with the Supplementary Act, I have transmitted in my "Slave Trade" Correspondence) was approved on the 5th of February, not January, as recently set forth. I might adduce other instances, but this will suffice to show the unreliable character of the printed Acts. In reference to the concluding portion of Captain Elliot's reply to my letter of the 18th April, I would beg to observe that — while very far from presuming to question the expediency of any ar- rangement sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government, it appeared to me that, without any abatement of becoming deference, and in strict accordance with the understood duties of my office, I might respectfully point out whatever public inconvenience arose from a 338 Texas State Historical Association particular arrangement, in order that due provision should be made against the recurrence of such inconvenience. In enacting new laws, or amending old ones, the Legislature of Texas usually provides that the enactments shall come into operation, "from and after the passage of the Act," or "from and after the first day of April," next ensuing. Now, as the Legislative Session, almost invariably closes in the beginning of February, it is certainly de- sirable that timely notice should be given of all changes affecting trade and shipping, for the guidance of Merchants and Ship- owners during the current year. For lack of such notice, as I stated in my letter to Captain Elliot, of 18th April, "Shipments may be made from England to Texas, under the faith of one Tariff, and arrive just in time to be taxed inopportunely, under the provisions of another." It is a fact universally admitted here, and not unfrequently a Subject of Complaint, that the Majority of those chosen to the Congress of Texas are but little skilled in the principles of Com- mercial legislation, and that Mercantile interests are consequently in peril from rash and ill-digested enactments. It was from knowledge of this fact and apprehension of possible results, that — ■ "with a view to the public advantage,'* — I ventured to suggest that — "On occasion of the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires from this Country, during the Legislative Session, it might be expedient to have a proper person, duly authorized, to watch over the proceedings, and to note whatever Measures prom- ised to prove prejudicial, or otherwise, to British interests." William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston. June 18th. 1844. My Lord. Several weeks have elapsed since my attention was called to a Matter of some delicacy, on which I was slow to bestow serious notice, partly from doubts as to the earnestness of alleged Agents, partly from a disposition to repel any overture, or disclosure, that *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 339 might in any degree tend to compromise Her Majesty's Govern- ment through me, and partly from the apparently unwarrantable introduction of the names of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires and the Charge d' Affaires of France to this Country. — Of late, this Matter has been presented to me with such a minuteness of detail and semblance of authority, that, to provide against possible con- tingencies and to relieve myself of an uneasy sense of responsibility, I hold it best to put Your Lordship in possession of the leading facts. Since the return of Colonel Hockley and Mr Williams, the Texan Commissioners appointed to treat for an Armistice with Mexico, they have not only been visited by unpopularity consequent upon an abortive Mission but there has been an ostensible alienation be- tween them and the President of the Eepublic. This alienation has been manifested, on the part of the Commissioners, in com- plaints that, but for the unseasonable action of the Executive in favour of the Annexation of Texas to the United States, their Mission might have proved successful. Occupying the position of thwarted Negotiators, it was natural that they should signify their dissatisfaction with a Measure which virtually divested them of their delegated functions and nullified their endeavours. As was to be expected then they have taken occasion to pronounce an unfavourable opinion of the project of Annexation, more especially the Military Commissioner, Colonel Hockley, whose late Colleague being engaged in Mercantile pursuits, is, therefore, it has been intimated, reluctant to commit himself openly to what the Mass of The population would probably consider an objectionable course. From the free avowals attributed, and I have reason to believe with justice, to Colonel Hockley, it would appear that the ex- Commissioners do not intend to limit their opposition to Annexa- tion to the mere expression of opinion. On the presumption that the Treaty of Annexation may receive the approval of the United States' Congress, they have (I am taught to believe) meditated, and are meditating, the organization of a party, to make a stand against that Measure, even (so at least, the language ascribed to Colonel Hockley seemed to indicate) to the point of armed re- sistance. In support of the general design. Colonel Hockley and one or two of his fellow-Conntrymen and friends alleged that they 340 Texas State Historical Association have the Countenance and Counsel of the now absent representa- tives of Great Britain and France, from the former of whom Mr AViiliams, it is asserted, received encouraging Communications by the Steam-boat "New York," which arrived at Galveston, from I^ew Orleans on the lltli Instant. These Communications, together with others superscribed "Private" and addressed to President Houston, were, it is said, recently despatched from Natchez on the Mississippi by Captain PJlliot, who — had I not been otherwise instructed by Your Lordship's letter to Mr Macdougall of the 18th April, and Captain Elliot's letter to myself, of the 20th May, — I might be led to infer was still sojourning at, or near to, that locality. AMien the Matter under review was first opened to me, in the guise of intelligence, M. de Saligny, Charge d' Affaires of Prance, and Colonel Hockley were described as the parties to an arrange- ment, under whicli the opponents of Annexation, when properly organized, were to invoke the aid of Prance, to uphold them in their efforts to sustain the indepejidence of Texas against the United States. With the progress of events, and for the purpose, it may be, of attracting adherents, the Name of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires was brought forward, as being equally propitious to the design as the representative of France. Finally, it has been stated, that, should the Treaty of Annexation be approved by the Congress of the United States, Colonel Hockley and his Coadjutors will urge forward the prosecution of their plan, — And should the Treaty be rejected. Captain Elliot and M. d* Saligny will expedite their return to Texas, to pursue the Course which circumstances may seem to require — it being understood that President Houston has pleaded their absence from the Seat of Government, during the last Session of Congress, in defence of his yielding to the wishes of the Texan Legislature on the Subject of Annexation. This is an outline of the Communications, that have been made to me, and which are submitted to Your Lordship as conveyed from Creditable sources, and as affording means of explanation in the event of any complication of affairs arising out of the circumstances detailed At a period so critical as the present, it may not be inopportune to assure Your Lordship that I have strictly confined myself to k British Correspondence Concerning Texas 341 the sphere of an observer, limiting the active exercise of forethought to the Condition of British Eesidents who, on the faith of it's In- dependence, have selected Texas as a field of enterprize. I may be permitted to add that, acting solely on my own responsibility, I should certainly be wholly adverse, as a general rule, to any con- nexion with the operations of local party, particularly at the present Juncture. — Nor, without impugning, the respectability and good faith of Colonel Hockley and Mr. Williams, would I be at all in- clined to make an exception in favour of their alleged Movement. That Movement may be judicious in itself, becoming in its Au- thors, patriotic as regards this Country and (what I should appre- hend to be problematical) accompanied by a prospect of Success, — but it is not to be forgotten that Mr Williams and Colonel Hockley are of American birth and education, that the former was, at one time, private secretary to General Andrew Jackson, and, not remotely, a Member of General Houston's Administration, that reconciliation and renewed accord with the latter may not be diffi- cult, when it shall seem expedient, that their project and the ex- ternal sources of reliance are known to other Americans, — that, among a Republican democracy, political secrecy is next to im- possible. — And that, if the contemplated design should transpire through the usual means of publicity, it is sure to be dilated into a Scheme of alarming magnitude, calculated to awaken fresh Jeal- ousies in the United States, respecting British interference, and to serve as a pretext for those who wish to precipitate a war. ^mong the excitable population of the North American Confed- eracy, a small spark may kindle a great flame. In a letter marked "Private," which 1 had the honor to address to Your Lordship on the 31st Ultimo, I mentioned that, to move President Houston to promote the Measure of Annexation, a powerful party in the United States had, it was said, ''lield out inducements tempting to his Ambition." — Those inducements, I am told, were, — the representation of Texas, as Senator in the United States Congress, — the probable leadership of the American Dem- ocratic Party., and the prospect of being started as its Candidate for the Presidency in the year 1848. These propositions would doubtless originate with General Jackson, who, it will be observed, has evinced much dexerity in superseding Mr Van Buren by a 343 Texas State Historical Association Candidate pledged to support Annexation, in the approaching Contest for the Presidency So far as I can learn, or perceive, Texas continues quiet. The trial of Commodore Moore, for disobedience of orders, and other weighty offences charged against him, ia proceeding at the Seat of Government. — The only American Vessel of War at Galveston, Is the Schooner "Flirt," which, with one or two brief intervals of absence, has been lying in the Harbour since October last. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ™^^^"^ ^enne^j. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 14.<' Blue Sulphur Springs, My Lord, Virginia June 23d. 1844. I have the honor to report that I am ready to proceed to my post Avhenever my presence there may seem to Your Lordship to be desirable; and I would add that I have written privately to Mr Pakenham some days since, to say that I shall be prepared to return to Texas at any moment that He may see reason to recom- mend that course. Through the press of this Country I learnt that the treaty of annexation had been rejected by the Senate of the United States, and I also observe that Mr Benton's important legislative measure to the same purpose (however modified, limitarily considered) has been set at rest for the present. But I suppose it may be taken for granted that the subject of annexation will be renewed again in some form, at the next regular Meeting of Congress in the United States, if not at a called Session, and perhaps with more probability of success than has attended the treaty It is not my place, to comment upon the principles of Mr. Benton's Measure, or on the agitating consequences of the continued discussion of this subject in the United States, particularly with these intentions to exclude Slavery from a portion of the Country which He proposes to designate the South Western territory." The heats and serious difficulties, however, which occurred on the introduction of the State of Missouri into this Confederacy will T. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. "Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 13, 1844, was not found. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 343 probably present themselves to Your Lordship's recollection in connexion with this subject, for the questions in several important particulars offer the same reasons for anticipating hardly recon- cilable differences of opinion. The excitement and dangers of the Missouri case were only Turned aside by the final prevalence of a spirit of Compromise, for which there is less room, and still less of temper in the present instance, and at this advanced period of public opinion and ex- perience upon the subject of Slavery. But without dwelling on these points, I certainly cannot think that Mr. Benton's proposition will find favor Avith the Government or people of Texas, either in point of matter or manner. It is to be hoped that the Government of Mexico will prevent a renewal of this Complication, and all the consequences arising from it by the adoption of a sounder policy than they have hitherto pursued, the time for which appears to be rapidly passing away. 1 take the liberty to repeat to Your Lordship that communica- tions to me, addressed to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at Boston, will always reach me withm a few days of their arrival at that point. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Ko. 15, Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, July 8th. 1844. My Lord, I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatch, No 3 of this years series, and beg to tender my grateful acknowledg- ment of your considerate kindness, in granting me the permission it conveys to seek change of air and scene, for the more speedy re-establishment of my health. Being sufficiently restored to attend to my various duties, I do not (in the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires) propose to avail myself of the leave until the beginning of September next, when European Shipping will have ceased for a time to frequent T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 344 Texas State Historical Association this Port; nor, even then, should any exigency render it expedient that I should remain at my post. I were unworthy of the interest in my welfare indicated by Your Lordship's permission, had it not the effect of quickening my anxiety for the efficient and full discharge of the obligations of my official trust, and of lightening the sense of any personal sacrifice which a conscientious estimate of the weight and extent of those obligations might call upon me to make. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 16. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, July 8th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to transmit herewith a Memorial addressed to Your Lordship by British Subjects resident in Texas, having ref- erence to the Measures in agitation for Annexing Texas to the United States. A considerable proportion of the Memorialists are known to me as persons respectable by position and character. They assign as a reason for the comparatively small number of Signatures, that it was deemed inexpedient, placed as the British residents are amidst a preponderating population from the United States, to hold public Meetings, or to make any open demonstration for the purpose of eliciting the opinions of their fellow-Countrymen William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. RUTHVEN AND OTHERS TO ABERDEEN^ [Enclosure] To the Eight Honble. The Earl of Aberdeen Her Britannick Majesty's principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Memorial of the undersigned British residents of the Towns of Galveston and Houston in the Eepublic of Texas Humbly Sheweth : ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. =r. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 345 That,3'our Memorialists, the greater part of them are engaged in Commercial pursuits, selected Texas as a field for their industry and enterprize, under the belief that it would remain an Inde- pendent State, in which Capacity it has been formally recognized by Her Majesty's Govt, and the Governments of France, The United States and Holland. That regarding Texas as Politically Independent and looking forward to a pacification between her and Mexico, as not being remote, Your Memorialists, who in Common with the rest of the population have sufi:ered from the unsettled Condition of Public Affairs are perfectly satisfied to remain in the Country Employed in their several pursuits, Not doubting that the future would in the ordinary Course of events bring them a fair return for Capital and Labour. That, after having been led to entertain hopes of an adjustment between Mexico and Texas being speedily effected, and in a great measure through the friendly Mediation of Her Majesty's Govt acting in accordance with other Powers by whom the Independence of Texas has been recognized, Your Memorialists have learned with Surprize and regret that proceedings have been, and are now in active progress by persons Clothed with Authority for effecting the Annexation of Texas to the United States. That, Your Memorialists while they cannot but view the pro- jected measure of Annexation as wholly inconsistent with the treaty obligations to which Gt Britain and the Eepublic of Texas are mutually covenanting and assenting parties, necessarily Con- template in it the virtual violation of an understood Compact with themselves, as residents in the Country, proposing as the Measure does, to substitute our Govt, for another, and to introduce prin- ciples of Commercial legislation at variance with their Mercantile Interests, and as they believe, with the interests of England and all other Manufacturing Countries of Europe. That being likewise impressed with the Conviction, that the incorporation of Texas with the Federal Union would ultimately give to the United States the power to establish a Monoply of Nortli American Commerce, and transfer to them a complete as- cendency in the Affairs of this Continent. — Your Memorialists humbly hope that Her Majesty's Govt will adopt such Measures as they, in their Wisdom may deem most expedient to bring about 346 Texas State Historical Association an early and honourable Settlement of the difficulties existing be- tween Mexico and Texas and to guard against the accomplishments of any project inconsistent with the Political Independence of the Eepublic and the treaty Stipulations existing between her and Gt. Britain. A. S. Euthven Thos. y. Mortimer Jno. Dickinson Wm. Thomson James Grant A. P. Thompson Wm. Wood John Newland James Smith D. H. McDonald W. N. Lyon H. M. Ganmell William Purviss John Collins, a resident of The County of Houston. W. G. Dyer Eobertin Hannay E. B. Hannay Wm. M. Hudson Angus McKenzie James Denny Henry Bryant A. Waddington G. B. Scott John Scott Wm. C. Byrne Saml. Hyatt David E. Eobertson Charles Daniel Wm. J. Wright Thos. Cooper William Bollant Henry Stephenson J. H. Grieve [Endorsed] In Mr Consul Kennedy's Despatch, dated 8th July. 1844. (No. 16.) KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston July 8th. 1844. My Lord, In a letter marked "Private" which I had the honor to address to Your Lordship on the 18th Ultimo, I observed, that "Among a Eepublican democracy, political secrecy is next to impossible." — A (printed) correspondence herewith enclosed,* between Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires and the Secretary of State of Texas, 'F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. ^A cutting from The Galveston Civilian, June 8, 1844. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 347 affords evidence that this observation is not ill founded. The cor- respondence was published in the Texan Newspapers within about iMo Months from the date of the first of communications which it includes. The rejection of the Treaty of Annexation, by the Senate of the United States, has disappointed the expectations of many in this country, and has from some elicited signs of irritation. A Galveston paper, (the Civilian)^ of Saturday last remarks— "We have not yet had time to see what effect the rejection of the Treaty and other Measures for the Annexation of Texas by the United States Congress, will have upon the minds of the friends of the Measure, in this Country generally, but, in Galveston, as far as we have heard them express themselves, the prevailing opinion seems to be that the question has been closed forever, and that for Texas to entertain it further would be a degradation not to be endured."— As I mentioned in my letter of the 6th May to Captain Elliot (of which I transmitted a Copy to Your Lordship) "the European residents form a considerable proportion of the inhabit- ants of this place." A well informed Correspondent writes to me from New Orleans on the 29th. Ultimo.— "The Subject of Annexation will be taken up again soon, and agitated with redoubled vigour, and not with- out probability of success; provided Texas cannot, in the mean- time, be induced to withdraw her consent." There are Americans, of some influence, at present, on a visit to Galveston, who, while they declare themselves warm supporters of Mr Clay's pretensions to the Presidency, speak of the Annexation of Texas to the United States as an arrangement all but certain. One of these persons, an extensive Merchant of New Orleans, is about to establish a Sugar plantation in this Country, and to remove thither Slaves employed by him on a plantation in Louisiana, on the presumption that Annexation will speedily take place. I enclose an extract from the Government JournaP published at Washington on the Brazos, announcing the arrival there of Officers bearing communications from General Taylor, now in Command of the American troops on the Texan frontier. I also enclose, and place in juxta-position with the preceding, a published °A cutting from The 'National Vindicator, June 29, 1844. 348 Texas State Historical Association letter* from the Legation of tlie United States in Mexico. The Galveston pa]>er, in which this letter appears, states that General Mnrphy has promptly communicated this information to his Gov- ernment; and also that "he has strongly represented to his Gov- ernment the absolute necessity of checking this hostile Movement of Mexico, evidently made with a view of putting an end to all hope of Annexation, and to take vengeance on Texas for favouring any Negotiation on that subject with the United States." In addition to these indications, I notice that the Texan Adminis- tration Journal at Washington intimates — that the late Indian inroads were stimulated and aided by the Mexican Authorities on the Eio Grande. From all the Movements, it would not be un- reasonable to infer, tliat a rase of armed interve^ition ivas in jyrogress. The departure of General Mlirphy, Charge d'Affaires of the United States, will, it is announced, take place in a' few days, his successor having been appointed. — According to the information derived from the private Secretary of the French Charge d'Affaires, M. de Saligny, that gentleman is to arrive at Galveston by the next Steamer from New Orleans. The United States Brig of War '"Somers" arrived off Galveston from Vera Cruz, on the evening of the 30th Ultimo, and sailed, it was said for Pensacola, on the 2d Instant — The Indians have been defeated on the frontier, and the borders are undisturbed at present. — A successor to General Houston in the Presidency of Texas is to be chosen in September, and there are two Candidates in the field. — General Burleson, celebrated as a leader against the Indians, and Mr Anson Jones, who is now in Office as Secretary of State. As yet, the electioneering Campaign proceeds but languidly, — the question of Annexation being para- mount in the Minds of the people. mi -o 1 p Ai, J T- m William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "^ P. S. Persons supposed to be in the confidence of the Texan Government say, — that propositions have been made offering to secure the independence of this Country within Sixty days, pro- vided Mexico be guaranteed against "Annexation," and the Ports of Texas opened to free trade with Great Britain and France. "A cutting from The Galveston News, July 6, 1844. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 349 The same persons also say that General Henderson, the special Envoy from Texas to the United States, has written to Counsel the people of this Country against taking any precipitate step, as llie prospect of accomplishing the Measure of Annexation is still favourable. W. K. ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEX^ Private. White Sulphur Springs Virginia July 10th. 184-1. My I,ord, In a kind private letter from Mr Clay to me, dated on the 2 9th Ultimo, reproaching me for not paying him a visit on my way to these Mountains, he ohserves "My predictions as to the fate of the Texas treaty before the Senate were fully verified, the decision of that body will vindicate the good faith and honor of the U. States" "The Author of the Negotiations has totally failed in the object which unquestionably moved him to open it" (Mr. Clay means here the disunion of the )Vhig party and he goes on to say) "It could not secure him even the nomination of the Democratic Con- vention, nor with the treaty exert any material influence on the existing canvass. I consider the success of the Whig cause is beyond all doubt." It has occurred to me that Your Lordship would be pleased to hear these views, and I hope, therefore, to be excused for this intrusion. Your Lordship will have observed from my despatches that I did not consider it suitable to avail myself of the permission to return to Europe in the condition of affairs which had come about, by the time that it reached me;** neither have I liked to do so till replies to the intelligence of the failure of the treaty shall have reached me, either directly, or through Mr. Pakenham. 'P. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 'Elliot, thouoh recuperating in Virginia, presumably knew by this time (through Pakenham) of the determination to which Aberdeen had come in May, 1844, of preventing the Annexation of Texas. The "IMurphy Memorandum," an outline of a plan by which England, France, and Mexico were to act in concert in prohibiting annexation had been drawn up by Aberdeen and the Mexican minister. Murphy, in London, on May 29, 1844. For text of the memorandum, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 168-169. For paraphrased translation, see Smith, The Annexation of Texas, 389. 350 Texas State Historical Association la the mean time I am glad to find that Mr. Pakenham agrees with me in thinking there is no need for my return to Texas till we shall be further instructed from England. Your Lordship is aware that I am ready for any service that may be charged to me. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston July 29th. 1844. My Lord, In reference to a portion of my letter of the 18th Instant, marked "Private," and addressed to Your Lordship, I beg to com- municate the following information, recently received from Mr Kedmond, an English trader, resident at Corpus Christi. It has been stated by Mr Eedmond, that, in consequence of the unusually formidable character of the late Indian inroads, the residents of Corpus Christi had made urgent application for pro- tection to the Government. The requisite assistance was prom- ised, to enable them to repel any merely Indian incursion, and it was further intimated, by President Houston, to the party deputed to represent their situation, that if they had reason to construe the attempts upon Corpus Christi into a design originating in hostile dispositions on the side of Mexico, arrangements should be made for calling in a protective force from the United States. — Such are the leading points of the Statement furnished by Mr Redmond, who, notwithstanding his anxiety respecting the fate of his property at Corpus Christi, is too much opposed to "An- nexation" to desire the presence of American troops within the limits of this Republic. Captain Galan,^'' a bearer of despatches from the Government of Mexico to the Government of Texas, arrived at Corpus Christi on the 5th Inst. He is still in this Country, the absence of Presi- dent Houston in Eastern Texas having delayed his return to ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. "Mentioned in July, 1843, as a bearer of communications from General Well to President Houston. Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1114, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 351 Matanioros. — I have been informed that the Communications, of which he has been the bearer contain a formal Notice of the ter- mination of the Armistice between Mexico and Texas. The French Brig of War "Griffon," arrived off Galveston on the 17th Instant, some of her officers visited the town. — On the 21st Instant, the Brig went to sea again. The Charge d' Affaires of France is still absent. The United States War Schooner "Flirt," sailed from Galveston on the 22d Instant. The officer in Command alleged that he had delayed her departure for the purpose of ascertaining the object of the "Griffon's" visit, and watching her movements. General Murphy, late Charge d' Affaires from the United States died in Galveston on the night of the 13th Instant, and was buried on the 13th. In compliance with the wishes of the provisional representative of the United States Government in this Republic. I attended the funeral as a pall-bearer. This is the third Ameri- can Minister Avho has died in Texas within the last four years. The project of placing a Consular Officer of the United States at Corpus Christi (mentioned in my "Private" letter to Your Lordship of June 11th) was favoured by General Murphy, and may, perhaps, with his decease, for the present pass away. On Friday, the 26th Instant, General T. A. Howard, tlie newly- appointed Charge d' Affaires from the United States to Texas, arrived here from New Orleans, by the Texan, Merchant brig "Eover." — I called upon General Howard, and was told that, ap- prehensive of his health, he had left the town, and had proceeded some Miles down the Island, where he intended to remain for a short time, — until, it is probable, the sickness now prevailing had abated. The sickness prevalent has been pronounced Yellow Fever by Medical authority. It was — there is no room to doubt — brought to Galveston from Vera Cruz, by the United States War Steamer "Poinsett," when she entered this Harbour on the 7th of June, as reported in my "private" letter to Your Lordship of the 11th of that Month. Part of her crew were attacked by the disease at Vera Cruz, and some of them still suffering under it, were landed here — there being, as yet, no Quarantine Eegulations for this Port. The result has been disastrous — There have been many deaths, and I have heard a Medical estimate that one out of every ten of the .35"? Texas Slate Historical Association whole population has been stricken by fever. The United States Consul for Galveston, — who — some fourteen days ago attended with me the funeral of the late American Minister, expired ac 6 o'clock on yesterday morning, and in the evening of the same day I followed his remains to the grave. There are three British Merchant Vessels in Harbour, and sick- ness has pressed severely on their crews. The Master of one, and the carpenter of another have died. Medical attendance is very expensive, and Nurses for the sick are difficult to be procured. For about twelve day's Medical attendance. Medicine, etc., during my illness, in the early part of the year, I had to pay above Sixty five pounds Sterling. — It might be well if Consuls, under sucli circumstances, were authorized to Contract for attendance on British ships. With the exception of a female servant, all in my house have hitherto escaped the existing fever. Anxious, as I am, to leave no arrear in my official books, to lay a good foundation for the future conduct of the business of this Consulate, and to note the progress of events, at this seemingly critical period, I have, for the present, relinquished the idea of fixing any specific time for recruiting my strength at a distance from my post. I propose, therefore, to continue this correspondence, until otherwise directed, during the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires. The Steamers that ply annually between Galveston and New Orleans, have withdrawn from the station, for the Season of Southern-Sultriness and inactivity. I cannot in consequence, cal- culate on possessing the means of transmitting intelligence from, this place with equal regularity as heretofore. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. General Howard, the recently arrived Minister from the United States, has sent me a card, in return to mine by the Hanseatic Consul at this Port, — with expressions of regret, at his inability to return my call, in consequence of being obliged to leave Galveston by Steam-boat today for Houston, on his way to the seat of Government. W. K. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 353 KENNEDY TO BIDWELL^ No. 19. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston July 29th. 1844. Sir, In accordance with the Instructions issued to Her Majesty's Consuls, I have to report the appearance of a disease at Galveston which Medical Authority has pronounced to be Yellow Fever. There are as yet no Quarantine Eegulations at this Port, and there is every reason to believe that the disease was introduced by the United States War Steamer "Poinsett," when she touched here last month, on her voyage from Vera Cruz homewards. There are three British Merchant Vessels in Port, which have been visited by the Fever. The Master of one and the Carpenter of another have died, but all the Sick on board these ships, or belonging to them, now — I am happy to say — appear to be in a fair way of recovery. — It is the "Victoria" of Poole, (from Liver- pool) that has lost the Master, who exposed himself — most im- prudently — to the Sun in an open boat. William Kennedy. John Bidwell Esqr. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Separate. Washington August 13th 1844. My Lord, I would beg to mention to Your Lordship that I have taken the opportunity of my stay in this part of the Country to pay my respects to Mr. Pakenham, and to renew to him the expression of my readiness to set out for my post at any moment that my pres- ence there may be considered desirable. If however there should be no need for my immediate return, I will request Your Lordship to sanction my continued absence till the beginning of the Month of ISTovember. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 2F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 354 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston August 14th. 1844. My Lord, General Howard, the new American Charge d' Affaires, has reached the seat of Government, and presented his credentials. It was his intention, when he left Galveston, to remain at Wash- ington on the Brazos, for the transaction of business. It is said that he is directed to apply for an extension of the time for the completion of the arrangements incidental to the Treaty of An- nexation. The additional term, mentioned is three Months. In return (it may be supposed) for this Concession, he has, it is alleged, repeated to President Houston the assurance that the land and naval forces of the United States will be ready to assist Texas, in the event of a Mexican invasion. I have had letters from British Traders in Western Texas, ex- pressing strong apprehensions of the early outbreak of hostilities between Mexico and. Texas. — Some have applied for passports, to protect themselves and their property. There is hardly a symp- tom of preparation here to repel an invasion, should the threats of Mexico assume a practical form. There has been no further inroad at Corpus Christi. The farmers are quietly watching the progress of their Crops Avhich promise to be most abundant. A Mexican invasion will greatly facilitate the designs of the United States, and will go a good way towards placing the settle- ment of the affairs of this Country beyond the reach of diplomacy. Now that the Yellow Fever is among us, people cease to antici- pate the return of the Ministers of England and France until winter. — The United States will, as heretofore, have the field to themselves, but I shall use my best endeavours to keep Your Lord- ship apprized of the course of events. — Mr. Pakenham is desirous of information, and to him, also, I shall continue to communicate every fact worth noting that comes to my knowledge. Captain Galan, the Mexican bearer of despatches, mentioned in my "private" letter to Your Lordship of July 29th has returned home, The Collector of Customs at Galveston gives President Houston's authority for the Statement that he (the President) "F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 355 has received, by Galan, a private letter from General Santa Ana, inviting the reopening of Negotiations tor peace. — Whether or not this Statement has been put forward to influence the approaching elections, I am unable to say. That it should be promulgated with that object is probable enough. — Political finesse is as well under- stood and as unscrupulously practised in this unfledged Eepublic, as in the hoary despotisms of remotest Asia. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. August 16th. According to recent arrivals from Corpus Christi, there is no appearance of an invading force on the Eio Grande. W. K. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, August 34th 1844. My Lord, In a communication marked "Private" and dated 29th Ultimo, I had the honor to inform Your Lordship of the arrival of General Howard, Charge d' Affaires from the United States to Texas, and of his departure, on that day, for the Seat of Government, where he arrived on the 3d Instant. On the 13th Instant, General Howard was attacked by fever, and on the 16th he died, — the fourth representative of the United States that has died in Texas, out of five that have been appointed since the recognition of it's independence by the American gov- ernment. The deceased gentleman was in the prime of vigorous life, and his appointment appeared to have given great satisfaction to the Texan Government — as he had been long on terms of friendly communication with President Houston, and, as I am told, with General Andrew Jackson. The acting Consul of the United States at Galveston has em- ployed a small Coasting Vessel to convey to ISTew Orleans the mel- ancholy intelligence of General Howard's death, and I avail my- self of the opportunity to transmit this letter, which is accom- panied by one of greater detail to Mr Pakenham. ^F. O., Texas, Vol. 10. 356 Texas State Historical Association The Yellow Fever has carried off a tenth part of the population of Galveston, and local experience leads to the expectation that there will be a continuance of sickness until November. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ No. 21. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston. September 9th. 1844. My Lord, When I entered upon the duties of my office, I had in contem- plation to include in my reports to Her Majesty's Government occasional Notices of the emigration to this Country, with especial reference to that portion of it, which might emanate from the United Kingdom. Of Europeans, however, the whole Number introduced into Texas since the beginning of the Year 1843 (ow- ing probably to the unadjusted relations between Mexico and this Eepublic) has not been so considerable as to afford much Material for suggestion, or remark. It has, at the same time, been large enough to show that persons intending to voyage hither across the Atlantic require to be furnished with some preparatory Counsel. In years preceding 1843, several vessels fitted up for and convey- ing British Emigrants arrived at Galveston, but, from the com- mencement of that year to the present time, no ship containing a dozen of BritisGi families has entered this Port. Nearly all the European emigrants within the latter period — which may amount to between six and seven hundred — have been supplied by France and Germany. Among the European Settlers, the Germans have the reputation of being the most successful. They are generally laborious, per- severing and eager to accumulate — orderly for the most part — and they keep well together. They have formed thriving Com- munities at different points of the interior, and they constitute a considerable proportion of the trading and working population of the towns adjacent to the Coast. In common with the French, they become Market-gardeners. And they divide with the Irish the profits of drayage and cartage, which are pretty large during the business season. T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 357 The Irish settlers in Galveston are, with few exceptions, Cath- olics, and have the benefit of an excellent superintendent and adviser in the Bishop of that faith, M. Odin. — They conduct them- selves quietly as a class, and seem healthy, contented and well- doing. Those who are married and residents of two or three years' standing, usually have an independent house and lot^ — their own horse and dray, and frequently one or more Cows. The wives of the poorer sort assist in washing and housework. Of the European immigrants, the French evince the least apti- tude for the situation in which they are placed. They require to be moved in Companies, and led, directed and superintended, until they feel at home upon the soil. — A Frenchman left to himself in an insulated Settlement, will soon become barbarized. It is greatly to be wished that all the Europeans who may emigrate to Texas should be instructed, previously to taking the final step, respecting the arrangements proper to be made, — ^the provision necessary to smooth their way to success — the nature and extent of unavoidable inconveniences, hardships or priva- tions — the amount of present sacrifice and prospective advan- tage — the road to be pursued and the snares to be avoided. For lack of honest guidance and correct information, persons laud- ably desirous of improving their condition have been thrown upon these Shores only to encounter disappointment and despondency — ■ to learn, all too late, from sad experience, how little the sufferings of their fellows deter men from practising upon ignorance and credulity for the sake of gain. I have noted the following causes of disappointment and dis- tress among the European im.migrants: 1. Purchase of Spurious land titles from unprincipled ad- venturers. 2. Emigration at an advanced age and with debilitated Con- stitutions. 3. Arrival here at an improper season of the Year. 4. Selection of Settlement in unhealthy Situations, and ex- posure to the Sun. 5. Vfant of capital. It is most extraordinary that people can be so foolish as to pur- chase titles to land in a Country they never saw, from individ- uals of whom they know nothing, and for whose good faith, they 358 Texas State Historical Association have no satisfactory guarantee. Such has heen the case, however, and British Settlers have repeatedly complained of having been cheated by vendors of Texas land titles in England, which titles they found to be utterly worthless when they came to enter upon possession. On this point it may be generally laid down that in- sulated families ought to abstain from the purchase of lands until they arrive in Texas. Under no circumstance, should a foreign holder of land titles be treated with, unless he be prepared to shew, by unquestionable British references, that his titles are gen- uine, and that he is deserving of trust. Even when Emigrants reach this Country it is requisite that they should proceed with caution and circumspection. They ought to Imsband their means, and after carefully examining in what section of the Eepublic they are most likely to find the soil best suited to European farm- ing, united to the advantages of a Market for produce and the retention of health, they ought to journey thither, and, after due deliberation, clioose their ground, having a vigilant eye to the validity of the title, lest, at the very outset, they fall into the abyss of litigation. The vast extent of unoccupied land precludes the necessity of a precipitate choice. — Immigrants, if they think proper, may remain a year without fixing upon a permanent set- tlement, as now, and for some time to come, the use of tillage and pasture land may be had, rent free, for that or a still longer period. It is needless to expatiate on the unfitness of the old and the feeble for distant Colonization. Without adverting to other con- siderations, the climate of the South, however, genial and salu- brious in certain localities, must, from it's very novelty, be more or less trying to weakness and age. The habits of previous life ought, besides, to sit lightly on the immigrant, to enable him to adapt himself to a sphere of action entirely new — demanding al- tered modes of labour, variations in food and clothing, and pre- cautions for the preservation of health, which are too apt to be regarded by the inexperienced as unnecessary restraints. Allowing the amplest latitude consistent with prudence, the season of Shipment from Europe, for parties intending to culti- vate land in Texas, lies between the first of Augaist and the first of February. Persons who look forward to constructing dwellings and putting in a seasonable Crop, ough[t] not, in justice to them- selves, or to the Countrv, to arrive here later than November. — British Correspondence Concerning Texas 359 The earlier the}^ are on the spot, in that Month the better. From the first of November to the first of June, there is no danger, with ordinary care, of suffering from local diseases, while the "colds,'' so productive of indisposition during the English winter, are unknown. The interval between JSTovember and Summer is calculated to strengthen the fortitude of the stranger, to prepare him for tlie Season of continuous heat, — to initiate him in the Maxims and usages of the older residents and to make him prac- tically acquainted with the most approved plants of house-keeping and husbandry. The immigrant who lands at Galveston between the first of June and the first of October, perils his health and wastes his resources. The Brig "Weser" from Bremen, entered this port on the 4th of last July, having Ninety-six emigrants on board. The Yellow Fever, introduced from Vera Cruz by the United States' War Steamer "Poinsett," had attacked the inhabi- tants of the town. — Huddled up wherever they could procure lodging, and destitute of suitable attendance, which local charity was unable to provide, a large proportion of the newly-arrived emigrants died of the disease — an expenditure of human life wholy gratuitous — the result of ignorance and misdirection. The selection of a healthy Situation for Settlement is a point of primary importance, inattention to which has been followed by calamitous consequences. Immigrants shrewed enough in worldly Matters, but unac- quainted with a Southern soil and climate, and the incidents of Settlement, so well known on this side of the Atlantic, are apt to be tempted by the opportunity of buying, for a comp)aratively trifling amount of Money, lands lying on, or near, the borders of . a Navigable river. Now, these lands may be really cheap, — even in this land-abounding Country — their fertility may not have been exaggerated, their pasturage may be unlimited, the wood un- failing — they may offer a most desirable investment for the planter of sugar and cotton — but, to the unacclimated European, their occupation is always perilous and often fatal. Swollen by the Autumn and AVinter rains, they overflow their banks — a large ex- panse of the exuberant alluvion becomes the bed of their redundant waters, which receive constant accessions of rank and decaying vegetation — exhalations arise from the Marshy surface — "inter- mittents," by repeated assaults, wear down the frame, or the rapid 360 Texas State Historical Association march of Congestive fever subdues the powers of life. — These are the dangers — not all unknown in the Northern divisions of this Continent — which beset the European who piles his log-house on the Margin of a forest-girdled and periodically overflowing river of the South, Many a foreign settler, in the United States, as well as in Texas, in choosing such an abiding-place, has doomed himself to an early grave. Caution is too often given in vain to persons unacquainted with the effects of careless exposure to the Summer Sun. It is a fre- quent cause of sickness, for which, as for disease induced by in- temperance, the sufferer has himself to blame. Cultivation, drainage, and the clearing of the woods, will doubt- less operate favourably on the districts unfriendly to the European Constitution, but this is of no moment to the immigrant, who, leaving these lands to the cultivators of tropical products, can find others far better suited to his native husbandry, in Sections of the Eepublic of proved salubrity. — ^With the exception of Gal- A^eston. Island, and the more open and elevated tracts bordering the Bay of the same name, Europeans, as a general rule, ought not to settle, within one hundred and fifty Miles of the Coast, from the river Sabine to the river Colorado. But, in no part of the Country lying between those two rivers (although not a few of them are already resident there) would I recommend my Coun- trymen to establish themselves as agriculturists. The West is free from debilitating influences, and they should move Westward as far as a prudent regard to safety from frontier troubles and annoyances will justify. From the river Colorado to the Nueces, the insalubrity of the Coast rapidly decreases, until it disappears altogether at Corpus Christi. The Irish Colony, planted on the Nueces in 1832, was both healthy and prosperous until broken up by the revolutionary War. Wherever the British immigrants may resolve to abide, they ought to bear in mind that the sward they turn up has not been cultivated before, that the sim in Texas shines with Southern fer- vour, and that, if they are protected from the effects of their com- bined influence, they have little to apprehend on the score of health. Every climate has some draw back — the North has its pulmonary complaints and the South its bilious fevers. Notwithstanding the low price of land, the farmer requires British Correspondence Concerning Texas 361 capital, and he will have much to struggle against unless he has sufficient to enable him to fence, stock and crop his land, and to maintain himself until the soil renders its first return — If frugal and industrious, and seconded by what Americans might call an "available" famil)^, he may venture to start upon two hundred pounds, but double that amount would not be too much for pre- paratory outlay and incidental wants. A great saving is effected, and an inspirating impulse communicated to the Settler's en- deavours, in consequence of the abundance of open land, fit for tillage, and the free range for stock, which may be enjoyed for years. The expense of clearing the forest is a burden from which the Texas husbandman escapes. By the richness of the thickly- timbered river '^Haottoms" the planter is attracted, and there he lays out this fields for the growth of sugar, and cotton. Farmers possessing the necessary capital, intelligence and energy are the only class to which Texas, as She is, offers the prospect of advantageous settlement. A small annual supply of Mechanics will, for some time, be sufficient for the demand; — the same may be said of Agricultural labourers, unless they [are] attached to farming capitalists. The towns will absorb a limited number of useful domestic servants, at good wages. A mere subsistence can easily be obtained by any person capable of manual labour, and not wholly indisposed to exertion. In addition to all other considerations, the individual who pro- poses to emigrate ought not only to examine whether the Country to which he thinks of removing is fitted for him, but whether he is fitted for the Country, and for the condition of a Colonist. — If he is unable to endure what, in older communities, would be deemed privations — if he be wanting in Moral courage^ — if he cannot look hopefully to the future, under temporary discourage- ment — he ought not to enter upon the life of a Settler in the wilderness, however fair and fruitful that wilderness may be. The sufferings to which emigrants from Continental Europe have been needlessly subjected induces me to observe that it would be a worthy and becoming service if their respective Governments would supplv their emigrating people with means of precise and accurate information, protect them from fraudulent speculators, and keep them paternally in view until they had made a lodg- ment on their adopted soil. Blighted expectation, sickness and 362 Texas Siaie Historical Association bereavement by death ai'e ]lea^7 and hard to bear among the friends and associations of home, but their pressure is increased a thousand fold when they are sustained among the unfamiliar faces and unwonted scenes of an alien land. