5. The Republic of Texas: Part C (1844-1845)
Selected Texas History Primary Source Documents
(Back to Republic of Texas Table of Contents)
Suggestion: One might also find it useful to consult the list of documents and collections of documents at List 2 , "Texas in the Nineteenth Century: General."
"Correspondence from the British Archives Concerning Texas, 1837-1846." In this series, which was published in The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association/Southwestern Historical Quarterly, there are many letters pertaining to the period covered by this list. The correspondence is mainly from British diplomats in Texas (and occasionally elsewhere) to officials in the British Foreign Office in London. They shed light on political, social, and economic conditions in the Republic of Texas and deal with various diplomatic issues, including Texan-Mexican relations, and the issue of Texas annexation to the U.S. Click on this link for an introduction to the entire series of correspondence. Following are links to the correspondence.
Link to correspondence dated January 3-April 7, 1844.
Link to correspondence dated March 22-April 3, 1844
Link to correspondence dated April 12-June 11, 1844
Link to correspondence dated June 14-July 8, 1844.
Link to correspondence dated July 8-July 29, 1844.
Link to correspondence dated July 29-September 9, 1844.
Link to correspondence dated September 23-December 6, 1844.
Link to correspondence dated December 21, 1844-January 15, 1845.
Link to correspondence dated January 23-April 3, 1845.
Link to correspondence dated April 3-July 3, 1845
Link to correspondence dated July 3-August 23, 1845
Link to correspondence dated August 31-December 8, 1845
Link to correspondence dated December 14-December 31, 1845.
Anson Jones. Memoranda and Official Correspondence Relating to the Republic of Texas, Its History and Annexation. 1859. Consists of an autobiography (written in 1849), a series of memoranda relating to events, 1838-1854, in which he had played a part (written in the 1850s), and an extensive collection of correspondence to and from Jones, covering the period 1836-1857. Some of the correspondence and other material deal with Jones' service during the period covered by this section both as Texan secretary of state and as president of the Republic. Link to document
Anson Jones. Letters, Relating to the History of Annexation. 1848. [Pamphlet.] Two letters, dated November 13 and 17, 1847 and addressed to Hamilton Stuart, editor of the Galveston Civilian. They defend Jones' behavior with respect to activities having to do with events associated with the movement which led to the annexation of Texas to the United States. Link to document
Thomas Hart Benton. Thirty Years View; or, a History of the Working of the American Government for Thirty Years from 1820 to 1850.Volume II. (1856). This political memoir of Benton's tenure as a U.S. senator from Missouri contains material on Benton's actions and attitudes having to do with the issue of Texan annexation to the U.S., including his proposals in 1844-1845 that varied from those finally adopted. The Texas material is on pp. 599-623 and 639-649. The author includes excerpts from his speeches and those of others in the Senate and from other documents as well. Unfortunately, Benton did not include specific dates for much of this material. This secondary source biography of Benton may prove of some use in determining some of those dates. [Note: Benton often refers to himself in the third person.] Link to document
Herman Vandenberg Ames, ed. State Documents on Federal Relations: The States and the United States. Number V: Slavery and the Constitution, 1798-1845 (1904). See the section, "Annexation of Texas, 1837-1845." The material relevant to this list is on pp. 37-40. It consists of resolutions passed by state legislatures having to do with the proposed annexation of Texas to the United States. Liink to document
Congressional Globe. Volume 84: U.S. Congress. 28th Congress, lst session. 1843-1844. Selected pages containing debates and proceedings regarding the annexation of Texas to the U.S. [In some cases it will be impossible to determine the exact date involved without recourse to a hard copy of this volume.] Link to document
Congressional Globe. Volume 84: U.S. Congress. 28th Congress, lst session. Appendix. 1843-1844. Selected pages containing debates and proceedings regarding the annexation of Texas to the U.S. [In some cases it will be impossible to determine the exact date involved without recourse to a hard copy of this volume.] Link to document
