ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT 107
Draft. Capt. Chas. Elliott. R. N. F. O. May 24. 1842. Sir.
I am directed by the Earl of Aberdeen to acquaint you that his Lordship wishes you to proceed to Texas with as little delay as possible. Your Commission and Instructions are ready to be delivered to you at this Office.
H. U. Addington
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 108
Draft. Captain Elliot. Texas No. 1. F. O. May 27. 1842. Sir,
With reference to a Letter from this Department dated the 4th of August last, acquainting you that The Queen had been graciously pleased to appoint you to be H. M's Consul General to the Republick of Texas, I enclose to you herewith Her Majesty's Commission to that Effect, and I have to desire you to proceed to your Post with all convenient Speed.
You will lose no time in making yourself conversant with the details of the Consular Service and with the Nature and extent of your Duties as pointed out in the General Instructions of H. M's Consuls, of which a Copy is herewith inclosed, and which contain full Instructions for the guidance of your Official conduct on all ordinary occasions.
I also inclose Copies of Circular Dispatches dated 30th Septr. 1833, and 1st Octr. 1836; and I have to call your particular attention to the directions contained in those Dispatches, enjoining a careful preservation of the Archives of the Consulate.
You will be punctual in forwarding to this Dept. the Returns required by the general Instructions, and it will be your Duty to avail yourself of every favourable opportunity for collecting and transmitting to me any further useful or interesting Information, relating to Commerce, Navigation and Agriculture, and to any other Branch of Statisticts.
Your Salary has been fixed at £1,200 a year, and will commence ten days before the day of your departure from England; and you are to consider yourself restricted from engaging in Mercantile Pursuits
Aberdeen.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 109
Draft. Captain Elliot Texas. No. 2. F. O. May 27. 1842 Sir,
I think it right to call your attention to that Clause in your commission which empowers you to appoint Vice Consuls at those Ports and Places where the Interests of H. M's Service may appear to require them, and to explain to you that you are not to consider yourself authorized by that clause to appoint Vice Consuls without the previous Sanction of this Department, and I have to refer you upon this Subject to the 27th Paragraph of the General Instructions
Aberdeen.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 110
Dft. Captain Elliot. R. N. Texas. No. 3. F. O. May 31st. 1842 Sir,
In addition to Her Majesty's Commission and to the Consular Instructions with which you are furnished in my Dispatch No. 1, I enclose to you a Letter which I have addressed to the Secretary of the Republic of Texas, 111 requesting that every facility may be afforded to you by that Government in entering upon and fulfilling the Duties of your Situation.
You will deliver this Letter upon your arrival at the Seat of Government in Texas.
You will make it your duty to collect and transmit to me Information upon all matters of political Interest and importance in the Republic of Texas
Aberdeen. P. S. I enclose to you a Copy of my letter to the Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 112
Dft. Capt. Elliot. R. N. Texas. No. 4. F. O. May 31st. 1842. Sir.
I have informed H. M's Ministers at Washington and at Mexico of your appointment as H. M's Consul General in Texas, and I have instructed Mr. Fox and Mr. Pakenham to communicate with you upon all matters which may tend to promote the Interests of H. M's Subjects in those Countries. And I have also to instruct you to keep up a constant and unreserved Communication with Mr. Fox and Mr. Pakenham.
Aberdeen.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 113
Monday, [June 3, 1842] 1/2 past 3. P. M. My Lord.
This idea has occurred to me since I had the honor of conversing with Your Lordship.
It appears to me that a Suspension of the blockade 114 (should such a Step be deemed expedient) might reasonably be conceded by the Government of Texas until Great Britain has acted upon that Convention in which She agrees to Mediate between Mexico and Texas. By suspending the blockade, time would be given for reconsidering the propriety of following up that Step. Of the disposition of the Government of Texas and the representative in this Country to meet any Suggestion of Her Majesty's Government in the very best spirit, I do not entertain the shadow of a doubt.
I content myself with vaguely indicating the idea for Your Lordship's consideration. Perhaps an early meeting between Mr. Smith 115 and Your Lordship will be desirable.
William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen [Endorsed] June 3. 1842.