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, 1\, T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, September 9th 1844. My Lord, I had the honor to address a letter marked "Private" to Your Lordship on the 24th Ultimo, conveying intelligence of the death of General Howard, the United States' Charge d' Affaires in Texas. — This letter I despatched by a small Coasting-vessel, and am obliged to send the present by a conveyance to N'ew Orleans. I beg leave to enclose, as published in the Government Journal at Washington,'^ a copy of a Manifesto transmitted by the Mexican Oeneral Woll, to President Houston, with a Copy of the Presi- dent's Peply. President Houston left the Seat of Government for Eastern Texas, on the 7th Ultimo, and was expected by the 17th to reach Sabine, which is distant some thirty or forty Miles from the en- campment of the United States' troops at Fort Jessup. Public attention is fixed upon the Presidential election, which commenced and terminated on the 2nd Instant. It would ap- pear, by the returns received up to the present date, that the election has gone in favour of Mr Anson Jones, the present Sec- retary of State. The Court Martial appointed to try Commodore Moore closed on the 23rd Ultimo, but its decision has not yet been made public. Persons in the employment of the Texan Government, and generally acquainted with its proceedings allege that the United States will continue to protect Texas from Mexican invasion until the 4th of next March, when President Tyler's present tenure of Office will expire. There is but a trifling difference between this T. O., Texas, Vol. 10. ''The National Vindicator (date missing). British Correspondence Concerning Texas 363 alleged term of protection and that I mentioned to Your Lord- ship, in my "Private" letter of August 14th. According to the last accounts from the South Western fron- tier_, there is no indication either of inroad, or invasion, on the side of Mexico. The Texan Government seems to be quite confi- dent in its means of repulsion, should it he necessary to call them forth. I had a letter lately from the Attorney General of this Eepub- lic, who, under the impression that the state of my health might call me to England this Autumn, expressed a desire to travel with me, having obtained the President's sanction for his proposed ab- sence. He assigns the following, among other reasons, for wish- ing to accompany me in the event of my returning home. "Yon are well aware of the fact that 1 have, from the begin- ning, been most decidedly opposed to the Annexation of Texas to the United States. It is my first object to defeat, if possible, the consummation of this most obnoxious Measure, so decidedly hos- tile, as I conceive it to be, and fraught with such evil conse- quences to the ultim^ate prosperity and high destiny of this Coun- try. From Your official connexion with the Ministry, you can render me important assistance in this Matter, and if I am suc- cessful in the accomplishment of this great result, I shall deem it the proudest period of my life" I have always found Mr Terrell (the Attorney General) con- sistent in regard to x4.nnexation. In my reply to him, I stated that I did not intend leaving Texas during the present year, but that he might command my services for the exposition of his views. His health, whieh is much impaired, is the immediate plea for travel. — He enjoins me to be silent as to his communication, in this question — saying — "I do not wish any person beyond the Cab- inet to know any thing of my going, and more especially of my business." — lie was to be ready for his departure "any time after the 20th of September" (the present Month). — I have heard noth- ing farther since the transmission of my reply. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 364 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galvnston, September 23rd. 1844- My Lord, In a letter which I had the honor to address to Your Lord' ship, on the 8th day of May last, I conununicatea xhe following information. "I have heard, and I believe truly, that General Jackson has used all the influence which he possesses with the President of this Republic, as his old political and Military leader, to induce him to aid in accomplishing the Annexation of Texas to the Union." That I did not err in giving credit to this Statement will be seen by the enclosed printed Copy- of a "Private" letter, ad- dressed, on the 16th of February last, by President Houston to General Andrew Jackson. A small portion of this letter appeared eome time ago in the ISTewspapers of the United States. The whole has been recently published in slk Administration Journal of Eastern Texas, for the purpose, T believe, of promoting the election to the Presidency of Mr Anson Jones, by showing that the Government of which he is a Member is in favour of Annex- ation Eastern Texas contains a large majority of the popula- tion, and the bent of the public mind, in regard to the pre- dominant question of the day may- be inferred from the motive assigned for this epistolary development. A lately published letter ot Mr Clay's seems to indicate that he has found it necessary to modify his declared opinions on the subject of Annexation. It is impossible that a people so shrewd, so land-loving and so anticipatory, as are the people of the United States, can fail to perceive the advantages that would accrue to them from the acquisition of Texas. The longer the settlement of Texan affairs is delayed, the more fixed and g'eneral will be their conviction of these advantages. Whatever professions may De put forth by American Statesmen of the East, or the West, the North, or the South, it ought not to be forgotten that, for forty ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 'A cutting from The Galveston Civilian, September 11, 1844. Hous- ton's letter is calendared ^y Garr'son as printed in U, S. Pub. Docs., 444, Doc. 2H, p. 110. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 365 years, the heads of each party have laboured in turn to extend the South-Western flank of the Republic towards the Rio Grande. It is a Stake worth playing for, and, in the estimation of Gen- eral Jackson, even at the cost of War. Representations of the probability of Mexican invasion have brought to this Port the United States Cutter "Woodbury" previ- ously employed in the revenue department, but, at the present, commissioned for service here. The "Woodbury" arrived in Gal- veston Harbour on the morning of the 20th Instant, and will, it is said, remain until relieved by another vessel. After reporting the Cutter's arrival, a local jSTewspaper adds : "We also learn that there are two Schooners, a Steamer, and a Sloop of War lying in the Port of Pensacola, expecting daily to receive orders to sail for the Coast of Texas and Mexico." It appears by the Texan papers that combinations injurious to the public peace have, under the names of "Regulators" and "Moderators," disturbed some districts on the North-Eastern frontier. It apppears, also, that the authorities have, without difSculty, broken up these Combinations, and I only notice the matter because of the comparatively large Militia force (amount- ing to above Six hundred men) alleged to have been engaged in their suppression. This force was concentrated at a place called "Shelbyville," close to the United States boundary line, and dis- tant about two days' March from Port Jessup. Had the project of Annexation been favourable to the interests of the traders resident at Corpus Christi, I have good grounds for apprehending that United States' troops would, before this time, have been camped on the Texan territor}^ If I have not been misinformed, it was suggested to the traders that, if they would manage to "get up" a pretext for their presence, they would soon be forthcoming. I have been told that, after the failure of the Treaty of An- nexation in the Senate of the United States' Congress, General Henderson, the Special Minister of this Republic at Washington, recommended President Tyler to take Military possession of Texas. This has been conveyed to me from a usually well-inforaied source. General Henderson is at present in Eastern Texas, where he resides. 36G Texas State Historical Association On the 20tli Instant, Commodore Moore attended a public dinner in Galveston, in full uniform, from which and the current reports, the fact of his acquittal by the Court Martial may be assumed. The sentence will not be made public until the Meet- ing of Congress. The death of General Howard has left this Country without a representative of any Foreign Power. A Mr Barton of Louisiana, is mentioned as the probable successor of the late Charge d' Affaires of the United States. The "Neiv Orleans Republican" — (an Administration Journal) recommends the selection of Mr Barton for a Mission "the importance of which cannot be under- rated by any Citizen of the United States," — because, "it is pe- culiarly fit that the Minister who will be called upon to vindicate the rights of this Section of the Union, by watching and frustrat- ing English Abolitionism, should be one identified with Southern interests." Although some returns are still wanting from the outlying Counties on Eed River, it is admitted on all sides, that Mr Anson Jones has been elected to the Presidency, and by a considerable Majority. — Should the Country again retain its independence, persons supposed to have an early knowledge of these Matters say that General Houston will reappear as a candidate for the Presidential Office, after Mr Jones has served his time. Mr Jones owes his election to Houston's influence, and to the impres- sion, which he has himself countenanced, that he will follow in his (Houston's) footsteps. The sultry season, which, this year, commenced in May, and of which even the Southern born have complained, as being un- usually oppressive, is at an end, and the relaxed European frame derives renewed vigour from ihe bracing Northern breezes. The earth has been prodigal of its returns to the farmer, — want is a stranger to the resident population, and nothing is required but peace — assured and unshalcen peace — to make "the wilderness blossom like the rose." „,„,.., , -r- m William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. By a letter from Paris. I learn that Mr. x\shbel Smith has announced his intention to return to Texas next Spring. — A Paris paper — "La Siftch" — speculates upon Texas being placed British Correspondence Concermng Texas 367 under the "protection" of France, as an arrangement to be de- sired.— The point has been noticed by a ^qvt Orleans paper. September 26th. The Steam Schooner for New Orleans, with characteristic reg- ularity still lingers in Port. About ten days ago, President Houston was on his way from Eastern Texas to the Seat of Government. At the Public Dinner given in Galveston, a few days ago, to Commodore Moore, the Second Toast from the Chair was.— The Annexation of Texas to the United States. George Bancroft, the able historian of the United States, and at present a Candidate for the office of Governor of the State Massaclmssetts, has published a letter in advocacy of Annexation, which has been warmly applauded by part of the' Galveston Press' W. K. KENNEDY TO ADDINGTON^ Separate. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, September 24th. 1844 Sir, I hav-e the honor to enclose a letter addressed to. His Royal Highness, Prince Albert,* and sent to me for transmission by M. Bourgeau d' Orvanne,^ who accompanied the Prince of Soims,« on his visit to this Country. M. d' Orvanne, has thought proper to oifer explanations ^dth- regard to certain engagements to which he is a party, which ex- planations he appears to consider due to Her Majesty's Govern- ment.— I, therefore, take leave to submit herewith "a Copy of the Communication addressed to me by that gentleman, merely 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ^Not found. ^Bourgeois d' Orvanne, a French migration agent, who was lar^^elv in- struinental m forwarding German emigration to Texas. He appears fre- quently m Texan -correspondence with France, and with the Hanse Towns Garrison Dvplomahc Correspondence of the ReptMic of Te^as III Tn Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 190S, II. " ' "An active promoter of German emigration to Texas. He also held the Tea, TT ''^ "^ Braunfels and founded the town of NewBaunfes! In uncle of'^'o ' ' v^-'^ °^ ''". ^"^'^^'^ ^"^^ ^^ Cumberland who was an uncle of Queen Victoria and m 1844 King of Hanover. Garrison, 368 Texas State Historical Association premising that of liis arrangements, or affairs, I know nothing beyond the fact that, two or three years ago, he obtained a Con- ditional grant of land, for Colonizing from the Government of Texas — I had a similar grant — as you Sir, will doubtless remem- ber — but my subsequent appointment as Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston, led me to doubt the expediency of acting upon it. Well acquainted with the jealous disposition of the North Ameri- can Republicans, and not ignorant that the best intentions afford no sure protection from interested, or malicious misrepresentation, I decided on relinquishing my interest in the grant, which I did, — retaining no share of its advantages, direct or indirect. Subsequent observation has satisfied me that this decision was the more convenient one for the public service. Mr Cla;y, in his letter on the Texan question, dated 17th of April last, has de- clared that he would regard it as the imperative duty of the Gov- ernment of the United States to prevent, if necessary by an ap- peal to arms, the Colonizing of Texas by any European Nation. Without presuming to weigh the intrinsic justice, or practical efficacy of this declaration, I could not but perceive that, by a very slight exercise of perverted ingenuity and bold asseveration, an excitable people might be brought to believe that the private enterprize of a foreign Agent had originated in the "Ambitious designs" of the Country to which he belonged. The never-ending clamour respecting "British influence" and "interferance," which is heard in this part of the world, mnst be my apology for travelling into personal details William Kennedy. Henry U. Addington, Esq. P. S. The Prince of Solms has accompanied President Houston to a place appointed for arranging a Treaty with the Comanche Indians. W. K. ORVANNE TO KENNEDY^ [Enclosure] San Antonio de Bexar. Copy. 30th. August 1844. Dear Sir. It is painful to inform you of a fact as unexpected as extra- T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concermng Texas 369 ordinary. The German Association forgetting the Conditions of the Contract entered into between themselves and me, which bound us together, has violated the Condition of our joint obligation. I would not give you this notice, if, in soliciting the favour of the English Government, I had not taken on myself the respon- sibility of all the acts of the Association. Now, I am compelled to decline this same responsibility "Signed" A. S. Borgeau d' Orvanne. P. S. Be pleased to forward the enclosed letter to His Eoyal High- ness Prince Albert. [Endorsed.] In Mr Consul Kennedy's letter to Mr. Under Sec- retary Addington, marked "Separate" and dated Septr 24th. 1844. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN'^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. ,, ^ -, Galveston, September 30th. 1844. My Lord, ' ^ Information has been conveyed, by a private channel, from the Seat of Government, that the Attorney General (Mr Terrell) of whom I wrote to Your Lordship on the 9th Instant, is nominated to succeed Mr Ashbel Smith as Charge d' Affaires in England; that Major Eeilly,^ who represented this Republic in the United States, about two year ago, is to resume his former functions at Washington; and that Mr Ashbel Smith is likely to be elected to fill the Office of Secretary of State, under the newly chosen Presi- dent, Mr Anson Jones. Mr Terrell's nomination is considered by those who mention it adverse to Annexation. — He came to Texas from Tennessee, . of which State General Houston was at one period Governor. — His understanding is good, his education he owes mainly to himself, and as a public Man he has the reputation of being straightfor- ward and sincere. I first met him in the beginning of the year 1842; and all that I know of his course of Conduct is creditable to his judgment and public spirit. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. William Kennedy. T. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 'James Keily, Texan charge d' affaires at Washington, D. C, from March to August, 1842. 370 Texas State Historical Association P. S. By the last accounts from the Seat of Government, it appears that President Houston has proceeded towards the Northern fron- tier, for the purpose of making a Treaty with the Chiefs of the Comanche Indians, long hostile to Texas. W. K. KENNEDY TO ABEEDEEN^'^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, October 2d. 1844. My Lord, The continued delay of the Steam Schooner "Eepublic" enables me to add this to the Communications of previous dates which I have had the honor to address to Your Lordship. General Duff Green,^^ whose nam.e is known in England as an American advocate of free trade views, arrived at this place late in the evening of the 29th Instant. He left the United States in the War Steamer "Union," for the purpose of proceeding, by way of Galveston to Vera Cruz, "with despatches from his Government to the American Legation in Mexico The "Union" having, it is said, sustained some damage in her Machinery, and the weather being stormy, General Green was landed at Velasco, at the Mouth of the river Brazos, whence he reached Galveston. Soon after his arrival, he arranged for proceeding to Vera Cruz, in the United States Cutter "Woodbury," which left this Port, with him on board, yesterday afternoon. On his return from the City of Mexico, General Green is to enter upon the duties of United States Consul at Galveston, to which office he has been appointed. At the date of his leaving Washington, the United States Government were not apprized of the death of General Howard, their late Charge d' Affaires in Texas. Persons professing to speak from authority intimate that the Missives of which General Green is the bearer are by no means of "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ''DufF Green, b. 1780 [approx.] d. 1875. Though educated for the law, he early became a newspaper writer and proprietor, conducting the ad- ministration organ (The United States Telegram) at Washington during Jackson's first term. He later became a follower and partisan of Cal- houn and was a vigorous advocate of the annexation of Texas. (Apple- ton, Cyclopedia of American Biography.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 371 a conciliatory character towards Mexico. The payment of the por- tion of the indemnity owing to the United States will, it is said, be strongly urged, nor will the affairs of Texas be forgotten. General Duff Green has already tasked his skill as a Newspaper writer in sustaining the pretensions of General Burleson to the Presidency of Texas, and I am disposed to think that his ability as a Journalist, and political Manager have weighed as deeply in his appointment to Galveston, as with his desire, or his qualifi- cations, for the Consular office. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KEI^^XEDT TO ADDINGTON^- Separate. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston., October 24th 1844. Sir, In reference to my Despatch marked "Separate," and dated the 24th Ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that the Prince of Solms, arrived in Galveston on the 12th Instant. It appeared that the account of his having accompanied President Houston to the Indian Treaty Ground, was incorrect. It had been his in- tention to accompany the President, but the unexpectedly sudden departure of the latter prevented him from carrying his intention into effect. The Prince is still in Galveston, and I only regret that the circumstances of the Country do not enahle me to render his stay more agreeable As I was inclined to anticipate, I find, on conversing with the Prince of Solms, that M. Bourgeois d' Orvanne had no just ground of complaint against the German Association. The facts seem to stand thus: The German Association, desirous to aid emigrants of their Country, arranged with M. Bourgeois d' Orvanne to avail themselves, for this purpose, of his grant of land from the government of Texas, This grant, as I mentioned on the 24th Ultimo, was conditional. To avoid forfeiture, it was requisite that a specified number of families should be placed upon the lands within a specified time, or the grant itself re- newed. The Contractor (M. B. de 0.) having failed to fulfill "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 372 Texas State Historical Association either of these conditions, forfeited his grant, and was conse- quently unable to execute his part of the arrangements between himself and the German Association, who, as the matter presents itself to me, are more "sinned against than sinning" The Association have arranged to avail themselves of another conditional grant, obtained by a Mr, Fisher, and the Prince of Solms is in expectation of the early arrival of a portion of the German emigrants at Galveston — To plant successfully the first body of European Settlers, in the unpeopled region of the "West, will be a difficult undertaking — and I fear that the Association have been somewhat slow to perceive the character of the Measures essential to its success. They have, however, an able and active representative in the Prince of Solms, and it is by no means too late to retrieve the effects of past miscalculation. Their object is every way laudable, and it were a pity that they should not succeed. William Kennedy Henry U. Addington, Esqr. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ Separate. Philadelphia October 28th 1844 My Lord, I have the honor to report that I shall set out to my post be- tween the Yth and 10th Proximo, after having passed a few days with Mr Pakenham at Washington, to which place I am about to proceed on the 1st Proximo. I take this occasion to mention to Your Lordship that I have received a few private lines from Mr Anson Jones, the Secretary of State in Texas, dated on the 24th September, confirming the accounts of his success in the late Presidential election in that Country. May I request that any despatches to my address may once more be addressed to the care of Her Majesty's Consul at N'ew Orleans. Charles Elliot. To The Right Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T., Downing Street. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 373 KENNEDY TO AEERDEEN^* No 26. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, October 29th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose two copies of a Return of Charges on British Vessels, at the Port of Galveston, in accordance with the terms of Your Lordship's Circular Despatch, dated June 13th 1844, and received by me on the 21st Instant. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. No. 1^^ A Return Of all the Tolls, Dues, Fees and other Charges imposed by Public Authority on British Shipping, in the Port of Galveston, Bepublic of Texas. Custom House Charges Tonnage Duty. Sixty cents per ton, according to registered Tonnage. Entrance. For every Ship-, or Vessel, of less than One Hun- dred tons burthen — One dollar and a half — For each Ship or Vessel, of one hundred tons and upwards — Two dollars and a half. Clearance. The same fees as for entrances. Post Entries. For each post entry, two dollars. Permits Permit to land goods — twenty Cents; to load goods for exportation, that may be entitled to debenture, or other official certificate — ^twenty cents. Any Bond taken officially Forty Cents. For every document required by any Merchant, owner, or Ship- master, not before enumerated — Twenty cents. Pilotage The rates of Pilotage at Galveston are regulated by Act of Congress : On all vessels drawing less than eight feet water. Two dollars "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 374 Texas State Historical Association Fifty Cents per foot — On all vessels drawing eight feet water and more Three dollars per foot. Pilots detained waiting on vessels, bound for Sea, or vessels pre- vented from entering Port, by contrary winds, or otherwise, are entitled to Three dollars a day, for each day's detention, after the first four and twenty hours. Any Pilot taking charge of a vessel in distress, from the loss of anchors, spars or rudder, will be entitled to such compensation, as the Collector of Customs, under the circumstances of the case, may think proper to award. Any Pilot speaking a vessel inward bound outside the Bar, or a vessel outward bound inside the Bar, and offering his services, will be entitled to full pilotage, whether his services be accepted or not Any Pilot speaking a vessel inward bound inside the Bar, is en- titled, if employed to half pilotage: — if not employed he is en- titled to no pilotage. Any Pilot speaking a vessel fifteen miles from Shore, is entitled to twenty-five per Cent, more than the regular rates of off shore pilotage. Any vessel after waiting outside the Bar for four hours, with a Signal for a Pilot flying, may enter the Port free from pilotage charges. Charges under the Galveston incorporation Acts and City Ordi- nances Passenger Tax. For the purpose of establishing and maintain- ing a public Hospital, the Mayor and Aldermen of Galveston are empowered to exact from the Master, Owner, or Consignee of any vessel, steam boat, or other craft, arriving from a Foreign Port, the Sum of One dollar for every free White passenger. Harhour Master. The Harbour Master is entitled to receive one Cent and a half per ton, according to registered tonnage. Port Wardens. Scale of Port Wardens' Fees : Survey of dam- aged goods — Five dollars per diem. Survey of hatches — Two dol- krs. Survey of Stowage — Two dollars. Copying Certificates — One dollar each Copy. Ten dollars per diem for all services rendered beyond tlie City limits, with payment of travelling expences. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 375 Vouchers Vouchers are given for all charges on Shipping at the Port of Galveston. No 2. An Account of all the Charges which are levied on British Ves- sels at Galveston, and which are not levied on Vessels under the Texan Flag, together with a Statement of any Com- mercio2, fiscal, or other advantages, enjoyed hy Texan Vessels from which British Vessels are excluded. Coasting Trade The privilege of the Coasting Trade, with freedom from Ton- nage duties, is, by a recent Act of Congress, granted exclusively to vessels bearing the Texan Flag. This is the only advantage possessed by such Vessels over British Ships. William Kennedy. Galveston October 29th 1844. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, October 30th 1844. My Lord, In a Communication dated the 2d Inst I had the honor, to in- form Your Lordship of the arrival of General Duff Green at Gal- veston, his appointment as Consul at this Port, and departure for Vera Cruz, in the United States Cutter "Woodbury." General Green has not returned, nor has a Charge d' Affaires from the United States yet arrived in Texas to fill the vacancy created by the death of General Howard. Mr Donaldson, a relative of Gen- eral Jackson, is, according to confident rumor, to fill the Office. The Annexation papers, in this part of the Country, are cen- suring the appointment of Judge Terrell as Minister to England, although the appointment has not, up to this time, been publicly announced. They complain that he will misrepresent the popu- lar sentiment in regard to their favourite Measure "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 376 Texas State Historical Association President Houston returned to the Seat of Government on the 15th Instant, from the Waco Village, where he met the heads of the Comanche and other Indian Tribes, for the purpose of form- ing a treaty. — Captain Boon," of the United. States Army, at- tended as a Commissioner from his Government. The Texan papers say that a satisfactory Treaty has been concluded between Texas, and. the Comanches, with "ten other of the wild Indian Tribes." The President was to leave the Seat of Government on the 91st Instant, to join his family on the river Trinity The "Galveston Civilian". — the Government paper, which is usually considered an authority for official intelligence, states that Lieut. Stevens, of the United States Army, arrived at Washing- ton (Texas) on the 12th Instant, bearing despatches from Wash- ington in the ITnited. States, "represented to be of a character favourable to Texas." Some of the Texan prisoners released by the Mexican Govern- ment have arrived at Galveston. According to recent accounts from the West, all is quiet on the Eio Grande. — And a Mexican invasion is no longer to be appre- hended. The people of the departments bordering upon Texas, are, it is said, much more desirous of Commercial intercourse than War Mr Anson Jones had a Majority of about fifteen hundred votes over General Burleson, at the late election for the Presidency Until the result of the Presidential election in the United States is known here, there is likely to be a pause in political agitation. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. The Brig "Rover" by which I transmitted a letter marked "Private" and dated the 9th Ultimo, was, I find, thirty two days in reaching New Orleans. W. K. "Captain Boone, United States commissioner to the Indians in 1844. Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 310, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 377 KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^® Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, November 12th. 1844. My Lord, Major Donaldson, whose probable appointment to the Office of Charge d' Affaires of the United States in Texas, I mentioned in a Communication which T had the honor to address to Your Lord- ship on the 30th Ultimo, arrived in Galveston on the 10th in- stant. — In the hurry of his departure for this Country, he has found it necessary to await the transmission of the documents which usually accompany an Officer of his Class. — At this place, I liave had an opportunity of conversing with him, and, so far as tliat opportunity presented grounds for an opinion, he seemed to be a person, well adapted to promote the main object of his Mis- sion among the people of Texas. His solicitude for "Annexa- tion" is, I understand, quite as lively as might be anticipated from a Nephew of General Andrew Jackson. The only intelligence that has transpired respecting General Duff Green and his movements, since he sailed from Galveston, is in a paragraph of the "Pensacola Gazette," which mentions that — "the United States Brig of War "Lawrence," sailed from Pensa- cola on the 13th Ulto for Vera Cruz, to await the return of Gen- eral Duff Green from the City of Mexico, and should he have despatches — to convey him, or them, to any port of the United States which may he designated." All the Texan prisoners in Mexico have been liberated with the exception of one — of Mexican origin — and the greater part of them arrived at this Port, from New Orleans, on the 10th Instant. If my memory deceive me not, during an interview with which I was honored by Your Lordship about two years ago, I adverted to the circumstance of Don Manuel Godoy (el Principe de la Paz^^) being resident in Paris, where I understood he sub- "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ^'Godoy, b. at Badajoz, 1764, d. at Paris, 1851. He was a Spanish nobleman of inferior rank, who under Charles IV of Spain, held almost supreme power from 1792 to 1807. A fictitious genealogy fabricated for Godoy when at the height of his power, made him a descendant of INIonte- zuma. After Napoleon I seized Spain, Godoy's part in Spanish affairs 378 Texas State Historical Association sisted on a small pension, allowed him by His Majesty the King of the French. — It appears by the Spanish Journals, that the exile, in his Seventy Seventh 3^ear, has returned to Madrid, and the credit of his restoration is claimed here for M. de Saligny, French Charge de Affaires in Texas. The matter attracts notice, as it has been alleged that the "Province of Texas," previous to the year 1804, was ceded to Don Manuel by Charles IV. President Houston will remain with his family on the Trinity until the last of this Month — about which time Mr. Ashbel Smith, who has been offered the appointment of Secretary of State, is expected to arrive from Europe. It is said that Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires, and the Charge d' Affairs of France will soon return to their posts. I trust I shall be pardoned for saying that their residence at the Seat of Government, at least during the approaching Legislative Session, will 1)6 highly desirahle. I am instructed to believe that it had been better, as regards the question of Annexation, if they could have been at Washington, between the close of the Presidential -Election and the Meeting of the Texan Congress. Mr Anson Jones, Secretary of State, and President elect, writing to me, on the 2d Instant, observes. — "I am truly sorry your Government have not an accredited Minister here, at this time." By a letter from a trust-worthy Correspondent, dated. New Or- leans, October 24th, I am informed that," — large quantities of Military Stores, Waggons, etc., were being forwarded, by the Gov- ernment of the United States, to the Texan frontier on the Eed River." The writer surmises these preparations — " to be intended to counteract Mexican movements." It is a standing assumption of the leading advocates of An- nexation that the British Government, in their prudential anxiety for peace, will make no determined stand against the Measure. Mr. Terrell (late Attorney General) whose name, as an op- ponent of Annexation, I have brought under Your Lordship's Notice, in various Communications, — commencing as early as the 31st of May last, — is at present in Galveston, waiting the de- parture of the Steamer for New Orleans. He is instructed to proceed as expeditiously as the state of his health will permit, to ended. He lived in Paris from 1835 until his death. Michaud, Biographie Vnivcrsclle. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 379 Europe, where he is to undertake the duties hitherto executed hy Mr Ashbel Smith. To what I have already said of him. I think it necessary only to add that possessing, as I believe he does, a becoming sense of self respect, he is a modest and unobtrusive Man, and, in harmony with that character, will, I doubt not, feel all the more a.cutely the gratefulness of the considerate courtesy which Your Lordship, notwithstanding the anomalies of Texan politics, is sure to extend to him. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ Separate. Philadelphia, November 13th 1844 My Lord, Previously to my departure to my post I should mention to Your Lordship that I have recently visited Mr. Pakenham; and pending further Commands I shall of course guide myself in the spirit of the Instructions which he has done me the honor to impart to me. I proceed tomorrow, and I have the honor to be. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honorable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN"^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston, December 5th. 1844. My Lord, On the 28th Ultimo, the United States Schooner "Woodbury" arrived at this Port, from Vera Cruz, having on board General Duff Green, with despatches for the United States Charge d' Affaires to this Country, and his son, Mr. Benjamin E. Green, Secretary of the Amei'ican Legation at Mexico, also with de- spatches for his own Government. The latter left Galveston for New Orleans, by the Steam packet of the 30th ultimo, — the former proceeded, on the 3d Instant, to the Seat of Government at Wash- ="'F. 0., Texas, Vol, 9. =^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 380 Texas State Historical Association ington on the Brazos, where he &till remains, — ^having appointed a Yice-Consul to transact his oflficial business at this place. On his arrival at Galveston, General Duff Green communicated to the local Journals an abstract of Mexican news, including, among otlier Matters, an announcement that it was the purpose of Mexico — ''to exterminate the present inhabitants of Texas, without regard to age, sex, or condition" — for the reason that — "Mexico sees in the conduct of the Governments of Presidents Jackson and Tyler, and the Southern people of the United States, cause to apprehend still further encroachments on its territory."^^ I have learned, from competent sources, that it will not be owing to General Green's endeavours as a peace-maker if events do not justify the alleged apprehensions of Mexico. — He has urged m.ore than one Member of the Texan Congress, during his sojourn at Galveston, to declare for the invasion of Mexico — with the view that further territorial aggrandizement, — (even it is said. Southward and Westward of the Eio Grande), — should accompany the Annexation of Texas to the Confederacy of the North. — Before the "espousals" are perfected, it is desired that the bride should bring a still more ample dowry. Nor does it seem likely that the affianced will be backward in supplying need- ful aid for the accomplishment of this provident object. A Cor- respondent on whom I can rely thus addresses me from a locality in the United States favourable to apposite observation. — "Be assured that no child's play operations are at hand. The present moment demands all the devotion and energy of British Servants in this quarter. The accumulation of Military Stores on your frontier still goes on. And Arms, Ammunition, Camp equipage and Ordnance Stores for ten thousand men have al- ready reached Fort Jessup. Mr Calhoun and his party, or sec- tion of a party, would prefer war with England to the non-ac- quisition of Texas, and, to precipitate that calamity upon the United States, or to commit some iniquitous overt act, from which "In fact, however, Santa Anna in November, 1844, had announced to Great Britain the conditions upon which he would recognize Texan in- dependence, had asked British aid, and promised that all preparations for attacking Texas should be suspended. F. O., Mexico, 177. Bankhead to Aberdeen, No. 102, November 29, 1844. For text of Santa Anna's proposal, as translated by Bankhead, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 188. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 381 the pride of the people would be unwilling to recede, is, in my opinion the end and aim of the present Administration." The same Correspondent further remarks — "Texas, it is now sufficiently apparent, is the Key to Mexico, and the fall of the latter and its subjugation by these States are talked of here in a way not to be misunderstood by any but those who are too wise in their own conceit to derive instruction from what is passing around them." A follower of Mr Calhoun's, General Hamilton, formerly of South Carolina and of some political note, especially as a fervid professor of Free Trade opinions — has published a letter addressed to Mr Webster, in which he sets forth reasons why the New Eng- land and Middle vStates should favour the Annexation of Texas to the Union. — He confines himself to the argumentum ad crumenam, which he winds up by a hint that the South might not be indisposed, in return for Northern concurrence, in its Texan views — to adopt an Anti-European Tariff. In his appeal to the Manufacturing heart of Massachussetts, General Hamilton parades with all the emphasis of typography the vulgar metaphor for unreasoning avarice." "After all, Mr Webster" inquires the General — "What, in the vast advent of ages is the privilege to our Government of plant- ing its Custom House in Texas, and hoisting on its flagstaff the Close fist of our American System, and excluding Great Britain from all Competition?" — The American imagination eagerly anticipates the day, pre- dicted by Humboldt, when the products of European industry should be excluded from this Continent. — It takes at times even a more self-exalting range, and, by means of Settlements on the North Western Shores of the Pacific, dreams of creating a com- mercial dominion in India and China. I should not be surprised if American Missionaries were to prove as willing instruments of National aggrandizement as the Missionaries of France are ap- parently expected to be by many of their secular patrons. A work worthy of the scientific munificence of France, lately published in Paris, seems entitled to particular notice at the present Juncture. The title of the work is "Exploration du Ter- ritoire de L' Oregon, de Calif ornies et de la Mer Yermeille" : — it was executed during the Years 1840, 1841 and 1842, by M. 382 Texas State Histoncal Association Dufiot de Mofras,^'' an Attache of the Legation of France in Mexico, and has been published by order of the King, under the auspices of the President of the Council, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Were other evidences wanting, it would indi- cate that the French Government is not indifferent to the destinies of this Continent, although there are well-informed Americans in this quarter quick to allege that His Majesty the King of the French has declared that there will be no interference, as regards the question of Annexation, on the Part of the Power of which he is the Executive head. M. de Mofras has been so kind as to transmit to me a copy of his work, and I have observed that the ]\Tarquesas and Tahiti seem to be laid down on one of his bril- liant Charts not merely as convenient touching-points for Whalers, but a "Stepping-Stones" to China. It appears to me that the question of Annexation will be gi-ad- uated in its progress by the relations of parties in the United States. It may, on the one hand, be assumed that Mr. Tyler is anxious to draw from it all the political capital it is capable of bringing to an advocate of the Measure, — and, on the other hand, that the JSTorthern Section of the democratic voters for Mr. Polk will be not less anxious to secure that Capital than their own Man and their own party. As Matters now stand, the strength lies with the latter, and the only opening left to Mr Tyler, i^ apparently some audacious and unexpected Move — Such as wai- with Mexico — Ihat would produce an embarrassment of affairs, and leave warm work and divided laurels for his successor. The Polk party, or rather the Jackson party, are in the ascend- ent here, as well as in the United States, — the New President, Mr Anson Jones, owing his election almost entirely to the sup- port of General Houston. The present United States', Charge d' Affaires in Texas is General Jackson's Nephew, and the particu- lar friend of Mr Polk. — General Duff Green may be designated the representative of Mr. Tyler — while the latter exhorts the Texans to instant invasion of Mexico, the former probably con- tents himself Math concerting Measures of united action between this and the Northern Republic, to be carried into effect after Mr -■''Duflot de IMofras. His book is that of a traveller and observer, and such ideas of French action as are presented are wholly directed to the expansion of French interests in the Pacific. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 383 Polk's induction to^ the Presidential Office, on the 4th of March next. Major Donaldson (United States Charge d' Affaires to Texas) arrived at the Seat of Government on the 21st ultimo. — On the' 29th he delivered his letter of credence to the Secretary of State, and, on the same day, was presented, in his official capacity, to the (then) President — Complimentary speeches were exchanged on each of these occasions, Generals Jackson and Houston were respectively lauded, and Annexation was insinuated in the lan- guage of bland allusion. I quote a sentence from the published reply of Mr Anson Jones — which commands notice from the Speaker's position as President Elect. He refers to the assur- ances given by Major Donaldson of "the Sincere desire of the President of the United States to improve and render stable the good understanding now existing between the two Eepublics." "The sameness of the origin and interests of the two Countries by which you have so kindly alluded" — (said Mr Jones) — "has led the people of this, on all occasions, to desire the maintenance of the most friendly relations; and if the hope which they have sometimes indulged, that these considerations might lead to the accomplishment of a common destiny, should be disappointed, I trust they will not be lost in their influences upon either Country, in the preservation of those paramount principles which they hold in common keeping." The Congress of Texas, called upon by law to assemble on the 2d Instant, was duly organized on the 3d. — The retiring Presi- dent (Tfouston) sent in a Message on the 4th, which is chiefly remarkable for the quietude with which it passes by the topic of Annexation. Of this Message T shall have the honor to enclose a copy. On Monday the 9th Instant Mr Anson Jones is to enter upon the discharge of his duties as President. Galveston. December 16th. On the 6th Instant. Her Majesty's Ship "Spartan" Commanded by the Hon. Charles Elliot, appeared off this Port, and on the following day, Her Majest3''s Charge d' Affaires to this Eepublic, who was on board the "Spartan" came ashore. He remained at Galveston until the 12th, when he left for Washington on the 384 Texas State Historical Association Brazos, wl)ich he would probably reach about the 20th Instant. In consequence of the return of Tier Majesty's Charge d' Affaires, this Correspondence, which was commenced by me, under instruc- tion, on the 31st of May last, will terminate with the present letter. The United States Schooner "Woodbury," remained in the Harbour until the 11th Instant, on which day a vessel, under- stood to be the United States Sloop of War "Falmouth," appeared off the Bar, and made signal to the "Woodbury" to join her, which she did, and the two vessels put out to Sea in company. The Lieutenant in Command of the "Woodbury," when in port, spoke of Annexation as inevitable, and said that, ^\dthin two Months, the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa would be occupied by troops of the United States. — I mention this only as an addi- tional indication that President Tyler is for War with Mexico. Mr Tyler's Annual Message has not yet reached Galveston. On the 14th Instant, a vessel (the second this season) arrived from Bremen, conveying German Emigrants for the Colony which the Prince of Solms is engaged in settling in Western Texas. The emigrants appear to possess the proper requisites for life in Galveston, December 18th .'Vnother vessel, with settlers for the Colony of the German Asso- ciation, appeared in the Eoads on yesterday. I enclose a copy of the late President's Message, and a copy of the Inaugitral Address delivered by President Jones. In neither of these documents is the word "Annexation" to be found.'