Charles Francis Adams. Texas and the Massachusetts Resolutions. 1844. Pamphlet opposing the annexation of Texas to the United States. The author, grandson of John Adams, was a Massachusetts lawyer and politician.] Link to document
[Theodore Sedgwick]. Thoughts on the Proposed Annexation of Texas to the United States. 1844. Pamphlet in opposition to the proposal. The author was a New York lawyer. Link to document
Sam Houston. Proclamation announcing the ratification of a peace treaty with several Indians tribes, February 3, 1844. This treaty, announced by the Texan president, had been negotiated at Bird's Fort (in present Tarrant County) on September 29, 1843. Link to document
Ashbel Smith. Reminiscences of the Texas Republic. 1875. The author of this document was charge d'affaires to both France and Great Britain between 1842-1844 and secretary of state, 1845-1846. Parts of the narrative have the character of a secondary source, but other parts refer directly to Smith's own involvement as a diplomat in the first half of the 1840s. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
U.S. Congress. Proceedings of the Senate and Documents Relative to Texas from Which the Injunction of Secrecy Has Been Removed. 1844. Link to document
[George Allen]. An Appeal to the People of Massachusetts, on the Texas Question. 1844. Pamphlet. Anti-slavery writer opposes the annexation of Texas to the United States. Link to document
Robert J. Walker. Letter of Mr. Walker, of Mississippi, Relative to the Reannexation of Texas, in Reply to the Call of the People of Carroll County, Kentucky, to Communicate His View on That Subject. January 8, 1844. [The date is that which appears in the text. The lengthy communication was printed and reprinted widely in the early months of 1844.] Walker, a U.S. senator from Mississippi, asserts that Texas was originally a part of the Louisiana Purchase. Presents arguments (most economic in nature) why the U.S. should "reannex" Texas. Link to document
A. V. Brown to [Sam Houston], January 17, 1844. Tennessee congressman writes to the Texan president from Washington, speculating upon the chances that the U.S. congress will find a way to effect the annexation of Texas. Notes obstacles but believes that it will be accomplished. Details. Link to document
Sam Houston to Isaac Van Zandt, January 29, 1844. President Houston instructs the Texan charge d'affaires in the United States to determine if there is sufficient sentiment in the U.S. Congress for the annexation of Texas. If so, then he is to open negotiations again. If not, then he is to see if there is the possibility of effecting an offensive/defensive alliance between the two countries with respect to Mexico. Details. Link to document
Andrew Jackson to A. V. Brown, February 12, 1844. In this public letter, the former president presents detailed arguments in favor of annexing Texas to the U.S. Link to document
William S. Murphy to Anson Jones, February 14, 1844. U.S. charge d-affaires in Texas states to the Texan secretary of state (evidently on his own authority) that his country would not permit Mexico or any other nation to invade Texas during negotiations between the U.S. and Texas concerning annexation or any other subject. Details. Link to document
Anson Jones to J. Pinckney Henderson, February 15, 1844. Texan secretary of state Jones informs Henderson that President Sam Houston has appointed him as a special agent to assist Isaac Van Zandt in negotiations toward the annexation of Texas to the United States. Urges "the greatest secrecy and dispatch." Link to document
Sam Houston to James Pinckney Henderson, February 21, 1844. The Texan president confers full powers upon Henderson and Isaac Van Zandt (both in Washington, D. C.) to negotiate Texas' annexation to the U.S. as either a state or a territory. Link to document
Anson Jones to J. Pinckney Henderson and Isaac Van Zandt, February 25, 1844. Texan secretary of state writes from Washington, Texas, to the two envoys in Washington, D.C., sent there to negotiate Texas' annexation to the U.S. Details about possible approaches to achieve their objective. Link to document
[J. Pinckney] Henderson to [William W. Watts], March 10, 1844. The author is on route to Washington, D.C. on a secret mission to aid Isaac Van Zandt in negotiating of treaty of annexation. Is important to accomplish this before the British minister in Texas learns of the negotiations. Believes the treaty will be made. Link to document
Andrew Jackson to _________, March 11, 1844. [Extract.] Brief statement strongly promoting the annexation of Texas. Cites danger to the U.S. from the British if not done. [May be necessary to scroll down to the document.] Link to document