KENNEDY TO BIDWELL 116
Waiting Room. Forgn. Office Tuesday June 7th. [1842.] Sir
In accordance with instructions from Lord Aberdeen I beg to request the favor of an interview in reference to my Appointment to the Consulship at Galveston in Texas.
If you cannot command leisure today, will you be so good as to name a time when it will be convenient for you to grant me an interview.
William Kennedy John Bidwell, Esqr.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 117
Private. Gregory's Hotel. Arundel St. Haymarket, June 8th. /42. My Lord,
In accordance with Your Lordship's suggestion, I had yesterday some conversation with Mr. Bidwell in reference to the Galveston Consulate.
When the Salary was fixed at £400, the Department, it appears from Mr. Bidwell, had no definite grounds to go upon. That gentleman has therefore recommended that I, being acquainted with Texas from personal experience, should submit a statement of facts for Your Lordship's consideration.
A residence in Texas will be expensive on two leading grounds—first, the newness of the Country—second, the existence of Slavery. The former will entail the expense of buying the Site of a house and bringing the house itself either direct from England, or from the United States. The latter must greatly increase the outlay on household servants, British Consuls being, very properly, prohibited from availing themselves of Slave labour.
The outlay on suitable buildings, taking wood as the Material, cannot on the most moderate estimate, be set down at less than £500—Galveston is a sandy island, destitute of building Materials.
Male servants cannot, I think, be had at less rate of wages than £50 a year, female servants about £30.
The style of living at Galveston among the more influential classes, will attain the usual expensive scale of the South, as the planters increase in wealth, and may be expected soon to reach the level of New Orleans, the Consul at which port complains of his inadequate income, although his Salary is £500 and his fees, I have understood an equal amount.
Mr. Bidwell concurs with me in thinking that the privilege of trading will be of little, if any, practical value to me at Galveston. There are always established British Merchants there, of large capital.—With one of these Mr. Power—(connected with the house of McCalmont Brothers &Co. of London and Liverpool) I was a guest for some days, and I was informed that the allowance to the clerks was £300 a year each
Your Lordship was so kind as to say that you would consider the propriety of raising the Salary to £500 a year. Even with this augmentation, I am quite satisfied that, for the first three or four years, a Consul who should maintain independence and the decency of appearance due to his office must draw upon his personal resources for part of his expenditure. Texas will undoubtedly command an extensive trade, but some time must elapse ere the trade of Galveston can produce any considerable return of Consular fees. And I may remark that it, being the principal port of the Republic, the agent of the British Government resident there will be much more frequently called upon to exercise the rites of hospitality to his Countrymen than the officer charged with diplomatic functions and residing at the seat of Government
I am sorry to trouble Your Lordship with these details, but, as you good naturedly observed, the subject is necessarily of some importance to me. Perhaps, also, my case may be fairly considered to embrace peculiar claims to consideration, as I have devoted both time and money to acquiring a through knowledge of Texan affairs, and my services as a Municipal Commissioner in Canada, although perfectly satisfactory to the Government of the day, entailed upon me some pecuniary loss without securing any countervailing advantage.
I am desirous of serving in Texas because, from the information I possess, and the favourable opinion entertained of me by the Government and people of that Country, I am encouraged to hope that I may execute the duties assigned me with benefit to British interests and credit to myself. And I believe I should not greatly err in saying—that Her Majesty's Government, in assigning me a liberal provision for the maintenance of Consular rank, would incur no risk of Parliamentary or public censure
Perfectly and gratefully relying on Your Lordship's favourable dispositions, I have endeavoured on the matter in question to satisfy your sense of right
William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 118
Gregory's Hotel. Arundel St. Haymarket June 15th/42 My Lord,
I have received a Communication from a trustworthy source, dated Galveston, Texas, May 17th in which I am informed that General Houston was about to proceed to the South Western frontier of the Republic, to take the Command of the Army, and that all was “in readiness for the invasion of Mexico”. My correspondent—an Englishman—had, he intimates, forwarded to me a packet containing “much important information”. This packet has not yet reached me.