* There is one aspect of affairs which (if I may presume to offer an opinion) may render Texas too important a point to be lightly regarded in the progi*ess of diplomatic arrangements. — The United States may have gone so far in respect to Annexation as to be unwilling to bear Avhat might be deemed the humiliation of re- treat. This possible obstacle to the adoption of more moderate Councils would be removed by the refusal of Texas to negotiate farther for incorporation into the Union. The Earl of Aberdeen, X. T. ^^^1^^™ Kennedy. ^^Printed copies of Houston's message, December 4, 1844, and Jones' inaugural address, December 9, 1844. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 385 P. S. Galveston Deer. 21st. I have the honor to enclose a cop} of President Tlonston's Fare- well Address/-^ which has just come to hand. A public Meeting in favour of "Annexation" was held in Mata- gorda County on the 7th Inst. The "opposition'' papers urge other Counties to follow example. Major Donaldson, United States Charge d' Affaires, arrived here on yesterdajr from the Seat of Government and leaves today in the Steamer for New Orleans. General DufE Green remains at Washington on the Brazos. W. K. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN"^ Private. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, December 6th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose to Your Lordship a copy of a com- munication forwarded to me on the 3rd Instant, by the Prince of Solms, at present in this Country, with a copy of my reply to that communication, bearing this day's date. I have had opportunities of knowing that the Prince of Solms, is an acute observer of passing events, and of recognizing fitness for the arduous enterprize of planting European Settlements in the wastes of Texas. In despatch No. 21 of this years series, dated 9th September, and addressed to Your Lordship, I bore favourable testimony to the character of German emigration to this Country. Still greater success may be anticipated for that emigration when con- ducted under the auspices of so respectable and enlightened a body as the German Association represented by the Prince of Solms. Their first company of Colonists, which arrived here lately, from Bremen, in the Ship "John Dethard," is composed of persons that would be a Valuable acquisition to any Country where extensive tracts of unoccupied land solicit the labours of the hus- bandman. To the introduction of such Colonists, on however large a scale, no sensible friend of independent Texas would, I conceive, offer any obstacle. "Printed copy of Houston's farewell address, December 9, 1844. ^'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. 386 Texas State HistoricaJ Association The lands appropriated for the German Colonization lie towards the "West, and are exposed to the troubles of that Frontier. For this reason, — and without looking to the very serious contingency alluded to by the Prince of Solras, — it is desirable that the Set- tlers should be well armed and equipped. In the absence of due provision against aggression, a single Indian inroad might break up the first establishments, and affect disastrously the entire plan of the Association. The Prince of Solms is in expectation of the early arrival of three additional A'essels, bringing emigrants from Germany. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. I'RINCE OF SOLMS TO KENNEDY^'' Copy. On board the Texan Revenue Cutter "Alert," Galveston Bay, Deer 3d. 1844 Dear and Honoured Sir. I am hardly on board this vessel and under sail for Matagorda Pass, before I take the pen to express to you the regret I feel that our last conversation, before my hasty departure, could only be so short a one. The more I think of what General Duff Green, the United States Consul, expressed to me this morning, during the long \dsit with which he honoured me, the more important I think it, that you, dear Sir, as the only representative of Her Britannick Majesty in this country at the moment, should have every possible knowledge of what at present is going on. I am too well acquainted with your activity in Her Majesty's Service, to suppose that I can tell you any thing you had not heard and appreciated long before, but I think it always good (in important matters) to hear even the same thing from dif- ferent people, and in all different ways; you are by that the more able to make some new discovery, or to look at a question on a side you might not have remarked before. Let me then. Dear Sir, give you a report of what General Duff Green was kind enough to communicate to mo this morning. General Green began by praising the enterprize of Colonization ^'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 387 which brought me to this country, and even called it a laudable one. This was the first thing that made me infer that the noble General is as tnie a Yankee as any one living, because I am fully convinced that lie wishes me and my good German Emigrants any where else than in this country. He then proceeded with some flattering remarks about my own humble person, which were shot off to make me sure of his good intentions towards me and my native country. The next thing he tried was to get out of me my opinion about "Annexation." — My answer was that I had heard a great deal about Annexation, and that I really could not tell what might be the result; but that I remembered having heard, before I left Europe, that this could be a case of war be- tween the European power and the United States. — On that point, he told me, I was mistaken, because the United States had re- ceived notice from Enmce, that this Power would not interfere at all in the question.— The General now began to speak about the existing state of affairs in Mexico', expressing his belief that Santa Anna was strong enough to overpower the recent attempt at Eevolution, but that, whichever party proved victorious, Mex- ico was pledged to invade Texas, — to make it a desert, and to exterminate the inhabitants, men, women, and children; not even sparing the child in the mother's womb ! — As the noble Gen- eral saw me smiling at the eccentric idea, he stopped to enquire what I believed of this matter. Forbidden, of course, by polite- ness, from replying — "nothing" ! — I contented myself by inti- mating a modest doubt that such a thing could be done in our days — it being what the French call, — "hors de saison." — The General, however, assured me that his statements were exactly true, and declared his intention to proceed himself, this day, to Washington on the Brazos, to communicate the same to the gen- tlemen now assembled in Congress. General Green next urged me to open a correspondence with the Russian Consul at Matamoros, for the purpose of being al- ways "au fait" of the movements of the Mexican army and fleet. The General must have made extraordinary discoveries, as he gave me even the details of the plan of invasion which Santa Anna will follow, for the purpose of "extirmating" the Texan women and children. — One part of the army is to enter by the Eio Grande, steam-boats, with supplies, following the same along the 388 Texas State Historical Association line of coast; a plan which would leave all the force of this eour.- Iry assembled on their flank. The second part of the Mexican ar7ny is to land at Galveston, and proceed, by way of Houston, to the interior. The deduction drawn by General Green from all tiiis is that (the hostile intentions of Mexico being known) Texas ought at once, to take up the game, and carry the war — the sooner the better — into the enemies' Country. The noble General was now so kind as to ask my opinion on all this. I answered that, under these circumstances, an in- vasion of Mexico would be a very natural step, but that I did not quite perceive from what source Texas would draw the means to undertake the war. He told me this, — the General said— he was not authorized, but he asked me whether the United States, so closely connected with Texas, would ever permit such a thing as extermination to be carried into effect; if they did permit it; it would throw everlasting shame upon their policy. What (he inquired) — would Germany do in a similar case — would it allow brothers and sons to be exterminated — would I suffer the Emi- gj'ants who had come out for me to be treated in this way? The conclusion drawn by General Green was that the war against Mexico ought to begin as early as possible, and that it was his duty to urge the people of this country to it — showing them the prospect that awaited them and their families. General Green inquired when I should be at AYashington on the Brazos, — because he would have further to communicate to me about the defence of Western Texas, as I was going to set- tle my Emigrants in that part. He -^ras very anxious to get my opinion about the whole of his long talk, which I gave him in the few vi^ords that — , in the event of war, — I considered those sums of money which I had already expended, and those which I might expend, up to that time — as utterly lost. "Well," — said he — "that is just the impression I wished to take from you, and I beg and request of you to write to your friends in Germany not to be at all alarmed about it, because this war is a necessary crisis — nothing will be lost, and just exactly after the war you will go on the safer." — So far the conversation with the noble General, who wanted — "de me tirer les vers par le nez." Now, my dear Sir, take the abundant quantity of nonsense British Correspondence Concerning Texas 389 and humbug off from this conversation, and what does it amount to? — That General Duff Green who, if I am not mistaken, is on an express Mission to this Conntry, pushes, and urges, the people of Texas to war, promising every aid of money, or troops, from the United States, for the sake of "Annexation" ; for if the United States' troops are once within this territory, they will certainly not leave it voluntarily. — And may not the United States Gov- ernment deem the present moment of internal difficulties in Mex- ico favourable for extending the boundaries even beyond the Eio Grande, and securing in this way, the whole trade of the Gulf? — I believe, dear Sir, that with our knowledge of Yankee character and head, we may indeed have reason for apprehension. I am, — as you, dear Mr Kennedy, know; far from presuming to advise any political measures, but as you also know the especial interest which I feel in the welfare of Her Majesty, Your Most Gracious Queen, and the British Empire, you will excuse me if I ask you to take the following suggestions and observations into particular consideration, and to state, in your next despatches home, what of these you have found worthy of being mentioned. I believe there is no doubt of the importance of this Country for the trade on the Gulf, and the United States, once in posses- sion of it, will decidedly command the whole commerce upon those waters. The Rio Grande as the frontier between the United States and Mexico, will not long prevent the "go-a-head Yankee nation" from trying to possess the rich Mines of Chichuahua, if, as I before observed, the Government of the United States do not consider the present moment the most favourable for making the attempt. Knowing the character of the Americans, and their contempt of every European Power, one cannot be surprised at any mad, or desperate thing that may come on. Whether the design indicated happen in a few months, or in a few years, can it be indifferent to England, — nay to any European Nation? — And if not, how can it be prevented? It appears to me that there is a very obvious step to be taken, — and that is to till this Country, and especially the Western part of it, as soon as possible, with a large number of Europeans. And how can this be easily accomplished ? — I am disposed to believe that the Association for Protecting German Emigrants in Texas could be of great use in the matter. 390 Texa!^ State Historical Association Should the enlightened Government of Her Majest}'- the Queen approve the idea, it would be easy to make some arrangement with the Direction of the said Association, and send, even by the end of next Spring, some twenty, or thirty, thousand indi- viduals, well armed and equipped, to this Country. This number of men could be got in German}', which suffers from a redundant population, that causes three times the amount to leave their native shore annually for the United States. English and Ger- man ships could csLTTv them to this Countr}', — able and active young officers, of every arm, would accompany them. English arms — (by the testimony of every English officer, who served in the wars of the Peninsula) — were effective weapons in the hands of the German soldiers of the Legion. They would do as well to stop American encroachment towards the South. In fact, this force once established, I may pledge my word for the safety of the future, on this side. At the present moment, the Gemian Association has a right to introduce as many Emigrants into Texas as they are able to transport, and so large a number, promptly established, who will dare to drive them out? This is the moment for doing it, might it seem so to you — might Her Majesty's Ministers, if you think these ideas worthy of being transmitted to the other side of the Atlantic; see the real truth, and believe what I state from what we daily hear and see. And so I send you this long letter, and suggest these thoughts to you, my dear Mr Kennedy. — My intentions, in placing all this before you, is a pure one; it is to serve my native country, as well as Great Britain — that noble Empire, always so nearly and faithfully allied with Germany, and, to show my zeal and solici- tude for the service of your Most Gracious Queen, on whom may God bestow his richest blessings ! (Signed) Charles Prince of Solms. William Kennedy, Esqr. Her Britannick Majesty's Consul, Galveston. [Endorsed]. ISTo. 1. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch marked "Private" of December 6th. 18-14. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 391 KENNEDY TO PRINCE OF SOLMS"^ [Enclosure.]. Her Majesty's Consulate. Copy. Galveston December 6th. 1844. Dear Prince Charles, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting communication, dated the 3rd Instant. It will aflFord me great pleasure to be the medium of submit- ting the suggestions contained in your letter to the consideration of Her Majesty's Governinent. — As an officer of that Government, I beg to tender my respectful acknowledgments of the friendly sentiments you have expressed towards the British Crown — Ger- many and England, as you remark, have always been "nearly and faithfully allied," and who can doubt the permanence of an alli- ance wliose basis has been, not merely a common interest, but harmony of a national character and reciprocal good faith? Permit me to add that I very sensibly appreciate your obliging expressions with regard to myself. William Kennedy. To. H. S. H. Charles Prince of Solms. [Endorsed.] ISTo. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's despatch Marked —"Private" of December 6th 1844. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-" No 15. Galveston December 10th. 1844. My Lord, I have the honour to report my arrival at this place on the 7th Instant in Hpr Majesty's Ship "Spartan" (sailed on the same day to Vera Cruz) and I shall proceed by the first opportunity to Washington. The new" President IMr. Anson Jones, will have been inaugu- rated yesterday, and I have no reason to think that there will be any material difference between the language of his communi- cations to Congress, having any reference to annexation, and that of General Houston. The temper and turn of events in that Assembly cannot be spoken of, in the same way. Indeed it ='F. 0., Texas, Vol. 10. ='F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. 393 Texas State Historical Association must be superfluous to repeat to Your Lordship that the repre- sentations and influence of the Government of the United States will have great weight in that quarter, and there can be little doubt that strenuous efforts will continue to be used, to indis- pose the people of Texas from agreeing to any settlement recom- mended by the Governments of Her Majesty, and the King of the French. So far as I can judge the purpose is less to forward immediate annexation, (or at least there is less hope of effecting that result immediately,) than to break up the prospect of any otlier ar- rangement, trusting perhaps to quarrels with Mexico, or future Contingencies, for some convenient opportunity of adjusting the question in the only way that adjustment would be agreeable to that section of the Democratic party now in office in the United States. I may state that in connexion with that view that General Duff Greene (whose name and agency in the annexation agitation have probably already attracted Your LoTdship's notice) has recently arrived here from the City of Mexico, on his return to the United States, and I have it confidentially from a reliable source that he has gone up to Washington with earest recoramendations to this Government at once to renew vigorous offensive hostilities against Mexico, with proposals of an extensive nature for the further ac- quisition of territory and schemes for the raising of men and funds, founded upon those acquisitions. There can be little or no doubt that the Government of Texas will turn aside from any projects of that kind, neither do I be- lieve that they vrill be made by the Authority of the Government of the United States. But it is possible that these hints of prob- able difficulties between the United States and Mexico, arising out of the late discussions^" between Mr. Shannon^^ and Senor Eejon, and exaggerated statements of the disturbed condition of ^"Refers to the Shannon-Rejon correspondence, of 1844, in which both the American minister to Mexico and the Mexican minister of foreign affairs, had used imprudent and irritating language likely to stir enmity between the two nations. ■"Wilson Shannon, b. 1802 in Ohio, d. 1877 in Kansas. Educated as a lawyer, he became Governor of Ohio, 1838-1840. and again 1842-1844. He was sent to Mexico as Minister in 1844. After two years as Repre- sentative in Congress, 1853-1855, he was appointed Territorial Governor of Kansas, 1855-1856. Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biog. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 393 Mexico, may have a prejudicial effect on tlie dispositions of Con- gress here. Eeviewing the whole subject as attentively as I can, and with the limited means of judging comprehensively, open to me, (a circumstance for which I am sure Your Lordship will make full allowance in the case of error or misconception,) I certainly have formed the impression that a very advanced stage of this affair has now been reached. But although the power of effectual inter- ference for the safe and honourable adjustment of this question appears to me to be rapidly passing away from Mexico, I still think that there is yet time and opportunity for decisive and ad- vantageous action from that quarter, and I have availed Myself of the occasion of the '•'Spartan" to communicate my impressions to Mr Bankhead. If the people of Texas are indeed willing to be annexed to the United States, I see no better mode of meeting that emergency, and none more moderate or more just, than im- m.ediate proposals from Mexico adapted to the several contingen- cies of the safe and durable Independence of Texas, or suitable terms of annexation, or lastly, a secure truce, if this shall not be deemed to be a convenient Moment for permanent arrangement. If events depended in any considerable degree upon the disposi- tions of this Government, I should have no serious apprehension of the result ; but that is by no means the case, and I believe that Mexico must either shape it's proceedings to meet another state of facts, or resign herself to a combination of a very dangerous character, immediately considered, and probably still more so, in point of ulterior intention. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 17.2 Washington on the Brazos 21st December 1844. My Lord, The Boat in which I left Calveston laid aground on the Bars ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. =F. 0. Texas, 9. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 16, December 20, 1844, has been omitted. It transmitted a printed copy of President Jones' mes- sage of December 16, 1844, and a copy of The Texas National Register, December 14, 1844. 394 Texas State ITistoricnl Association between tliat place and Houston for a week, and hence my arrival here has been delayed till yesterday. But I avail myself of the first opportunity which presents itself, to report the tenor of a con- versation I have this morning had with President Jones and Mr. Allen, the Attorney General temporarily charg-ed with the State Department. They declared generally their decided opinions that the people of this Country would abandon all thought of annexa- tion to the United States, if they could be formally certified of the recognition of their Independence by Mexico. T believe that these are the sincere convictions of this Govern- ment, and if the Independence of the Country were recognized by Mexico, and it consisted with the power of this administration to direct or controul the subsequent course of the people of Texas, it is no doubt highly probable that the idea of annexation would soon be firmly replaced by wiser and more becoming principles. I am sure, at least, that the efforts of this Government in that sense, would be frankly and heartily made. In making this admission I took the liberty, however, to re- mind the President that when General Houston first communi- cated to me the proposals of the Government of the United States in Ooctober 1843, I had ventured to express my inability to con- cur with them as to the dispositions of the people of Texas re- specting annexation and my belief that they would not have it in their power to resist the popular impulses in that direction. Events had established the soundness of those impressions; and fully admitting their better means of judging of the probable movements of the people of Texas in any supposed contingency, I must confess that I was still unfortunate enough to differ from them on the point they had drawn into question, very materially indeed. Whilst, therefore, it would be my duty to report the Presi- dent's judgment to Your Lordship with whom it could not fail to have much more weight than my own, I should be compelled to add that I could not perceive there were any more sure grounds for thinking that the people of Texas were, or would be, less open to influence from the United States than they had hitherto been, and none whatever that that influence would not be actively em- ployed in favour of annexation, or at all events against the ac- complishment of settlement upon any other Views. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 395 When, I should see both Houses of Congress joining in Reso- hitions, voted unanimously or by large majorities, declaring the inexpediency, not to use stronger terms, of ever entertaining fur- ther proposals from any quarter, having in view the sacrifice of the separate existence of the Country, I should admit that it was reasonable to depend upon the steadfastness of the people. And speaking for myself, I would add that I should consider such a movement to be conclusive of the whole question, for it had long been clear to me that the fate of the people of Texas was only in other hands, because they were pleased or led to leave it there. The President knew much better than I did, that in the present temper of the public here, and so long as the annexation agita- tion existed in the United States it was out of the question to look for a diiferent spirit in this quarter. He admitted that this was the case at present, but wished that Her Majesty's Govern- ment would transmit to me the proposals of which Your Lord- ship had spoken to Mr Ashbell Smith duly prepared for execu- tion, with Instructions to lay them before this Government for completion, at any moment that might be judged propitious for supporting settlement upon that footing, before the people. He could not but think that such a moment would present itself, and he had a confidence that it might at once be taken advantage of for the final and durable accomplishment of a satisfactory set- tlement. I had only to repeat with respect to this proposal that I really cannot speak of it's probable success or advantage in terms of confidence. And the single sure mode of preventing some very mischeivous complication for the safety of Mexico, that presents itself to my mind, is in the immediate adoption of a wise policy en the part of that Government. Her Majestj^'s Government may feel assured that very earnest efi'orts are in course of progress in this Country, not perhaps di- rectly addressed to the Government, but certainly to the people and their Representatives, having in view the revival of hostilities in this quarter, so that an opening may be made for the operation of a variety of schemes and devices of the most dangerous char- acter to the security of Mexico. I have in other places taJcen occasion to mention to Your Lord- ship my belief that the present Government of the United States 396 Texas State Historical Association was practically pledged to support this Government in the event of an invasion from Mexico, and I entertain no doubt upon fur- ther and better grounds of consideration that such a belief is well founded. I am disposed to think too that the manner of the pledge was not very different from what I suggested to Mr Paken- ham it might have been. The Government of the United States pledged themselves verbally to the Representatives of this Government before they signed the treaty, and those Gentlemen shewed the Copy of their own despatches, reporting the terms of the obligation, to the Sec- retarj'- of State at Washington, who authorized them to convey his assent to the accuracy of their communication. Charles Elliot. To The Plight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ TvTo 18. Washington on the Brazos. December 25th. 1844. My Lord, On reperusing my despatch No 17 of this year, forwarded three days since, I observe a mistake, which, with Your Lordship's per- mission, I will now correct. I have said in that despatch that the first Communication of the proposals of the Government of the United States made to me by General Houston was in October last, instead of October 1843. Your Lordship will probably have understood me to mean October 1843, but I have still to offer my excuse for the error, and I have the honour to be,* Charles Elliot. To The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street. T. O., Texas, Vol. 9. ^Elliot was mistaken in thinking his dispatch No. 17 stated the wrong date. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 397 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Secret Washington on the Brazos. December 28th. 1844. My Lord, The President visited me a few Evenings since and spoke to me at length upon the present situation of Affairs here, and, as he wished that his views should be made known to Her Majesty's Government in a confidential way, I have adopted this mode of communication. Before I fulfil his desire it may be convenient that I should lay before Your Lordship some means of estimating the weight due to his opinions, apart from his public claim to attention. He came here before the rupture with Mexico in search of pro- fessional employment as a Physician, but since that event has always been engaged in public life, either as a Member of the Houses of Legislature, for some time as Minister to the United States, and during the whole of the late Administration as Sec- retary of State. He is of course of the same politics as General Houston, and I have no doubt that his Administration will be marked by the same abstinence from the recommendation or coun- tenance of any of those vast but visionary schemes of policy, or speculation in point of finance, founded upon an imaginary pros- pective prosperity, which had gone so far to extinguish the Coun- try before General Houston's return to power in 1841. Unlike most other public Men in the Southern parts of the American Confederacy or here, Mr Jones is remarkably can- tious and reserved, and with a moderate degree of the skill and firmness of his predecessor he will probably be able to controul affairs very materially with much less appearances of direct inter- position than General Houston, and with less stormy opposition than General Houston's heats and rather free expression of his antipathies were apt to produce. In his intercourse with the European Governments I believe Mr Jones will be guided by a just appreciation that the only course which can be safe or suc- cessful is the direct. So far as I can judge he is not at all likely to make shipwreck of the fair and liberal consideration with which Her Majesty's Government in particular, will regard the T. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. 398 Texas State Historical Association necessities of his position at home, by any unworthiness either in his representations, or his reserve. In private life he is a worthy and friendly man, of a plainness of speech, and simplicity of manner which help the feeling of confidence, and I certainly know no one in Texas, now eligible for the station he fills, of sounder Judgment, more experienced in the Affairs of the Country, or gen- erally better fitted for it. With this information I believe Your Lordship will be able to fonn a judgment upon the trustworthiness of his own exposition of his situation and purposes, as well as upon the soundness of his suggestions. He expresses the belief that the Majority of the in- telligent portion of this Community is aware that the best settle- ment for Texas is the preservation of their separate National ex- istence. But they have seen so little reason to think that Mexico would abandon it's disquieting character of Warfare, the recent conditions and language of the Mexican Commissioners at Mata- moras have so effectually broken up any hope of the recognition of Independence by Mexico, and they have so little faith in the force of the mere advice of Foreign Powers, to bring about that result that it ought to be no matter of surprise there should be a very general feeling in favour of annexation to the United States. The result too of the late Election there, has naturally strength- ened that feeling and state of expectation; and upon the whole in the present temper of the public here, I must see that this Gov- ernment can only watch the turn of events, and above all things carefully abstain from any course likely to persuade the people that they are secretly working against annexation. It may be de- pended upon, however, that they would neither advance one step to meet or encourage it. The policy of the Government, and he hopes and believes of the present Congress will be to let all further advances and pro- posals come from the United States, reserving their own right to reject or accept them, according to their complexion. And he might mention to me in connexion with this point, that if the Texian Commissioners at Washington last Spring had obeyed their Instructions they would never have signed that treaty. It's com- pletion upon such terms was a source of great mortification and disappointment to General Houston and himself. In his sin- cere Judgment, and General Houston's too, the United States British Correspondence Concerning Texas 399 had much better leave them alone to manage their own affairs. He has not much confidence in their ability to settle it in their way in their own Legislature, and for his own part he has a strong inclination to believe that parties there have made as much out of Texas as they intend just now, that they will be quite satis- fied to have broken up the late Negotiations and their consciences quite at ease with the thought that there will be no further trouble from Mexico in the way of invasion. In short foreseeing inevitable delays, and probably enough in- superable difficulties in that quarter and no long endurance of patience in this, he did anxiously hope that her Majesty's Gov- ernment would use it's immediate and decisive influence with Mexico, to propose the recognition of Texas, simply and uncondi- tionally, leaving all tlie terms to be matter of arrangement in the treaty of peace. He does not doubt if it were in the power of this Government to declare to the people of Texas that such a proposal was before them, He and his friends would have strength enough to turn them aside from any further thought of annexation. He also ex- pressed the hope (already signified in my despatches) that Her Majesty's and the French Governments would lose no time in plac- ing their Eepresentatives here, in a situation to conclude definitively at any propitious moment, so that everything may be irrevocably completed before disturbing movements can come back from the United States. Mr Jones Avished me to inform Your Lordship that the most violent adherence to annexation here, came from a rising Sugar growing interest. This party believed that they had tested the capacity of the lower lands of Texas to produce Sugar, at least as well as those of Louisiana, and eagerly desired annexation that they might enjoy the protection afforded to Native grown Sugar under the United States tariff. When the proper time comes, if it come soon, and before this interest had grown to any strength, he had no doubt he should be able to shew those parties that they were no losers by settlement on the footing of Independence. I told the President that I would immediately communicate his views to Your Lordship; but with no means of forming any decided opinion upon the judgment of Her Majesty's Government, I would venture to state to him as a matter of private impression 400 Texas Slate Historical Association that it seemed very unlikely to me they would ever be brought to interfere as decisively as He had suggested till they should be effectually certified that they were really acting in behalf of the Government and people of a durable and bona fide Nation of Texas. Mexico would indeed have just right to complain if it should appear in the sequel, that Great Britain had been doing no more than facilitating the quiet transfer of an immense Mexi- can territory to a third party behind a thin veil, soon to be dropped; which partly the Mexican people consider to be unjust and aggressive. The President observed to me amongst other things that I knew he was sincerely averse to a renewal of hostilities. Such a state of affairs would be in the highest degree inconvenient to this Country exhausting it of it's Means, and filling it again with a class of persons of a bad description, of whom they had now almost got rid. But still if all other hopes failed, and Mexico continued it's preparations, and threats, and incursionary warfare, he had deliberately made up his mind to retaliate. Looking to the disturbed condition of Mexico, and with General Houston's skill (and it niight be depended that the weight of his name would soon collect a large force) he should not despair of soon reducing llexico to reasonable terms. I told him that I should be very sorry to see such a state of things for I knew how true it was that every body was strong at home, and I felt quite safe in expressing the opinion that that truth would never be more signally or disastrously manifested than in the case of Texian invasion into Mexico. He cordially hoped that no such Measures would be necessary, and they would certainly never be resorted to by him till all other means and hopes of Settlement were exhausted. m j-i -n- i-j. TT n Charlcs Elliot To the Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN® Secret. Washington on the Brazos. My Lord December 29th 1844 I have been endeavouring during my visit here to gather some "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 401 coi-rect idea of General Duff Green's position at this place; and generally of the nature and scope of his purposes. They are very curious, and hy no means unworthy of Your Lordship's notice. He was some time since named Consul at Galveston, an office almost without duties, hut probably only offered and accepted as a convenient means of placing him in this Country. Your Lord- ship will perhaps have heard that he was sent first to Mexico as Bearer of the Instructions which led to Mr Shannon's Correspond- ence with Seiior Eejon; and coupling General Green's family Connexion with Mr. Calhoun and the fact of his own involvement in the annexation agitation, it may be that Senor Eejon was not much mistaken in the impression that the excitement of a quar- rel might be one of the chief objects of that Correspondence, the more so as the tidings of a Misunderstanding would reach Wash- ington just in time to be helpful to Mr Tyler's proposals for im- mediate Annexation. The President mentioned to me in confidence that Major Don- nelson had reminded this Government when he went to New Or- leans a few days since, that General Green had no other public ch.aracter than that of Consul at Galveston, and requested that all communication with him might be limited by that recollection The President thinks the explanation of this mistrust may be fliat these Gentlemen belong to different Sections of the Demo- cratic party (Major Donnelson to that of General Jackson, and, Genei-^l Green to that of Mr Calhoun). But it tends to shew that even amongst the parties friendly to the Measure of annexa- tion, there is no cordial understanding, and amongst the larger and most influential part of the party (the Northern) it will cer- tainly have very few friends upon any terms likely to suit the South. In short circumstances satisfy me that his true position here is that of secret agent to the unshrinking advocates of annexation, in the United States, or I should rather say of extended mischief against Mexico, for it is manifest that their objects are not lim- ited to the annexation of Texas only. There are other purposes and wider plans in contemplation; and it is possible that it may not be the sincere wish of certain parties in the United States to see annexation affected immediately, or till they have shaped suit- able devices for the accomplishment of their schemes by the means 402 Texas State Historical Association of laws passed by this Legislature. General Green's Mission seems to be rather to act upon Congress and the people than on the Government, for I think they are so little trusted by his friends, as he is by them. At all events Your Lordship may be assured that General Green has not the least weight with them. There was on the contrary an old feud between General Houston and himself in the LTnited States, and he is certainly neither liked or trusted by this Government. The foundation of all his Schemes, is the incorporation of r land Company, (ostensibly I suppose for the Settlement of the ungranted lands in Texas, but aimed particularly at the IST. W. and AVestern Sections, and eventually to extend across the Eio Grande) with the management of their affairs in the hands of a Director appointed by themselves, powers to levy and maintain troops for defence against Indians, appoint their own Officers, raise and appropriate funds within the limits of the Company, privilege to collect all the import duties West of the Mouth of the Colorado, and in short with powers not unlike those of the East India Company, but with no definite legal controul left to the Executive Government, and no practical means of carrying it into effect, if the case were otherwise The Company in consideration of these extensive powers and privileges to undertake the liability of the public debt of Texas, and to provide a certain fixed sum for the payment of the ex- pences of the Government, or what might more properly then be called, the Nominal Government. In point of language and ar- rangement the Bills will of course be as guarded as may be prac- ticable. But the real object is to transfer almost all the powers of the Constituted Authorities of this Country, with the use of it's flag, for purposes of disturbance and spoliation in Mexico, to a Confederacy of political Speculators and Capitalists in the United States, the last, probably as yet existing only, in the imag- ination of the parties who have devised these projects; for it is hard to believe that any men of real character and substance have already lent themselves to such proposals, and still less furnished authority to bind them to the contemplated liabilities. The information I have received of General Green's warlike Counsels is consistent with the scheme, for it is a feature of it that the Conquests beyond the Rio Grande are to be parcelled out. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 403 and sold for the advantage of the Company. As soon therefore as all is ready to go into operation, that is the course they would desire, and in the mean time efforts are probably in contempla- tion or in progress to forment the disorders and discontent in the Northern Provinces of Mexico. Keeping in view General Green's implication in the l^ullification Agitation, and intimate connexion with the leader of that party, the reflection will present itself that there may be in this strange Scheme some speculation of preparing for the disruption of the South from the ISTorth in the United States, and ultimately for the Establishment of a great Confederacy extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with the possession of the Califomias. But be the secret and ulterior purposes, what they may, and their character ever so chimerical, it is manifest that the animus falls nothing short of a conspiracy against Mexico. And that such a plot should have emanated from an Officer of the Govern- ment of tlie United States, in such near connexion and close con- fidential Correspondence with a Functionary at the head of the foreign affairs of that Country cannot fail to fk the very atten- tive consideration of Her Majesty's Government. Carefully perus- ing the late report of the Secretary of War in the United States for presentation to Congress I incline to think that this report may be connected with his proposal to establish posts towards the Mouth of the Columbia. I know too that one of General Green's Schemes, contemplates the removal of some of the Indian Nations now within the United States to the regions between their Western border and the Eio Grande, probably with the intention of dispossessing the tribes in actual occupation, and pressing upon Mexico in that way. I shall of course endeavour to furnish Your Lordship with an accurate synopsis of these schemes as soon as possible. But they are very carefully kept out of sight at present; and if those earliest put forward should fail in the House of Legislature where they are presented I conclude that the more important will be set aside and kept concealed The President tells me that he hears of a test attempt in the Senate, but has no idea that it will pass, and leans to the belief that failure there will discourage further Movement. To The Eight Honourable. ^^^^^^^ ^^^^°^- The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 404 Texas State Historical Association ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT' Draft. Foreign OfSce. Cnptain Elliot. Deer. 31. 1844. No. 13.« Sir, As yoii will by this time have returned to your Post, I transmit to you a Copy of a Despatch which, during your absence from Texas, I have received from Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico, ?s well as a Copy of my reply to that Despatch, on the subject of the position of Mexico with reference to Texas, and of the urgent expediency of the recognition of the Independence of Texas by the Mexican Government. I transmit to 3'ou also Copies of four Despatches with reference to the projected Annexation of Texas to the United States, as well as to the policy proper to be pursued by Her Majesty's Gov- ernment both in Mexico and the United States, with respect to that delicate question, which have been received by Her Majestj^'s Government from Her Majesty's Envoy in the United States, to- gether with Copies of a Correspondence between me and Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris upon the same subject. I add to tliese Papers the Copy of a Despatch which I address this dav to Mr. Bankhead.^ 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is 'unsigned. The enclosures cover the more important diplomatic communications passing between Aberdeen and British representatives in the United States, France, and Mexico, relative to the plan of preventing annexation. These despatches explain the reasons for the giving up of that plan, and for the adoption of the passive policy here outlined to Elliot. For detailed statement and quo- tations from despatches, see Adams, British Interests and Aclivities m Texas, ch. VIII; Smith, The Annexation of Texas, p. 404.' "Aberdeen's despatches to Elliot after No. 5, January 31, to No. 13, December 31, 1844, were all on routine business and have been omitted. They are in F. O., Texas, 9, and by number and date were: No. 6, February 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. No. 7, April 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of bills satisfying the "Eliza Russell" claims. No. 8, April 3, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. No. 9. April 18, 1844, acknowledging receipt of despatches. No. 10, April 18, 1844, granting Elliot leave of absence. No. 11, November 4, 1844, transmitting claims of Mr. S. Merana upon Mexican government, and documents relating thereto. No. 12, Addington to Elliot. November 4, 1844, relating to the "Little Penn" claims, with copies of correspondence with Lizardi and Co. "The enclosures here listed are all to be found in F. 0., Texas. 20, being copies transmitted to Elliot, and preserved by him in his archives. Taken in the order named by Aberdeen, they are as follows: British Correspondence Concerning Texas 405 These Papers will put you in possession of the line of conduct which Her Majesty's Government have pursued and intend to pur- sue botli with regard to Mexico and to the United States, with reference to Texas. That line of conduct may be summed up in a few words, it is to urge Mexico by every available argument, and in every practicable Manner, to recognize without delay the Independence of Texas, as the only rational course to be taken for securing the real interests of Mexico, to which Country, the Annexation of Texas to the United States would be ruinous, while, an the other liand, we have carefully abstained from any ostensible Act which could influence the wild and dangerous spirit which, partly from National, but more from party purposes, has been roused and sustained by demagog-ues in the United States, in favour of the Annexation of Texas, and which wanted but the evidence of active interference on the part of Great Britain to be kindled at once into a flame. This policy we propose still to pursue, because, under present Circumstances, and until we can see our way more clearly with reference to the intentions of Mexico, as well as to those of the United States, under the altered circumstances which the Election of a new President may exhibit, we think a passive course, or rather a course of observation, the most prudent, and the least likely to involve us in difficulties with Mexico, or with the United States Our feelings, however, are in no way changed with regard to the Independence of Texas. We consider that Independence of the highest importance for Mexico, for Texas herself, and even eventually for the United States, to which Country, in the opinion of Pier Majesty's Government, the possession of Texas, although it might at the present Moment satisfy the peculiar interests of the Sonth, and gratify the National vanity of all the States, would Bankhead to Aberdeen, No. 54, July 31, 1844. Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 30, September 30, 1844. PaJcenham to Aberdeen, No. 74, June 27, 1844. Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 76, June 27, 1844. Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 123, November 13, 1844. Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 127. November 28, 1844. Aberdeen to Cowley, No. 202, July 18, 1844. Cowley to Aberdeen, No. No. 371, July 22, 1844. Cowley to Aberdeen (Confid.), No. 568. December 2, 1844. Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 40, December 31, 1844. 