___________, "The Texas Question," The United States Magazine and Democratic Review, Vol. XIV, No, LXX (April 1844). The essay was written as a commentary on the letter of Robert J. Walker in response to a request from persons in Carroll County, Kentucky, for him to comment on the subject of the annexation of Texas to the U.S. The essayist favored annexation. Link to document
Isaac Van Zandt to Sam Houston, April 4, 1844. Texan charge d'affaires to the U.S. had met with new U.S. Secretary of State John C. Calhoun in Washington that day. Calhoun strongly supports the annexation of Texas to the U.S. Link to document
John Tyler. Proclamation, April 5, 1844. U.S. president gives his secretary of state, John C. Calhoun, full authority to negotiate with Isaac Van Zandt and J. Pinckney Henderson a treaty of annexation of Texas to the U.S. Link to document
James B. Tartt to E. Price, April 5, 1844. The author writes from Mobile, Alabama, that he disagrees with the many southern newspaper editors who predict that the senate will ratify the Texas annexation treaty. Explains why. Link to document
Gibson May to Sam Houston, April 10, 1844. Indian agent writes to the Texan president from Fannin County that he has recently seen several hunting parties of Indians, all seemingly friendly. They claim that "all red people . . . are also friendly, except the Towash." Details. Link to document
Ben E. Green to John C. Calhoun, April 11, 1844. The secretary of the U.S. legation in Mexico writes to the new secretary of state that Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna wants to provoke war with France so as to make himself emperor. Suggests that France would likely invade Mexico via Texas and that the end result would be the acquisition of several northern Mexican states by Texas. [Scroll down to the document and down further for the Texas material.] Link to document
United States of America and the Republic of Texas. Treaty of annexation, April 12, 1844. This was the treaty that failed of ratification in the U.S. Senate. Link to document
Isaac Van Zandt and J. Pinckney Henderson, April 12, 1844. Authors send to the Texan secretary of state a copy of the treaty of annexation that they had negotiated with U.S. Secretary of State John C. Calhoun. In a long communication they state that the treaty was not exactly what they had desired but seemed most likely to gain ratification by the U.S. Senate. They are not certain that this will happen and have the promise of President John Tyler that, should the effort fail, he will send a message to both houses of Congress, asking that they pass a law accomplishing the same end. Explanation follows. Link to document
Wm. F. Wilson to "Dear Brother," April 22, 1844. A Mier prisoner writes of conditions at Perote Prison in Mexico. Link to document
James K. Polk to S. P. Chase, Thomas Heaton, and other members of a committee of citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, April 23, 1844. In response to their query to him about his position on annexing Texas to the U.S., the author, a would-be candidate for the U.S. presidency, states that he is in favor of its "immediate re-annexation." Explains why in detail. Link to document
United States. Congress. Senate. Excerpts from the debate on the treaty of annexation of Texas to the U.S., May 1844. Link to document
Anson Jones to Washington Daniel Miller, May 3, 1844. Texan Secretary of State Jones writes to Miller, a member of the diplomatic team in Washington, D.C., that had negotiated the treaty of annexation. Has received a copy of the treaty. Is cautiously optimistic that the U.S. Senate will ratify it. Link to document
Anson Jones to Sam Houston, May 3, 1844. Texan Secretary of State states that, should the U.S. Senate fail to ratify the treaty of annexation, Texas should attempt to obtain mediation from the governments of England and France to stop Mexican threats to invade Texas. Link to document
James H. Starr to [C. S. Taylor], May 13, 1844. Nacogdoches land agent writes from Natchitoches, Louisiana, to a friend in Nacogdoches that he is very discouraged about the prospects of the ratification of the Texas annexation treaty. Names U.S. leaders who are strongly against it. Link to document
James Pinckney Henderson to Sam Houston, May 20, 1844. Henderson, who had helped negotiate the treaty of annexation of Texas to the U.S. writes to the Texan president of maneuverings by the treaty's supporters and opponents in the Senate and by President John Tyler, etc., and also comments about the views of various presidential candidates on the Texas issue. Link to document.