The most strenuous endeavours have been made by the United States newspapers—more especially those in the interest of Mr. Clay—to create and fix the impression that Mexico was secretly prompted by England in her persevering hostility to Texas. The party favourable to “Annexation” use every available means to stimulate Texas into acts of aggression, under the anticipation that, borne down by the charges of war, she will have no alternative but to incorporate herself with the Northern Federation. No falsehood is too rampant to serve the purpose of the hour.
The non-completion 119 of the Treaties between Great Britain and Texas gives a colour to these representations, and strips the act of part of its grace as regards the Country claiming recognition and alliance. It would be very unfortunate if, after adjusting differences of the North Eastern frontier of the United States, 120 new sources of difficulty should be opened in the South West.
William Kennedy. The Earl of Aberdeen.
POWER TO PEEL 121
(Duplicate) Sir Robert Peel etc. Galveston. Texas. 20 June 1842 Sir,
Although I have not the honor of personally being known to you, I presume from my family connections at Tamworth and in Warwickshire with whom you are acquainted to address you.
In 1840 I came out to this Country to form a Commercial house, and establish a trade between this Country and England and up to the present time have succeeded to my utmost wishes, finding the exports from hence very much more on the increase than I had at first anticipated I have gone into large operations here and viewing with some alarm the position I hold in this Country at the present moment on the eye of a war in all probability with Mexico, and this too without a British Agent or Consul to protect my, and other subjects property, I am induced to hope that my letter may through you, in some way find itself in the hands of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the hope that some one may be sent out, to protect us from the certain destruction of our property should we be left entirely to the Mercy of the Mexicans.
The Commercial relations with Texas are now beginning to develope themselves and in proof of it, I may mention that in Feby. 1840 I could hardly load one of my Vessels here with Cotton whereas in 41 and 42 I have sent home some 14000 Bales.
The growth of this article as well as emigration from the Southern parts of United States is so much on the increase that I confidently state that in 10 years we shall export as much Cotton as Alabama now does, which is now from 4 to 500,000 Bales.
In the present state of matters politically I would suggest that it would tend much to British Interests could some arrangement be made to adjust if possible the difficulties between this Country and Mexico, and so raise up a Country which will afford our British Manufactures a considerable market for her products as well as the raw material without being so dependent on the United States; whereas if something is not done I much fear from the financial state of matters here, that Texas may be lost to British enterprize and at last become annexed to the United States: Strong efforts to that end are even now making and the States to the South are more than desirous for this step, as well as the greater portion of the people here, from the conviction that with the distress we are lav[b]ouring under, that resources cannot be had to cope with energy against Mexico. Had we those means there can be no doubt of the result, but without them an effectual defence cannot be prolonged.
I do not go into particulars relative to the polotics of this Country, not wishing to encroach too much upon your time, but beg to reitereate the solicitous wish of myself and that of the British subjects resident in this Country that some Consul come among us, to protect us and otherwise give such views to the Govt. as may induce them to give a more decided tone to the interests of the Republic as well as foster a rising Country—that by judicious management may be made a barrier to the encroachments of the United States
Apologizing for the liberty I have taken I am
Charles Power.
Galveston 7th July 1842.
I beg to enclose you a letter which has been sent by me to Mr. de Saligny the French Minister here in consequence of an application he made to me.
If it will afford H. M. Govt. at home any benefit I shall be happy to communicate with them from time to time upon any head on which they may desire information about this new Country. I am, Sir,
Charles Power Rt. Honble. Sir Robert Peel, Bart. Treasury. London. [Endorsed] No. 1. In Sir R. Peel's Note of Aug. 15, 1842.
POWER TO SALIGNY 122
[Enclosure.] Galveston 20th June 1842. Monsieur Le Comte de Saligny.
You have requested that I would give you so far as I could any views about the Commerce of this Country as well as its position embarrassed as it now is, and as you are about going to Europe I do so in the hope that thro' your influence you may be able in a proper channel to represent the state of Texas as to its present resources, what it is destined some day to be, if aid can be afforded her now as an exporting as well as consuming Country of the Manufactures of both France and England.