406 Texas State Historical Association scarcely fail, in no long time, to become a serious source of Con- tention between the Northern and the Southern States, and, at the same time, expose the whole Confederation to great hazard. Her Majesty's Government desire, therefore, that you should observe the greatest Caution in all your dealings and Conversa- tions with the Authorities of Texas, and that you should in no way Commit your Government to any line of active policy with regard to that Country. We have undoubtedly every reason to hope and believe that the present ruling Authorities in Texas will be found favourable to the Independence of their Country. Mr Anson Jones has the reputation of a Man of worth, judgment, and high minded feel- ings; and Mr. Ashbel Smith, who seems to be designated for the post of Secretary of State, is, to our personal knowledge, a man of excellent capacity, calm reflection, and holding sound opinions respecting tlie position and interests of his Country. In these two Gentlemen, therefore we could place entire confidence. But we must always remember that the tide of public opinion may be too strong for them to withstand, especially if the pressure from without be, as it is not unlikely to be, applied with great force and craft. However decided, therefore, the opinions of the President of Texas and his Secretary of State may be in favour of non-an- nexation, they may be overborne especially if the folly or ob- stinacy of Mexico should still come in aid of the United States, and may be compelled, however unwillingly to give way to irresisti- ble Circumstances Under this view of the case whatever might be our prepossion in favour of actively supporting the Independence of Texas, good policy seems to point out the course I have described, at least for the present, as the only one which we can prudently pursue. You will not fail to observe, with the utmost viligence, the progress of events, and the changes which may take place in pub- lic opinion in Texas, and to keep Her Majesty's Government cor- rectly informed on these points. I have no objection to Your verbally communicating the sub- stance of this Despatch, but not of it's Inclosures, to the President and to Mr. Ashbel Smith, in whose steadiness, circumspection, and good faith I have much confidence. But vou will on no ac- British Correspondence Concerning Texas 407 count allow any Copy of it to be taken, nor will you speak of its contents to any person except to the President and Mr Smith At the same time that you make such Communication, you will add the assurance that, although we feel confident that the threats of Invasion by Mexico are mere words, we do not the less appre- ciate all the injury which results to Texas from those threats, idle as they are, and shall not relax, but rather increase our efforts to induce Mexico to desist from so irrational and so prejudicial a line of Conduct ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" Draft. Captain J^lliot. F. 0. Deer. 31st. 1844. No. 14. Sir, I transmit to you herewith, for your information. Copies of two Despatches'^ which I have received from H. M. Minister at Frankfort respecting a body of Germans who have gone to Texas ^vith a view to settle in that Country. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* ISTo. 2.'- Washington on the Brazos. January 3nd. 1845. My Lord, I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that Mr Allen the Attorney General and Secretary of State ad interim, informed me yesterday that the President had revoked the "Exequatur" issued to General Green as Consul to the Fnited States for Gal- veston, owing to circumstances known to His Excellency which rendered that step neeessar}^ for the "interests, honour, and safety of the Pepublic."i3 "F. O., Texas, Vol. 9. The letter is unsigned. ^^Not transcribed. *F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. ^-F. 0., Texas, 13, Elliot to Aberdeen, No. I, is missing from the archives. "The President's objection to Duff Green was largely due to the lat- ter's public accusation that the Texan government's policy was being moulded by Elliot. The matter was smoothed over after Green had writ- ten a letter of disclaimer and apology. For details and correspondence, 410 Texas State Historical Association the Comanchee end Apache tribes upon Mexico would be equally advantageous to that Eepublic. This Indian project is particularly remarkable, coupled with the authority of the Government of the United States to their diplomatic Agent here to move United States troops into any part of Texas that he sees fit. In the absence of General Green's explanation of his own Meas- ures, privately and confidentially communicated to this Govern- ment, and with the glimpses of them that he affords, it must be admitted that they are a subject of curiosity and interest Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^* Private. Galveston, January 15th. 1845. My Lord, A service of many years in the West Indies both in my own profession and in a Civil station connected with the Slave popu- lation, independently of my position here, have perhaps given me some qualification to form an opinion on a few of the points Mr Calhoun has noticed in the papers lately laid before Congress re- specting the Annexation of Texas. The accompanying notes were written for a private purpose that I sometimes hope to be able to accomplish ; but it has oc- curred to me that Your Lordship may be willing to take the trouble of perusing them at the present conjuncture; and if that should be so, and it is thought they can in any way be useful to the public Service, I need not say that they are entirely at Your Lordship's disposal. If they are of no interest or use to Her Majesty's Government, I will take the liberty, (with my excuses for the trouble to which I have exposed Your Lordship) to ask that they may be for- warded to my Si?ter Lady Hislop, living at ISTo 37 Wilton Crescent Belgrave Square. Charles Elliot To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 411 [Enclosure] ^^ Since I have been here I have carefully perused Mr Calhoun's late Instructions to Mr Shannon^® in Mexico, as well as his de- spatch to Mr. King^'^ at Paris dated the 12th of August. The character of those to Mr Shannon has been stripped so bare by Seiior Rejon and the press in Mr Calhoun's own Coun- try, that they may very justly be cast out of further notice — I will make one observation about them, however, which I have not remarked elsewhere, and that is, that if they were not in- tended to create a misunderstanding, the tidings of which should reach Washington just in time to help forward the President's proposals for immediate Annexation, their motive is inscrutable to me. Assuredly there was no practical need to require Mexico at the end of the Month of October not to make a descent upon Texas, which Mr Shannon must have known could not be done before next Spring, on account of the State of the Country in the Winter Season, setting aside all consideration of the prospect of intestine troubles, hourly looked for at the date of Mr Shan- non's Notes. The whole Series of these papers must I think, convince every impartial person that the absorption of this Country has always been deliberately intended by certain parties in the United States, and that the acknowledgment of the Eepublic of Texas (so far as those parties were concerned) was only a device for the quiet- ing of the question till they should be able to perpetrate an Act of vSpoliation on Mexico, chiefly with the purpose to extend the Market for their own internal Slave Trade. I am sensible that it would be the height of injustice to sup- pose that the present Scheme of Annexation will be easily car- ried through the Legislature of the United States. But the at- tempt has been earnestly made and will be strenuously prose- cuted, and there is no reason to think that it will fail from any particular scrupulousness either in point of representation or means, on the part of the present Government. Mr. Callioim pronounces that the Measure of Emancipation in '=F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. ''^In U. S. Docs. Ser. No. 440, Doc. 1, correspondence accompanying Tyler's Message of December 3, 1844. "In Ihid., 39. 412 Texas State Historical Association the British possessions has been a total failure, and in support of that conclusion dwells at much length in the despatch to Mr King on the diminution of the supply of Sugar, which he con- siders to be entirely attributable to the change from forced to free labour. In setting out it is to be observed that it is more compendious, than a complete or accurate mode of estimating the Situation, happiness and prospects of Countries, to cipher out the sum of Sugar produced at different periods of time. The Averdupois Weight of Sugar is not decisive of such a question as Mr Cal- houn has raised. Willi out undervaluing that consideration it is not to be denied that more things than Sugar should have been thrown into the balances before the pronunciation of this solemn sentence, for the warning of the King of the Frencli, that a great measure of jus- tice had utterly failed, and that the British Government are con- spiring to ruin every body else with whom they have friendly and profitable Commercial relations to redress the effects of what Mr. Calhoun seems to think was an Act of mixed folly and mis- chief. Passing on from these reflections, however, I would wish to observe that it is natural Ml- Calhoun should be incompletely informed as to the real Situation of those Countries, either now or formerly — But if he had not of late abated the disposition to cause men to marvel at any course that may next suggest itself to his mind, it would have occasioned gi*eat surprize that he should have chosen a subject for the better instruction of the King of the French through Mr King of Alabama/^ on which it would be his best and certainly his manifest excuse to admit at once, that he is entirely wrong and mistaken; and it is to be hoped, heartily sorry and ashamed for what he has said and done. The position is that the West Indies and other British posses- sions where Slavery existed are in a ruinous condition, that state of things being mainly deduced, to his satisfaction, from the di- minished supply of Sugar. But if those possessions are in an incomparably sounder and happier condition than they were, he "William Rufiig King. Member of Congress from North Carolina, 1810-1816. United States Senator from Alabama. Minister to France, 1844. Elected Vice-President of United States in 1852. Died, 1853. (Appleton, Encyclopedia of Amer. Biog.) I British Correspondence Concerning Texas 413 will of course agree that the measure has not failed, though the supply of Sugar has fallen short. Concerning Mr Calhoun's Summum bonum, however, he may learn by applying to proper sources of information that the British Sugar growing possessions have very varying powers of produc- tion — And it will by no means surprize him to hear that the effect of a high protecting Duty on Sugar had been to fasten the whole energies of the proprietary almost exclusively to that product, thus inducing a destructive internal competition between Soils of extremely various capacities, at the total disregard of the plain rule that it is good to secure the means of living comfortably before men embark all their Capital in a Speculation in which there are many Competitors with equal or more advan- tages — He will learn that long before there was any idea of early emancipation, the proprietary in the Old and exhausted Colonies, and even in Jamacia, had been severely distressed, and many of them utterly beggared, owing to the acquisition of new and rich Countries peopled at the close of the trade in too great a degree with adult Males, that planters in the British possessions as in other parts of the A\^orld are not usually provident, and had been mistaking there, as elsewhere, profits and high prices on Capital in a fluctuating business, for steady revenue ; that the peace,^*^ with the consequent increased supply from other quarters, had added to the pressure upon them, that in most of the Old Colonies the Soil had become so poor from the excess of this exhausting cul- ture as to demand heavy expense to sustain it with a diminish- ing return and reduced prices; that they did not feed their in- habitants, that the race of labourers in some of the rich were in a very unsound condition in point of division of the sexes, age of the Male population, force of growing children so as to leave room for disquieting reflections respectinsf the future condition of the Countries; that, finally, it is strictly true, that at the period of the measure of emancipation, accompanied by a noble act of justice and generosity, it had only come in good time to sa^e the great body of the Mortgagees from following the great body of the proprietary in the road to iniin, and restoring to some of the richest Colonies in the West Indies the hope of sav- ing their population from extinction. ^^That is, the peace of 1815 after the Napoleonic wars. 414 Texas State Historical Association This was the state of circumstances at the period of emanci- pation, even in that Sugar point of view which has satisfied Mr Calhoun's judgment. But the British Government felt that there were other considerations which it consisted Avith their duty and honour to estimate more preciously than pounds weight of Sugar, or of gold and silver. The wrongfulness of the Institution in the sight of God and Man, its debasing effects on Master as well as Slave, the temper of the A^ation in respect to it, the claim of that population to the rights of British Law, and to all the reparation of which the nature of circumstances would admit for the wrongs that they and their ancestry had suffered. Is it possible that an American Statesman, of mark, can in- deed suppose that the British Government and Nation consider the measure of emancipation to be an error, and that the question now with them is "how it shall be counteracted? that the feeling there is "That what has been done cannot be undone". Is this then the state of information and belief of one of the leading Statesmen of the United States of America as to the temper of the British Government and people respecting the measure of emancipation ? What incredible ignorance ; what a deplorable exposure is here ! Can a person of such training, and in such a Station, doubt the existence of the real motives which dictated this measure? Is he so ignorant of their force? — The last state of that man is worse than the first ! Mr Calhoun may learn by consulting the papers that the fail- ure of produce was fully expected. — How little soever he may understand that any considerations should prevail over the sordid, it is nevertheless true that Gre^t Britain was prepared to incur that loss with the other heavy burden which this measure entailed upon Her. And wisely too, for the price, great as it was, was none too much, that purchased lasting honour for Great Britain, and mighty benefits not only for Great Britain, and the race of men that Great Britain redeemed from Slavery, but for all the Nations of the Earth still suffering from this terrific moral disease, and for the generations of men that it vrill save from that curse, and raise up to tJie Stature of human beings. It can hardly be that Mr Calhoun, in his wiser mood, does not British Correspondence Concerning Texas 415 perceive that the example of Great Britain will, sooner or later^ be followed by every Christian people in the World, not by in- trigue, and indirect means, and the miserable machinery that he has imagined, so unworthily of his character and station, but by the irresistible force of right principles, and a sense of honest shame. Cavils and strictures, and poor conceptions on such a matter from any quarter are less than naught, and will be for- gotten with Mr CalJioun, and all the passing things of the hour. But history will record this measure of emancipation with its sacrifices, and the blessings which it purchased, as the worthiest deed in the most glorious career that any family of human race has yet run, the mightiest victory that any people ever achieved over their selfishness and cupidity, for the sake ,of justice, and the cause of the helpless and oppressed, to the end of time. It was from the state of circumstances (briefly sketched above) respecting the state of property and the population, long before and at the period of the emancipation that, and with a large consideration of all those higher motives, and a comprehensive recollection of the vast nature of the change, and the slow but sure consequences that such a change has always produced on the human race: these were the considerations with which a just and informed person would bring to the examination of the present situation and prospects of those Countries; and the World will determine how nearly Mr Calhoun approaches to a fit condi- tion of mind for sitting in judgment on such a case as this. Adverting to the condition of the population, Mr. Calhoun- might gather in his researches that it had not consisted with the sense of right of the English Legislature to set up a great internal Slave Trade amongst their possessions when they abol- ished the African, and to recruit the rich Soils and unhealthy Climates where men decay under hard toil impelled by the Whip, at the sacrifice of the population in the exhausted and compara- tively speaking the healthy, where men increase, though Sugar fails. He will discover in the prosecution of his task and at no advanced stage of it, that the real state of the fact in the British possessions where Sugar is produced, is not so much that there has been any unaccountable or desperate failure of the sup- ply since the Emancipation but that a great deal too much was wrung from the soil and people under the old system, particu- 414 Texas State Historical Association This was the state of circumstances at the period of emanci- pation, even in that Sugar point of view which has satisfied Mr Calhoun's judgment. But the British Government felt that there were other considerations which it consisted with their duty and honour to estimate more preciously than pounds weight of Sugar, or of gold and silver. The wrongfulness of the Institution in the sight of God and Man, its debasing effects on Master as well as Slave, the temper of the Nation in respect to it, the claim of that population to the rights of British Law, and to all the reparation of which the nature of circumstances would admit for the wrongs that they and their ancestry had suffered. Is it possible that an American Statesman, of mark, can in- deed suppose that the British Government and Nation consider the measure of emancipation to be an error, and that the question now with them is how it shall be counteracted? that the feeling there is "That what has been done cannot be undone". Is this then the state of information and belief of one of the leading Statesmen of the United States of America as to the temper of the British Government and people respecting the measure of emancipation ? What incredible ignorance ; what a deplorable exposure is here ! Can a person of such training, and in such a Station, doubt the existence of the real motives which dictated this measure? Is he so ignorant of their force? — The last state of that man is worse than the first ! Mr Calhoun may learn by consulting the papers that the fail- ure of produce was fully expected. — How little soever he may understand that any considerations should prevail over the sordid, it is nevertheless true that Gredt Britain was prepared to incur that loss with tbe other heavy burden which this measure entailed upon Her. And wisely too, for the price, great as it was, was none too much, that purchased lasting honour for Great Britain, and mighty benefits not only for Great Britain, and the race of men that Great Britain redeemed from Slavery, but for all the Nations of the Earth still suffering from this terrific moral disease, and for the generations of men that it will save from that curse, and raise up to the Stature of human beings. It can hardlv be that Mr Calhoun, in his wiser mood, does not British Correspondence Concerning Texas 415 perceive that the example of Great Britain will, sooner or later, be followed by every Christian people in the World, not by in- trigue, and indirect means, and the miserable machinery that he has imagined, so unworthily of his character and station, but by, the irresistible force of right principles, and a sense of honest shame. Cavils and strictures, and poor conceptions on such a matter from any quarter are less than naught, and will be for- gotten with Mr Callioun, and all the passing things of the hour. But history will record this measure of emancipation with its sacrifices, and the blessings which it purchased, as the worthiest deed in the most glorious career that any family of human race has yet run, the mightiest victory that any people ever achieved over their selfishness and cupidity, for the sake .of justice, and the cause of the helpless and oppressed, to the end of time. It was from the state of circumstances (briefly sketched above) respecting the state of property and the population, long before and at the period of the emancipation that, and with a large consideration of all those higher motives, and a comprehensive recollection of the vast nature of the change, and the slow but sure consequences that such a change has always produced on the human race: these were the considerations with which a just and informed person would bring to the examination of the present situation and prospects of those Countries ; and the World will determine how nearly Mr Calhoun approaches to a fit condi- tion of mind for sitting in judgment on such a case as this. Adverting to the condition of the population, Mr. Calhoun^ might gather in his researches that it had not consisted with the sense of right of the English Legislature to set up a great internal Slave Trade amongst their possessions when they abol- ished the African, and to recruit the rich Soils and unhealthy Climates where men decay under hard toil impelled by the Whip, at the sacrifice of the population in the exhausted and compara- tively speaking the healthy, where men increase, though Sugar fails. He will discover in the prosecution of his task and at no advanced stage of it, that the real state of the fact in the British possessions where Sugar is produced, is not so much that: there has been any unaccountable or desperate failure of the sup- ply since the Emancipation but that a great deal too much was wrung from the soil and people under the old system, particu- 416 Texas iState Historical Association laii}' towards its close when the means of manufacturing by im- jwovements in machinery and the use of Steam every where ex- ceeded the amount of the fruits of the Earth that could be brought to the Mills. It is well known (and the cause is well understood) that there is a vast difference where Slavery exists, between the advance of improvement in agricultural processes, which are the work of the Slave, and the mechanical, which are the invention of free men; and hence a pressure upon the people and the soil, not at all consistent with the well understood inter- ests of the Countries, or indeed with their durable cultivation for any steadily profitable purpose. Mr Calhoun will deduce another conclusion from an investi- gation of this^ subject, which will be interesting to him, for it is in accordance with his principles of fiscal policy, namely; that one of the sure ways to help Countries to ruin is to blight them with high protecting duties upon particular portions of their produce He will remark, and that too should be another pleasing dis- covery to him, so far as his political economy is in question that if those British possessions send much less revenue, or what might more properly be called tribute to an absentee proprietary in Europe, they take and consume a great deal more of their o\^n produce, and of all other things both from England, and other parts of the World, his own Country inclusive. He will find too, aud that discovery wall be grateful to him both as a. philosopher and a Philanthropist (but perhaps I should ask his pardon for calling him a Philanthropist for I observe that he has rather repudiated that word, but nevertheless there are such people) — He will find, however, philanthropist or not, that population is rapidly increasing, that education is common amongst the children, that the vices which Slavery begets, both in the Enslaver, and in the Enslaved, are in course of slow, but sure, eradication, and lastly, that no inconsiderable number of that hue of men, who we learn, upon his authority, are to perish if they are made free in America, flourish and do credit to high station under the British Crown in the West Indies. It will be no light stroke to Mr Calhoun if some one of them should see fit to correct his headlessness and animadvert on his lesS' pardonable spirit. For it would not be in human nature British Correspondence Concerning Texas 417 that the lesson should be administered without stem severity; and the doctrine and matter into which he has been betrayed in his later exercitations, for the guidance of Kings and Ministers, would be roughly handled by Men of Colour in the West Indies, to the full his equals in capacity, and instruction, and character, and be it observed, that it is no disparagement to him to say so, for I speak only of very able and honourable persons. Mr Calhoun's Mistakes and lack of information, on this subject, not only reach beyond the seas. He does not appear to have any clear conceptions of the possible, and the probable, near his own Gates. Some of the most intelligent and experienced persons with whom I am acquainted in Louisiana and Mississippi, have assured me that they make no doubt those Countries would produce, cer- tainly more Cotton, and probably more Sugar, (Mr Calhoun's test of the practicability of any Scheme that is to leave the Black Man the Master of his own body, and the wages of his own toil) within ten years after Slavery had quietly disappeared, at much less cost of production, and an immensely increased consumption of other merchandize and supplies With regard to Sugar there may be less ease in the transition from slavery to free labour because of the continuous nature of the toil, and the want of sufficient labour in the market as yet to secure it at sufficiently moderate rates of wages, to leave the present rates of profit on the produce, and because too of the expensive nature of present processes, and the great proportion of Capital involved in the fixed form of costly buildings, and superfluous Machinery But Mr Calhoun will remember that Sugar is entirely a forced production in the United States, under the effect of a high pro- tecting duty, and if that duty were removed, as he will certainly think it should be, there will very soon be no other Sugar pro- duced in the United States than is made on small farms, by eco- nomical processes; and at no more than average rates of profit. In that way, however, and under circumstances in which it would be out of the question to work large gangs of Slaves, or Slave labour at all at any profit, I firmly believe that more Sugar will soon come to be produced in the United States than is the case under the present system. But to revert to Cotton for a 418 Texas State Historical Association moment, which is the great staple of Slave labour in America, prices have fallen so low that the time has very nearly arrived when it can only be produced to profit, in the United States, on small farms in an inexpensive way, and by free labour, always cheaper, because better than Slave labour. That it may be pro- duced in that way, I suppose even Mr Calhoun will not deny. At all events it is certain that a considerable amount of the Cotton brought to market in Texas is the produce of the labour of the free man, either in part or entirely. If Mr Calhoun has recently visited the great Cities of the South, he can hardly fail to have been struck at every hour of the day with some remark- able proof of the rapid pace with which free labour is displacing that of the Slave; and if he really imagines that Her Majesty's Government suppose that the peaceful and gradual emancipation of Slavery in the United States would be attended with disas- trous consequences to the wealth and happiness, and strength of the Country, it is good proof that his mistakes are very deeply rooted, but nothing more. Her Majesty's Government, I am very sure, can have no share in such extremely fallacious opinions, and if they entertained those evil designs against the prosperity of the United States which Mr Calhoun has imputed to them, they can desire nothing better than his Councils and their con- sequences should prevail. They who strive for the illimitable continuance, and extension of the field of Slavery in the United States are no sound friends of the strength, happiness, and integrity of that Confederacy. Mr Calhoun has resorted largely in his advice to the King of the French, to a very excellent and able Magazine published in England, and though it has not been his safe "letter writer" on this occasion, for reasons which it would not be hard to ex- plain, he might, nevertheless, apply himself attentively and with advantage to a good deal of the doctrine expounded in those pages. In reference, for example, to this particular subject, it would have reminded him in an hundred eloquent and instructive pas- sages (better worthy of being drawn under the notice of the King of the French by Mr King than the Bill of parcels which Mr Calhoun collected, for His Majesty's attention) that civil and religious freedom, and instruction made Mr Calhoun and his An- 1 British Correspondence Concerning Texas 419 cestors, and his Country what they are, not in the half Century; the yesterday which has succeeded the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, but in the slow growth of the Centuries which preceded it ; and that the one thing which contributes most to the ruin of all the Great Empires of the past, was Slavery. Does Mr Calhoun indeed wish to consider this subject of British emanci- pation largely and attentively? Let him carry his thoughts for- ward two hundred years, and then let him suppose, if he will, that these wise and generous efforts of himself and his friends have saved this cherished institution for their Country so long. What does he think would be the condition of his Country of South Carolina, and its races of Slave holder and Slave, and the race of the free black Man in the West Indies at the end of that time. It is hard to say what change the Colour of their faces might have undergone, but in every other respect their condition would be worse than reversed. For freedom and religious instruc- tion will raise the hardy Sla,ve labourer to a higher station in no long lapse of time; But all experience has proved that it takes ages of oppression and of the gradual growth of resistance which oppression induces, to harden the fibre and unlift the character of an effeminate and subjected Master Class; and it has been the lot of all Master Classes of Slaves to become feeble and enslaved. It would be painful indeed to pursue such an enquiry, and unneces- sary, for there is no rational ground to believe that such a curse is reserved for any of the people of our blood and race as the protraction of Slavery, let Mr Calhoun, and the rash and heed- less Advocates of the System say and do what they may. Mr King, it is apprehended, found it hard to persuade the King of the French (notwithstanding the date of the despatch, and the state of circumstances existing at that time) that be- cause Sugar had fallen ofE in the West Indies, and because Mr Calhoun cannot divest himself of the imagination that the British ISTation desire to ruin their Neighbors, (and I suppose to consume all their Manufactures themselves) and to come to the point, be- cause the Annexation of Texas had been made an issue in the pending Presidential Election, that His Majesty should approve of an Act of Spoliation on Mexico, with all its certain and dan- gerous consequences. His Majesty is a Gracious Prince. But Mr King must have 420 Texas State Historical Association cei-tainly subjected the Eoyal Countenance to a hard trial when he had frankly entered upon the task of persuading the King tliat it was for the safety of Mexico to render the United States con- terminous with that Country, by the advance of the IJ. S. line several hundred miles nearer to the Pacific ! It is not for me to speculate upon the thoughts or words of the King of the French on the occasion of this dashing at- tempt at a surprize by the American Minister at Paris. But it is at least certain that the "very last thing His Majesty would do^ would be to countenance an Act of rapine on a weak Nation, from motives of groundless hatred to a powerful one, and the intention to extend the market for the internal Slave trade of the United States. But leaving the thoughts of Princes, Mr Calhoun must know that there are enough of Plain men in his own Country, and else- where, who will exercise their right to speak to this point (for he cannot enslave them and send them to Texas to be sold) and they will tell him something to the following effect This Scheme of Annexation is founded on mixed feelings of ill will and envy against Great Britain, and a rapacious spirit against Mexico, and it may be, a dangerous purpose against the integrity of the present Union, and, assuredly, in no trifling de- gree, by sordid motives, and impulses of personal ambition, on the part of many of its most ardent supporters. The Fathers of the United States when they imagined, and shaped the Scheme of society under which that people live, and might live so flourishing and respected, knew that it could only subsist by the maintenance and improvement of the great and good qualities of the race from which they sprung. There was no hatred, no malice, or uncharitableness in their hearts towards Great Britain, or any Country. They desired that their descendants should emulate what was right, and avoid what was wi'ong, in England, and everywhere. They might have had too little regard to some considerations, and hoped too san- guinely on other points, but it is their just praise, and it will re- main to them, let the fate of the United States be what it may, that their Scheme was based on the generous principle that men can be so just, and so honest, and so true to themselves, and British Correspondence Concerning Texas 421 to all the World, as to be trusted with the unchecked direction of their own affairs. They knew well, indeed, what would follow from the prev- alence of envy, and aggression, and cupidity, and dishonest ful- filment of engagements, and political intrigue, and the vulgar devices of Electioneering knavery, and the postponement of the claims of the gi'eat and the good to the clamour of demagogues. They knew that if there should come to be a substitution of the things glaring, and fulsome, for the things, just, and sound, in the Counsels of the Government to the Legislature, in the press, in the oratory of the political Arena, and the public meetings of the people; they knew, and predicted, and warned the people that, when that virtue and simplicity, and sound practice in the busi- ness of self government, which the bye gone system had trained them in, should decay or degenerate, into the tyranny of an un- controlled democracy, and when all those other evils should grow up in the stead of regulated freedom, and plain words, and pure morals, and just purposes, they would be worm and moth in their Charter, and reduce it to dust, before the wax, with which it was sealed had melted away. "Watchful observers in the United States and elsewhere, must remark with anxiety that the race of their great Statesman is rapidly passing away, that their influence is aknost gone, that men of incomparably meaner dimensions are taking their places, and that there are other painful evidences of the grave truth that whilst the elements of durable power and happiness are of slow growth in Nations, as in Individuals, the decay of lights, and virtue, and the spirit of compromise is fearfully rapid. But solicitously as these things are regarded in England (as they are too in the TJnited States) Mr Calhoun manifests very erroneous and poor conceptions of the feeling of the British Gov- ernment and ISTation towards the North American Confederacy. They desire nothing but happiness, peace, honour and pros- perity, for the United States abroad and at home, for they well know that any convulsion in that System, or any great misfor- tune or shame arising out of it would be, in the words of a liv- ing English Statesman on another point, "a heavy blow and a great discouragement," to the cause of human freedom and rights. For my own part, and a varied experience of men and affairs 423 Texas State Historical Association may give me some claim to offer an opinion, I will not deny that I see more reason to hope for the improvement and safe keeping of the principles of true freedom, and real liberality cer- tainly in Prussia, or even in Australia, or Russia, than in the United States of America. I mean that freedom which is largely regardful of the rights of others, be they ever so weak, and that liberality which considers and respects the opinions of the mi- nority, be they ever so few. The course of those Countries is one of improvement in the way of public right, at a various rate of progress indeed, but still of sure improvement. The course of the United States is not one of improvement in the things essen- tial to the maintenance of their scheme of society, and it is well known that the wisest and best Men in that Country are casting their thoughts upon the past with regret, for it is hard to recede, and upon the future with anxiety, for it is impossible to stand fast. Desperate public Men in the United States have ceased to address themselves to the reason of their fellow Citizens, their attack is upon their passions. What the consequences may be, or how soon, no man can tell. Mr Calhoun's strong prejudices and political eagerness have blinded his judgment, not only as to the feelings of Great Britain, towards the United States, generally, but with regard to Slavery, particularly — If he had been contented to take his stand on the position, that great as the evil of Slavery is, and much as it is to be desired it should be removed, no fair comparison can be instituted between the situation of Great Britain, in this par- ticular, and that of the United States, every reasonable man would admit that Statement. But what is to be said of a high functionary of a great Eepublic, (founded on an Instrument bristling with declarations of equal rights, who frights the world from its propriety (mero motu too, for there was no need to touch the subject) with the astounding doctrine that freedom is not a good thing per se, for the laboring people of the darker hue, and that it has been found to be particularly injurious to the e3^es and limbs, and understandings of the enfranchised black people ! What can be adequately said of such a course by such a man, and in such a station, and in the division of feeling that exists British Correspondence Concerning Texas 423 upon the subject in this Country, but that like the desperate Malay he is "running amuck", stabbing at friend and foe, and probably ending his wild race, a self mangled victim. If freedom produces this mischief on black people, it must in some dgree do so, upon white. That has not been ascertained to be the fact, and I am inclined to believe that Mr Calhoun has collected hi? (black) statement from some very inaccurate statistics. At all events it is no satisfactory thing to have re- marked that there are fewer deformed or helpless coloured peo- ple in a state of slavery than in a condition of freedom. The inference is painful Let it not be supposed that I am one of these persons who cast general blame on the Slave holding proprietary of the United States. Nothing can be farther from my feeling and purposes. I am well acquainted with many of these gentlemen, and I know that their people are humanely treated, and lightly worked, and. M^ell clad, and lodged and fed : And much more than all this, that the responsibility of their training for better things is deeply felt, and most honourably discharged at large pecuniary sacrifice, and in the beginning at no trifling amount of suspicion and ill will on the part of their neighbours; giving way now (as all such feelings will, before right motives and firm conduct) to the sounder spirit of assent, and laudable emulation. The whole Country is their Debtor, But the manifest error of these worthy persons is that they judge of the system from their own practice, forgetting that it constitutes the exception to the rule. I will freely admit, however, that the Slave population of the United States of America appears to me to be better cared for, and in an incomparably more advanced condition in point of intelligence than any other that I have ever seen (and I have had a long and extensive experience on this subject). But this ob- servation only convinces me more firmly that there is no ground for the arguments of the persons who resist further change and improvements, and who would continue to subject a people to the purchase and sale conditions of Cattle, arrived long since at the condition of an intelligent peasantry. I remember to have read a Speech of Mr McDuffie's^" deliv- ^George McDuffie. Member of Congress from South Carolina, 1821- 1834. Governor of South Carolina, 1834-1836. United States Senator, 1842-1846. (Appleton, Cyclop, of Amer. Biog.) - 424 Texas State Historical Association ered some years since in the Senate) connected with this subject, which seemed to me to be pregnant with truth and soundness up to a certain point ; but thenceforward falling lamentably short of any just practical advice. He dwelt with perfect truth, and beaming pride on the prog- ress that this race had made on this Continent, he contrasts their situation with the state of the race on the Coast of Guiana; he compared it with that of several of the peasantries of Europe. In due succession it might have been supposed that he would have concluded with an assertion of their rights, as well as fit- ness, and with earnest advice to adopt at once some safe prin- ciples for their gradual emancipation from a state of things, totally incompatible with their present stature in the scale of humanit}'', at utter variance with the fundamental principles of the society in which they live, and full of danger to the well be- ing of the Country. Mr McDufiie, however, did not appear to see that length, and for any thing I could observe to the contrary in his very remark- able speech, he would have the system stand where it was, till time, and the course of circumstances had obliterated all vestige of the black race, and the fields were full of Slaves of the same Colour as their Masters. The imputation to which the Slave States are justly liable is, not that they do not at once emancipate the Slaves, for that can- not be done with safety, but that they make no preparation to do . so by prohibiting the future exportation of such persons as merchandize, and by the establishment of schools for the Chil- dren, and by all the means of preparation which did so much to pave the way in the British Colonies, and, above all, by the estab- lishment of liberal principles for the gradual introduction of the people of Colour (under proper guarantees of good conduct, and steady employment, and perhaps a property qualification) to the full privileges of Citizenship. Till this is done the United States have no just pretension to be called a land of freemen. The great stain, however, of the Old Slave States, and it is a terrible one (and to the honour be it said, of a great portion of the Inhabitants, terribly felt) is the internal Slave Trade. Moderate men do not reproach them that they have Slaves : That is their misfortune, and it is not to be denied that Great British Correspondence Concerning Texas 425 Britain shared deeply in the original sin. But the heavy charge against them is that they desire to get rid of them by foreign traffic, and that some of their Statesmen are striving, heart and soul, to extend the market for this deeply wicked traffic. For my own part, who have had the unhappiness to see many of these unfortunate people, traveling in chains to the Southern Market through the land of Washington and the greatest spirits that America ever produced, I could not but reflect how exten- sively that race had contributed to the happiness and strength of these Countries, and thus directly to the fostering of the very men who achieved Independence; and here was their reward! I have not the least hesitation in declaring my own feeling that such a Slave trade is incomparably more indefensible than the African. In the one, men are selling the people and the descendants of people like Cattle, who have lived with their Fathers, or been born and brought up by the side of their Chil- dren, who have rejoiced with them, and sorrowed with them, and toiled for them, and whos€ final lot is the swamp, and the burn- ing sun of the Banks of the Mississippi, where they too often languish and die in the very year of their arrival, under a new and hard task, in a climate as strange to them as to the Whites, with whom they were reared. In the other, men at least are not adding the sin of ungi-ate- fulness, to the meanness of cupidity. The African is nothing to him, or he to the African, but the recollection of the gangs of people, who I have seen travelling through Virginia iti Chains, will never pass away from me. It happened to me to be then perusing Mr Jefferson's Notes on Virginia, and I could not but feel the force of his eloquent lines upon the subject of Slavery- very strongly. When he thought of it he trembled for his Coun- try ! Nothing that ever fell from his pen does more honour to Mr Jefferson than that striking page, and I greatly fear that there are rash Councils in operation in the United States, which may render it little short of prophetic. Mr Calhoun remarks for the instruction of the King of the French, that to form a correct conception of what would be the result of freedom to the Blacks in the United States, (brought about by the influence of Great Britain,) we must cast our looks not to Jamaica, but to Saint Domingo. This influence of Great 426 Texas State Historical Association Britain, of which Mr Calhoun speaks so often may be very good matter to help the polls in the United States, but it is not ex- actly calculated for the Eoyal Cabinet of the Tuileries. It must be perfectly understood in that quarter to be no more than a creation for certain political objects in the United States. The King and all the rest of the World know that Great Britain has used no other influence, than the influence of example, and that to be sure is forcible enough. It will do its work in time, and peacefully, not to the injury, but to the incalculable advantage of the United States. But it may be asked, if real efficacy should be given in the United States to the principles which prevailed in Jamaica, (duly modified according to the circumstances) why the King of the French should not be suffered to cast his eyes towards Jamaica, rather than Saint Domingo, in forming a judg- ment upon the probable result? If there are none of the antecedents of the dismal story of Saint Domingo, in the measure of emancipation in the United States, it is reasonable to think that there will be none of the events. Let us hope there may be none of those antecedents, for that tale is full of warning, and may be summed up in a few words. Saint Domingo was lost to France by the madness of the peo- ple. It was saved to her, or might have been saved (but for an Act of perfidy and cupidity of which the world has seen few worse examples) by the wisdom and conduct of a Black Man, and it was cast again into utter desolation from which it has never recovered by the rashness of Napoleon, at the cost of the flower of the Fi-ench Army. St Domingo is not a desert because Black Men are free, or idle, or because of any of Mr Calhoun's prejudices against the rights of that race. The history of that Country will prove that those people are as susceptible of improvement, by freedom and Chris- tian Instruction, as any other in the world. — It will shew that gi-eat Men can have black faces, and unhappily that white Men can have black hearts; that the virtues of generosity, and con- stancy, and courage were as freely displayed by blacks as whites in that memorable struggle, and lastly, that the true curse of St Domingo has been pronounced of old, and came to pass by the neglect of the sacred warning, that the sins of the Fathers shall British Correspondence Concerning Texas 427 be visited on the Children to the third and fourth generation. The great Calamity of St Domingo is the hatred and jealousy between the mixed and black races, springing originally from the vices of the Whites, formented afterwards by their dark pol- icy, and now reckoned against them by men of that Colour who have occasioned almost the whole burden of misery and wretched- ness which has fallen upon that land. Let Mr. Calhoun assure himself that the fairest race of men in this planet, exposed to analogous disasters, and outrages, and calamities of all kinds, would have fallen as low as these unfortunate people; and still more should he bring himself to acknowledge that the single sound treatment for such a state of things is to help them with counsels to cherish their freedom ardently, and to regulate it wisely, and to heal their differences, and, above all things, to instruct their Youth in the fear of God. He would agree that it was only by such means that a fallen White people could be raised, and where is the wisdom, or jus- tice, of this finger of scorn against an unhappy race of Black Men. Victims of desperate crimes and calamities, not of their creation ? St Domingo was no pleasing subject to draw under the notice of the King of the French, neither, I must say, is it at all to be detected that Mr Calhoun was better able to instruct His Majesty therein, than on any of those other points which Mr. King was desired to expound. His Majesty's course with respect to the Slave Colonies of France, and His remedies for the disastrous state of things in St Domingo, would probably be of a totally different character from any that He would collect from Mr Calhoun. It is indeed to be believed that He would rather cast his looks Jamaica-wards, in any contemplated changes on this point, than to any direction that Mr Calhoun would indicate. It may be observed in conclusion, that Mr Calhoun has rushed into an extremely unfortunate situation, on this whole subject. He has unjustly attacked Great Britain; failed in an attempt to create coldness between France and that Power, in a moment of some crises; most unnecessarily aggravated the distrust and dislike with which he has long been regarded by a large part of the people of the United States, and, at the same time, contrived 428 Texas State Historical Association by his late Councils and correspondence, to do more injury to the cause which it was his purpose to sustain, than the whole host of Abolitionists in the United States could have effected in years of agitation. I certainly am one of those persons who re- gret the vexation and chagrin he has brought upon himself, for I have the honour of some slight acquaintance with him, and I cor- dially respect his high private character, and distinguished abil- ities. Charles Elliot. Galveston, January 14th. 1845. [Endorged] In private letter from Capn Elliot of Jan. 15/45. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ No. 1. Foreign Office. January 23. 1845. Sir, Your Despatches to No. 15 have been received and laid before the Queen. Since the date of my last Despatches, the course which events have taken, both in the United States and in Mexico, has been such as, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, to call for a fresh and more explicit declaration of the views entertained by Great Britain of the relations between Texas and those Ee- publicks. The Annual Message of tlie President of the United States,^ as well as the Eesolutions which have been proposed to Con- gress with the intention of engaging a vote of the Legislature in favour of the Annexation of Texas to the Union will have been received at Galveston long before this Despatch reaches you. You will also have learnt the communication by President Tyler of a further Message directed exclusively to that object. What may be the result in the United States of these re- doubled exertions on the part of the Advocates of Annexation, it is impossible with certainty to foresee. Her Majesty's Gov- ernment hope that the honesty and good sense of a large and influential portion of the Publick in that Country will resist >F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. ^'President Tyler's message, December 3, 1844. (In U. S. Docs., Sen No. 449, Doc. I.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 439 the impolicy and danger of committing the conduct of the State, in a matter of snch delicac}^, to the direction of Men so violent and unscrupnlons as those who have come forward as the leaders in this cause. Yet it canot be denied that, under the present state of excitement, the Legislature might be pledged by a rash vote, and thereby force the Executive Government, and perhaps not altogether against their will, into a course of action from which the IsTational Pride, if once engaged in it, would not easily allow of a retreat. The external relations too of the Country, is illustrated by the Papers lately laid before Congress, and so far as they bear upon the question of Annexation, are not without danger. The Correspondence which has passed between Mr Calhoun and the x4.merican Envoy at Paris^ sufficiently shows the jealousy with which the partizans of Annexation are ready to take up any sign of interference, or even of interest expressed by a Foreign State against the cause in which they are engaged; and, should any incident appear to confirm that jealousy, there can be no doubt of the use which would be made to precipitate active measures in the United States whilst the abrupt termination of friendly relations between the American Eepresentative and the Government of Mexico, stopping as it did little short of an open rupture, might but too easily lead to hostilities of which Texas would not be suffered to remain a neutral Spectator; and from which, whatever might be the result to the principal parties con- cerned. She could not hope to escape with her Independence. This is a state of things, which to those who feel an interest in that Independence cannot be otherwise than alarming, and which calls upon them to furnish every aid they can honourably and safely offer for its support. The Government of Texas are already aware of the light in which Great Britain views the question of Annexation as it affects the interest of Texas. Her Majesty's Government are firmly convinced that the dignity and prosperity of that Country are more secure in its own keeping than under the institutions of any other Government, however powerful, and it would not be difficult to show that, under a Government composed as that of 'Calhoun's despatch to King, August 14, 1844. (In U. S. Docs., Ser. No. 499, Doc. I, pp. 39-47.) 430 Texas State Historical Association the United States, and having so many and such opposite inter- ests to serve, it must be long before a newly settled and com- paratively thinly peopled Country would command the attention and the weight which would make up for an abandonment of the privilege of self-government, — if indeed such a result should ever be attainable. Again, as affecting other States, Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that the continuance of Texas as an Independent Power, under its own Laws and institutions, must conduce to a more even, and therefore a more permanent, balance of interests in the North American Continent, and that its interposition between the United States and Mexico offers the best chance of a preservation of friendly relations between those two Governments. That there are other inducements, in which British feelings and interests are more directly concerned, for wishing to see Texas securely established as an Independent State, Her Majesty's Government do not deny, but these are all strictly compatible with a sincere desire to promote the dignity, welfare, and pros- perity of Texas. Apart from all selfish or exclusive considerations. Her Majesty's Government would wish to urge upon the Government of Texas and to exhort them to abstain from any act on their own part, or from encouraging any measure on the part of the Congress of Texas, which might be construed into a desire to surrender the Independence of their Country into the hands of a Foreign Power. Whilst circumstances which I have already detailed to you seem to Her Majesty's Government to call for a renewal of this representation, an event has recently taken place in another quar- ter, which I trust will induce the Government of Texas to pause before they reject the counsel which, in perfect sincerity, and with a firm conviction of its being most in accordance with the interests of Texas herself, Her Majesty's Government have again offered to them. A few days ago I received from Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico a Despatch dated the 39th of November last of which I send you a Copy. You will see by that Despatch and its inclosure that the views of the President of Mexico on the subject of Texas have under- British Correspondence Concerning Texas 431 gone a remarkable change, that he has now, for the first time, deliberate!)' entertained the question of Texian Independence, and, in short, has made a step toward its recognition. This re- sult of the exertions which you are aware Her Majesty's Gov- ernment have not ceased to use with Mexico, is most satisfactory. The conditions which General Santa Anna would annex to the recognition are certainly, in some respects, such as Her Majesty's Government could neither support on their own part nor recom- mend for the acceptance of Texas. Still, a first step of this nature, implying as it does a willingness to enter upon a tem- perate consideration of the subject with a view to its amicable settlement, is one of great importance and value at the present moment. That the Government of Texas, to whom you will communi- cate verbally the substance of Mr Bankhead's Despatch and of its Inclosure, will so consider it, Her Majesty's Government cannot doubt, or that they will hesitate to avail themselves of the good offices of Great Britain and France with a Yiew of the modifi- cation of the terms now offered by General Santa Anna and to rendering them such as Texas can honourably and advantageously accept. General Houston in his last Annual Message, a Copy of which I have just received from you, is entirely justified in stating to Congress that the late agitation of international questions be- tween Texas and the United States has not in any degree abated the desire of the Governments of Great Britain and France for the continued prosperity and independence of his Country, or caused them to relax their good offices to bring about the speedy and honourable adjustment of its difficulties with Mexico. And he does those Governments no more than justice in expressing his confidence that they will never require of Texas any sacrifice of honour or interest. If these are indeed the sentiments of the Texican Govern- ment, it may be confidently expected that they will act upon the advice which Her Majesty's Government now offer them upon this subject, and accept the united good offices of England and France with the Government of Mexico. As to the modifications which Her Majesty's Government would require in the terms proposed by Mexico, it is imnecessary to 432 Texas State Historical Association enter into details on that point until Texas shall have signified her readiness to accept such friendly intervention. At the same time it is right that you should at once declare that Her Majest/s Government would not consent to propose to Texas any condi- tion so unreasonable as the acceptance of the Colorado Eiver as the Boundary of the State. You may also add that, although Her Majesty's Government would not be disposed to undertaJje their share of the responsibility, whicli, for the security of the possessions of Mexico, General Santa Anna would impose upon England and France, yet, that, under certain circumstances, those Powers would not refuse to take part in an arrangement by which Texas and Mexico should be bound each to respect the Territory of the other. You will gather from what I have now stated, that, although, in alluding before to the correspondence which has appeared between Mr Calhoun and the United States Envoy in Paris, I did not think it necessary to notice it, that the difference of opinion which that Correspondence affects to establish between the Governments of England and France on the subject of Texas has no existence; — and such in truth is the fact; whether as relating to the Annexation of Texas to the United States, or to the general position and other interests of that Country. The best and most practical proof of this which can be given to the Texian Government will be the cordiality with which you and your Colleague will join in pressing the same views and arguments upon their consideration. Upon the receipt of this Despatch therefore you will imme- diately confer unreservedly with the French Charge d' Affaires (who will by the same opportunity be furnished with Instruc- tions to a similar purpose) ; and you will lose no time in bring- ing the subject jointly before the Texian Government. You will read this Despatch to the Texian Minister, and you will state that it will be necessary that you should receive from him a full and frank explanation of the views of his Govern- ment as regards the Annexation of Texas to the United States. When that shall have been given, you will inform Her Majesty's Government of the result with the least possible delay. I should add that both in your Communications with the Texian Government, and in your general conversation, you will do well British Correspondence Concerning Texas 433 to avoid all unnecessary mention of the Government of the United States, and all comment upon their Policy Aberdeen. Captain Elliot, R. N". BANKHEAD TO ABERDEEN* [Enclosure.]. Copy. Confidential Mexico. No. 102. N-ovr. 39. 1844. My Lord, Genl. Santa Anna passed a few days lately in the immediate Neighbourhood of Mexico, on his way to join the division of the Army destined to act against Genl Paredes.^ I was desirous for many reasons to see him during his So- journ, and I accordingly went to Guadalupe, and was most cour- teously received by His Excellency. In another despatch I have informed Your Lordship that I was anxious to understand what the President intended to do, with respect to the different pecuniary arrangements existing be- tween this Republic and British Subjects, at this particular Crisis. I afterwards entered into a long discussion with Genl Santa Anna upon the state of Texas, and I was enabled to place the views of H. M's Govt upon that Subject before the President more distinctly by recapitulating the Contents of Your Lord- ship's Despatch No 30 of the 30th of Sepr last,« which I had 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. ^Mariano Paredes, b. 1790, d. 1849. He was for a long time a promi- nent figure m Mexican politics, and in the army. At first a supporter of banta Anna, he went over to Herrera in 1844, aiding the latter to the presidency. Later he overthrew Herrera's government usino- the TT^^-.*5''L*^'^ government was about to sacrifice Mexican interests t^o the United btates. Paredes became president in June, 1845. (Michaud Bioo-- raphie Universelle.) ' " »F. 0., Texas, 20. Copy sent to Elliot. This instruction to Bank- head m effect indicated a reversal of Aberdeen's plan for ioint action between France, England, and Mexico to prevent annexation. Mexico was here warned that since she was not ready to yield to British advice and recognize Texas, and was in fact planning "an invasion of Texas, she must not expect any British sympathy or support in case she got into difficulties. For further analysis and partial quotation, see Adams, Bntish Interests and Activities in Texas, 185-187. For criticism of this view, see Smith, The Annexation of Texas, 403 note 434 Texas State Historical Association the same morning communicated to the Minr for Foreign Affairs, as I knew that the latter would submit what I said to the Presi- dent. Genl Santa Anna desired me in the most earnest manner to assure Your Lordship of his unalterable wish to preserve the ex- isting relations between Mexico and Gt Britain, and of his readi- ness to receive smy Counsel which Yr Lordship might think fit to offer for the benefit of this Countr3^ H. E. then entered at considerable length into the difficulties of his present position, both with reference to the recent com- munications from the U. States respecting Texas, and the neces- sity there was at the same time of putting down the Insurrec- tion which has broken out in Guadalajara, This I knew as well as he did; I was therefore prepared for a declaration he made to me that, out of deference to the British Govt., he would forego any intention he might have previously entertained of invading Texas, and he desired me to state that to Your Lordship. We now come to that part of the Question which relates to the Eecognition of the Independence of Texas by Mexico, I have already had the honour of mentioning to your Lordship, that I have lately observed several indications of a desire to settle this point, without compromising the Amour propre of Mexico I can now present to Your Lordship the Consent of Genl Santa Anna to the Measure in question. While discussing this point the Minr of Finance came in and took part in the conversation. The President mentioned to him the substance of what he intended to submit for Your Lordship's consideration, and accordingly Senor Haro, drew up, from H. E's dictation, in Mr Doyle's and my presence, the conditions upon which Mexico would consent to acknowledge the Independence of Texas. I have the honour to transmit a Copy and translation of this Paper. With respect to the 1st point — The Boundary of Texas has never, I believe, been accurately described. The Texans Claim to the Pio Bravo, while the Mexicans consider , that the proper Boundary would be the Pio Colorado. The Town of Matamoros is situated immediately on the Mexican side of the former Piver, which, no doubt, is one of the reasons which induces this Govt to place the frontier at a distance. As to the question of com- British Correspondence Concerning Texas 435 pensation, I think on a former occasion an offer was made by the Govt of Texas, through Genl. Hamilton, to purchase the good will of Mexico by making over to the holders of Mexican Bonds m England the Sum which the People of Texas were will- ing to pay to Mexico for the Recognition of their Independence This Offer was reported to the Foreign Office in Mr Pakenham's Despatches Nos 97 of Deer 12-1839, ajid ^ 2 of Jany. 3. 1841 With reference to the Guarantee of Gt Britain and France that Texas (I if she] be acknowledged) shall not be allowed to pass whatever Boundary may be agreed upon between Her and Mexico, and that the Californias, New Mexico, and other parts of the Northern Frontier shall equally be guaranteed to Mexico [these], are, of course, entirely for Your Lordship and H. M's Govt, to deliberate upon, as also that part of the Second proposition which relates to the Assistance of the two Great Pow- ers, m case the U. States should endeavor to carry into effect the Scheme of Annexation. The 3d Point relates to the promise of the President to sus- pend all operations against Texas. With respect to the 4th proposition, I think it agrees in some measure with the intentions of H. M's Govt, and was probably suggested to the President by some observations in the Memo- randum given by Your Lordship in my last to Mr Murphy.^ In receiving these proposals from Genl Santa Anna, I assured H. E. that 1 would lose no time in forwarding them to Your Lordship, but did not, in the most remote manner, compromise H. M^s Govt, by any observation with reference to them. I merely took them ad referendum. Some of the Conditions may appear to Your Lordship difficult of execution, and rather at variance with the acknowledged weak- ness of this Govt., but with due allowance for their usual Self confidence, I think we may receive them as yielding at first as much as we could expect, and I doubt not that Modifications may be afterwards obtained. I ventured to press upon the President the absolute necessity of keeping this preliminary arrangement secret. H. E. promised fully to accede to my request, and I have not heard of its being 'See The Quabtebly, XIX. 96. note 8. 436 Texas State Historical Association divulged to any of the Persons who unfortunately surround him, and who have no other interest in proffering advice, than their own base and sordid personal advantage. ^^^^^^^ Bankhead. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. [Endorsed.] Copy. 1844. Mexico, Now. 29. Mr. Bankhead. No. 102. Confidential 1 Inclo. Reed. Jany. 6. Interview with President Sta Anna respecting Acknowledgt of Independence of Texas. [Enclosure to Aberdeen's No 1 of Jan 23, 1845. Translation.] « Copy. Points on the Settlement of which the Mexican Govt might agree to grant the Independence of Texas, in compliance with the wish indicated by H. M's Govt. 1st. Mexico would yield the Territory which is now occupied by the so-called Republic of Texas, that is from the Rio Colo- rado to the Sabina, and would at the same time mark out the Boundaries of the Interior part of the Country. 2d. Mexico by way of Compensation demands an Indemnity for the Territory so yielded. — The Guarantee of England and France united, that under no pretext whatever shall the Texans ever pass the Boundaries marked out. The same Nations shall also guarantee to Mexico the Californias, New Mexico, and the other points of the Northern Frontier bordering on the U. States, according to a Treaty to be drawn up for that purpose If the U. States carry into effect the Annexation of Texas to the N. American Union, England and France will assist Mexico in the Contest which may be thereby brought on, always under the supposition that Mexico shall have carried into effect the recognition mentioned in Article 1. 3d. Until an answer shall be received from England, which is requested may be sent with the least possible delay, Mexico will suspend all hostilities against Texas. 4th. The English Cabinet can either give her Minister here, or send a Commissioner charged with full Powers to treat upon the above Points, and conclude the Negotiation. [Endorsed] Copy. Translation In Mr. Bankhead's No 102 "Gonfidl" of 1844 *F. O., Texas, Vol. 21. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 437 ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT'* JSTo. 2. Foreign Office Confidential February 3d. 1845 Sir, With reference to my Despatch ^o 1, of the 33d Ultimo, I transmit to You herewith, for your Information a copy of the Instruction therein referred to, which the French Government have addressed to M. Dubois de Saligny/^ and which the Count de St Aulaire has communicated to me confidentially, by direc- tion of his Government. I take this opportunity to direct you to communicate with Mr Bankhead, Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico, upon any mat- ter arising out of my Instructions of the 23d Ultimo, on which you may judge it necessary that Mr Banldiead should be in- formed. Mr Bankhead has, in like manner, been directed to communicate to you any matters of importance which may arise in Mexico affecting the position of Affairs in Texas. Aberdeen. Captain Elliot, K. N. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT" No 3 Foreign Office. February 3d 1845. Sir, My Despatches to you, of this day's date will be forwarded by the West India Mail to Jamaica, whence they will be carried to Galveston under cover to Mr Consul Kennedy, by one of Her Majesty's Steamers, or by some other Ship of War. The Com- mander of such Ship will be instructed to wait at Galveston until Mr Kennedy shall have transmitted those Despatches to you at the Seat of Government, and received your answer, and to wait still further at Galveston, if you should express a wish to that effect ; and he will eventually take back to Jamaica any De- »F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. ^"Guizot's instructions to Saligny, dated January 17, 1845, were sim- ilar to those sent by Aberdeen to Elliot on January 23. For wording .if essential clauses, see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 199. ■^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 21. 438 Texas State Historical Association spatehes for Her Majesty's Government, with which he may be entrusted by you or by Mr Consul Kennedy. It is presumed that the detention of the Ship at G-alveston for ten days, or at most a fortnight, will be sufficient to give you time to communicate with the Texian Government, and en- able you to give to Her Majesty's Government, some idea of the probable course which events may take in Texas with reference to the matters treated of in my Despatches. Nevertheless, if you should deem it essential for the publick Service to detain the Ship still longer, you will consider yourself authorized to so do, but you will of course, in any case, not keep her longer than may be really necessary. Aberdeen. Captain Elliot, E. N". ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ - 'No. 4.^^ Galveston. February 8th. 1845. My Lord, I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that Congress in this Country adjourned on the 3d Instant till their next reg- ular Session in December of this year. A Bill to reduce the tariif to a uniform rate of 10 per Cent ad valorum has failed, but from frequent conversation with the President on the subject, and in view of the improving finance of the Country I believe there is every prospect of a modifica- tion to that extent during the next Session of Congress It should be mentioned in connexion with this point that the en- creased amount of revenue has enabled Congress to repeal the Act authorising the issue of Exchequer paper, and all the pay- ments of the Government are now practically made in specie. I believe that nothing direct has been done in Congress re- specting Annexation, but incidentally there has been evidence of the continued prevalence of feeling in support of the Measure from different parts of the Country, and still more decisively by '=F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. "F. 0., Texas, 13, Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 3, January 25. 1845, has been omitted. It related to the claims of Mr. S. Merana upon the Mexi- can government. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 439 the fate of certain resolutions against it, presented in the House of Representatives on the 15tli Ultimo The resolutions and a brief sketch of the debate upon the occasion of their presenta- tion is herewith transmitted for Your Lordship's perusal, from which it will be observed that their reception was rejected by a Vote of 19 to 18. By another extract" from the Galveston Civilian of the 5th Instant, and that paper is one of the best conducted and most influential in the Country, Your Lordship will remark that these proceedings have given general satisfaction Upon the whole I incline to the opinion that there is a growing disposition here to believe that Annexation will be very difficult in the United States; a state of feeling which of course encourages the party in favour of Independence, and if the present effort in the United States is defeated, it is possible that there will be a considerable manifestation in Texas against any further entertainment of the subject. Several leading men in the Country are only waiting for an opportunity, and will probably declare themselves against it de- cisively and energetically as soon as they think they can do so without mischief to their popularity. Another indication of the spirit of Congress is the rejection by the Senate of Mr. Terrell and Colonel Eiley as their repre- sentatives in Great Britain and the United States, and I also learn that no appropriation has been made for the support of any persons in those Stations. The pretext for these proceed- ings is economy, but the improved state of the finance is the sufficient answer to that plea and their real motive no doubt, is the dislike of those Gentlemen to the Annexation project, with perhaps some feeling that this Government would avail itself of the presence of a representative in Europe to facilitate combina- tions adverse to Annexation. Without under valuing any inference deducible from these proceedings of Congress, I would take the liberty to remind Your Lordship that the House of Eepresentatives is elected an- nually by the way of universal suffrage, and it would be unsound and unjust to consider that the decisions of such a Body afford "All enclosures in this letter are newspaper cuttings from the Galves- ton Civilian, but are without date. 440 Texas State Historical Association a fair average method of estimating the feeling of the respectable prudent and intelligent portions of the public. Generally speak- ing in these Countries the persons best suited in point of char- acter and ability to the oifice of representatives do not offer themselves as Candidates, or would certainly be defeated if they did, and so far as I can observe it is almost a rule that the least eligible of those who do present themselves will be chosen. This condition of things has the unfortunate result of con- stantly lowering the standard of the Legislative Bodies to the level of the masses of the Electors, who in their turn are as con- stantly tending downwards politically considered, both from the large immigration of ignorant persons, and still more so from the want of motive to fit and improve themselves as safe depositaries of political power, a deficiency chiefly attributable to the absence of some required qualifications, however moderate, in point of ca- pacity, pursuit, character, or property. Judging from a near point of view I venture to say that uni- versal suffrage seems to me to be mere accidental privilege in respect of origin, with none of the securities, and guarantees, and advantages by which that kind of power is accompanied under other modifications of it. For the most part they who have nothing to win or to lose neither preconsider nor reflect, but exercise their political right in the spirit of the very hour, be it what it may, ignorant or heedless of the lessons of the past, and probably incited rather than deterred, as respects conse- quences, by the warnings of the wise and the just. The course of Congress in Texas affords evidence no doubt of the actual state of popular impression at any given moment, but Your Lordship will readily conceive how suddenly that may be fashioned into any other shape by hands and voices accustomed to that task; and if it will not always be quite accurate to esti- mate the feeling of the more prudent part of the public from the proceedings in Congress, by an inverse process, it only re- mains to observe that those proceedings afford no means of judg- ing at all of the opinions or wishes of thoughtful persons, any more than of the constancy of the prevailing popular humour. Such is the state of the case as respects the conclusions to be drawn from the late Measures of Congress in Texas, and I be- lieve that the view T have in other places had the honour to British Correspondence Concerning Texas 441 submit to Your Lordship is sound, that is, that the course of the people of Texas will depend in a great degree upon the pro- ceedings in the United States, If they are disappointed of their hopes in that quarter during the present Session of Congress in the United States, there may come a moment of dissatisfaction and excitement in which it would be practicable to arrange definitely upon a sounder basis Charles Elliot. The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P, s. Galveston Feby— . 8th. 1845. Since the above was written, an account of the latest pro- ceedings in Congress before it's adjournment has reached us, from which I find that the Senate had succeeded in carrying an amendment of the Appropriation Bill, to some extent, respect- ing the support of Diplomatic Agents: A sum of $9,000 was voted for the service of the year under that head, which would enable the Government to sustain two representatives, probably, one in the United States and one in Europe. I also learn from a Member that a Bill reducing the tariff by a gradual process, to a uniform rate of 15 per Cent ad valorum had passed, but I have reason to think that it will not be approved by the Presi- dent, who is unwilling to touch the Duties till the experience of another year has enabled them to judge how far that can be done wi:h security to the necessities of the Government, on a specie basis. Charles Elliot ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ ■^Q 5_ Galveston. February 8th. 1845. My Lord, Herewith I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship the Copy of certain resolutions" reported by the Committee on the State of the Eepublic in the House of Eepresentatives on the 29th Ultimo. The report of the Committee was accepted, but 'T. O., Texas, Vol. 13. ^'Unidentified newspaper cuttings giving a resolution of the House of Representatives declaring that if annexation failed, the government should seek treaties with foreign powers, beneficial to Texan products. 442 Texas State JJistorical Association the resolutions were rejected by a considerable Majority, in the feeling, as I am told, that they seemed to be drawn up in some disposition to constrain the action of Congress in the United States. I also avail myself of the opportunity to forward a letter written by the Eepresentatives of this County in Congress, and published in a newspaper here,^'' upon the subject of the late difficulty between the President and General Green which I think Your Lordship will wish to peruse. Like everji;hing else that has transpired upon that subject, it is deserving of attention. I should mention that General Green has some time since taken the Oaths as a Citizen of Texas, and has I believe gone down to Corpus Christ! on business connexion with a Gentleman of the name of Kinney, engaged in trade with the Mexicans across the frontier Charles Elliot To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'S Separate. Galveston February 8th 1845. My Lord, Congress having now separated in Texas till December 1845, and Congress in the United States being about to do so on the 4th. Proximo, I take the liberty of requesting Your Lordship's attention to some considerations connected with my own posi- tion in this Country It appears to me that in the present unsettled state of the question of Annexation there is not merely no use in my con- stant presence in Texas during the recess of those Bodies, but on the contrary, certain and inexpedient exposure to a contin- uance of those rumours of undue influence on the part of Her Majesty's Government, got up for purposes of mischievous ex- citement here and in the United States, of which one remark- able instance has recently been reported to Your Lordship. This "Unidentified newspaper cutting. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 443 Government is still only temporarily situated at Washington, where there is neither lodging nor convenience of any kind, nor steady communication with the Coast, and from whence the President and most of the Members of his Cabinet are absent as much as possible during the recess. Beyond these considerations it should be mentioned that it is one of the most unhealthy situations of which I have any knowledge in my 80 years experience of the bad climates of the World, and therefore till this Government is permanently fixed somewhere it is not to be expected that any of the foreign Agents accredited to it, should establish themselves at such a point. They have none of them done so, merely going there when they had any business with the Government. By a law passed in the late Session of Congress it has been determined that the situation of a permanent seat for the Government should be settled by a Majority of the Votes of the people in the Elections of 1847. And in the present state of all the circumstances of the case I would submit to Your Lordship that I should be allowed to reside in the United States during the recess of Con- gress in Texas, (unless I may at any time have business with the Government requiring my presence here) of course at some point where I should be in the line of my correspondence with Your Lordship, and with Her Majesty's Ministers at Washington and Mexico. If this arrangement is sanctioned T shall proceed to join my family in Philadelphia as soon as I have had the honour to receive Your Lordship's reply and remain to the Northward till the Autumn, unless I should receive any Instructions in the in- terval requiring me to return here before that time, which I could do almost as soon as any Despatch could reach me in Texas; And indeed diiring the Summer Months owing to the frequent interruptions of the Mai] communications between ISTew Orleans and Galveston, probably sooner, unless the Despatches were forwarded by Special Messenger authorized to charter a ves- sel from New Orleans. On my return to New Orleans in the Antumn T should fix my family there or in the nighbourhood and come on myself to Texas for the meeting of Congress. Perhaps Your Lordship will give me leave to mention that I 444 Texas State Historical Association have returned to my post this year in a sense of duty at risk and considerable private distress, for my health is not good, and owing to the severe sickness of my child I have been compelled to leave my family amongst strangers in a hotel at Philadelphia But I felt that this was not the moment to suffer myself to be influenced by personal considerations, and I hope I am not mistaken in the confidence that Your Lordship will deem it safe to the public interests to confide the point of my residence in, or absence from Texas, to my own sense of the necessity. I may remark that my American Colleague has the authority of his Government to go to the United States, whenever he con- siders that he can absent himself, and the French Charge d' Affaires tells me that he thinks himself at liberty in the present unsettled state of this (rovernment, only to come here when he has business or during the meeting of Congress. In fact whether we are at Galveston or New Orleans is a matter of indifference, with some advantage in point of easy receipt of intelligence in favour of the latter place. Till the affairs of tliis Country are settled; too, the immigra- tion of persons of respectability is out of the question, and con- stituted as Society is at present, I can neither consent to expose my family to the total unsuitableness of a residence here, or afford to keep them part in England, part in the United States, and myself in Texas. I am aware that Your Lordship is not called upon to weigh such considerations, but I permit myself to state them for they must of course influence my own proceedings Your Lordship will scarcely need to be informed that if the half of my salary is to be stopped whilst I am in the United States, I cannot avail myself of the sanction to reside there, for I have no private fortune, and my actual allowances barely en- able me to maintain my family. Indeed I will frankly state that I have only been prevented from applying for a higher rate of allowance in a post where the expences are regulated by the scale of prices at New Orleans (the dearest place in the United States) and let me add, in a post where the duties, and risks, and indeed the painfulness of employment are probably equal to those of any similar station in the Service of the Crown, by a feeling of extreme repugnance to ask for any thing for myself. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 445 Neither have I been without the hope that Your Lordship may be disposed to remove me to some better position whenever that can be done with convenience to the public interest. Till then it must be unnecessary to say that my services are at the disposal of Her Majesty's Grovernment here or any where ehe that Your Lordship may see fit to leave me, or to send me. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. Downing Street. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 6. Galveston February 15th. 1845. My Lord, Since I last had the honour of addressing Your Lordship the Annexation resolutions adopted by the House of Eepresentatives in the United States have been received here.^° I certainly have no belief that they will pass through the Sen- ate ; But if they should, such is the humour here that it is prob- able even these hard conditions would be accepted by a Majority of the people of Texas. At the same time it is certain that the tenour of the resolutions, is much below the expectations of the friends of the Measure, and occasioning considerable disappoint- ment in that quarter, they have naturally had the effect of en- couraging the hopes of the party, favourable to Independence, small as yet in point of numbers, but I think upon the whole gaining strength and confidence. It is beginning to be insisted both in the press, and amongst the people with more of openness than I have hitherto remarked, that it is more manifest than [that] Annexation cannot be achieved on any terms that this Country ought to accept; that ''F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. -"The "Brown" resolutions passed the Unites States House of Repre- sentatives on January 25, offering to admit Texas as a state, without further negotiation of an annexation treaty. Benton in the Senate intro- duced a bill providing instead for a new negotiation. This was amended to permit the President to select either mode he preferred, and as amended, passed the Senate on February 27, and the House on February 28. (Text of the resolutions as joined, and approved by Tyler, in U. S Docs Ser No. 470, Doc. 1, p. 34.) 446 Texas State Historical Association the conditions of these resolutions are entirely one sided as to advantage, and little short of insulting to Texas in point of lan- guage; that the charge of a State Govei'nment would be as heavy to this people as their present Establishments, that brought un- der the more burdensome fiscal system of the United States, and with the amount of the duties going to the Treasury of the United States, they would be at once living more chargeably, and trading less advantageously, and therefore even less able than they are now to meet their expenditure by direct taxa- tion; that if they are to sacrifice all their present means of de- fraying their expence, and to be left with no other fund for the discharge of their debts than the proceeds of land sales, it was at least just that the Government of the United States should have guaranteed to them the peaceful and full possession of the territory which they claim to be Texas, that the United States can no doubt very well afford to be liberal to Mexico in respect of limits, being perfectly free of liabilities for the debts of Texas, that they are by no means satisfied with the vague expression that Congress is to take over the territory properly "included within, and rightfully belonging to the Eepublic of Texas"; and that they hold it to be out of the question under the circumstances of being left with the burden of their debts and expences, to concede to the United States the right of nego- tiating away their territory, or ever to enter into any Annexa- tion arrangement with that Country unless the integrity of their present limits is effectually guaranteed. Great dislike is expressed to the admission of any conditions respecting the Institution of Slavery vsdthin the limits of Texas; and beyond these and a variety of other considerations, it is in- sisted that it is impossible in any fair construction of the Con- stitution of Texas to take the sense of the people upon this momentous subject, and to have adopted a new Constitution as a State of the x4merican Union for presentation to Congress in the United States, on or before the 1st January 1846, the period allowed for that purpose by the Resolutions of the House of Rep- resentatives. I enclose for Your Lordship's perusal the provi- sions of the Constitution in that particular,^^ from which it "Elliot enclosed a copy of that part of the Texan constitution entitled "Gfeneral Provisions," Section IT (on amendments). As in Poore, Char- ters and Constitutions, II, 1761-1762. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 447 would certainly appear to be scarcely practicable to accomplish this object within the specified time. The first necessary step would be a call of the present Con- gress (in existence till the first Monday in next September) by a majority of which the proposed change must be agreed to, and referred by them to the Congress next to be chosen, which could not assemble again at the very earliest before the middle of October. If that Congress should pass the proposed measure it would have to be submitted again to the people and making every allowance for the readiness with which they would enter into schemes to accelerate this matter, I think it could hardly come back to Congress, and bave been adopted in time to reach Wash- ington in the United States by the 1st January 1846. My own impression is that although these resolutions may fail in the Senate, it is probable enough that some Measure will pass that body, intended to maintain a state of expectation in this Government and people; perhaps proposals to renew the Negotiations for settlement by treaty, and in that case I should consider it fortunate rather than otherwise that these resolu- tions have passed the House, for they will indicate to the people of Texas the kind of terms which can be carried through the Legislature of the United States; and the more these terms are examined the less acceptable must they be in this quarter. If the affair should take the turn of Negotiation again, there is reason to think that accommodation will be more difficult than it would have been before the appearance and passage of these Resolutions; though after all Her Majesty's Government must be sensible that objections in Texas must always be liable to give way before the representations and management of the Govern- ment of the United States. Your Lordship will I believe hear with satisfaction that Mr Ashbell Smith has been appointed Secretary of State, and I am expecting to have the pleasure of seeing him here in the course of a few days. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 448 Texa,'^ Stuie llistoricol AssocmHoh ELI.IOT TO .iBERDEEN=^- Secret. Galveston, February 17th 1845 My Lord, Herewith 1 have the honour to transmit to Your Lttrdship tJie Copy of an Aet entitknl, "An Act to incorporate the Texas Trading Mining and Emigrating Company,''-* passed on the 30th January 1841. which has hud a dead letter in the Statute Book till the last Session, during which 1 observe that an Act supplemen- tary to it has been passed. I have not seen that Act but I believe it is merely to authorize the opening of Books for the sale of Stocks etc. etc. I tliink it right however to forward the funda- nuMital Act without loss of time because I perceive that certain parties forming part of the Body Corporate, are resident in Lon- don (Messrs. Jonathan and Arthur Ikin). I learn from good authority that Genei-al Puff Gi"een has constituted himself Presi- dent of the Board of Resident Directors, and I have reason to think it is intended to raise money in London as well as the Tnited States in furtherance of the project. Believing that nothing but loss and serious mischief can ac- crue from such speculations under such management I take the liberty to suggest to Your Lordship that it may be desirable to cause some prudent and experienced |>ei"sons in the City of Lon- don to W contidentially advertised of the possibility of the at- tempt to raise funds on these pretences, and of the very high probabilitA' that the result will be a dead loss. Her Majesty's Government too. will I am aware. l>e wishfiil to do whatever may be in their power to prevent the involvement of British Subjects and Capital in that web of political and Commercial speculation against ^fexico which theiv is reason to think has not wanted some countenance from persons in high stations in the Tnited States. General Green does not appear to have carried any of his devices through the Legislature during it's last Session owing to circumstances known to Your Lordship: but in that disappoint- ment this Act seems to have presented itself to his attention. «F. 0.. Texas. Vol. 18. **Xot transoiiK\t. British Corra^'poudeiicc ConceniiiKj Texas -i-lO and in truth it is very capable of being turned to account by- persons versed in the art of managing such baits upon public credulity. Charles Elliot To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN-* ^'o 8." Galveston February 23d. 1845 My Lord, Thinking it probable that Your Lordship may desire to see something of the opinions of the press in this Country at the present Crisis, leaning against Annexation, I have taken the liberty to cut out the accompanying articles from one or two leading papers,28 in preference to forwarding the Journals them- selves, not otherwise worth tlio heavy cliarge of postage through the United States. The articles from the "Texas National Register^' are prob- ably inserted with the knowledge and approbation of the Govern- ment Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" ^•^ ^- Galveston. Februaiy S4th. 1845 My Lord. I have had the honour to receive Your Lordship's despatches to No 14 inclusive, of last year, and it is gratifying to me to reflect that I have been acting in such close accordance with the "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. "There appears to be no despatch No. 7 from Elliot to Aberdeen in 1845. Presumably, Elliot made an error in numberine in the line of my Communications from Her Majesty's Government. Neither does His Lordship in that communication give me any instructions as to the course I should pursue, or the attitude I should observe in the Case which has since pre- sented itself, and I have no apprehension that I shall have acted in opposition to his wishes by retiring from the Country at the time and under the circumstances that I did. The state of my health, poor as it was, should certainly never have induced me to leave Texas then, if I had not felt that with the Presi- dent's proclamation of the 4th June every thing had been ac- complished that it consisted with my means, (under the spirit of my Instructions) to attempt, for the preventation of Annexa- tion, or the mitigation, or modification of it's evil consequences. 