James Pinckney Henderson to Sam Houston, May 29, 1844. One of the Texan agents who helped negotiate the Texas annexation treaty reports about various political maneuvers in the U.S. Senate in the debate over its ratification and about how the issue has been caught up in the presidential nominating conventions. Link to document
"Junius." Annexation of Texas. (The Junius Tracts, No. IX.) [June] 1844. Pamphlet. Anonymous author argues against annexing Texas to the United States because of the slavery issue. Link to document
Orville Dewey. Discourse on Slavery and the Annexation of Texas. 1844. Pamphlet opposing the annexation of Texas. Author was a New York City Unitarian minister. Link to document
Isaac Van Zandt to Sam Houston, June 9, 1844. The annexation treaty failed of ratification in the U.S. Senate the previous night by a vote of 16 to 35. Efforts are being made to introduce a joint resolution in the House and Senate incorporating the provisions of the treaty, but both houses may adjourn in the immediate future. Is optimistic that James K. Polk and George M. Dallas have united the Democratic Party. [Both had strongly endorsed annexing Texas.] Link to document
Adrian Woll to Sam Houston, June 19, 1844. [Translation.] Commander of the Mexican Army's 1st Brigade of the North informs the Texan president that Mexican President Santa Anna has ordered the resumption of hostilities against Texas. Explains why. Link to document
Ashbel Smith to Anson Jones, June 24, 1844. Texan charge d'affaires to the United Kingdom has learned that both the U.K. and France stand ready to assist Texas in its effort to negotiate its independence from Mexico. Involves a so-called "Diplomatic Act." Details. Link to document
Anson Jones to Ashbel Smith, July 14, 1844. Texan secretary of state writes to the Texan charge d'affaires to the United Kingdom and France that it is vital that both countries act immediately to try to settle the difficulties between Texas and Mexico in such a way as to gain recognition of independence. Details. Texas is prosperous, and its people are prepared for peace or war with Mexico. Link to document
Thomas G. Western to Benjamin Sloat, July 27, 1844. Texan superintendent of Indian affairs states to an Indian agent that those responsible for frontier defense in central Texas must scrupulously honor the treaty made with the Waco and Tawakoni Indians. Link to document
Wm. F. Wilson to "Dear Coln," July 29, 1844. Writes of conditions at Perote Prison in Mexico, including that it is very cold there because of the 14,000-foot elevation. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Anson Jones to C. H. Raymond, August 6, 1844. Texan secretary of state writes to the acting U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas of the likelihood of a hostile move by Mexican military forces into Texas, occasioned by the recent U.S. proposal for annexing Texas. Should an invasion occur, U.S. military assistance may be needed. Details. Link to document
Minutes of the Council at the falls of the Brazos River, October 7, 1844. Texan government officials meet with representatives of ten Indian tribes to try to bring peace to the frontier. Almost all of the document consists of the opening address by President Sam Houston. Link to document
Texas. Republic. Treaty between Texas and various Indian tribes, October 9, 1844. Agreed to by commissioners of the Republic and leaders of eleven tribes [named in the text] at a place named "Tah-wah-Karro Creek." The parties promised that they "will forever live in peace," that the government will not allow "bad men" to cross into the Indians' hunting grounds, etc. [Twenty-two articles in all.] Was signed by President Anson Jones on February 6, 1845. Link to document
R. K. Clark to Harriet Stephens, November 17, 1844. The author, a lawyer and recent arrival in Paris, Lamar County, writes to his sister in Illinois about the part of Texas in which he resides. Comments on health conditions, land values, morals, scarcity of money, immigration, etc. Mentions seeing many immigrant wagons from the North with "Polk & Dallas & Texas & Oregon" signs on them. Link to document
G. W. Terrell to Anson Jones, November 22, 1844. The author, soon to become Texas charge d'affaires to the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, writes to the Texan president-elect that the French charge d'affaires to Texas had informed him that the French government will support Texas [in its efforts to gain Mexican recognition of its independence] if Texas abandons its attempt to gain annexation to the United States. Terrell, an opponent of annexation, does not believe it will ever happen, certainly not soon. Explains. Link to document