In allusion to the exports even now in their infancy I would simply refer you back to my own commencement, here in 1840 and contrast the present increase in the growth of Cotton in the two Years, if such increase takes place as I will endeavour to shew you by a small table I have prepared, pending the uncertainty of our independence, what must be the result of 10 Years of peace and acknowledgement of that position which is so much to be desired by us here as Aliens, as well as by the Govts. of France and England could the matter be shewn to them in a proper light, by some party competent and on whose veracity could be relied upon and those Govts. take upon themselves the adjustment of the difficulty now existing with Mexico.
Another matter too cannot have escaped your notice and anxiety as regards the future prospects of this Country should the conflict with Mexico be prolonged, which is the certain annexation of Texas by the United States— it is even now desired by the Majority both of that and this Country and should by every scheme possible be thwarted; an annexation would completely put a stop to the introduction of European goods except in the finer fabrics and would in time lead on to a constant state of quarrel on the frontier, and ultimately to the March of the Anglo-Saxon race to the conquest of the South American Continent.
You know enough of the composition of the people to know and feel that the European Govts. ought not to allow the race to travel beyond its present limit, for travel they will with their energy and the sooner some arrangement of Mediation for this Country, with a guarantee of those powers United States, France, and England, in mediating a peace with Mexico the better, by this means the onward march may be arrested some 50 or 60 years and a good and lucrative trade carried on by them in the introduction of their manufactures: Every day is bringing the U. States in competition with us in manufactures of every description, and latterly the improvement is astonishing. The possession then of this Market, would afford them an increased stimulus to the export of their products and drive us completely out of Market. Too much attention cannot be given to this point unless our Govt. are really blind to their own interests and they must be made to see if possible that it is necessary to adopt some course which will at least for some time give us an outlet for our manufactures.
Let the United States on[ce] possess this Country and where is She to stop, 10 years will prove it to us in Europe, whereas 10 years hence by a determination that Mexico should recognize that [then?] you have a Country exporting as much Cotton as Alabama now does or nearly ½ the amount of American cottons which are consumed in England.
There never was so fine an opportunity for Govts. at home shewing their philantrophy and nurturing this new Country the crisis which every one is suffering from in the United States, high prices of lands comparative uncertainty of Crops when compared to this as well as present low prices, will all conspire to force emigration to Texas, so soon as personal property can be guaranteed
It must be remembered that North Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Carolina are all Cotton Countrys, but produce on an average about 3 Bales to the hand, this quantity when prices were high renumerated the growers, but at the present rates they cannot make both ends meet, here you will find the averages about 7 Bales. I have known 10 but seven will be within the mark, the staple a penny per lb. better and no more expense to convey to market when once the trade is open, but a decidedly less capital required to bring the article to maturity. Here lands are worth from one dollar to five per acre, there from twenty to forty, and at the same time there is no one thing that is produced there, that we cannot do here.
I need not call your attention to the market, situated as Texas is for the supply of goods for both Mexico and the U. States, the high tariff in both these countries will always be a temptation to contraband introduction, and could a judicious system be organized and a peace established, here a free entry on such goods might be made and a lucrative and heavy trade carried on. What is to prevent the Trader from taking goods to Red River and thence scattering them over the Western States, the expences of transport when once the matter was organized would not be more than 3% or 4% on the value of goods and even now the distance with a loaded Waggon can be performed in 12 days.
I will instance the article of Cloth which pay now a duty in the States of from 32% to 40% not bulky for its value, in which alone a considerable trade could be carried on, and must to any one having the least fore sight be sufficiently obvious.—As to Mexico the matter is so notorious and tariff so high as admit on every article an infringement
The great supply of goods consumed at present in Texas is from the United States tho' even the major part of these are French and English which have paid duty in the States, the coarser fabrics being produced cheaper there. The amount altogether I estimate at about 3 Millions of dollars since 1840 up to this time say 2 Years 123
From England and France direct not more than 100,000 ff.
You must be aware that with Red River Countries [Counties] a great part of the Cottons go to New Orleans and are not bonded and considered Texas Cotton, when they are so strictly speaking, but are entered as Louisiana; in the same way goods are introduced and no benefit accrues in any way to the Govt. here and against the exports above mentioned I cannot take these exports to shew how the balance of trade exists—because no benefit accrues to this Country from the duties
I should nevertheless think that taking all the exports of Texas Cotton and Hides, that She only meets the imports about twofifths at most leaving a heavy balance against her which will be reduced in 5 years 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 124 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. States 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 suffering 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 American Cottons and are equal to them except the Red 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 River rises 20 or 30 feet, no certain communication 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 year wade over. You have heard I have no doubt that this river is navigable to Washington. I have seen for Myself and without fear of contradiction say that up to Bolivar 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 navigable about 30 miles and dwindles away in 50 miles to a miserable swamp.