534 Texas State Historical Association And in the further turn of affairs indicated by the Conven- tion elections I could not but see that my continued presence there was not merely useless, but destructive of all hope of the recovery of the people from that condition of delusion into which they had been wrought by the Agents and press of this Country, It was manifest that I could not have remained in Texas during the Session of Congress and Convention without assisting the purposes of the Enemies of a safe and honourable settlement of this dispute for my presence there would have been the pretext for every description of artful misrepresentation and false re- port. I am sure on the contrary that my departure from the Country after the plain evidence of the ulterior purposes of Her Majesty's Government which I induced the President to exhibit, has already been of service in strengthening a growing return to a sounder sense of the extent of the sacrifice the people were making than had hitherto prevailed amongst them. If Collision can be prevented between the forces of the United States and Mexico, (a circumstance, however, of which I am in great doubt, for I must admit my own impression that it is the deliberate purpose of the Government of the United States to induce hostilities and so carry all parties in this Country with them) it is by no means impossible that this whole scheme may still fail of realization. I did not leave Texas till all had been done that I could do there, and till it had become clear beyond all doubt that the really important point from which in- formation and action must now be looked for in Mexico con- cerning this affair was from the S. W. of the United States, and I did not leave New Orleans till I had received the Presi- dent's Message, and could furnish you some decisive tidings of what was to be done from that quarter. Our cordial public intercourse, and the kindness and consid- eration I have always received from you leave me in the full persuasion that you will willingly give your best and most friendly attention to this exposition, and admit that in the state of things known to me in the middle of June, and not knovm to you before the middle of next Month, I acted with a proper discretion in leaving Texas when I did. I transmit an British Correspondence Concerning Texas 535 extract^" from a despatch I have recently addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen. Charles Elliot. To Charles Bankhead, Esqr. Mexico. Copy. Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.]. Inclosure No 3 in Captn Elliot's despatch No 23 to the Earl of Aberdeen. August 13. 1845. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" No. 24. New York. August 15th. 1845 My Lord, By the Southern Mail of this Morning I have received a Note from the Government of Texas in reply to one which I addressed to Mr Allen on the 13 June. I have herewith the honour to transmit Copies of these Com- munications and to remain.^** Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ALLEN^^ [Enclosure] Galveston June 13. 1845 The Undersigned etc. etc. etc, has the honour to acquaint Mr Allen that the bad state of his health constrains him to avail himself of leave of absence to take the benefit of a temporary change of climate. He would not like to go away, however, in any uncertainty "On the margin of the letter, Elliot here wrote "Conclusion of my despatch No. 20 (July 28th, 1845) to Your Lordship." "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 13. "The first enclosure, Elliot to Allen, June 13, 1845, is calendared by Garrison as in "Senate Journal, 9th Tex. Cong., extra sess., 67, 68.," but is here reprinted as not generally available. The second enclosure, Allen to Elliot, July 10, 1845, is in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1201-1202, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. "F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. 536 Texas State Historical Association as to his return, without offering the President his sincere ac- knowledgments for the constant public consideration and private kindness he has received from His Excellency in his long inter- course with this Government, or without adding to those thanks his cordial wishes for the continued honour and prosperity of the Republic and people of Texas. He requests Mr Allen to convey these sentiments to His Ex- cellency and to accept for himself the assurances of regard and distinguished consideration with which He has the honour to remain. Charles Elliot. Copy. Charles. Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. Ebenezer Allen. Washington on the Brazos. [Endorsed.] Inclosure. No. 1 to Capt. Elliot's, despatch No 34 to the Earl of Aberdeen. Aug. 15. 1845. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" No. 25. New York. August 22d. 1845 My Lord, It may be desirable in the present situation of affairs between Mexico and this Country to lay before Her Ma.jest/s Govern- ment some authentic means of forming an opinion upon the force of the claim of the persons in Texas to the Country they have legislatively appropriated, so far as that claim is founded upon population and actual occupancy. With that impression I have the honour to transmit herewith a paper headed "Return of the Election for President of the Republic held in the Several "Counties on the 2d day of September 1844"" Your Lordship is aware that the late Election was eagerly contested, and it is probable that the number of persons en- titled to Vote, who did not Vote upon that occasion was at least balanced by the number who did exercise that privilege without any warrant of law or permanent footing in the Country. The ordinary estimate of five for each head of a family (a large vote in the case of Texas) would give an aggregate white popu- '"F. O., Texas, Vol. 13. "An unidentified newspaper cutting. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 537 lation of less than 65,000 Souls. And taking the liberty to refer Your Lordship to Arrowsmith's Map, in connexion with the re- sults of the accompanj'ing Eetum, it will further appear that even of this small population at least 5/6° are settled East of, or on the Colorado, and more than one half East of, or on the Brasses. In fact a line struck due South from the S. W. point of the United States on the Red river, would pass far Westward of any Texian settlement. I have been led to draw this subject under Your Lordship's attention at present, from an impression, gathered some time since in quarters where mistake was not likely, that it was at one time the idea of the Government of the United States to limit their pretensions to the Country actually legislatively rep- resented in the Congress of Texas. And it may be that the late prodigious extension of the Country of San Patricio was made in Texas with the purpose to strain their claim upon the Gov- ernment of the United States within that pretence, before the arrival of the United States troops beyond the Sabine. In fact it must be admitted that so far as the Act of the Texian Congress is a warrant for the Military occupation of the Country at all b}'^ the United States, the Officer in Command of those troops, is as much bound to defend what is legislatively described to be the County of San Patricio as any other Con- gressional division of the Country. In this view it would of course be justifiable to drive in all the Mexican posts or set- tlements East of the Eio Grande from 42°. IST. to it's Mouth, which amounts however to sheer invasion of Mexico, and the territory acknowledged to be Mexican by the treaties in exist- ence between the United States and that Republic. Your Lordship will probably remark what proportion the ter- ritory in the actual occupation of the Texians bears to the size of the largest and most popular State in this Confederacy. Large as that Country is, and poor as yet of population, the remainder of the unoccupied region constituting Texas according to the 3Iexican territorial division is considerably larger. So far there- fore as space is considered, relating to population and it's neces- sities, there can be no need for absorbing the immense region beyond the just mentioned Mexican division, completing the Texian legislative description of the Country; a region more 538 Texas State Historical Association than twice as large as that in their actual possession, and con- taining a Mexican population very little short of their own numbers. Charles Elliot. To The Right Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. I have joined to the accompanying return a letter which I have extracted from a recent United States Newspaper, and so far as I have had any means of judging I should consider it to be sufficiently correct. It connects itself naturally with the subject of this despatch as shewing not only the numbers and situations of the population in the territory claimed to be Texas, but the Citizenship of the parties by whom this dismemberment of Mexico is proposed. With the exception of two they are all born Citizens of the United States, who for the most part have come into the Country, with the bulk of the population, since the declaration of Independence.^^ They at least could have no better practical reason to com- plain of Mexican oppression, than they have right, or shadow of pretext for giving away to the United States large portions of that Eepublic, in which there never yet has been a Texian Set- tlement. I have thought it may be convenient at present to col- lect any details which may serve to establish the true character of any title to those regions, dependent upon Texian assignment. Charles Elliot. A copy of this despatch has been forwarded to H. M. Minister in Mexico. "The enclosure was an unidentified newspaper cutting, giving a list of delegates elected to the Texan Convention, with statistics of birth, nation- ality, etc. It is here printed as not generally available. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 539 « S w 2 •3 g « IP = = J J £ > o E 1 ll 1 1 13° 2 S 2 III 1 i 1 E c April, 1836. November, 1840. November, 1838. February, 1842. 3 i ^ p 5 fe May, 1839. August. 1838. April, 1836. November, 1838. o i £ Jill > c c (X ■In- 1 I a .2 II .2 g S .2 >; i .2 -2 i i I is \ 2 S j 661 c/3 Z H 1 •S5 c c E < I c i 1 < 1 1 i h > £ < £ < c« c 1 i < •« « If ■z ■I % c c % s ^ E c < c 1 1 C/5 u 05 C d .2 a 1 I : 'I 1 1 fc £ c 1 1 '1 a 1 a _ c 1 u. « - -1 >> 2 < 5oicocoio3coiN?5-*coMcocoooincoT) < j 5 < c t i "c c 1 1 i C "5 1 j i < c 00 2 c J 1 : I £ < i d: £ I J I c £ c 1 < £ £ C .2 a 1 £ c 1 1 3 1 — - c ) £ 1 i a : I d z 540 Texas State Historical Association 9 ^ PQ o o >. rO s s g a> PR rd 1 1 »o o ■^ {JO <1) iH (=1 >^ U o n3 rCl y ^ r^ Q^ CD ^ bn CO o t^. fl > 'p! P n < feh >;b 6 E a CO n Sj Ofi M J en 73 • o ^ '~ a t^ « a > > O S S J h S « H « ^ * c3 " n S fc E K^ 2 J2 2 « S S S .b ^ O i i E S fc J S hj fc »- «D CO O O t^ CO CO C^ r)< in CO ^^ e - ^ - ": « s < i^ ^ S J J s w .S •S ^ S m h I^ISW ■" S .a E J5 -a a es in r^ o c^ Tf CO in in ^3|ife^|'§lg'si|lg2|^i3|'SgS5gg |1a > t/j > EK-^ J JKCC^ c cS, g. I „- E X^-l O 1 § I ? 3 I I S I 'I '11 > I 3 u. » w w .- .- w „ 5 British Correspondence Concerning Texas 541 CO O iM (M CN -* 00 00 00 SiSS Hi ft hs 2h I S S S £ i2 to «3 a> CD IM T)< in ■* rf Tf -* ^ ■ d s o : .2 o CO a CO CO CO « 00 00 OB B C O a 0) i?:j^g -.0 ^ £ tt V , '1 f- ^ U (X cc K c5^ c^ 55 h h > ^ ^ ^ > 542 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^* No. 22. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston August 23d. 1845. My Lord, Since the date of my despatch No 18, of the 24th Ultimo, troops of the United States have been moved to the Western frontier of this Country. Dragoons, to the amount of about four hundred and fifty, entered by land and proceeded towards San Antonio; infantry, estimated at about fourteen hundred, were transported by water from New Orleans to Aransas Bay, and thence to Corpus Christi and its neighbourhood. I am informed, on apparently good authority, that this force is to be speedily increased to an aggregate of between four and five thousand men. Farther reinforcements, had been shipped at New Orleans, about the 15th Instant, and the whole amount of United States troops now on the Western, or South Western, frontier is stated to be some twenty two, or twenty three hundred men, I have made particular inquiry on the point, and have been assured that General Taylor, the Officer in Command of the United States troops in Texas, has assumed a position at Corpus Christi, West of the river Nueces, and according to accounts pub- lished in the "Galveston Civilian" of this day, was '^Dusily en- gaged in fortifying it." — The occupation of this position seemed to indicate a determination on the part of the United States to follow up the pretensions of Texas to the boundary of the Eio Grande — extending, as mentioned in my despatch No 18, be- yond the limits of Texas proper, into the Departments of Coa- huila, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, and New Mexico. A Military officer bearing despatches for General Taylor, ar- rived in Galveston, from New Orleans, on the 20th Instant, and left the next day in a revenue Cutter for Corpus Christi. — Ap- prehension of approaching hostilities between the United States and Mexico has been excited by the Military Movements directed by the latter, — and reports (the value of which I am unable to determine) are current that Mexican troops have crossed to the North Eastern bank of the T?io Grande in considerable strength. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 14. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 543 By the latest accounts from Austin, it was anticipated that the Convention would close its labours on the State Constitution and rise about the 20th. Instant. — I have sometimes thought that it would have been well had I been enabled to obtain infor- mation of the proceedings of the Convention from a direct and authorized source. Some arrangement of this kind might also, perhaps, be desirable in the event of hostilities on the South Western frontier. Major Donaldson, Charge d' Affaires from the United States to Texas, sailed in the U. S. Cutter "Wood- bury," from Galveston for New Orleans, on the 10th. Instant. H. M. S. "Persian," which left Galveston Eoads for Vera Cruz, on the evening of the 16th. ultimo, arrived at her port of destination on the 24th. of the same Month, and I have learned, from Her Majesty's Consul at Vera Cruz, that the De- spatches transmitted by the "Persian" have been forwarded to the City of Mexico the day of her arrival. — As the winds were unfavourable, the quick passage made by the "Persian" appears to be worthy of remark. Since the communication which I had the honor to address to Your Lordship on the 24th ultimo, I have received no official intelligence from Mexico. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 26. New York. Augt 31. 1845 My Lord, I have the honour to transmit herewith a statement of the United Slates Naval force in various parts of the World, ex- tracted from the Government paper of the 26th Instant.^ Intel- ligence from Texas to the 30th Ultimo reports the temporary Cantonment of an American force of 11 or 1200 Men on St Joseph's Island (which faces the Coast between the Mouths of the Aransas Stream and the "Nueces,") and from the various accounts I have seen in the prints of this Country I should judge that reinforcements to the extent of about 2,500 Men are now on ^F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. -Cutting from The Washington Union, August 26, 1845. 544 Texas State Historical Association their way to the same destination, but the whole strength could hardly be completely assembled in Western Texas before the 10th of next Month, at the earliest. I presume that St Joseph's Island has been selected for the disembarkation of the troops in preference to Corpus Christi be- cause the entrance at that Pass has the advantage of rather more water, than that at Corpus Christi, (about a degree further to the Westward) and probably also because the Coast at that point is rather nearer to San Antonio de Bexar, where I conclude it is intended to canton the troops and form the main depots, upon the ground of it's situation with respect to the main routes into the Country, and superior comparative healthiness. It should be said that there will be considerable inconvenience and diffi- culty in transporting the troops and Materiel rapidly from San Josephs to the Coast in consequence of the Shallowness of the Bay and the want of a sufficient number of light boats : And if the rains set in as early as September as they have done of late years, tlfe March through the lower Country will be ex- tremely slow and trying If the Mexicans are advancing rapidly in force, and are a(c- companied by strong levies of effective and well mounted ranch- eros, thoroughly acquainted with the Countiy, and commanded by active partizan Chiefs, of whom there is no want in Mexico, the American force may find it more difficult to establish them- selves firmly on their intended basis than appears to have been contemplated. In fact the inconsiderable amount of the force originally sent on, and the hurried and piecemeal manner in which reinforcements are now following strengthen me in the impression that the first movement in Texas was dictated chiefly by a desire to commit the Legislatures and people of the two Countries beyond any change of retraction, and not by appre- hension of early irruption into Texas by Mexico. Upon any other reasoning the manifest course, more particu- larly at this season of the year, would have been to assemble the expeditionary force at some convenient station in the Upper Mississipi, where it would have been beyond the range of yel- low fever, and from which it could have been conveyed by Steam in a few days in complete strength and an effective condition British Correspondence Concerning Texas 545 to the most eligible place of disembarkation, nearest to the points which it was to act upon, or to cover. If there had not been any movement into the Country by the American Government till the Congress of the United States had met, I think there can be no doubt that Mexico would have been contented to wait for the final action of this Legislature, but other motives have been operative in this quarter and I am afraid that it rftay now be very difficult to avert a collision. Amongst the impulses disposing the present Government of the United States to provoke hostilities with Mexico (and if hos- tilities do ensue it must be plain to the World that they have been incited by this Government both primarily and immedi- ately,) would be the desire of a pretext for taking sudden pos- session of San Francisco Bay; and it is sincerely to be hoped that the Government of Mexico may lose no time in shaping their policy with respect to that part of their territory on large and sound principles. But whatever the secret intentions, or political necessities or liabilities of this Government may be, as to the temper of Con- gress and the Country on more mature reflection, and better in- formation than have hitherto obtained, it is certain at all events that the American force in advance has been exposed, in a Mili- tarj point of view, to serious and perfectly avoidable risks: And if the Mexican Warfare and policy are vigorously and judiciously managed, they have fairer means of disturbing the early aggressive proceedings of this Government than it was rea- sonable to suppose would have been given to them. The outset of these operations has been defective, either as to the need for such haste with a handful of men, or the period at which they have been commenced, or the confused and desultory manner in which the force has been prepared and directed to the theatre on which it is to act, or finally as to the point of disembarkation. Mexico in my judgment is in a better situation than could have been looked for, to fall at once and at advantage, upon schemes of warfare best suited to her strength and necessities, and to drop simultaneous suggestions of possible accommodation upon principles that will diminish the risk of vigorously pro- 546 Texas State Historical Association tracted hostilities with the sanction of the Legislature of this Country; and without that sanction the Executive of the United State have neither the power nor the means to do much mischief to any other Country, or their own. Your Lordship will ob- serve by the papers of this Country that the Governor of Louisi- ana has been called upon by the General Officer in Command of the S. W. division of the Army to reinforce the regular troops in Texas with drafts from the Militia of New Orleans. They are unfitted for the circumstances and warfare which they would have to contend with in Texas, and will be a burden and an expense rather than of use in this struggle. The Militia best suited to such Service would be the hardy Yeomanry of the Western free States, not the unpractised youth of the Southern Cities, and I feel I hazard nothing in the prediction that if they are detached in force at this Season to the Coast of Texas, they will perish in great numbers, and with great rapidity. Neither can it fail to strike the most careless observer that with the reg- ular force in advance, there is need for keeping the Militia at home, and prepared for Service, to guard against the contingency of negro movement, perfectly probable in the pursuit of a war with Mexico, undertaken mainly for the purpose of prolonging and extending the System of Slavery; a fact, of which it would be irrational to suppose that the Slave population of the United States is not quite aware. Before I close this despatch I may add that it appears from the casual accounts I have seen in the papers, that a considerable portion of the force sent to Texas is Artillery with an unusually large number of Guns for so small an expedition.- — So far as T have been able to judge of the weather and Country in Texas that arm would not be very effective in the warfare there except for a few Months in the year, owing to the dry state of the prairies and rush bottoms in the Autumn and Winter months; and if ihe war should be carried beyond the Rio Grande the in- convenience would be increased, by reason of the Mountainous nature of the Country, and the impossibility of using any other means of transport than Mules. During the period of more than three years since my arrival in Texas, there have not been more than 10 Months in all, pend- British Correspondence Concerning' Texas 5-47 ing which Military operations could have been carried on in this Country, owing to deluges at one time, or drought and a want of fodder at another, and the utter impractability of keeping a force in the field during the great stress of the heat. With the view to afford the Commander in Chief all the means in my power of forming a judgment on the state of circumstances in Texas, I have taken the liberty of forwarding this despatch to him for his perusal, Charles Elliot To The Right Honourable, The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. N"ew York August 31st 1845 My Lord, Since I closed my despatch No 26 of this date (forwarded through the Admiral) I have heard a report which I think it proper to mention to Your Lordship. It comes to me from a Merchant of great respectability here, and directly to him from a person closely connected with Mexico, and he thinks, likely to be accurately informed My informant states his belief that letters of Marque have been for some time actually in Eio Janeiro, Havana, and other ports in various parts of the World, ready to be issued by the Mexican Consuls, as soon as they shall know of the commence- ment of hostilities between the United States and Mexico. I have no means of Judging of the truth of this statement, but Your Lordship will no doubt know what degree of credit should be attached to it. The Gentleman who mentioned the report to me thinks that an early rupture is inevitable, founding his opin- ion chiefly on the diflficulty of restraining the American force in Western Texas. Charles Elliot To The Eight Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 548 Texas State Historical Association KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* No. 23. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, September 6th. 1845 M_y Lord, I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the Conven- tion assembled at Austin closed its deliberations and adjourned on Thursday the 28th Ultimo. Enclosed herewith, are — a printed Copy of "the Constitution of the State of Texas,"^ adopted in the Convention, and a Copy of a Proclamation by President Jones — invoking the decision of the people of Texas, in reference to that Constitution, and "the expression of their opinions for and against Annexation," — ^to- gether with their adoption, or rejection, of an Ordinance passed by the Convention, having relation to Colonization Contracts. It is to be observed that the final Vote respecting the State Constitution and the question of Annexation is to be declared "vica voce." — In the elections of the Eepublic the Votes, hitherto, have been taken by ballot. The opponents of Annexation in Gal- veston appear to consider that (the open) Mode of arriving at the sentiments of the people, as unfavourable to the uncontrolled developement of opinion. Appended to the printed copy of the "Constitution of the State of Texas," is an ordinance adverse to the existing Contracts for Colonization, and calculated, if not to invalidate them directly, so far to impede their operation as to render them useless to their holders — The interests to be affected by this Ordinance are, all but exclusively European. — The German Association, lately represented by the Prince of Solms, forwarded emigrants to Texas on the faith of one of these Contracts. Wlien General Murphy arrived at Galveston, as Charge d' Affaires of the United States in June 1843 ; he instituted in- quiries respecting the Colonization Contracts, and took occasion to denounce the introduction into Texas of Settlers from Europe. — He remarked that — "the inhabitants of Texas wanted *F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. The Constitution of 1845. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 549 emigrants like themselves, and no others — Men speaking their own language, and subject to their own customs and laws" Mr Terrell — lately representing this Country in England — re- turned to Texas, in the Brig "Hope Howes,'" from New Orleans, on Tuesday the 2d Instant. — He appears desirous to correct mis- representations that have been current of the course pursued by Great Britain in reference to Texan affairs, but Annexation be- ing considered virtually settled, it is not likely that he will be afforded a suitable opportunity for explanation. — The number of those who would testify to that which is right, at the risk of detriment to their worldly hopes, or expectations, is not greater here than elsewhere, and the will of the people being Sovereign, the majority by which it is pronounced is by no means indulgent to openly-avowed dissent, or tolerant of active opposition. — Un- ceasing endeavours — which circumstances have aided, have been made to render the name of England a bugbear in this quarter, and the fruit of these endeavours will doubtless remain after the object which inspired them is accomplished. For my own part, I am unable to perceive the advantages to be derived, by the present inhabitants of Texas, from the accom- plishment of Annexation, as contrasted with the attainment of peace and independence. — Popular impulse, — (however generated) for the time bears down every suggestion of prudence and public spirit, but the day is not remote when the feverish Joy of the National "''espousals" must yield to cold considerations of a State debt, without internal resources for its liquidation — of the liti- gation of Land Titles before an unfamiliar, and, practically for- eign tribunal — and of a State revenue to be drawn from a source inadequate and unwilling — ^which has never yet supplied one third of the amount that will inevitably be required for the effi- cient working of the new Administrative machinery. Since my despatch No 22 of the 23d Ultimo, small bodies of regular troops, and volunteers, with arms and stores, have been transported from the United States to Western Texas. Up to the date of the present communication, no intelligence on which reliance can be placed has, to my knowledge, been received at Galveston from Mexico. The last accounts from Corpus Christi represent Mexican traders as still resorting thither. 550 Texas State Historical Association In my despatch No 10, of the 25th of April last, I mentioned that the ''Texas National Register" (official Journal) had de- fended Mr Aslibel Smith against the charge of being unfriendly to Annexation. The "Galveston Civilian" of this day, contains a reply to the same charge from Mr Smith himself, of which I take leave to enclose a copy. — It's author is still in the United States. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN® No. 27. New York. My Lord, September 13th 1845 I have thought it may be convenient to forward for Your Lord- ship's perusal, the protest of Mr L. D. Evans, a Delegate in Con- vention from Fannin County (extracted from the Texian Na- tional Register of the 14th August) against the passage of the resolutions inviting the troops of the United States into Texas. Without dwelling upon any particular measure of a Body, un- constitutionally assembled to sacrifice the separate existence, and revolutionize the institutions of the country, Mr Evan's protest has certainly strengthened me in the belief that the movement of the United States troops beyond the Sabine was made mainly to commit the Legislatures and people of the two Countries be- yond all possibility of retractation. But beyond that motive, I cannot but think, that the advance of the American force within the territory which the Government of Texas in the preliminary conditions sent on to Mexico palpably admitted to be subject to Negotiation and compromise, affords conclusive proof that the Government of the United States desired to provoke hostilities by Mexico; probably with the view to the sudden seizure of cer- tain positions on the Coast of California. I avail myself on this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordships despatches to No 12 inclusive, and a Circular despatch of the 30th June. To The Right Honourable Charles EUiot The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. •F. O. Texas. Vol. 13. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 551 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'^ Private. New York. My Lord, September 14th 1845 I have the honour to forward for Your Lordship's perusal a series of letters signed J. H. E. dated at Corpus Christi on the 8th, 13th, and 37th August which I have extracted from the New York Tribune of the 12th and 13th Inst They appear to me to contain a good account of the Country in which the American force is now posted, and I think are other- wise very worthy of Your Lordship's notice. From a paragraph towards the close of the Communication No 1 — I collect that it is not intended at present to maintain the positions West of the "Nueces," but I should add that my own private letters from Texas, and the tone of the Government press in this Country would lead to difEerent inferences. I have also extracted the 3d Edition of the same paper of this day's date, containing the latest information which I have seen from the Expeditionary force. This letter is sent to the Admiral for his perusal To the Eight Honourable. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. New York. Sepr. 15. By an American Brig arrived yesterday from Tobasco (sailed on the 20th Ulto) reports have reached this place of a revolu- tionar};- Movement in that quarter against the Mexican Authorities ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ Consular Foreign Office No. 3. September 17th 1845 Sir, I have read with painful attention the explanations contained in your Despatch, Consular No 1 of 1st of July last, which, in compliance with the Instructions conveyed to you in my Despatch Consular No 1 of the 3d of June, you have given me on the subject of the Charges which you preferred against Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston. As you have in part expressed concern at having made those ^F. 0. Texas. Vol. 13. »F. O. Texas. Vol. 21. 552 Texas State Historical Association Charges, and have in part ^\dthdrawn from the prosecution of them, 1 am unwilling to dwell further upon the subject of them, than to express my regret that you should have allowed yourself to have been led away by a momentary feeling of irritation into the serious error of bringing accusations against one of Her Majesty's Subjects, which were calculated so greatly to injure him in the estimation of Her Majesty's Government. At the same time, however, I make allowances for the hasti- ness of the act, considering your infirm state of health, at the time at which it was committed, and I willingly acknowledge the candour with which you have admitted your error. Aberdeen. Captain Elliot. Texas. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^ No. 13.1'' Foreign Office. September 18th. 1845. Sir, I perceive by your Despatch No 23, of the 13th of August, en- closing your Correspondence with Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico on the subject of your departure from Texas, prior to the passing of the Act of Annexation to the United States, that you have somewhat misapprehended the drift of my Despatch No 10, of the 3d of July, with reference to your contingent continua- tion, or departure from Texas, while the question of annexation was still pending in that Country. In the uncertain prospects under which that Despatch was written, it was impossible for me to give you fixed and definite instructions for the guidance of your conduct under every cir- cimstance which might arise. Much was therefore necessarily left to your discretion. But you will find it pretty clearly in- timated in the concluding part of that Despatch that Her Majesty's Government rather contemplated your remaining at your post until the Act of Annexation should have been passed. As, however, the preceding correspondence between yourself and this Office has left Her Majesty's Government in uncertainty as •F. 0. Texas, Vol. 21. "F. O. Texas. 21. Aberdeen to Elliot, Nos. 11, July 18, and 12, August 4, 1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 553 to whether, on the arrival of my Despatch of the 3rd of July, you might not have already quitted Texas, the alternative of your remaining in Texas, or in some part of the United States, until you should have received further instructions from home, was mentioned. Her Majesty's Government would on the whole have preferred that you had remained at your post until the Annexation had been formally decided by the Grovernment of Texas; but they are not disposed to blame you for not having done so, and are willing to admit that the reasoning by which you support- the expediency of your departure is not without force, although they are inclined to take a different view of the matter, and are of opinion that your waiting passively the vote of Annexation, would in no way have compromised either Your Government or Yourself. You will still continue to reside in some port of the United States until Her Majesty's Government shall have been able to see more clearly what turn Affairs may have taken, or may be likely to take, in Texas, and to instruct you accordingly. Aberdeen. Captain Elliot. B. N. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" No. 28. New York. September 29th. 1845 My Lord, Intelligence from Galveston to the 6th Instant reports the dis- solution of the Assembly at Austin on the 28th Ulto. The popular vote on the Constitution was to be taken viva voce, and should it appear by the returns to have been adopted, the President was to issue his proclamation on or before the 2d November next, for the election of the officers and representa- tives of the State Government, who however were not to enter upon their functions until after intelligence had been received of the acceptance of the Constitution by the Congress of the United States.. I learn from private sources of information worthy of credit, that efforts were made to establish an ad in- terim Government at once, but other influences prevailed. The "F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 554 Texas State Historical Association Constitution and authorities of the Republic will therefore con- tinue in force till the Measure of Annexation is completed in this Country; Neither can I dismiss the impression that the Gov- ernment of Mexico has it in it's power by very prompt and judi- cious proceedings, if not to defeat this plot, at all events to give it a shape and result that will materially mitigate it's mischiev- ous consequences My own papers from Texas have not yet reached me, but I have extracted from a Journal of this Country an ordinance submitted to the people with the Constitution of the State. I believe that it is mainly directed against a particular Coloniza- tion Contract between General Houston and certain Citizens of this Country, made in the early part of the year 1843, and al- leged by his enemies to have been irregularly if not illegally completed. But the Measure may have a more general bearing, and affect interests which Her Majesty's Government would con- sider it right to protect. I have therefore submitted it for Your Lordship's notice. The latest dates I have seen from Corpus Christi are of the 16th Instant. The American forces there consisted at that time of about 2,200 Men of all arms, but reinforcements to the extent of about 1500 more were looked for in the course of a few weeks. When the whole is assembled, I remark that at least a third of it will consist of Artillery, It did not appear that General Taylor expected to be attacked, and nothing certain was known of the positions or extent of force of the Mexicans. Charles Elliot. To The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^2 No. 29. New York. Sep. 30. 1845. My Lord, The accompanying Newspaper^^ containing a Schedule direct- ing that the Constitution of the proposed State of Texas, as "F. O. Texas. Vol. 13. ^The Civilian and Galveston Gazette, September 6, 1845. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 555 by the Body lately assembled at Austin, should be sub- mitted to the people, has this morning reached me in time for the Mail of tomorrow from Boston. It further contains a Copy of the President's proclamation, from the terms of which it will appear that he has also sub- mitted the question of Annexation or Not to the popular vote; and it occurs to me that there is some ambiguity of expression as to whether that last question is to be taken viva voce, or other- wise. Charles Elliot To the Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" No. 30. New York. October 6th. 1845 My Lord, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord- ship's despatch No 13. I take the liberty to remind Your Lordship that I did re- main in Texas till the 15th of June last, that is till the day before the Meeting of Congress when there could be no reason- able doubt that the Measure of Annexation would be formally adopted by that body and the Executive within a very brief period. The Measure was immediately adopted, and I believe that the ill success of the efforts to set aside the Government at once is chiefly to be attributed to my departure before they could be made. My own view and intention has always been to return to New Orleans in the event of any change of temper or affairs in Texas indicating the advantage of my near neighborhood to that point, and I may perhaps be able to form some judgment in that re- spect when the result of the election for the 10th Congress are fully known. So far as they have yet been reported there is no ground for movement upon my part in that direction, but T should say at the same time that they do furnish some slight evidence of recovering strength in the Anti-Annexation party in "F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. 556 Texas State Historical Association particular sections of the Country; that is, if I may judge from a few of the names of the Elected Candidates. Should any considerable portion of the new Congress in Texas be wisely and hourably disposed, and should there be the least pretext for retracing what has been done, in the course of the ensuing Congress in the United States, it is probable that the President of Texas will forthwith call a Session, and do what may be in his power to save the independence of the Country. Late though it be, I still lean to the opinion that it is in the power of Mexico to give a shape to these affairs which would effectually break up the present Scheme of Annexation in the United States, and defeat the other dangerous designs with which She is menaced from this quarter. If there should seem to be any necessity for my movement to New Orleans or Texas before I could receive Your Lordship's sanction, I should state my im- pressions to Mr. Pakenham, and guide myself by his opinions, Charles Eliot To the Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO .IBERDEEN^^ No. 28. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston October 16th. 1845. My Lord, I have the honor to enclose a printed C'opy^® of a Speech de- livered by Mr. Terrell, lately representing the Government of Texas in England, to a party of political and personal friends by whom he was entertained at Galveston, on the 2d of this Month Although (acting m conformity with a rule to which I have uniformly adhered since my residence at this Consulate) I was not present at the entertainment, — I am enabled to assure Your Lordship that the enclosed copy of Mr Terrell's Speech is deemed by that gentleman to be a faithful record of his senti- ments. The party assembled on the occasion was small in num- ber, but respectable; its paramount object was to afford Mr Ter- "F. O. Texas, 14. "Unidentified newspaper cutting. But see p. 557, Note 18. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 557 rell an opportunity for explanation. Of this opportunity — when time, and place, and circumstance are duly considered — it will be admitted that he availed himself with a considerable boldness. There are but two passages in the Speech which seem to call for present remark: these I have marked: One, in page 2., adverting to the probable disposition of the Federal Union, in consequence of the extension of the territory of the United States; — the other, in page 3d., commenting upon the alleged design of Her Majesty's Government to effect the abolition of Negro Slavery in Texas. — With regard to the first of these pas- sages, the apprehensions it embodies are entirely speculative, and with quite as little prospect of being realized now as at any previous time : — with regard to the second passage, Mr Terrell errs in attributing the excitement respecting Slavery in Texas to Your Lordship's remarks in the House of Lords, — spoken, if I mistake not, in August 1843.— The excitement had its origin in the town of Houston, in March, 1843, and the leading facts in relation to it were submitted to Your Lordship in my Despatches of the Slave Trade Series for that year. It was immediately after the Movement of "Which Mr Andrews was the representative in England that the Southern States of the Union appeared to take alarm on the subject of Slavery in Texas, and that direct and strenuous endeavours were made by the American Executive to accomplish the Measure of Annexation as speedily as possible. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 31. New York. November 14th 1845 My Lord, I have the honour to fon^ard to Your Lordship a Galveston Newspaper^^ of the 18th Ultimo containing the report of a Speech delivered by Mr Terrell at a public dinner recently given to him by some leading Citizens of that place. The respect which is so generally and justly felt for him in Texas will no doubt have gi'eat weight to his opinions on the "F. O. Texas, Vol. 13. "TAe Civilian and Galveston Gazette, October 18, 1845. 558 Texas State Historical Association subject of Annexation in point of policy and interest. And he has joined to those views what should be matter for serious re- flection throughout the Country, in this honourable exposure of the misrepresentation and indirect proceedings by which the peo- ple were beguiled and precipitated into a shameful measure of National annihilation. Indeed it is beginning to be generally understood by the peo- ple of Texas, though probably too late, that the demand for the entrance of the troops of the United States, and the foregone compliance of this Government, were not attributable to any well founded apprehension of Mexican invasion, but chiefly to sur- render the Country forthwith into the Military possession of the Executive of the United States, for the purpose of overawing the friends of the independence of the Republic, and of silencing any inconvenient reconsideration of the subject in the Legislature of the United States. A state of actual war with Mexico would probably have that last effect; and a pretext for suddenly engag- ing the force in Texas in proceedings of still further aggression and invasion upon Mexico, rendering collision inevitable, could always be found at a short notice, in the event of any political pressure upon the administration here arising out of the renewed discussion of the principles and details of the present Scheme of Annexation, in the Congress of the United States. The latest accounts from Galveston are of the 1st Instant, and at that date the general result of the popular vote on Annexa- tion was not known, but it was sufficiently ascertained that there would be a large majority in favour of it. I remark, however, that the vote taken on the occasion at Galveston, did not amount to much more than half the whole vote of the County. The Annexation party polled what may be taken to be about their whole strength, 270, but the opponents of the measure refrained in a great degree from a viva voce vote which they probably felt in the present temper of the Country, would only unavailingly expose them to suspicion and ill-will. Their vote however reached 121. In Harris County in which Houston is situated, similar feelings seem to have prevailed. Upon the whole judging from the information I have received, T think there may be some ground for the opinion that the Anti-Annexation party is rather British Correspondence Concerning Texas 559 "cecovering strength, and if Congress in the United States should not fulfill the expectations raised in the Correspondence of Major Donnelson with the Government of Texas, it is possible that the reaction there will be stronger and more general than is antici- pated in this quarter. There is a respectable party in Texas cordially in favour of maintaining the Independence of the Republic, and some of the most influential persons in the Country are probably only wait- ing for a favourable opportunity, and some turn of the popular tide, to head the movement. At my last dates, the United States force in Texas consisted of about 4,000 troops, and there had been no change in their position. The continuance of the illicit traflfic on that frontier, notwith- standing the presence of the force, strengthens me in an impres- sion I have for some time entertained that it would be a wise and safe policy for Mexico at the present conjuncture, to declare the Brassos San Jago a free port for the vessels of all friendly N'ations, admitting goods there on an ad valorem duty, not ex- ceeding 5 per Cent. If that Measure were accomplished by a rigid enforcement of the prohibitions against the entrance of goods by the land frontier, I think the land traffic would soon be beat down by the safety and superior cheapness of the other channel. Ko better mode of checking some of the very dan- gerous purposes of this Government against Mexico has pre- sented itself to my mind, and I am sure that it consists with the security of Mexico to fall forthwith upon sound means of diminishing the Commercial intercourse with the Americans by the land frontier. The present purpose of this Government is to make Texas the emporium of a great smuggling trade into the Northern Provinces of Mexico, but I believe it is more in the power of Mexico, by judicious courses, to make Matamoros an emporium for an extensive trade with the United States. If goods can be purchased much cheaper at Matamoros than at New Orleans (or Galveston, as part of the United States) the people in Texas will purchase them there, and they will find their way by that channel through the whole South West of the United States. The Mexicans have but to beat the Americans in a liberal Commercial policy, at their frontier ports, (no hard 560 Texas State Historical Association task,) and the traflScking spirit of the Neighbouring people will effectually secure to them the fruits of their victory. I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord- ship's despatches No. 14 and 15. Charles Elliot To the Right Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® ■Secret. New York. November 26th. 1845. My Lord, Since I last had the honour of addressing Your Lordship I have received some information from a quarter where mistakes are not likely, which Her Majesty's Government may desire to know. The substance of it is that the Executive of the United States is fully committed to the expectations raised by Major Donnel- son's correspondence with the Government of Texas, especially as to provision for their debt in some satisfactory form, or the security to Texas of the whole of their legislative territorial pre- tensions. It seems that Major Donnelson found it necessary to address a letter to this effect to two leading Members of the late Convention at Austin (whose names are known to me) to secure their support. And I think Your Lordship may depend that Mr Polk has subsequently authorized the Agents of Texas at Wash- ington to communicate to their Government his unreserved adop- tion of Major Donnelson's pledges, and his determination to use all the influence of the Administration to give them full effect. According to my information it is probable that the President will confine himself in his opening Message to a recommendation of the immediate acceptance of the State Constitution, leaving all the other details, (for fear of embarrassment) to be the sub- ject of a separate Communication, as soon as the main part is carried. I am further informed that one idea of the Govern- ment of the United States was to propose to Mexico that the Northern and Western limits of the new State should remain as they are legislatively claimed by the Republic of Texas till the "F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 561 descending line of the Eio Grande reaches the Presidio del Eio Grande (a point noted on Arrowsmith's Map,) and thence, that the lower river and all the Country South and East of the Pre- sidio, as far as the "Nueces" shall be restored to Mexico, the harbour, however of Brassos Santiago, to be ceded to the United States, and the navigation of the river to be common. A fur- ther scheme appears to be that the whole Country between the Rio Grande and the Pacific, North of the parallel 36°. 