John Tyler. State of the Union Message, December 3, 1844. In it, the U.S. president has much to say about efforts to annex Texas, Mexican reaction to those efforts, U.S. response to Mexican threats of war, etc. Link to document
Sam Houston. Legislative message, December 4, 1844. Subjects in the Texan president's message include diplomatic relations with European nations and with the U.S., problems with Mexico, the finances of the republic, and civil disturbances in part of eastern Texas. [Printed in an unidentified newspaper. Is slightly incomplete.] [Use the + icon to enlarge the image.] Link to document
Duff Green to John C. Calhoun, December 8, 1844. The author, U.S. consul at Galveston, writes from Washington, Texas, to the U.S. secretary of state that he has talked with many members of the Texan congress. They favor annexation to the U.S., but many are opposed to the recent treaty that would accomplish that. Explains why. Former Texan President Sam Houston talks of conquering Mexico and establishing a new republic yet claims to favor annexation as well. Details. Link to document
A. J. Donelson to Ebenezer Allen, December 10, 1844. In a very long, detailed letter, U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas writes to the new Texan attorney general about U.S.-Texan relations. Says that President John Tyler will do all within his constitutional powers to protect Texas from military action on the part of Mexico. States his firm support of the cause of Texan annexation to the U.S. Declares that that cause is still very much alive in the U.S. Link to document
[Sam Houston?]. "Points to be insisted on in the annexation measure which may be passed by the U.S. Congress," December 13, 1844. Author's name does not appear on the document, but the handwriting seems to be that of Sam Houston. It was written at Washington, Texas. Link to document
Albert Gallatin to D. Dudley Field, December 17, 1844. The author, a forrmer U.S. secretary of the treasury and dilplomat, opposes on constitutional grounds the proposal to acquire Texas by joint resolution of both houses of Congress. [Scroll down to the document.l Link to document
Memucan Hunt to John C. Calhoun, December 19, 1844. The author, a Texas politician and diplomat, writes to the U.S. secretary of state writes that if a joint resolution is drawn up to annex Texas it should include a provision for putting the issue to a vote of the people of Texas. Explains why and predicts and outcome. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
A. J. Donelson to John C. Calhoun, December 26, 1844. The author, U.S. charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas, writes from Galveston to the U.S. secretary of state that the U.S. should "get annexation on any terms we can," making sure that there are no provisions that would jeopardize Texan approval. Urges the need for speedy action. Details. Link to document
William R. King to John C. Calhoun, December 28, 1844. The U.S. minister to France writes from Paris to the U.S. secretary of state that the U.S. should not waver on the subject of the annexation of Texas. To do so because of British grumbling would "disgrace us in the eyes of Europe." Britain will grumble, even threaten, but that is all it will do. Its attempt to persuade France to make common cause with its effort to block annexation will fail. Explains why. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Duff Green to John C. Calhoun, December 29, 1844. The U.S. consul at Galveston writes from Washington, Texas, to the U.S. secretary of state that the British charge d'affaires is offering to persuade Mexico to recognize the independence of Texas in exchange for the latter's pledge not to join the U.S. He will not succeed. Almost all Texans favor annexation, but its leaders will balk if certain changes are made in the terms. Explains. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Congressional Globe. Volume 85: U.S. Congress. 28th Congress, 2nd session. 1844-1845. Selected pages containing debates and proceedings regarding the annexation of Texas to the U.S. [In some cases it will be impossible to determine the exact date involved without recourse to a hard copy of this document. Use the "+" icon at the left of the document to enlarge the image. This will reveal index pages having to do with Texas.] Link to document