The Colorado in the same way presents many obstacles the first and greatest is the Raft 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 Galveston Bay will one day become the best river from the fact not generally known that that River 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 Counties in this Bay, and which now goes to New Orleans thro' Nachitoches, 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 productions alike—Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Rye and Flax grow well. Settlers 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 Campeachy Fustic, as well as being capable of hedging in a similar 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, Red 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—Richmond 7,000
Trinity, Harris, Houston, Chocolate 3,000
37,700
Each Bag will average 450 lbs.
In 1840 and 41
Red River Counties 5,000
Nacogdoches, St. Augustine etc 2,500
Brazoria, Washington 5,400
Matagorda and Ward 1,300
Trinity 500
Sabine 1,000
19,200 125
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 50% over the returns of last year or about 50, or 60,000 Bags.—I shall now conclude and beg to reiterate that if at any time I can give you any information that will be of use to you or your Govt. I shall be most happy.—And Believe me 126
[Endorsed.] Copy of a letter addressed to Monsieur de Saligny. French Chargé d'Affaires. No. 2. In Sir R. Peel's Note of Aug 15. 1842.
ADDINGTON TO ELLIOT 127
Draft. Capt. Elliot. Texas. Consular No. 6. F. O. June 28. 1842. 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 Diplomatick 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. 128
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 129
Captn. Elliot. No. 3. 130 F. O. 1 July 1842. Sir,
The ratifications of the three Treaties concluded in Novr. 1840 between Great Britain and the Republick of Texas, having been exchanged on the 28th Ulto. with the Texian Chargé d'Affaires accredited to this Government, you will take upon yourself the character and duties of H. M. Chargé 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 Republick of Texas.
Those relations will necessarily, in the first instance, be namely, commercial; and, as such, they will come under your consideration in your capacity of Consul General, for the performance of the duties of which office you have already been sufficiently instructed.
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 will 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 character of the Texian Govt. and Nation, and to judge thereby of the value of the new relations which H. M. has formed with that Republick
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 reporting on these matters I 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.
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 131
Draft. Captain Elliot No. 4. Foreign Office. July 1st. 1842. Sir,
I inclose to you a Copy of a Protocol of a Conference 132 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 Ratifications 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 Publick debt, signed at London on the 14th of Novr. 1840; and 3dly, 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 133 between the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain and of Texas, extending the time for the Exchange of the Ratifications of the Treaties between the Two Countries.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 134
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 5. Confidential. Foreign Office. July 1. 1842. 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, 135 relative to the two Treaties between Great Britain and Texas signed on the 13th and 14th of November, 1840
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 136
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 7. 137 Foreign Office. July 1. 1842. 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 proclaimed by the Govt. of Texas on the 26th 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, 138 to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in which I have requested that the Commander in Chief of H. M. Naval forces in the West Indies may be instructed to dispatch forthwith to the Coast declared under Blockade, a sufficient force for the protection 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 Chargé d'Affaires in this Country the impolicy 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 adequate Blockading force, as required by the Law of Nations, 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; representing to them the ill will which a continuance of it will excite in foreign Nations, 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 Countrey's independence.
You may also add that the Blockade of the Mexican Ports, which, in the opinion of H. M. Govt. was, from the first injudicious 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 between the two Countries, with a view to the recognition of Texas by Mexico.
It is scarcely to be supposed that such Mediation can be undertaken with any 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 Republicks.