30". should be purchased of Mexico, and it is the impression of the party by whom I was informed, that no arrangement would be satisfactory to this Government, and a large party in the Legis- lation of the United States that did not involve the acquisition of San Francisco Bay. Whether this information is entirely accurate, or to what ex- tent it is, I cannot undertake to say; but it reaches me from such a source that I have considered it right to communicate it to Your Lordship, as well as privately to Her Majesty's Minis- ters at Washington and Mexico. It is to be hoped that the Gov- ernment of Mexico, (taking warning by the past, and heedful of the palpable purposes of this Government, and of the people of the growing parts of this Country) will, before it is too late, shape their future policy by a steady regard to the strength and security of the Country in their actual possession, or which they can effectually defend. And if the Government of Mexico will conduct their negotiations with the United States upon these principles, skilfully and temperately, availing themselves of the Sectional jealousies in this quarter, and avoiding any agreement upon the Texas question unless the menaced difficulties in Cali- fornia can be simultaneously and satisfactorily adjusted, I be- lieve that they may lay the foundations of a, better balance of political power on this Continent, involving more of security to themselves and all the kindred races, South of them, than there appears to be otherwise much reason to hope for. Charles Elliot. To The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. 562 Texas State Historical Association ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^* No. 16." Foreign Office. December 3. 1845. Sir, Your Despatch No. 30 of the 6th of October last, has been received and laid before the Queen. Until the final Annexation of Texas to the United States shall have taken place, Her Majesty's Government consider it indis- pensable that you should be at your post at the Seat of Govern- ment in Texas, in order to maintain the Communications be- tween tlie two Governments, and to keep Her Majesty's Govern- ment regularly and authentically informed of all that takes place in Texas. I have therefore to desire that you will forthwith repair to 3^our post, and that you will remain there until you receive orders from Her Majesty's Government to leave it. Aberdeen. Captain Elliot, E. N. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN" No 34. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston December 8th. 1845. My Lord, In my Despatch No 7., of the 2d of April last, mention was made of certain Military operations contemplated by Doctor Branch T. Archer, formerly Secty of War in Texas, and others. Since that period, Doctor Archer, and the partner of his coun- sels, General Thos. J. Green,-^ who formed one of the Texian '»F. O. Texas, Vol. 21. ^'F. O. Texas, 21, Aberdeen to Elliot, Nos. 14, October 3 and 15, October 18, 1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches. Ab- erdeen to Elliot, No. 17, December 3, 1845, notifying Texas that Great Britain will still hold her to her treaty obligations, is in Garrison, Dip- lomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1203, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II. ^F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. ''•Thomas Jefferson Green, b. 1801, d. 1863. A native of North Carolina, he early in life removed to Texas, and was brigadier-general of volunteers in tho War of Texan Independence. In 1842, he led the disastrous Mier ex- pedition, was captured, and not released until September, 1844. He pub- lished "The Mier Expedition" (1845). (Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biog- raphy.) British Correspondence Concerning Texas 563 expedition beyond the Rio Griande, in 1842, has spent the greater part of their time in Washington, United States, where they ap- pear to have been favourably noticed by the President, and the leading Members of his Cabinet. Mr Terrell's Speech at Galveston, of which I had the honor to enclose a Copy to Your Lordship, in Despatch No 28, of Oc- tober 16th, has not been published in any Texan Newspaper save that in which it originally appeared. Nor, so far as my information extends, has it been transferred to the columns of any Journal in the United States. The only notice I have seen of it, East of the Sabine, is contained in a Whig Newspaper, the "New York Courier and Enquirer," which taunts the official Journal at Washington with its silence touching the grave charges advancel by Mr Terrell against the Government of the United States. Since my Despatch of the 16th, no event of importance has occurred here. In addition to the encampment at Corpus Christi, small bodies of United States troops have been stationed at Aus- tin, Goliad and San Antonio, all of which places are on the Western frontier. The establishment of the force at Corpus Christi was effected slowly, and at a great expense, and an active enemy might have found it no difficult matter to cut off the troops as fast as they landed. The want of good water, with other local causes, has produced much sickness in the Corpus Christi encampment. It appears to me that if war were to be conducted with the same absence of System and prodigality of outlay that have characterized this frontier occupation, a great European Power, having the command of the Gulf, could carry on a campaign in Texas more efficiently and less expensively than the United States — provided always, that the European Power would take the trouble to ascertain what really are the strong and the weak points of American organization. This, experience shows, the pride of an old Sovereignty will hardly permit it to do. Some artillery and small arms have been landed at Galveston, but the Island remains without regular troops, or defences. This would seem to be a singular oversight, if hostilities have been anticipated ; as Galveston is the Key of the Country, and presents 56-i Texas State Historical Association peculiar advantages for the establishment of a large force, — cov- ered and supplied by a fleet in the Gulf. Annexation having opened a new career to Texan politicians, each part}' pretending to popular favour and office has been en- deavouring to prove itself entitled to the credit of having car- ried the Measure The first movement in this direction is ascribed to General Houston, who, in a speech made at New Or- leans, on the 28th of May last, is represented to have said that he was the friend of Annexation, although he has "coquetted a little with Great Britain." General Houston returned from the United States to Texas in October, and, on the 12th ultimo, attended a Public Dinner given to him at Galveston. This Dinner I was invited to attend, but declined the invitation, for reasons of obvious propriety. Mr Ashbel Smith and the Mayor of Galveston severally called upon me, from General Houston, conveying from him expressions of regard, and of the pleasure he would feel in meeting me. My reply was that I had personally nO' grounds for ill will to Gen- eral Houston, but that a sense of what was done [due] to the Commission which I held, must deprive me of the pleasure of Meeting him, so long as the statement contained in the report of his New Orleans Speech — that he had "coquetted" with Great Britain, — remained imcontradicted. It being authoritatively de- nied that General Houston had made the remark, I suggested that the contradiction, to be of value, should be as public as the report. A public address subsequently delivered by General Houston, afforded a suitable opportunity for any explanation he might deem befitting, but the occasion passed without any refer- ence to the New Orleans Speech; — and there the Matter rests. The controversy as to who carried, or was most earnest in the endeavour to carry, the Measure of Annexation, has induced the publication of various official and non official documents of which I beg leave to enclose the more interesting: namely,^* "Newspaper cuttings without date or name. Numbers 1, 4, and 5 are cal- endared by Garrison as in the Telegraph and Texas Register, November 26, 1845. No. 2 is in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepuUic of Texas, II, 123, in Am. Hist, Assoc. Report, 1908, II. No. 3 is in Secret Journals of the Senate, 294-290. Nos. 8 and 9 (as well as Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5), were later transmitted by Elliot also (F. O. Texas, 16, Elliot to Aber- deen, No. 7, January 20, 1846) and were stated to have appeared in the "National Register Newspaper of the 29th November last." . . . British Correspondence Concerning Texas 565 1st Letter of Instructions from the Secty of State of Texas to the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Jan- uary .20th 1842. 2d. A similar letter, from the Secry of State of Texas, to the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Febru- ary 10th 1843 3d Secret Message of President Houston to the Texan Con- gress, dated Jany. 20th 1844. 4th. Letter of President Houston (Confidential) to the Texan Charge d' Affaires at Washington, U. S., dated January 29th and February 15th 1844 5th Letter (Strictly confidential) from President Houston to General Murphy, U. S. Charge d' Affaires in Texas, dated Feb- ruary 3d. 1844. 6th Ex. President Houston's letter to Certain Citizens of Washington (Texas) dated October 20th. 1845. 7th Ex-President Lamar's letter to Citizens of Galveston, dated November 15th 1845 I also enclose herewith a printed Copy of a Proclamation by President Jones, announcing the result of the appeal to the peo- ple in regard to the ratification, or rejection, of the State Con- stitution, and a printed copy of a Proclamation naming a day for holding the elections under that Constitution. There axe three candidates for the representation of Texas in the Senate of the United States— General Lamar, Houston and Eusk : it is supposed that Houston and Eusk will be elected. A considerable number of German emigrants have arrived this season. I propose to transmit a return of the whole number to the close of the present year. William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ ^0 32 j^e^ York. ,, ^ , December 14th. 1845 My Lord, I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that the Con- stitution of the proposed State of Texas has been forwarded by T. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 566 Texas State Historical Association the Government of that Country to the United States by a special Messenger. The expectation was generally entertained that there it would be adopted before this Christmas recess. Your Lordship will have better means of judging of the accuracy of that impression than I can furnish, and of all other considerations affecting the progress or final disposal of the Measure by the Legislature of the United States. Charles Elliot To The Right Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ Private. New York, Deer. 14th 1845 My Lord, I take the liberty to forward Your Lordship the copy of a private letter which I have recently received from Colonel George Hockley of Texas. This Gentleman, who is a person of honour and character, was Secretary of War during considerable part of General Houston's second Administration, and like his friend Mr. Terrell, has always been the steady opponent of Annexation, speaking and voting against it in every phase and stage of the transaction. May I hope Your Lordship will suffer my Agent in the For- eign Office, Mr Conyngham, to forward me any information, which the Consul General in Guatemala may have furnished re- specting the Colonization project noticed by Colonel Hockley I shall of course be careful not to mention the source from which this information comes, or in any way to commit Her Majesty's Government. But I think Your Lordship will desire to do any thing which can be done properly in furtherance of the wishes of Gentlemen who have always steadfastly and hon- orably adhered to their pledges, direct and implied, to sustain the separate existence and independence of Texas. I have mentioned to Mr Conyngham that I have bad the honour to address Your Lordship privately on a subject to which I would ask his kind attention, if Your Lordship should see fit 'F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. British Correspondence Concerning Texi 567 to place this letter in his hands and permit him to furnish the information sought. I should also add that I have thought it proper not to apply to any other source either in England or m Guatemala, in case Your Lordship should disapprove of any step being taken in the matter. In concluding these few lines I would wish to state my im- pression formed both upon personal observation, and reliable in- formation, that the party in Texas adverse to Annexation is re- spectable both in point of numbers and character, and there seems no wa.nt of reason to think that the time may come, (perhaps at no very remote period,) when it would be well that the lead- ers of that party should have some ground for believing that their right conduct and steadiness had not been lost upon the friends of the Independence of Texas. m^ mi -c 1 . ., -, _ Charles Elliot Jo The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. HOCKLEY TO ELLIOT^ [Enclosure] m , ^•^' , Galveston ^'""•'''' ^"'°* Mth. Novr. 1845. Dear Sir, In conjunction with a few of ray friends I have it in con- templation to decline any participation in the honors and ad- vantages consequent upon the Annexation of Texas to the United States, and have turned over attention to a new Colonization, and are desirous of some information relative to the Eastern Coasts of Central America. I am informed that a Company of British Capitalists was formed, probably about the latter end of the year 1839 for the purpose of Colonizing at Guatamala, but cannot trace it's progress, or ascertain the fact of any having been made. I hope that you will excuse the trouble I give in making this hasty request (the boat is leaving, and I have but now obtained your address) that you will give me such information as may be of service relating to this matter, at as early a period as con- venient. I presume about 8 or 9 hundred families, or more can be enlisted in this enterprize, and some names given to you 'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. r^^g Texas State Histoncal Association with which you have been familiar and acted with, whilst in Texas, in case we Bee a probability of success. Meanwhile we wish the matter to be kept profoundly secret, so far as it can be done. The Company alluded to was styled the Eastern Coast and "Central America Commercial and Agricultural Company." The Directors were P. H. Abbot Esqr. Capt P. H. Bingham, E. N, Charles Bourjet Esqr, John Darrow. Esqr, Wm Hood Esqr., Adam Murray, Eskr, John Spurgin Esqr, M. D., David Pollock, Esqr. I regret that the departure of the Steamer forces me to the abrupt conclusion with which I subscribe myself. Geo. Wm Hockley To Captain Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.] Capt Elliot's Priv. Deer 14. 1845 KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN* jq-Q 36 Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston, December 20th 1845. My Lord, In a letter written by General Andrew Jackson, and published some months before his death, he observed— (on behalf of the American people)— '"We want Texas because we want Cali- fornia."— The Ex-President might have added,— "And we want California because we desire to obtain Maritime ascendancy in the Pacific, with the advantages consequent on an easy and com- paratively speedy communication with India and China. An Extract (which I have the honor to enclose) from a De- spatch addressed by Mr. Forsyth,^ Secretary of State of the United States, to Mr. Butler, American Charge d' Affaires in Mexico, shows that, in the year 1835, Texas and California were associated as desirable acquisitions, in the policy of President Jackson's administration.® *F. O. Texas, Vol. 14. •'John Forsyth, b. 1780, d. 1841, a leading politician of Georgia, hold- ing various State offices, and serving in Congress in both House and Sen- ate, 1813-1819. In 1819 he went to Spain as Minister and negotiated the Florida treaty. He was again prominent in State and national poli- tics, 1823-1834, but in the latter year resigned from the Senate to be- come Jackson's secretary of state, and held the post under Van Buren also until March, 1841.' (Appleton, Cyclop, of Am. Biography.) •Forsyth to Butler, August 6, 1835, in which Butler was instructed to British Correspondence Concerning Texas 569 An Extract (also enclosed herewith) from a Speech delivered at St Louis, Missouri, on the 14th October 1844, by Colonel Thos. H. Benton, a Member of the Senate of the United States, shows that the idea of securing an ascendancy in the trade with India and China, by means of Settlements on the J^orth West Coast of America, is not new to the minds of American Statesmen. The United States have ceased to affect any disguise as to their determination to possess themselves of Upper California, and their ingenuity is actively employed in planning railway and other lines of communication across the Continent, in order that «a new route, almost exclusively American," may thereby be "opened to Asiatic Commerce." It may be inferred from the pertinacity displayed by Ameri- can Statesmen in regard to the acquisition of Texas, that they are not likely to abandon any project which may promise an in- crease of the elements of National power. Such a project may be masked— or it may be allowed to slumber for a time— but it will not be lost sight of— much less abandoned. Intoxicated by the acquisition of Texas (the Key-stone of the North American System)— an acquisition made with an ease that astonished even themselves, the United States have allowed free scope to the spirit of bold disclosure concerning schemes of prospective aggrandizement. Among their leading politicians, no one pretends to doubt that the Northern Confederacy is des- tined, and at no remote day, to be the ruling Power of the world— giving to other States the impress of Eepublican institu- tions But of their politicians,— even of the class, professing the most rigid principles of democracy, there are two divisions.— one of which is for immediate extension of territory, regardless of consequences— the other for what is termed a "masterly in- activity"— that is trusting to the helping influences of time. In risking a collision with old Sovereignties, the former hope for success through the sympathies of kindred opinion— in procrasti- nating cherished Measures, the latter calculate that a few years will bring within their reach, without cost and without danger, purchase, if possible, a portion of California to include San Francisco Eay, but not to seek to acquire Monterey. (In U. S. Docs., Ser. No. 311, Doc. 42, p. 18.) 570 Texas State Historical Association what they — more cautious, or more experieEced, or better in- formed than their fellows — feel and fear, if precipitately snatched at, would be productive of both. The stationary condition of Europe and the rapid progress of the Union are the stimulating topics with the first democratic Section; the concentrated energy of Monarchies, the Military strength of European Sovereignties, and the certainty of an early and vast addition to the already large resources of America, are the prudential pleas of the second. — ''We defeated Great Britain when our population was only three Millions, and we are now more than twenty" — say the advocates of instant action — "Be patient, and at peace, for one quarter of a Century" — reply the friends of delay — "and you will have a combination of agricultural, commercial and manu- facturing wealth with numerical force, capable of commanding the first place among the Nations. The short term of five and twenty years, with no addition to the ordinary ratio of increase, will exhibit the United States with fifty Millions of inhabitants. Of felicitous events — such as wars between the great European Powers — we shall do well to avail ourselves — ^but let us avoid a premature expenditure of our resources. By pursuing this pol- icy, Mexico, the West India islands, the trade of China and Hindostan, will, all in good time be our own" This, My I^ord, I believe to be a faithful though brief, tran- script of opinion now ascendant in the United States. I by no means assume that either the facts referred to, or the views in- dicated, will be in the least degree novel to Your Lordship. I take leave to submit them because my opportunities of observa- tion have been good — and because I entertain the conviction that these facts and these views can hardly be too frequent a subject of reflection to the Statesmen who at present administer the affairs of the British Empire. William Kennedy. The Eail of Aberdeen K. T. [Enclosure] . Extract from a Speech delivered at St Louis, Missouri, by Colonel Thos. H. Benton, Senator from Missouri to the United States Congress, on the 14th of October, 1844.'^ 'F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 571 — "In the year 1818, a Treaty was made to admit the British to a Joint occupation of the Columbia river, and another to cede the South Western part of Louisiania to the King of Spain. A Southern President, and a Southern Cabinet — a Democratic administration and a Southern administration made those Treaties. The Senate ratified them unanimously. The iNTewspaper Press saluted them with universal applause. The whole Country applauded them. Solitary and alone I denounced them. From the banks of the Mississippi, and from the station of a private Citizen, I denounced those Treaties in which all others concurred. And now I have the voice of a N"ation repeat- ing the self-same reasons for getting rid of those Treaties which I gave then for not making them, and recounting, as matter of history, the evils which I then foretold. "Of the joint occupation Treaty, I then said — it was one sided and partial, yielding our territory, our river and our sea-port to the British, and getting nothing from them in return: that they would kill and expel our fur-traders — occupy and fortify the Country — set up a claim to the whole of it — and either fight us for it, — or offer to compromise by dividing our Country into two unequal parts, and taking the lion's share to themselves. This is what I then said, and what the event now proves. And I then proposed the termination of all that policy by putting an end to the Treaty; and I urged the preservation of our own rights on the Oregon by Colonizing the Country and giving land to the emigrants. These are the Measures I recommended twenty-five years ago, and which are now pursued in relation to Oregon, and they have my cordial support. To put an end to the Treaty of Joint occupation, and to give land to the emigrants, is now the national policy, and the way to carry the Baltimore resolutions into effect. "And I went further in my views upon Oregon than the ex- clusion of the British, and the preservation of our territorial rights. I looked across the Pacific Ocean, and I saw Eastern Asia full in sight. I traced an American Eoad to India* through our own dominions, and across that Sea ! — I showed that a new route, almost exclusively American, was to be opened to Asiatic Commerce, and although the event has not yet fulfilled 572 Texas State Historical Association my expectations, nor the public mind advanced to my position, yet I still stand upon it and adhere to my vision of five and twenty years ago. 1 repeat again what I then said: I say the man is alive, full-grown, and listening to what I say (without believing it, perhaps) who will yet see the Asiatic Commerce traversing the North Pacific Ocean, entering the Oregon river, climbing the Western Slope of the Eocky Mountains, issuing from its gorges, and spreading its fertilizing streams over our widely extended Union ! — The Steam-boa.t and the Steam-car have not yet exhausted their wonders. They have not yet found even their amplest and most appropriate theatres — the tranquil surface of the North Pacific Ocean, and the vast inclined plane which spreads East and West from the base of the Rocky Mountains. The magic boat and the flying car are not yet seen' upon this ocean, nor upon this plane — but they will be seen there; — and St Louis, in Missouri, is yet to find herself as near to Canton as she now is to London — with a better and safer route, by land and sea, to China and Japan than she now has to France and Great Britain." ♦American Eoad to India: — These words are in small capi- tals in the published Speech, which, I should suppose, had re- ceived the revision of Mr Benton himself, as it was printed, in a pamphlet form,® at St. Louis Missouri, from which place I obtained the copy now in my possession. W. K. [Endorsed.] Enclosure No. 2. In Mr Consul Kennedy's De- spatch No dated December. 1845 ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 34.10 Deer. 24th. 1845. My Lord, On my way through Washington yesterday where I had the pleasure of some conversation with Mr Pakenham, I learnt that the resolutions annexing Texas to the United States had passed both Houses of Congress, and been approved by the President. "This pamphlet is not generally available. •F. 0. Texas, Vol. 13. 'T. O. Texas, 13. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 33, December 21, 1845, ac- knowledging receipt of despatches, has been omitted. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 573 In pursuance to Your Lordship's instructions of the 3rd In- stant, however, I am proceeding by Mail to Texas, and avail my- self of an accidental delay at this point, to mention that the Messenger of that Government who brought on the Constitution of the new State, and is to take back it's adoption, is still de- tained at Washington. Accident apart, therefore, I shall reach Texas in time to make the communication directed by Your Lordship in the despatch No 17, before the extinction of the Government of the Eepublic. Charles Elliot To The Right Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ Ko. 38. Her Majesty's Consulate Galveston December 31st 1845 My Lord, I have the honor to transmit a Eeturn of the Number of Ger- man Emigrants that arrived at Galveston during the year about to close, with the Names of the Ships in which they were con- veyed, the Nations, to which said ships belonged, and the Ports from which they Sailed. The European emigration to Texas during 1845, has, with slight exception been exclusively German. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, E. T. [Enclosure.] Eeturn of the Number of German Emigrants that have ar- rived at the Port of Galveston from the 1st of January 1845 to the 31st of December of the same year, with the names of the Ships in which they were conveyed, the Nations to which said Vessels belonged, and the Ports from which they sailed. "F. 0. Texas, Vol. 14. 574 Texas State Historical Association Number of Ship. Nation From Emigrants Brig Johann Dethard. Bremen Bremen 130 " Ferdinand ^o. 5. Galveston January. 15th 1846. My Lord, The President conversed with me to day upon the subject of Your Lordship's despatch No 17 of 1845. Her Majesty's Government might depend that the Treaties would be fully and faithfully executed by the Government of the Re- public of Texas to the last moment of it's existence. And, therefore, as nothing practical could arise during the brief survival of tbe present institutions of this Country, involving any question under the principles declared in Your Lordship's despatch, he thought that no more would be necessary, or indeed proper on the part of this Government, than a notice that the Communication had been recorded. It was true that the Congress of the United States had already passed a law extending the revenue system of that Country over Texas, but that law could not go into operation because it was in contravention of the Constitution of the State of Texas, as ac- cepted by the Legislature and Government of the -IJnited States. For that instrument provided that the Government and Laws of the Republic of Texas should remain in force, till the State Legis- lature should be in Session, and the State Government duly in- augurated. The imposts therefore would be levied on Merchandize and pro- duce, whether coming from the United States or any other Coun- try, under the tarifE law of the Republic of Texas, till all the Conditions and formalities required by the Constitution of the State of Texas were fulfilled. The Government of, the Republic of Texas had no official means of communicating with the Government of the United States; And it seemed to him that the proper mode of bringing this sub- ject to the knowledge of that Government would be to send a Copy of the despatch with the delegation of the State to the Con- gress of the United States, when those Gentlemen were duly elected, and went forward to prepare their duties My own task being limited to the communication of the sub- ="F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. Briiish Correspondence Concerning Texas 583 ject of the despatch, and placing a Copy of it in the hands of this Government, the conversation dropped. I may mention that importers of goods to Texas from the United States, have been for some time past paying their duties according to the tariff law of the Republic of Texas, under protest, on the plea that the Country is already a Member of the North American Confederacy. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 6. Galveston. January 18th 1846. My Lord, I have never observed any publication, official or otherwise, in the papers of this Country shewing the extent and particulars of the popular Vote on independence or Annexation, which the recent Assembly at Austin provided should be taken viva voce; and I made that remark to the President some days since. He said that ^the particulars had not been published because they had only heard from 20 Counties (there are 36 in the Republic) but so far as he could form a judgement he thought that the whole Vote would be about six thousand I observed that, that number did not amount to what might safely be taken to be one half of the whole vote of the Country ; for nearly 14,000 persons had voted at the Presidential election in 1844. And yet it seemed strange that the Annexationists did not put forward their whole strength on such an occasion, if it were only to establish that vast preponderance in favour of it which has been so much insisted upon here and in the United States. It was natural to think that persons in favour of the Measure would take some interest or pride in recording a viva voce Vote in that sense; and it was equally reasonable to suppose all things remembered, that it's opponents would abstain from writing down their names against the absorption of the Country in the North Am.erican Confederacy; An opposition which they had been loudly "F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. 584 Texas State Historical Association told would only serve to shew the insignificance of their number. The taking of the Vote, viva voce, contrary to the fundamental rule in their system, is of itself a subject of attentive reflection. Such a course was intended to stifle adverse opinion; And Your Lordship will not be surprised to learn that persons against An- nexation generally abstained from recording their refusal to sac- rifice independence to the plots and exigencies of dominant par- ties in the United States- Texas was already in the Military oc- cupation of a force at the disposal of those parties, and the friends of independence, abandoned by their leaders, were naturally com- pletely discouraged. There can be no doubt that the great majority of the vote ac- tually taken was on the side of Annexation, but in my mind it's shortness of what is known to be the full vote of the Country affords some fair index of the extent of opposite opinion; a party quieter than the successful, but certainly not less weighty in point of respectabiliiy and good sense. The President adverted to the Mass Meetings in favour of An- nexation held in all parts of the Country some months before the assembly of the body at Austin. They had left no doubt in his mind of the feeling and will of an immense majority of the people. It is to be remarked, however, that what are called Mass Meetings are usually assemblies of persons of one way of crying out, and there is a proneness on such occasions to exaggerate numbers, and intensity of feeling, and everv circumstance connected with them. The general tendency of the people of this part of the world to excitement and exaggeration, is also always extraordinarily de- veloped in their political heats and the description of their polit- ical assemblages and successes. I attach little credit to their ovm statement on such matters; at all events, exact numbers furnish safer conclusions, and the smallness of the general Vote on this question is most remarkable. The want too, of the official pub- lication of the number of persons actually voting, and the fact that the majority has been deduced from the Vote of 20 Counties only out of 36 (no doubt the most populous in the Eepublic) are significant circumstances, and may sooner or later be matter of some interest. The present Governrnent of Texas, fairlv disposed I am sure, British Correspondetice Concerning Texas 585 were effectually prevented from giving one party any time or rea- sonable chance to recover from their delusion, or to extend to the other even that limited protection which the ballot would have afforded to persons desiring to save the independence of the Coun- try. In fact the whole transaction is the success of an unscrupu- lous intrigue, set on foot in the United States for certain per- sonal objects, on false pretences, and carried out from beginning to end by all manner of indirect and irregular proceedings The opinion of very distinguished persons in the United States has strengthened my own belief that the measure is in a high de- gree dangerous to the integrity of that Confederacy; And when the popular excitement in favour of it has subsided, it may be depended upon that the manner of it's accomplishment will ag- gravate the angry feeling of which it cannot fail to be productive. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^' No. 7. Galveston. January 20th. 1846. My Lord, I have the honour to forward to Your Lordship the "National Eegister" Newspaper of the 29th November last, containing^* 1st. The proclamation of the President of Texas declaring that the Constitution of the proposed State of Texas adopted by a Con- vention of Deputies at Austin on the 28th August last, had been Eatified by a Majority of the popular Vote. There has been no proclamation setting forth the popular decision on independence or Annexation, and no publication, official or otherwise, of the amount of the whole Vote on that question, or on the popular ratification of the State Constitution. But I think from the best sources of information within my reach that the whole vote taken is overstated in my despatch No. 6. 2d. The proclamation of the President of Texas directing that ='F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. "Elliot here lists six of tLe nine documents already transmitted by Kennedy. (See ante p. 565.) 586 Texas State Historical Association Elections be held for the choice of Governor, and Lieut-Governor, and Senators and representatives of the State Legislature. 3d. Copy of a letter from the Honble Anson Jones to the Honble. J. Reily Texian Charge d'Affaires to the U. S. Jany. 20th 1842. 4th. Copy of a letter (strictly confidential) from General Houston to W. S. Murphy formerly Charge d'Affaires of the TJ. S. in Texas. Feby. 3d 1844. 5th. Copy of a letter from General Houston (Confidential) to Mr Van Zandt Charge d'Affaires of Texas in the TJ. S. Jany. 29th 1844. 6th. Copy of a Message (Secret) from General Houston, Pres- ident of Texas, to Congress. Jany. 20th 1844. I abstain from making any comment upon some of these papers at present; but this is a convenient occasion to state that there is little doubt of the election of General Houston and the present President to the Senate of the United States by the Legislature of the proposed State. No person is more sensible than myself of the difficulties, in- deed of the dangers to which they were exposed. Neither am I ignorant of the influences brought to bear upon one of them, and the prospects held out to him. The degree in which the first moved his private feelings, and the extent to which the last bewildered his judgment may be hard to distinghish. That both causes oper- ated cannot be denied, but that he was acted upon more by his impulses of attachment for an individual, than by less excuseable motives, I am well assured.^^ It is not my purpose however, to dwell upon such topics; but I must remark that the election of these two Gentlemen to the Senate of the United States will be a conclusive answer from Texas to all the false charge respecting British and French intrigue, and undue interference in the Affairs of this Country. They will be sent there not only because it is perfectly known here that those statements have no foundation, but because it will be felt that they have done what they could for the true welfare of the Country, and the leaning thev undoubtedly had to the preservation of the indopendence of the Pepublic. will not be their worst recommen- "Tliat is. Houston's personal attachment to Jackson. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 587 dation to the second thought of this deluded people. The friends of independence will be on their side, and the result of the popular vote on independence or the sacrifice of it, convincingly estab- lishes the existence of a much larger party in Texas, rightly and honourably disposed, than could be inferred from President Polk's recent fanciful statement to the American Congress.^^ I take the liberty to express the opinion that this transaction, or the manner of it will not be durably felt in the United States to be a satisfactory subject of national congratulation; and I think it will be judged in sound quarters that the figure of the popular Vote in Texas speaks more accurately and authentically upon the subject, than inflated figures of speech. One of the two probable Senators for Texas has been charged in the Government paper of the United States with guilty participation in foreign intrigue (little short of treason, I believe, was the express language) and the other has been denounced over and over again by a repre- sentative of the United States in Texas, as adverse to the con- nexion with the North American Confederacy, and in secret and treasonable understanding with Mexico, and certain European powers. Their election under such circumstances is irreconcileable with Mr Polk's imagination of '^the almost unanimous voice of the people of Texas" in rebuke of the intrigues of Great Britain and France in this Country — They have administered the affairs of Texas during the last five years, they have given the flattest con- tradiction to Mr Polk's charge of improper interference by Great Britain and France in official papers; they have passed unscathed through all the attack and scrutinizing enquiry to which they have been exposed in that sense, and their election to the Senate of the United States will be the rebuke of the people of Texas for that kind of groundless accusation. The people of Texas are already beginning to awaken from their delusion, and may soon recollect that there was no movement of active interference in their behalf by the Government of the United States when it was most needed, or until Texas was about to settle on an honourable and advantageous footing without it, ^Polk's first annual message, December 2. 1845, in which he spoke of the "almost unanimous voice" of Texas in favor of annexation. 688 Texas State Historical Association and particularly, until an approaching Presidential election in the United States made it a convenient subject for speculating poli- ticians to agitate and turn to their own account. When the people of Texas too, become restored to a sober sense of what is past and gone, it may occur to them that the Agents of Great Britain and France never forget that they were sent to the Government they had chosen, and not to operate upon the passions or prejudices of the unreflecting, or to practice upon lead- ing men in the Country by indirect means, and offers of high place and station, present and prospective. The President of the United States in his Message closes his reflections on Annexation, with a paragraph, every sentence of which, rightly explained, contains as just a Comment upon the transaction as language could have supplied. "If we consider," says Mr. Polk the "extent of territory involved in the Annexation, it's prospective influence on America, the means by which it has been accomplished, springing purely from the choice of the people to share the blessings of our Union, the history of the world may be challenged to furnish a parallel." The extent of territory in- volved; that is, territory six times as large as the territory in the occupation of the Texians, belonging to a weak and unoffend- ing Neighbour, and secured to her by treaty. It's prospective influence on America, that is in fact, the prospective influence on America of continued violation of compact, and increasing spolia- tion by the Government of this Country on feeble Powers. The means by which it has been accomplished; that is means which cannot bear the light, but springing, according to this ac- count, purely from the choice of the people themselves to share the blessings of the Union. All idea of freedom of choice by the people themselves is purely imaginary. The circumstances and facts of the case contradict it, and at least two thirds of the people abstained from voting at all, or voted against Annexation. Con- cerning these conceptions of the blessings of the Union, it seems highly probable that a very large part of the people of the Union will determine in no long lapse of time, that a great impulse to the internal Slave trade, and a vast extension of the principle of Slave representntion in the Councils of the Nation, are not bless- ings to the Union, but danger and shame. I British Correspondence Concerning Texas 589 Mr Polk is warranted in his confidence that the history of the world may be challenged to permit a parallell to this affair, or it may be added, to the deliberate composure of his accomit of it. To The Eight Honourable. Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ ^o. 8. Galveston My Lord, jany. 23d 1846. I have the honour to forward the Copy of a Circular from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, extracted from the Union Newspaper of the 8th Instant, which reached this place to day; and I have also to report that the same paper contains the appointment by the President of the United States, by and with the consent of the Senate of Mr Hiram G. Reynolds to be ''Collector of the Customs for the district of Texas, and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Galveston in the State of Texas."' Your Lordship is aware that the President of Texas considers that the separate Sovereignty of this Republic, and it's Laws and institutions, remain in unimpaired force till the State Legislature shall have assembled, and the State Government has been dulv established agreeably to the terms of the Constitution of the pro- posed State of Texas ; the acceptance of which Constitution by the United States in all it's details and to it's full extent, the Presi- dent says, formed part of the compact between the two Countries for the Annexation of Texas to the North American Confederacy. It appears, however, from some recent Laws and appointments in the United States, not merely fiscal, but extending the federal Judiciarjr system over Texas that in point of principle there is a conflict between the Sovereignties, and Legislatures of the two Countries. I forward for Your Lordship's examination a Copy of the Con- stitution of the proposed State,^^ begging to observe that I have marked the passage bearing on this subject. To The Right Honourable. Charles Eliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. "^The Civilian and Galveston Gazette, Extra, September 0. 1845. 590 Texas State Historical Association ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ jq"o. 9. Galveston. Jany. 26th. 1846. M}^ Lord, I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that the President left this place a few days since to return to his plantation on 1) > Brazos, intending to remain there till it is time to proceed to Austin and meet the State Legislature, convened for the 16th Proximo. In his absence, and that of the Secretary of State from Austin, I have considered myself at liberty to remain where I am, for I am not in good health ; though that circumstance should not have prevented me from proceeding to any point where the Government of Texas was residing, and discharging the duty committed to me in Your Lordship's despatch No. 17 of 1845. Charles Elliot To The Eight Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^" No. 10. Galveston. Jany. 26th. 1846. My Lord, Taking the liberty to refer Your Lordship to my despatch No. 7. I would beg leave to say a few words upon the contrariety be- tween the language which the late and present Presidents of Texas held to me for communication to Her Majesty's Government, and that which has otherwise found it's way before the public. Your Lordship is aware that they both frequently assured me they preferred the separate existence and independence of the Country, recognized by Mexico, to it's absorption in the North American Confederacy, and that they have both over and over again as well to me, as in formal public papers, expressed their perfect confidence in the friendly and unconditional support and just purposes of Her Majesty's Government. General Houston ever since I have known him, has always been "F. O. Texas. Vol. 16. »«F. O. Texas, Vol. 16. British Correspondence Coricerning Texas 591 more emphatic in the expression of his determined opposition against Annexation than the present President, and more sanguine in his avowed belief that the people of this Country would never sacrifice their independence if it's acknowledgment could be se- cured from Mexico. Speaking of Mr. Jones I believe that he went as far as he could, to secure a wiser and more honourable turn than affairs had taken. But it is not to be denied that a time arrived when General Houston was acted upon by influence which succeeded, not in- deed in engaging him in any active sense, overtly or otherwise, favour of Annexation, (at least till a very late period, and only after the election of the Deputies had made it certain that the Measure would be carried in Texas, or if not after that period, very close upon it). But those influences effectually succeeded to the extent of keeping him passive and observant throughout a critical state of public feeling in this Country. What the result might have been if General Houston, supported as he would have been, had decisively interposed at an early stage in favour of independence, I cannot say, and I am aware that his situation was difficult. But at all events it is manifest that by openly and steadfastly adhering from first to last to that choice which he sincerely believed to be for the honour and advantage of the Country he would have gained for himself a high and enduring reputation. If General Houston had said some of the things which I have seen imputed to him in the prints of the United States respecting his public transactions with Great Britain and France, I am concerned for him, and if he has not, as I learn that he denies he has, it must be painful to his friends that there has been no public and direct refutation of reports so wrong-- ful and injurious to him. In concluding, however, I will take the liberty to say that prom- inent persons in such a political scheme as this, should always be judged with much allowance for varying language, and seemingly changing conduct of affairs. For it cannot be denied that dire'ct- ness would generally be extremely hazardous to them in moments of crisis, and it must also be remembered that their power to avert mischief is quite incommensurate with their political risks. In fact T have leamt in my experience that irresponsible despotism. 