Congressional Globe. Volume 85: U.S. Congress. 28th Congress, 2nd session. Appendix. 1844-1845. Selected pages containing debates and proceedings regarding the annexation of Texas to the U.S. [In some cases it will be impossible to determine the exact date involved without recourse to a hard copy of this document. Use the "+" icon at the left of the document to enlarge the image. This will reveal index pages having to do with Texas.] Link to document
[Various authors.] The Anti-Texass [sic] Legion: Protest of Some Free Men, States, and Presses Against the Texass Rebellion, Against the Laws and Nature and of Nations. 1845. Pamphlet opposing the annexation of Texas. Link to document
Edward Everett Hale. How to Conquer Texas Before Texas Conquers Us. 1845. [Pamphlet.] The author, a Massachusetts Unitarian minister, concedes that Texas will be annexed. Proposes that anti-slavery northerners flood the new state with the purpose to change it into a free state. Link to document
William Lowndes Yancey. Speech on the Annexation of Texas to the United States, January 7, 1845. The author, a congressman from Alabama, speaks to the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of annexing Texas. Attempts to refute all counter arguments. Link to document
Ebenezer Allen to Charles H. Raymond, January 10, 1845. Acting Texan secretary of state writes to the acting Texan charge d'affaires, seeming to state indirectly that the Texas delegation in Washington needs to stress to the U.S. Congress the negative consequences should that body fail to pass an acceptable joint resolution to effect the annexation of Texas to the U.S. Details. Link to document
Henry J. Jarrett to Anson Jones, January 20, 1845. Secretary of the Texas Senate sends a copy of a Senate resolution requesting that the Texan president provide that body with copies of all of the correspondence between the Texan government and the U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas regarding Texan annexation to the U.S. Link to document
A. J. Donelson to John C. Calhoun, January 27, 1845. The U.S. charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas, writes from Galveston to the U.S. secretary of state that he has recently returned to that place from Washington, Texas. Tells of serious personal falling out between President Anson Jones and Duff Green, U.S. consul at Galveston. Details. States that the members of the Texan congress are very favorable to annexation. Link to document
A. J. Donelson to John C. Calhoun, January 30, 1845. The U.S. charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas, writes from New Orleans to the U.S. secretary of state the both the British and French ministers at Galveston "are very active in their exertions against annexation." [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
William R. King to John C. Calhoun, January 29, 1845. The U.S. minister to France reports from Paris to the U.S. secretary of state that the main British hope to thwart Texan annexation to the U.S. lies in the U.S. not acting soon on the issue. Also, Ashbel Smith, late charge d'affaires to both France and Britain had been a staunch supporter of annexation until a recent visit to the latter country, where he consulted with British Foreign Secretary Lord Aberdeen. Now he opposes the measure. Details. Link to document
G. W. Terrell to Ashbel Smith, February 13, 1845. Texan charge d'affaires to the United Kingdom writes to the Texan secretary of state about a very recent conversation with British Foreign Secretary Lord Aberdeen, concerning the future relations between the two countries should Texas not be annexed to the U.S. (a measure neither Terrell nor the British favored). Details about imports, exports, and slavery. Link to document
John Hemphill to James Hemphill, February 13, 1845. Texas supreme court chief justice writes from Washington-on-the-Brazos to his brother in Tennessee. The town is quiet and gloomy. Explains why. Most of the letter is about his intense dislike for the specific wording in U.S. congressman Aaron V. Brown's resolution in favor of the annexation of Texas to the Union that had recently passed the U.S. house of representatives. Details. Link to document
James Hamilton to John C. Calhoun, February 18, 1845. The former financial agent for the Republic of Texas writes from New Orleans to the U.S. secretary of state that he has strong reasons for believing that the British are prepared to bring about Mexican recognition of Texan independence and peaceful relations between the two nations in exchange for a pledge not to join the U.S. plus a reduction in its tariff rate. Link to document