Should you have good reason to know that the Blockade of the Mexican Ports is not effective, or that it is enforced, not by Vessels bonâ 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 acknowledge, nor observe, it. 139
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 independence, 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 attention, and report accurately to H. M. Govt. all the authentic information which You may be able to collect upon it. I am,
Aberdeen.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 140
Draft. Capt. Elliot. H. M. Chargé d'Affaires Texas. No. 8. F. O. July 1st. 1842. 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 Russell” and the “Little Penn,” by Vessels in the Service of the Texian Authorities, and several successive Communications were consequently made by my Predecessor to Genl. Henderson, an Agent from Texas then in this Country, with a view to obtain redress for these Outrages by amicable means. 141
The result of these preliminary Communications was an assurance 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 from Texas then in Mexico; 142 and Statements of the Claims, supported 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] 143 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 between this Office and Mr. Pakenham upon this subject, 144 together with Copies of the Correspondence and other Papers therein referred to, with the exception of the Inclosures in Lord Palmerston's Despatch No. 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.
When 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 without 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 145
Gregory's Hotel, Arundel St. Haymarket, July 2d. 1842. 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 New Orleans and Mobile, for the purpose of refitting and obtaining Stores. There seems no reason to doubt that it was the intention 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. Perhaps 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 Government, I would be strongly indisposed to venture into print without the knowledge and sanction of the head of the department [to] which I was attached.
The name of Tho. L. M. Rate, 146 of the firm of Rickards 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 147
[July 6, 1842.]
Mr. Kennedy presents his compliments to Mr. Bidwell, and begs to submit the following facts, in reference to the appointment 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.
1. France and the United States (each represented by a Chargé d'Affaires) 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 suggest 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 hundred 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 intercourse, with the Coast, the services of a Consul General stationed 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 Matagorda, 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 stationed at Galveston
Gregory's Hotel Arundel St. Haymarket. July 6th. 1842.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 148
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 to Your Lordship respecting the blockade and the projected invasion 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. Bidwell 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 to 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 Country 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 149
[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 his obliging promise to send Mr. K. a letter signifying his appointment 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. Arundel St., Haymarket. July 14th. 1842.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 150
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 9. F. O. July 15. 1842 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 continuing 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, I 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 Royal Mail Steam Company employed by H. M. Govt., but to suffer those Vessells to continue to perform unmolested the Packet Service on the Mexican Coast, in the same manner as the British Packets were allowed to perform the same service during the French Blockade on that Coast. 151 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 Royal Mail Steam Packet Company at Jamaica and the Havannah.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 152
Draft. Captain Elliot No. 10. Foreign Office July 16. 1842. Sir.
I enclose herewith, for your Information, Copies of a Correspondence which has recently taken place between this Department, and the Chargé d'Affaires of Texas, and also between this Department and the Admiralty, 153 on the subject of two Steam Vessels, the “Montezuma”, and “Guadalupe”, which have been fitted out in the 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 Chargé d'Affaires protested. 154
A prior Correspondence had already taken place between this Department and Messrs. Lizardi and Co. and the Mexican Chargé. d'Affaires at this Court, on the subject of a permission which was requested by Messrs. Lizardi and Co. to arm the Vessels in question. That permission was refused on the ground of the private character of the Vessels until they should have reached Vera Cruz, at which period alone they were to become bonâ 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 connexion with the Correspondence between Myself and the Texian Chargé 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 Mexican 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 peculiarities of British Law, some doubts might present themselves 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. 155
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 156
Glasgow, August 1st. 1842. My Lord,
Having visited the West of Scotland to take leave of old and kind friends, I have been 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 common 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 relations 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 157
No. 3. 158 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 Outward West India Mail of the 15th June beyond Nassau in New Providence, detained me at the Havannah till the 30th Ultimo.
Upon my arrival at this place too, on the 6th Instant, I find that the passage Vessels plying between Galveston and New Orleans have either been sent on to New York, or laid up here; from want of sufficient employment at this Season of the year. But I am informed that a Steam Vessel will sail to Texas on the 16th or 17th Instant, and I 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 Royal 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 Station, 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 Houston's Notification, and for Your Lordship'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 subject, 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 communication, have not yet reached me.
Charles Elliot. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
[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. 1842.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 159
Harrogate. August 25th. 1842. My Lord,
By a copy of the Gazette of the 19th Inst. which has been transmitted to me from London, I have been apprized of my appointment to the Consulate of Galveston.