592 Texas State Historical Association as a rule, produces very similar results on persons in high station, whether it be the despotism of a capricious Asiatic Prince, or of multitudes in possession of uncontrolled power, too often taking Council of bad advisers and their own passions, amidst shouts for what is absurd and unjust, and groans for what is wise and right. The Competitors and enemies of eminent men in either of these cases constantly succeed in casting them into situations in which there is no choice between a complete violation of conscience, or that sacrifice of political prospect. In the first indeed, in addi- tion to the loss of power, there is sometimes loss of life, or chains and banishment, but in some compensation for these occasional cruelties it may be that good councils and justice more frequently resume their sway over a single despot, than over a despotic mul- titude lashed into a condition of ever recurring excitement and delusion by enger rivals for their suffrages. It is rather a matter of surprize that there should be so many public men in America constant to common sense and justice, than that there should be many more skilful in catching the turn of events, and unscrupulous in tergiversation; or still greater num- bers, drifting with the popular tide, let it run which way it will. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^^ No. 12.='^ Galveston. February 1st 1846. My Lord, It is currently reported here that the last steam boat from New Orleans with dates from that place of the 27th Ulto. and from Washington of the 17th has brought orders to the force at Corpus Christi to advance forthwith to the Eio Grande. But judging from the very short time that the intelligence of the recent changes^^ in Mexico, and the withdrawal, or the reported with- er. O. Texas, Vol. 16. "^F. 0. Texas. IG. Elliot to Aberdeen, No. 11. January 27, 1846. has been omitted. It transmitted printed copies of the Journal of the Texan Convention of 1845. ''The revoluttion of Paredes against Herrera. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 593 drawal of Mr. SlidelP* from thence could have been known by the United States Government at our latest dates from Washing- ton, it may be that nothing beyond instructions for early movement have come on as yet : But trust worthy information from Corpus Christi as late as the 23d. Ulto I think the American force in Texas may be nearly stated, as follows. Infantry about 2,600 \ at Dragoons Do 400 I Corpus. Horse Artillery Do 220 J Christi and two troops of Dragoons detached at San Antonio de Bejar and Austin. Their field Artillery is reported to consist of 12 Guns, and Six of heavier Calibre mounted as battering Guns on their field de- fences. The Material and efficiency of this part of the force are best spoken of; but their horses as well as those of the Cavalry have the appearance of having suffered severely from bad water and exposure. The people are still under canvass, and I learn that there were about 80 men in the hospitals, and that they have lost rather more than that number by death and the same by desertion. Large proportion of the force are Irish, and Germans and other foreigners; indeed it is said that not more than a fifth of the whole are of American birth. The swampy condition of the lower Country would prevent them from moving immediately even if the orders have come on, but if the weather should continue fine for 10 days or a fortnight they would be able to do so, and I should add that they have been collecting transport since their arrival in Texas, and I believe have now enough for movement to any points on the lower Rio Grande whicli they propose to advance upon. If they do move, the Brassos, San Jago would I conclude be immediately occupied both by troops and by such light armed vessels as could be got into that anchorage. The best water there may be about 8^ feet, but the position would be necessary for their supplies and communications. There is no Naval force of "Slidell, who was a member of Cor^rress from Louisiana in 1845. was in that year sent to Mexico to "adjust difficulties," but in reality to purchase California if possible. He was unsuccessful. 594 Texas State Historical Association any kind upon this Coast except one revenue schooner; engaged in a survey under the direction of two officers of the Engineer Corps. Charles Elliot To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ELLIOT TO ABEKDEEN^^ No. 13. Galveston February 15th. 1846. My Lord. I have the honour to transmit the Copy of a Note from this Government, dated on the 4th Inst.^^ — and in connexion with the subject of it, I take this occasion to forward to Your Lordship the Copy of a letter of instructions which I have this day addressed to Consul Kennedy. Thinking it possible that he might publish some notice respecting these matters, (which appears to me to be unnecessary and inexpedient) I have marked the letter "Confiden- tial." Charles Elliot To The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T. ELLIOT TO KENNEDY^ [Enclosure.] Copy. Charles Elliot. Confidential Galveston, Feby. 15th 1846 Sir,. If the Master of any British Vessel (arriving at this Port after the Custom House Authorities appointed by the Government of the Eepublic have retired from the performance of their duties) should capply to you for advice, you will guide yourself by these instructions. You will counsel him to proceed to the Custom House accom- «F. 0. Texas, Vol. 16. "Allen to Elliot, February 4, 1846. In Garrison, Diplomatic Corre- spondence of the RepuMic of Texas, III, 1204, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Re- port, 1908, II. 'F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 595 panied by the IVIate of the vessel admonished to be heedful of any conversation that may pass at that place between the Chief person engaged in the Collection of Customs duties and himself. If he should find that he is permitted to enter under any other authority than that of some existing revenue or Navigation law of the Eepublic of Texas, you will advise him to state that he had arrived here to trade under the treaty of Commerce and Navi- gation between Her Majesty The Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and the Eepublic of Texas, signed at London November 13th 1840, and whereof ratifications were exchanged at London June 28th 1842, that he claims the rights privileges, liberties, favours, immunities and exemptions secured to Her Majesty's Subjects trading in Texas under that Treaty, and enters protest against all proceedings taken, or to be taken contrary thereto, as respects the Ship of which he is Master, and the goods of her lading. You will further advise him, as soon as any duties shall be charged against the Ship or Cargo under the authority of any other than some existing law of the Eepublic of Texas to pay the same, and extend his protest, causing it to be served upon the Chief person engaged in the Collection of such duties. For your more complete guidance herein I forward a Memorandum of the particulars which it may be needful to specify in the protest, to- gether with any others which may occur on the occasion. You will govern yourself in all matters of Commerce and Navi- gation affecting British Subjects at your Consulate who may apply to you for advice, upon the understanding that the stipulations of the treaties in existence between Her Majesty and this Eepublic remain in the same position as if Texas had continued an inde- pendent Power, but you will carefully observe that this view is confined to the subject matter of those treaties, and offer no ob- jection or remark upon any other change of authority or juris- diction. In case of any refusal upon the part of the persons in authority at your Consulate to extend to you all the rights, privileges, and immunities accorded to Officers in your station by the law of Nations, and stipulated in the 7th Article of the treaty of Com- merce and Navigation of the .13th November 1840, you will report 596 Texas State Historical Association tlie particulars to Her Majesty's Principal Secretar}- of State for Foreign Affairs; but you are particularly cautioned to conduct yourself with the utmost circumspection, and to avoid as far as may be possible consistently with a due discharge of your duty, any discussion or correspondence with the persons in Authority at Your Consulate. Till you are further instructed you will be pleased to forward all letters or despatches which may reach you to my address lo the care of H. M. Consul, New Orleans. Charles Elliot. P. S. You will be so good as to hand the accompanying letter to the Commander of any of Her Majesty's Ships who may arrive at Galveston during my absence. C. E. To Wm Kennedy, Esqr. H. M. Consul. Galveston. MEMORANDUM BY ELLIOT^ Memorandum respecting particulars of protest ad- verted to in Captain Elliot's despatch to Consul Ken- nedy, dated Galveston Feby. 15th 1846. The Ship's name, tonnage, owners, British port of registry, last British port cleared from, general description of Cargo, to what place or places bound, the names of any ports She has touched at during her voyage, date of arrival in the Port of Galveston, state- ment of communication with the persons declaring themselves to be engaged in the collection of revenue their proceedings, amounts of money charged by, and paid to them on account of the Ship or Cargo, and finally Master and Mate to protest as well as any Con- signees of Cargo if they see fit on their own behalf and on the part and behalf of the Owners and all others interested or in any respect concerned in the Ship or her Cargo against. (Specify here, the name and declared offices of the chief person and any other person or persons engaged ^F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 597 in the Collection of the required duties or charges, or put on board the ship by the authority of the Collector. ) And against all others whom it doth or shall concern for all losses, damages, costs, expences and prejudices actually suffered or which may hereafter ensue by reason of charging upon and requiring from the said ship, or the goods of her lading in the Port of Galveston in Texas any duty of Customs or imports under any authority other than that of some existing law of the Eepublic of Texas, and for all and every violation, as respects the said ship and her Cargo, of the stipulations of the treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and the Eepublic of Texas signed at London November 13th 1840, and whereof Eatifications were exchanged at London June 28th 1842. (Signed) Charles Elliot. [Endorsed.] In Captn Elliot's of Feb. 15/46. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No 14. Galveston, Feby. 16th 1846. My Lord, By information from Corpus Christi of the 14th Inst, we learn from what I think may be taken to be an authentic source that the American force there has been ordered to advance upon the Eio Grande as soon as possible. It seems probable that the main body will be directed in the first place upon Point Isabel, and that the Brassos Santiago will also be occupied. These are the avowed objects of the movement, but if any pretext should present itself, I think there can be no doubt that Matamoros will be immediately seized. In my former despatches I have had the honour to remark to Your Lordship that it seemed to me it would have been proper, on military principles, to keep this small force assembled at some convenient points on the American side of the Sabine, and I feel assured that if that were the case at the present moment, they could be taken to the Mouth of the Eio Grande, and landed there T. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 598 Texas State Historical Association in a much stronger and more effective condition than they are now, much sooner than they can arrive from their present position. I do not helieve that their moveable Column will exceed 3,000 Men, and the health and spirit of the troops must have necessarily suffered considerably from a long and unnecessary exposure in a very ineligible position, on extremely bad water. They could not move before the 1st Proximo, and unless the beach is practicable the whole way, which remains to be ascertained, not before a con- siderably later period, owing to the condition of the praries. Some uneasiness seemed to be felt respecting a small detachment of dragoons. Charles Elliot. To the Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen., K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN* No. 15. Galveston. Peby. 16th. 1846. My Lord, Tlie Government of this Republic will be dissolved this day, and suffering from a recent attack of indisposition I shall take the lib- erty to proceed to New Orleans for change of air, and wait there for my next instructions from Her Majesty's Government unless any thing should transpire in the mean time requiring my return to this place. Charies Elliot. To The Right Honourable The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^ No. 16. Galveston. February. 16th 1846. My Lord, Before the dissolution of this Government I think it may be convenient to submit some remarks to Your Lordship on an error *F. 0., Texas, Vol, 16. »F. O., Texas, Voi. 16. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 599 which has been prevalent in this. Country and in the United States respecting the late negotiations between Mexico and Texas. In the United States especially it has been generally supposed that it was Mexico which proposed to Texas to acknowledge her independence on the condition that Texas should not Annex her- self to that Country in particular, and it was urged that Texas could not have accepted that condition without discredit. Her Majesty's Government are aware that this is a complete mistake in point of fact and form. It was the Government of Texas which proposed, not Mexico, and the proposed condition did not mention the United States. The language was general, and the French Minister at Mexico particularly remarked that that circumstance was important, for a stipulation so shaped could give no just offence in any quarter. Texas had a right to maintain her separate existence, and it will be admitted that such a course would have been in accordance with her formal declarations to the world, and her pledges, direct and implied, to those Powers, which had only acknowledged it upon the assurance, that she would With that right, and that obli- gation of self respect, it is not easy to see why she should not offer to make the stipulation in question for peace sake, in the final treaty with Mexico. It would have been justifiable and honourable, and that cannot be said of this repudiation of independence and Nationality. If the people of Texas had been left to their de- liberate choice there is ground to believe that they would have rati- fied the worthier policy; but intrigue, and factitious excitement, and haste prevailed, compassing an act of folly and discredit; which, however, it is only just to repeat that two thirds of the voters of the Country have failed to support at the polls. The President of the United States in his opening Message to Congress, has fallen into an aggravated degree of misconception on the subject of this condition, deciding that Mexico had no right or authority to prescribe restrictions on the form of Government which Texas might afterwards choose to assume. Without dwell- ing on this exposition of the right and authority of Mexico to look to her safety witli what care she can, it is impossible to miss the observation of her great need to do so; and it is also requisite to 600 Texas State Historical Association come back to the facts of the case in this particular, not dis- tinguishable from President Polk's account of them. It was Texas that was proposing, not Mexico that was prescrib- ing, and there was no question of form of Government at all, before or after, but of the much more vital consideration to Mexico of who was to be conterminous with her. It is a very inacurate and arbitrary expression of the circumstances of the case, and the motives which influenced Mexico to say that she was prescribing restrictions on the form of Government that Texas might choose to assume. Mexico did no more than accept the exact conditions proposed by the Government of Texas, and execute an additional Act, reserving her rights if those conditions should not be ratified by the people of Texas. That Act was perhaps superfluous, for the rejection of the Con- ditions by the Legislature of Texas restored the statu quo, but it is plain that Mexico had a perfect right and some need to provide beyond the possibility of fair question, that her assent to particular conditions offered by Texas was not to be construed into a sur- render of a totally different nature and extent, to a third party. If the Act did nothing else, it proved that Mexico had a clear foresight of the pretension and augumentation that might be looked for in the quarter to which the transaction had reference. Your Lordship will remember that one of the preliminary con- ditions provided that limits and other conditions should be matter of arrangement in the final treaty. It appears, however, from another part of the Message that the limits of the United States are peacefully extended to the Del Norte already, which expression it is to be apprehended may complicate the difficulty of settlement with Mexico, for in their construction it will be taken to be no more than a formal mode of announcing that the Countries are appropriated, and the treaties violated, though indeed, there is to be no violence for the mere sake of violence. Mexico will hardly consider this to be any thing else than a plain declaration that the dismemberment of their Country has been commenced by the LTnited States, peacefully if possible, violently, if necessary. "Care "will be taken Mr. Donelson writes to Mr. Buchanan on the 11th ""June 1845" to throw "the responsibility of aggressive measures on "the Government of Mexico". British Correspondence Concerning Texas 601 I cannot but remark, My Lord, that the purposes respecting this out lying territory, and the kind of care which has been taken to cast the responsibility of aggressive measures upon Mexico are copiously developed in the Official correspondence lately laid be- fore Congress by President Polk. With that, and the other evi- dence before the world respecting these affairs it is certainly sanguine to hope that mankind will Join in general sentence of condemnation against Mexico for aggressive and wrongful conduct towards the United States if the Mexican Government and people should see fit to defend their Country against what is not less than invasion, because it is called peaceful extension. Mr. Polk's judgment of the conclusiveness against Mexico of an agreement to acknowledge the independence of Texas, with or without conditions, at once sweeps over broad spaces of latitude and longitude. It involves the conclusion, not only that Mexico has by her own Act (in a directly contrary spirit and letter) sur- rendered all right to object to the assignment to the United States by the Texians, of the territory in their actual occupation, but that she has forfeited all claim to immense Mexican regions beyond these limits in which the Texians have never yet had a settler, which have always formed a part of other Mexican States, and which are occupied by a Mexican population scarcely less numerous than the population represented in the Texian Legis- lature. If such decisions prove conclusive against Mexico, their force will not be the force of justice and reason. In closing this despatch I venture to say that I was prepared for the disclosures, in the correspondence between Messr. Donelson and Buchanan respecting the preliminary treaty acceded to by Mexico. Speaking of it in a letter to Mr. Buchanan (August 16th 1845) Mr Donelson complains that "But for that treaty and the "proclamation which grew out of it, our position on the question "of boundary would have been less embarrassed". — . And in an- other letter to the same quarter (July 16th 1845) he was still more explicit upon the obstructions thrown in the way of particular purposes respecting this important point, by the preliminary treaty and the suspension of hostilities proclaimed by the Presi- dent of Texas. I had for some time been sensible that the dis- posal of this coveted Mexican territory was the single considera- 602 Texas State Historical Association tion left of real moment in these affairs, and that it was highly- desirable that colourable Texian occupation should not be sud- denly obtruded witliin it, before this Eepublic formally signified it's willingness to join the North American Confederacy. The Country in the actual occupation of the Texians is of little value in their condition of a State of the Union, possessing Millions of unoccupied acres of better land, or at least of equal fitness for the same products, and incomparably more conveniently situated for Markets. JSTeither can the possession of this territory add to the political strength of the United States, for it is almost bereft of the re- sources which would help that object, having neither eligible har- bours, nor easily navigable rivers, nor any other natural elements of Military power. At all events it had been lost to Mexico long since. Your Lordship however is aware that I was informed of the plots in preparation at that very moment for the seizure of the territory which was not lost to her, nominally to the Texian Mili- tia; really by other Agency, and arms and funds. In view of that circumstance, a suspension of hostilities on the part of the Govern- ment of Texas was no doubt an object of importance at that con- juncture. Fully alive to the necessity of speed I travelled without resting from Galveston to Washington after my arrival in the "La Peronne", for I was aware that Mr Donelson would immediately proceed to the same destination, and it was urgent that the ac- ceptation of the preliminaries by Mexico should be communicated to this Government before his arrival there. We met at Houston on my return from seeing the President, and Mr. Donelson must have probably received the proclamation on his way up the Country. This correspondence confirms the impression I entertained and communicated to Mr Bankhead at the time, namely, that the sus- pension of hostilities by proclamation of this Government had dis- turbed the fulfilment of dangerous purposes against Mexico. My share in these transactions has been at once exaggerated, and the source of considerable irritation and complaint in the correspondence here noticed. I shall merely say that I was acting in a sense of duty to Her Majesty's Government, willing to be help- ful in effecting a peaceful settlement between Mexico and Texas upon terms of security, honour and advantage to both. But so British Correspondence Concerning Texas 603 far as I was entrusted with the execution of these wishes of Her Majesty's Government, it was incumbent upon me to take every proper precaution in my power, that their efforts in the behalf of one of the ostensible principals of this dispute should not facilitate the intentions of a third party to despoil Mexico of vast regions secured to her by treaty, to which Texas had not a shadow of just claim for Herself, and still less, if less were possible, to assign them to the United States. Contiguity between Mexico and the United States on that frontier will be attended with imminent danger to the stability of the first, and the desert nature of the country between the Eio Grande and Nueces make it almost vital to Mexico that those regions should continue to belong to her. The safest separation between the Countries that circumstances now admit of, may probably be the course of the Nueces from Mouth to source, a right line from that point to the present South West limit of the United States, and thence continued along the present dividing Meridian. I avail myself of this occasion to forward to -Your Lordship the Copy of a Veto Message by General Houston on a Bill which passed both Houses of the Texian Congress at the beginning of his last Administration, extending the frontier of Texas to the Pacific in the parallel of the Mouth of the Eio Grande; which it may probably be one purpose of Mr Slidell's Mission to Mexico to attempt now for the United States. I have alluded to this subject in my former despatches, but have only recently succeeded in procuring a Copy of this Message. Charles Elliot. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. [Enclosure].*^ Executive Department. Copy. City of Austin. Charles Elliot. Feby. 1st 1848. To the Honourable the House of Eepresentatives Impressed as I am with a sense of duty and the true situation of the Country I cannot yield my assent to the Bill "to amend an "Act to define the Boundaries of the Eepublic of Texas". I trust T. O., Texas, Vol. 16. 604 Texas State Historical Association your Honourable body will bear with me while I assign my reasons for the course which I feel compelled to adopt. Texas has heretofore declared by the law of 1836 that her limits sliould [be] bounded on the West by the principal stream of the Kio Grande to it's source, thence due North to the 42d degree of latitude and the boundary line of the United States. This formed our limits with Mexico, and agreeably to this we have been recog- nized as independent by the United States, and also by those European Governments with which we have established relations. From these facts it seems to me that until Texas has it in her power to exercise jurisdiction it can be of no possible advantage to her, that she should assert any claim which would subject her to derision, or evince her wish to extend her claim to territory by mere assumption of a right which she might not be able to enforce. The recognized limits of Texas are greater than either her population or resources will enable her at the time to occupy. To extend our limits according to the provisions of the Bill would embrace a region of Country larger than the United States of the North, and include two thirds of the Eepublic of Mexico. It would take in portions of the States of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, and all of Chihuahua, New Mexico, — Sonora and upper and lower California. It is also but reasonable to cal- culate that the inhabitants of those vast regions would not number less than ten Millions. It would then appear curious to Nations in amity with us that a people destitute of means to meet their most pressing wants, and mimbering less than one hundred thou- sand, should assume by a declaratory law that they have a right to govern a Country possessing a population of more than thirty to one. Thus far I am inclined to believe other nations would re- gard the Measure as visionary, or as a legislative jest, inasmuch as it would assume a right which it is utterly impossible to ex- ercise. But other considerations of a most grave and solemn character impress themselves on my mind. The mediation of England has been invoked between the Gov- ernments of Texas and Mexico, the exercise of which has only been delayed in consequence of the want of the ratification and ex- change of Treaties. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 605 This difficulty will however soon cease to exist. So soon as the exchange of ratifications can take place at London there can be no doubt but that the British Minister at Mexico will be author- ized to interpose on behalf of Texas; and unless some obstacle should intervene, we may at no distant period anticipate the most favourable result from the Mediation of that Power in our favour. Should the present Measure, however, be adopted and a proposi- tion be submitted to^ the Mexican Government we cannot expect that this extraordinary assumption of right by Texas will be over- looked in the negotiation, but would present an insuperable bar- rier not only to our recognition by Mexico, but would annihilate every hope of an amicable adjustment of our differences. The British Minister would not be authorized to enter into any arrange- ment, but such as would present Texas with the limits avowed at the time of her recognition and declared by her law. Approved 19 December. 1836. The promulgation of this Bill if it were to become a law, would suspend all action on the part of Great Britain. To assume a right which we cannot exercise would only work evil, and could produce no salutary result. It would be useless in itself. In- deed a proposition of this character is calculated to irritate and arouse the indignation of every man within the limits of Mexico. And whilst we would thus pursue phantoms as profitless as the present is dangerous, our character for policy, sagacity, and fore- cast would sufiler serious detriment. I need not assure Your Honorable Body of the ardent desire which I entertain for peace and friendly intercouse with all Na- tions. So long as we are not on amicable terms with Mexico, so long we will suffer hindrance to our prosperity. The constant cry of invasion will be sounded, not only throughout Texas, but throughout all Nations to whom we are known; and while this is the case we may feel confident that emigration will be impeded, if not entirely prevented. From this source we are to draw both population and wealth, and no matter how desirable our soil and climate might be to foreigners, nor how great their anxiety to make our Country their home, it could certainly be no additional inducement to families that Texas should remain in hostile rela- 606 Texas State Historical Association tions with Mexico; which might and would at all times render their situation one of unpleasant excitement, if not of danger. We may regard Mexicans as we may think proper, but still they are men, and entertain ideas of Nationality and some sense of shame and injury. If then they do, the present project must have a powerful influence upon them. Indignity always inspires feelings of revenge. The very thought of suffering a partition of their Country will give them adhesion, and union may render them more formidable than we have found them in times past. It will at all events arouse their energies, incite them to the last effort, inflict great annoyance upon us, and withdraw the attention of our Citizens from the pursuits and profits of husbandry. Texas only requires peace to make her truly prosperous and respectable. Peace will bring with it every advantage. All that is needful to secure individual wealth is well directed industry, and the policy that will permit the farmer and the mechanic to employ their labour in peace is the only policy that can establish our Country. Without peace, labour and industry, we must with all the boundless natural advantages of Texas, remain compara- tively poor and embarrassed. The present moment is to my apprehension the most unfor- tunate of all others for the awakening of this subject. Our fellow Citizen's taken at Santa Fe, if they still survive, are prisoners in the City of Mexico at the mercy of Mexicans. Every possible means at my command have been employed to obtain their release and restoration to their friends and Country. Should the proposed project reach the Mexican Capital in the character of a legislative act, no earthly interposition can secure their libera- tion, and I should deem it the most probable of all other events that they would be executed by order of the Authorities of the Country, and should they escape even this, I would apprehend their destruction by the populace. In a Country like Mexico, demagogues are never wanting to excite the fury and stimulate the bad passions of those to whose favour they seek to commend themselves. I am therefore satisfied that if any measure could produce in- jury to Texas, and endanger the lives of our noble, generous and brave fellow Citizens, whose cruel captivity we now deplore, it Bntish Correspondence Concerning Texas 607 would be the passage of this bill. Surely their circumstances in- voke of the honourable Congress calm and careful deliberation. (Signed) Sam Houston. [Endorsed.] Inclosure in Captain Elliots Despatch No 16 to the Earl of Aberdeen. Galveston Feb. 16th. 1846. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN'' ' ^0 1'^- AT .. 1 JNew Orleans. ,. T ^ March 4th. 1846. My Lordj I have the honour to transmit the "Texas Democrat- newspaper of the 20th Ultimo^ containing the particulars of the dissolution o± the Government of the Republic of Texas. General Houston and Mr Rusk have been elected to the Senate of the United States. To The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen., K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN' No. 38. Charles Elliot. New Orleans. March 10th 1846. My Lord, I learn that the Government of the United States is taking up some light vessels at this port for the service of the force at Cor- pus Christi, and also that a small steamer hitherto employed as a passage vessel between that point and Galveston has been char- tered by [the United States] for the same object. These indications dispose me to think that the Material at all events, will be re-em- barked at Corpus Christi, and transported by sea to the Brassos and Norte. Detachments have been thrown forward in the di- rection of the Rio Grande, but we have not yet heard that the Head Quarters and Main body have moved. Unless the American Government has some understanding with "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. ""Extra" edition. *F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. 608 Texas State Historical Association leading persons in Tamaulipas and the contiguous Mexican States, the advance of this small and enfeebled force still further from their resources and communications, and within the perfectly un- questionable limits of Mexico, may prove to be a dangerous move- ment. If they advance to any distance from their depots on the Sea shore, they may be cut off without difficulty, and if they re- main there during the ensuing hot weather the climate and ex- posure will be disastrous to them. I avail myself of this opportunity to transmit a Texian News- paper of the 3d Instant,^" containing some extracts from a paper published at Corpus Christi which merit Your Lordship's notice. It is no doubt probably that his tone is attributable to the dislike of the parties interested at Corpus Christi to lose the profits of the continuance of the force at that point; But be the motive what it may, nothing can be better founded than this exposure of the worthlessness of these pretensions to the Country beyond the "Nueces" Charles Elliot. The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN" No 19. New Orleans. March 14th 1846. My Lord, I have the honour to transmit the Corpus Christi Gazette Extra- ordinary of the 8th Instant, containing the General orders issued by Brigadier General Z. Taylor respecting the immediate advance of the American force from that point, to the Eio Grande. Charles Elliot To The Right Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "T/ie Galveston Tfews, Marcli 3, 1846. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 609 KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN^^ No 4. Her Majesty's Consulate. Galveston. March. 16th 1846. My Lord, I have the honour to enclose herewith printed Copies of the last Public Address of President Jones, the Inaugural Address of the Governor of Texas, the first Message of the Governor, — and cer- tain Newspaper Articles communicating political rumours, and intelligence of the Movements of the United States troops, here- tofore stationed at Corpus Christi.^^ Generals Houston and Eusk — (as was pronounced likely in my Despatch No 34 of the 8th of December, last) have been elected to the Senate of the United States, by the Legislature of Texas. There were 70 Votes for Eusk, and 69 for Houston. Ex-Presi- dent Jones was a candidate, and not an unwilling one, as I am told, but his nomination was set aside in preliminary "Caucus." Officers high in the Engineer Service of the United States have been employed in examining the Coast of Texas, with a view to its defence. — They have, it is said, reported favourably of connect- ing, by Canals, the lagoons, that fringe the Coast, — for the pur- pose of opening thereby a line of interior Navigation from the Sabine to the Eio Grande. In reference to the Movement of the United States Troops to the Bio Grande, mentioned in Enclosure No 4, the ''Galveston Civilian/' of the 4th Instant, observes : — "We have no idea that they," (the U. S. troops) "will be op- posed in their present movement by the Mexican forces; nor do we think expectation of such an event is entertained by well-in- formed persons upon the frontier. One result desired, and pretty confidently anticipated, from this Military movement, by the LTnited States, is a declaration of in- dependence by the North Eastern Provinces of Mexico, seconded "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 17. This is the last letter from Kennedy in Texas, containing anything of interest. On September 18, 1846, Kennedy left Texas on sick leave anJ a Mr. Lynn was appointed acting consul at Gal- veston. His correspondence is confined to the details of his office. Mr. Kennedy never returned to Texas, and formally gave up his consulate in 1850. Lynn's appointment to the place was confirmed May 18, 18-50. "All enclosures are unidentified newspaper cuttings. 610 Texas State Historical Association bv the influence of the Mexican General Arista. — After a brief term of probation, these most valuable Provinces are to be admitted to a particiiDation of the advantages arising from an incorpora- tion with the Federation of the North. — Such is the language of American politicians, and I cannot doubt its earnestness. Whatever may be the issue of the Negotiations respecting Ore- gon, the United States seem resolved to possess themselves of Up- per California. Large parties of armed settlers are proceeding thither from the Western and South Western States, and it is within my knowledge that a number of the most daring and in- telligent Americans in Texas are making arrangements for jour- neying, with like purposes, to the same quarter. In the meantime, it is hoped that Great Britain's devotion to — "peace, at any price," — and the satisfaction with Mr Walker's guasi-liheTal Tariff,^* will restrain her action until the United States, are prepared, at all points, to contest her supremacy by land and sea. William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN^® Private. New Orleans. March 27th 1846. My Lord, The subjoined letters from Galveston reached me this morning and I think it right to communicate them to Your Lordship. I should mention that Mr. W. D. Miller was General Houston's private Secretary and was with him at this place, when the Speech in question was delivered. Charles Elliot. The Eight Honourable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. "Robert John Walker, United States Senator from Mississippi, ap- pointed secretary of the treasury by Polk, 1845. He was the author of the tariff of 1846, which was considered to have a free trade basis, Walker's principle being that no revenue should be raised by import duties, not directly needed to meet the expenses of the government. "F. 0., Texas, Vol. 16. British Correspondence Concerning Texas 611 JOHNSON TO ELLIOTT To. Captain Elliott. Galveston March 24tli 1846. My Dear Sir, At the request of General Houston I forward to you the Copy of a letter^^ written by W. D. Miller, which was intended to be published in the "Galveston Civilian" Signed. E. D. Johnson A. ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT^^ No 1. , Foreign Office. April. 3d. 1846. Sir, I have received your Despatch No 13, of the 15th of February er, 1845 566-567 24 December, 1845 572-573 5 January, 1846 574-575 8 JiiTiuary, 1846 575-576 8 January, 1846 576-581 13 January, 1846 581 15 January, 1846 582-583 18 January, 1846 583-585 20 January, 1846 585-589 23 January. 1846 589 26 January. 1846 590 26 January, 1846 590-592 1 February, 1846 592-594 15 February, 1846 594 15 February, 1846 594-596 16 February, 1846 597-598 16 February, 18.46 598 16 February, 1846 598-603 4 March, 1846 607 10 March, 1846 607-608 14 March, 1846 608 27 March, 1846 610 19 April, 1846 612-613 21 April. 1846 613 21 April. 1846 614-615 25 April, 1846 615-618 1 May, 1846 618 I May, 1846 6>8-619 18 June, 1846 619-620 Hamilton, James: 20 February, 1842 58 4 March, 1842 58 25 March, 1842 59-61 Hamilton, Joseph: 23 June, 1840 16-17 Hamilton, M. C. 21 March, 1843 188-189 Hill. G. W.: 29 July, 1843 239-241 Hockley, Gtorge W. : 14 November, 1845 567-568 Hook, James : 30 April, 1841 29-39 Houston, Sam: 28 January, 1842 57 1 February, 1842 603-607 5 November. 1842 131-132 24 January. 1843 163-164, 213 23 March," 1843 189-191 13 May, 1843 208-213 Johnson, R. D. : 24 March, 1846. . .. 611 Jones, Anson: 25 March, 1844 310-312 31 March, 1845 461-462 6 June, 1845 497-498 Kennedy, William: 12 October, 1841 43-44 20 October, 1841 45-46 6 November, 1841 46-47 9 November, 1841 48 12 November, 1841 48-49 13 November, 1841 49-50 16 November. 1841 50 10-12 January, 1842 51-55 28 January, 1842 55-57 8 March, 1842 58-59 20 April, 1842 61-63 3 June, 1842 66 7 June, 1842 66 8 June, 1842 67-68 15 June. 1842 69 2 July, 1842 86-87 6 July, 1842 87-88 7 July, 1842 88-89 14 July, 1842 89-90 1 August, 1842 93 25 August, 1842 95 24 October, 1842 120 27 October, 1842 120-121 16 November, 1842 131 31 December, 1842 149 11 February, 1843 165 29 March, '1843 170-171 15 May, 1843 187-188 15 May, 1843 191-192 15 May, 1843 192-193 22 M&v, 1843 195-196 630 Index Kennedy, William — continued. 5 June, 1843 202-204 7 June. 1843 204 !> June, 1943 214 6 August, 1843 245-24P 22 August, 1843 250 23 August. 1843 251 29 August. 1843 252 5 September, 1843 254-261 6 September, 1843 261-263 23 September, 1843 263-264 11 October, 1843 270-271 13 November, 1843 279 2 January, 1844 292-293 5 January. 1844 292 8 January, 1844 293-295 18 April, 1844 316-317 18 April. 1844 317 6 May, 1844 321-322 7 May. 1844 322-323 8 May. 1844 319-321 10 May, 1844 323 25 May, 1844 326-328 27 May, 1844 326 27 May. 1844 328-330 29 May. 1844 330-333 31 May, 1844 333-335 11 June, 1844 335-336 14 June, 1844 336-338 18 June, 1844 338-342 8 July, 1844 343-344 8 July, 1844 344 8 July, 1844 346-349 29 July, 1844 350-352 29 July, 1844 353 14 August, 1844 354-355 24 August, 1844 355-356 9 September. 1844 356-362 9 September, 1844 362-363 23 September, 1844 364-366 24 September, 1844 367-368 26 September, 1844 367 30 September, 1844 369-370 2 October, 1844 370-371 24 October, 1844 371-372 29 October, 1844 373-375 30 October, 1844 375-376 12 November, 1844 377-379 5-21 December, 1844 379-385 6 December, 1844 385-386 6 December, 1844 391 25 February, 1845 450-451 26 February, 1845 451-453 3 April, 1845 473-476 25 April, 1845 479-481 Kennedy, William — continued. 21 May, 1845 490-491 30 May, 1845 493 10 June, 1845 494-495 24 June, 1845 506 24 July, 1845 516-518 28 July, 1845 521-522 23 August, 1845 542-543 6 September, 1845. . 548-550 16 October, 1845 556-557 8 December, 1845 562-565 20 December, 1845 568-570 31 December, 1845 573 16 March, 1846 609-610 27 March, 1847 620-623 Lusignan, Thaddeus di: 12 April, 1844 315-316 6 May, 1844 317-319 McLeod, H.: 26 November, 1843 281 Maillard, Nicholas: 15 September, 1840 27-28 Miller, W. D. : 9 May, 1845 486 Moore, E. W.: 19 April, 1843 193-194 Neapean, Evan: 24 July, 1841 39-42 Palmerston, Viscount : 4 August, 1841 42-43 Power. Charles : 20 June, 1842 70-71 20 June, 1842 72-78 7 July, 1842 71 Rushton, W. : 7 MarcTi, 1844 - 301 Ruthven, A. S., et al : 8 July, 1844 344-346 Sheridan, Francis C: 12 July, 1840 18-26 Solms, Charles, Prince of: 3 December, 1844 386-390 Ward and Ingram et al : 24 September, 1842 115-116 Woll, Adrian: 16 July, 1843 238-239 Yates, A. J.: 12 July, 1843 229-232 15 Julv. 1843 234 Index 631 II SUBJECTS Andrews, S. P.. abolitionist, 167-168,229 230, 261. Annexation, attitude of Texans chanaed. 12-13, 14, 25, 53, 210, 225; desired bv U. S., 48, 53, 143, 163, 262, 271, 320': Secretary Upshur proposes, 271-272: Clay opposes, 289-291; strained re- lations between Texas and Mexico foster annexation sentiment, 54, 56 62-63. 60, 71. 72, 144. 156, 163, 195^ 208-211; Texan resolution concernino annexation, 148, 292, 297, 305: treaty of annexation, 299; special mission sent to U. S., 301-302; Great Britain inquires about mission, 309-310: fail- ure of treaty, 342; peace with Mexico or annexation to U. S., 311-312. 394; annexation propaganda irritates Mex- ico, 313, 392; policy of Great Britain toward annexation, 428-433; restate- ment of policy, 481-486; action of ninth congress, 438-439, 441; opposi- tion to, 449, 459; effect of the news of the adoption of the resolutions favor- ing annexation, 460; steps taken by British and French charges to coun- teract move of United States. 462-471 • vote on, 558-559, 583-585, 587-588. Archer, Branch T., favors invasion of Mexico, 474, 562. Arista, General, plans of, 456-457. Army of Texas., its size, 11. Bancroft, George, advocate of annex- ation, 367. Beales, John Charles, land claims of. 157-161. Benton, Thomas H., on westward ex- tension, 570-572. Blockade of Mexican ports by Texas, not enforced, 66, 81-83, 96, 99; certain ex- ceptions, 90, 94, 96; is revoked, 105, 107, 132; ignored by Great Britain, Bourgeois d'Orvanne, A., colonization contract, 368; is, a fraud, 369, 371-372 Burnley, A. T., 30. California, designs of United States upon, 505, 515, 568. Civilian and Galveston City Gazette, given praise, 224, 439; supporter of Sam Houston, 376; opposed to annex- ation, 449. ooi ^''"*'^^' opposes annexation, 289- ^91; on Whig success, 349; chancres position on annexation, 364; opposed to European colonization of Texas oo8. ' ^lo^Ms'Tsr*'*''"*'' '''■'^"''^"^^ ^^^-e'-^e Constitution of 1845, vote on, 548 Convention of 1845, list of members. 539 541. ' ton. 195, 197. Corpus Christi, trade of, 5, 336; British S , S^'-' 227-228. 263: newspaper . published there in 1846, 608; Indian raid upon. 336. 348, 350. *^\"°"' f «'»t.^' 17; yield, 18; crop of l»'57, 6, 7; exports in 1838, 19; in- crease in production of, 70, 73-77- cron of 1843. 266; freight rate on, to Eng land, 198. ^ Cozumel island, speculations, 245-249 251. ' Crawford, Joseph T., visit to Texnas 3-4 • report, 4-16. Crisp, Downing H., some facts concern- ing, 287. Crops, Texas, damaged by Aveather, 124- good, 366. Daingerfield, William H.. to be recalled, 451. Dart, Christopher, an associate of Mun- roe Edwards, 256. Donelson, A. J., arrival in Texas, 375, 377, 383; visit to Xew Orleans. 385- to leave Texfas as soon as United States troops arrive, 517; departed for New Orleans, 543. Declaration on part of Great Britain and France to secure recognition of Texas independence by Mexico, and" on part of Texas to remain independent, 485-486. Eaton, Rev. Mr., rector of Protestant Episcopal church in Galveston, 112. Edwards, Munroe, slave trader, 256-257, Eliza Russell, claims against Texas for,' 84-86, 104; early settlement. 137, 142. 149. Elliot, Cliarles, appointed British Consul general to Tex-as, 42. 50, 51, 103; in- structions, 63, 64-65; is appointed 032 Index British charge of Texas, 43, 78, 101, 104; instructions, 79-80; arrived at New Orleans, 93-94; reception in Texas, 95-99; asks permission to re- side at Galveston, 100, 135; intercedes for Andrew Neill, 117-119; lines alonas commerce, in 1837, 7, 8, 15, 17; in 1838, 19; corn and grain trade, in 1843, 195, 197-198, 271; regulations, 214; charges on shipping, 218-219; trade with Mexico, 442, 457, 459. Texas National Register, opposed to an- nexation, 449, 459. Thompson, Waddy, not a friend of Sam Houston, 226. United States, treaty with Texas, 16"6- 167, 180, 209; to put a stop to Mex- ican border raids. 204; course of. in relation to Texas, 208-211: Houston enforces discriminatory duties. 209: United States retaliate, 288; effect of prospects of peace between Texas and Mexico in United States, 266; promise protection to Texas during annexation negotiations, 321-323, 324, 354, 362, 396, 475; unwarranted pretensions to territory through annexation, 323-324; annexation treaty will probably fail, 324, 349; United States squadron cruised in Gulf of Mexico during nego- tiation for annexation, 334, 336, 365, 491; treaty for annexation unsatisfac- tory to Houston and Jones, 398. treaty rejected, 342; project not dead, 342-343, 347; effect of rejection. 347- 349; accumulating military supplies on Texan frontier, 378, 380, 474; reso- lutions for annexation of Texas, 445- 447: laige portion of Mexican terri- tory to be added along with Texas, 495-496, 499, 505, 600-603; troops to be sent to Matagorda, 512, 527; diffi- culties attending invasion, 513-516; naval forces collected in Gulf, 527- 528; troops arrive, 542, 543-547. 549; comment on mobilization of troops and their positions in Texas, 563. 575-576, 592-594, 597-598, 607-608. Volunteers. Texas, estimate of. 11-12. 123. Warfield, Charles, A., 240. Washington, Texas, unhealtTiful, 443. Williams, Samuel, associate of Hockley in mission, 243, 267, 339; at one time private secretary to Andrew Jackson, 341. Woll, Adrian, invasion of, 108. 112-113, 122; armistice, 238-239; manifesto of, 362. Yates, A. J., on anti-slaA'ery movement in Texas, 228-234, 235, 261; opposed to slavery but not an abolitionist, 232. Yellow fever at Galveston, 351 352, 35^ 355, 356, 359. Y'ucatan, result of Mexican movement against, to influence plans against Texas. 155. 166, 184, 186; cooperation of Texan navy with, 166, 177, 178-180, 187-193, 199; Houston's opposition to, 225-226. LB 20