Daniel S. Dickinson. Speech to the U.S. Senate, February 22, 1845. New York senator's lengthy address in favor of the joint resolution providing for the annexation of Texas to the U.S. Link to document
United States Congress. Joint resolution, March 1, 1845. Action by which U.S. Congress invited Texas to join the Union. Link to document
James K. Polk. Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845. In it the U.S. president comments extensively on the issue of annexing Texas to the Union. Link to document
James Buchanan to Juan Almonte, March 10, 1845. U.S. secretary of state responds to a communication to Buchanan's predecessor from Mexico's envoy to the U.S. Buchanan states that the annexation of Texas to the U.S., having been approved by both the legislative and executive branches of his government, "is irrevocably decided" so far as his government is concerned. Regrets that the government of Mexico "has taken offence at these proceedings." Details. Link to document
William L. Delap to George Couples, March 20, 1845. Author writes from Matagorda to a friend, welcoming him to Texas and predicting that, if Texas soon joins the Union, that "must have an immediate beneficial effort on affairs in Texas." Explains why. Link to document
J. A. Smith to W. W. Watts, March 28, 1845. Galveston lawyer writes to a friend in Mississippi, expressing his strong belief that "every officer in the government [of Texas] is opposed to annexation from the President down to the porters in the Custom House." Has been told that Sam Houston opposes as well. Link to document
Thomas G. Western to Benjamin Sloat, April 2, 1845. Texan superintendent of Indian affairs writes to an agent for the Delawares about various matters involving the Tonkawas and Delawares. Says Indians must obey the laws of the Republic. Link to document
Sam Houston to A. J. Donelson, April 9, 1845. Houston writes to the U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas, giving his opinion about the joint resolution to annex Texas. Houston favors annexation "if it can take place on terms mutually beneficial to both countries." Criticizes the procedures by which the terms of the resolution are being presented to Texas and makes suggestions for provisions that differ to some extent from those in the resolution. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
A. J. Donelson to John C. Calhoun, April 24, 1845. The U.S. charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas writes from Washington, Texas, to the former U.S. secretary of state that Texas will endorse the joint resolution on annexation as currently worded. He states that former Texan President Sam Houston had voiced opposition to the plan "in favor of resorting to the negotiation contemplated by the [U.S.] Senate amendment to the House bill. [This seems to have had to do with a proposal that Texas cede its public lands to the U.S. and that the U.S. assume the Texan public debt.] [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Thomas G. Western to L. H, Williams, April 29, 1845. Texan Indian superintendent writes to an Indian agent that efforts are being made to reconcile the Comanches with the Delawares. Stresses importance of trading posts in central Texas dealing fairly with the Indians. Link to document
Anson Jones. Proclamation calling for a convention to meet to consider the proposal by the U.S. to annex Texas, May 5, 1845. The president calls for delegates to be elected on June 4, with the convention to meet in Austin on July 4. Details. Link to document
Thomas G. Western to Torrey and Brothers, May 30, 1845. Texan Indian superintendent states that illegal trading with Indians at Bastrop has been stopped. All efforts are being made to keep Indians from bringing pelts into the settlements for trade. Explains why. Link to document
Citizens of Memphis, Tennessee, to Sam Houston, June 3, 1845. The twenty-six signatories, including the mayor, welcome Houston to the city on the occasion of his coming to Tennessee to bid farewell to Andrew Jackson. They express gratitude for his strong support for the immediate annexation of Texas to the United States, for his leading role in establishing Texas' independence at San Jacinto, and in keeping Texas out of the control of England. Link to document
Jose Joaquin de Herrera. Proclamation, June 4, 1845. In it the acting president of Mexico denounces the United States' intention to annex Texas. [Click on "Link to access page," then on the link to the document.] Link to access page
