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U.S. agent advises against recognition of Texas independence
On this day in 1836, Henry Mason Morfit wrote the first of a series of
ten letters about Texas to President Andrew Jackson. Morfit, a State
Department employee, had been sent to Texas to report on the strengths
and weaknesses of the new republic. Texas officials knew that U.S.
recognition of Texas independence was vital to the republic's survival.
That recognition hinged, however, upon the new country's ability to
stave off possible Mexican efforts at reconquest. Morfit was doubtful
that Texas would be able to do this, and he reported to Jackson
accordingly. He stated that the Texas population was small, that the new
republic was in serious debt, that there was a vast area of disputed
jurisdiction, and that independence was far from secure. In December,
Jackson referred to Morfit's pessimistic report as he handed the
decision over to the U.S. Congress. The following spring, however,
Powhatan Ellis, U.S. minister to Mexico, reported to the U.S. Congress
that Mexico was suffering from anarchy, revolution, and bankruptcy, and
that the Mexicans could not possibly invade Texas. Whereupon, on March
1, 1837, the United States sent a "diplomatic agent," Alcée Louis La
Branche, as chargé d'affaires to the Republic of Texas. This diplomatic
recognition was but one step leading eventually to annexation.
- Links to Related Handbook of Texas Online Articles
- MORFIT, HENRY MASON
- REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
- ANNEXATION
- LA BRANCHE, ALCEE LOUIS
- DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS OF REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
- Other Texas Day by Day Articles for This Date
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