Permit me, My Lord, to tender to you my best acknowledgements, not merely for the recognition of my claims, as signified by the appointment, but for the kindness so grateful to my feelings, 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 160
No. 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 on the 15th Proximo, my arrival in Texas, on the 23d Instant. Owing to bad weather there was no communication between Galveston 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. I had also shewn Mr. Terrell my Commission as Consul General (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 convey 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 powers 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 funds from this Country, to the embarrassment of foreign Creditors, 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 assured me that the President was perfectly aware of British law and practice in that particular, and was convinced that the Government 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 determination of that of Her Majesty to adhere to a rigidly strict Neutrality in the contest 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 peacefully concluded.
It seemed to me that the Instruction of Your Lordship's despatch No. 11, respecting the period from which the exercise of any blockade could be admitted should most properly 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 that 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 by the sincerest disposition to adjust the difficulties with that Government upon the most moderate footing, involving the acknowledgment of the independence 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 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 continuance of these raids would drive him, contrary to his dispositions, 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 I saw no inconvenience in doing so, he should feel obliged to me to lose no time in writing to Mr. Pakenham, and requesting that Gentleman to make a communication upon his (the Presidents part) to General Saint Anna, to the effect that He was ready to consent to an armistice for any length of time, and upon any conditions, that Mr. Pakenham might consider suitable, with the view to the mature adjustment of a permanent and satisfactory arrangement between the contending parties. 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 moderation 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 his confidence, and for a communication of views which could hardly fail to be agreeable to Her Majesty's Government on account of their moderation, but I begged him to observe, that beyond the fact of the determination of Her Majesty's Government to adhere to a strict neutrality 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 Her Majesty's Government might decide to take for the furtherance of pacification, either in point of channel, or in point of principle. 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, 161 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 I 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 prospect 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 162
Draft. Captn. Elliot. No. 12. 163 Foreign Office Augt. 31st. 1842. Sir,
I transmit to you herewith a Copy of a letter from the Admiralty 164 relating to a claim on the Texian Govt. for supplies furnished by the Commandr. of H. M. S. “Comus” to the Officer commanding the Schooner of the Texian Govt. “San Bernard” 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 165
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 inconvenience.
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 Elliot H. U. Addington, Esqr.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 166
No. 1. 167 Galveston, September 4th. 1842. My Lord
I beg leave to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatch No. 1 of the 28th June last, transmitting a letter to the address of the Secretary of State of the Republic, Accrediting me as Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Texas.
Charles Elliot. The Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 168
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 I shall be liable as Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affairs to this Republic, 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 Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 169
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.
It will be my duty to Submit to Your Lordship some information and news upon the points to which my attention has been directed by an early occasion.
Charles Elliot. The Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen K. T.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 170
No. 4. Galveston. September 4th. 1842 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 Conference between Your Lordship, and Mr. Ashbell Smith, at the Foreign Office, on the 28th June last, recording the exchange of the Ratifications of the three undermentioned Treaties, between Her Majesty and the Republic 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 Foreign Office on the 19th May and 14th October 1841, between the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain and Texas, extending the time for the exchange of the Ratifications.
Charles Elliot The Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen.
ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON 171
Separate. Galveston, September 4th. 1842. Sir.
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 7 July transmitting the copy of a letter received from the Treasury, stating the reasons for which their Lordships consider that they cannot grant me any allowance in consideration of the extraordinary expence I had incurred whilst acting as Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary 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; And 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 consideration, 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 examination 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 presume to question, to make me any allowance for my Services as Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary 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.
ELLIOT TO ADDINGTON 172
Consular. No. 7. 173 Galveston Sept 4th. 1842. 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 174
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 Russell” 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 Majesty'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 Russell” 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 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 New Orleans, and I propose therefore to delay my application for a few days.
Charles Elliot The Right Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 175
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 176 is a note which I addressed to this Government under those Instructions.
The President informed Mr. Eve, the Chargé d'Affaires from the United States, and Myself the day before yesterday, that it was his purpose forthwith to revoke the Notification of the 26th March, as respected Neutrals.
I should inform Your Lordship that Mr. Eve had been instructed 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 Republic.