Congress of the Republic of Texas. Joint resolution, June 23, 1845. In it the Texan Congress gives consent of the government of the Republic to the annexation of Texas according to the terms of the joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. Link to document
Ebenezer Allen to Andrew Jackson Donelson, June 23, 1845. The acting Texan secretary of state informs the U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas that the government of Texas has consented to annexation according to the terms of the joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. Is confident that the convention to meet in July will do the same. Link to document
Convention of Texas. Journals of the Convention, July 4-August 28, 1845. [Scroll down to see the links to each day of the meeting of the convention. The files are in pdf format; Adobe Acrobat required.] Link to the document
Convention of Texas. Debates of the Convention, July 4-August 28, 1845. [Scroll down to see the links to each day of the meeting of the convention. The files are in pdf format; Adobe Acrobat required.] Link to the document
Convention of Texas. Ordinance, July 4, 1845. In it the convention accepted the U.S. terms of annexation. Link to document
Thomas J. Rusk to Anson Jones, July 5, 1845. The president of the convention to consider the U.S. terms of annexation transmits a copy of the ordinance accepting those terms to the Texan president, with a request that he forward it to the U.S. president. Link to document
Invoice of goods at Indian Post No. 1, July 10, 1845. The post was on the Trinity River in central Texas. Illustrates the kinds of goods traded to the Indians of the area. Link to document
Anson Jones to James K. Polk, July 12, 1845. Communicates Texas' approval of the U.S. terms of annexation. [Click on "Link to access page," then on the link to the document.] Link to access page
John L. Sullivan. Article in defense of the annexation of Texas to the United States. [Summer 1845.] [Somewhat abridged] Asks that opposition in the U.S. cease. [Scroll down to the document.] Link to document
Anson Jones to Z[achary] Taylor, August 23, 1845. Texan president is responding to Taylor's letter of August 16. Thinks that Mexican force moving toward Matamoras is for defensive purposes only but is not sure. Will accede to General Taylor's request to have several companies of Rangers reinforce Taylor's U.S. troops at Corpus Christi. Link to document
Anson Jones to Clark L. Owen, August 23, 1845. Owen commanded Texas militia troops at Corpus Christi. Notes Gen. Zachary Taylor's letter of August 16. The Texan president writes of measures needed to defend against a possible Mexican invasion of Texas, although he doubts that such will occur. Details. Link to document
Convention of Texas. Constitution of the proposed state of Texas, adopted August 28, 1845. The document was ratified by popular vote later that year and accepted by the United States Congress in December. Link to document
Thomas G. Western to J. C. Neill, Edwin Morehouse, and Thomas Smith, September 8, 1845. Texan Indian superintendent conveys instructions by President Anson Jones for the recipients, Indian agents for the government, relative to a council with various Indian leaders to be held on September 15 in central Texas. Makes comments about recent negative behavior by Comanches. Link to document
I. C. Spence to Thomas G. Western, September 9, 1845. Describes an Indian trading house he is building on the west fork of the Trinity River. Link to document
Vote totals for ratification of Texas annexation to the U.S., October 13, 1845. These county-by-county rosters show vote totals on annexation, approval of the new Texas state constitution, and an ordinance concerning colony contracts. Link to document
Stephen C. Phillips. An Address on the Annexation of Texas and the Aspect of Slavery in the United States in Connection Therewith: Delivered in Boston November 14 and 18, 1845. Pamphlet. The author [evidently a Massachusetts merchant and politician] opposes the upcoming annexation of Texas on anti-slavery grounds. Link to document
James K. Polk. State of the Union Message, December 2, 1845. The U.S. [president's address opens with a long discussion of the annexation of Texas to the United States and of the growing hostile attitude of Mexico to the U.S. Link to document
Henderson Yoakum's license to practice law in the Republic of Texas, December 2, 1845. Signed by M. P. Norton, judge of the 6th Judicial District Court. Link to document
United States Congress. Joint resolution, December 29, 1845. Action by which Texas became the twenty-eighth state of the Union. Link to document
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