He would indeed suggest to us that it would have an immediate, and most advantageous 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 Ministers of our Countries at Mexico, were endeavouring to Mediate between the two Republics, that the President of Texas had desisted from all kinds of aggressive warfare, and requesting the Mexican Officers to pursue the same course on their Side. The President by no means deprecated regular invasion, or warfare 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 Raid and robbery, utterly at variance with the Spirit of the Age, and disgraceful 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 represented 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 Officers, 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 Majesty'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 evidence of the President's moderation.
With these convictions I 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 Republic, 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 would rely upon the efforts of our respective Official Correspondents 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 repugnance 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 continuance of provocation upon the part of the Mexicans. Very late intelligence from the Western frontier brought accounts of frequent 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 Government would recognize, and respect the wisdom of his abstinence (in spite of popular discontent) from aggressive hostilities, hopeless 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 predatory 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 Right 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 Lordship the Copy of a Communication from this Government, 177 covering the President's proclamation revoking the Blockade of the 26th March, Copy of which is also herewith transmitted
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 178
No. 9. Galveston, September 22d. 1842. My Lord,
The accompanying Newspapers 179 will place Your Lordship in possession of the information which has reached this place, announcing 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 enabled to forward Your Lordship this brief report by the same occasion.
Charles Elliot The Right 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 180
Draft. Mr. Wm. Kennedy. Galveston. No. 1. F. O. Sept. 29th. 1842. 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. Commission to that effect, and I have to desire that you will proceed to your Post with as little delay as possible.
You 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, 1t Oct. 1836, and 1t of Augt. 1842.
You will be punctual in forwarding to this Dept., at the regular periods, the Returns required by the General Instructions; and it will be your duty to avail yourself of every favorable opportunity to collect and transmit to me any further useful or interesting information which you may be able to obtain, relating to Commerce, Navigation, 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 permission 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 181
Draft. Consul Kennedy. Galveston. No. 2. F. O. Sept. 29th. 1842. Sir,
I think it right to draw your special attention to Paragraphs 7 and 8 of the General Instructions, and to caution you against involving yourself in difficulties with the Ruling 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 Port, or from any other cause, you may think that a Representation should be made to the Supreme Govt. of Texas, you will make your Representation to H. M's Chargé d'Affaires in that Country, who will take such steps thereon as he may deem expedient, in accordance with the Instructions which he may have recd. from H. M's Govt. You will at all times implicitly obey any directions which Captain Elliot may give to you for the guidance of your official conduct
Aberdeen.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 182
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 13. F. O. Octr. 3d. 1842. Sir,
I herewith transmit to you, for your information, a Copy of a letter which I have addressed to Mr. Ashbel Smith the Texian Chargé 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 Republick of Texas on the 26th of March last as null and of no effect 183
I also inclose a Copy of the London Gazette of the 23d inst containing a notification to that effect
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 184
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 14. F. O. Octr. 3d. 1842. 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, as marked in the margin, 185 which has passed between myself and the Mexican and Texian Chargé's d'Affaires at this Court.
ABERDEEN TO ELLLIOT 186
Draft. Captain Elliot. No. 15. Foreign Office. October 3rd. 1842. 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 which Her Majesty's Government have derived from the moderation of his Language and Proceedings with respect 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 Republic of Texas, with a view to the formal recognition of its Independence.
ELLIOT TO BIDWELL 187
Consular. No. 10. Galveston October 10th. 1842. Sir.
At the request of certain of Her Majesty's Subjects resident at this place, and forming part of the Congregation of a Protestant Episcopal Church severely injured in the hurrican of the 19th Ultimo, I have taken the liberty to address the inclosed letter to the Bishop of London. 188
I learn from the Reverend Mr. Eaton that it would require between £400 and £500 to put the Church into a proper 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 recommend 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 189
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 Supplies had been liberally purchased
Part of the Texian levies came up with the retiring force on the “Medena” (about 40 miles Westward of St. Antonio) on the 23d. Ultimo, and skirmished with it, but no General action ensued. I am concerned, however, to say that a Company of Texian Volunteers consisting of about 50 men were cut up, or taken prisoners 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 approaching small parties of reinforcements.
Nothing authentic is known here of General Woll's 190 actual situation or extent of force, but there is an impression that He has been partially reinforced, and is still to the Eastward of the Rio 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 (