Vol. XV APRIL, 1912 No. 4
The publication committee and the editors disclaim responsibility for views expressed by contributors to The Quarterly.
During the first administration of Houston the keynotes of Texan diplomatic relations with the United States were recognition of her independence and annexation. The first of these had been attained by the last official act of Andrew Jackson, but annexation met with greater difficulty. Opposition developed in the United States Congress to such an extent that the offer of annexation was withdrawn in October, 1838, two months before the close of Houston's first administration.
The election of Lamar to the presidency of Texas brought about a changed attitude in diplomatic relations. Lamar desired to see Texas develop into a great independent republic; he hoped to build up her finances, to secure the recognition of foreign powers, to gain an acknowledgment of Texan independence from Mexico, to extend her trade relations by commercial treaties, to expand the boundaries, and to establish a system of education.
It is the object of this paper to trace the diplomatic relations of Texas and the United States during this period of nationalism and to show their outcome in the second administration of Houston. The subject of annexation has recently received extended treatment from several able historians; 2 in consequence the present writer will treat that subject only when necessary to explain the course of events with which this paper specifically deals.
The most important step toward the accomplishment of Lamar's plans was to secure his country from Mexican aggression. Mexico had not acknowledged the independence of her rebellious province and was continuing a predatory warfare in the neighborhood of the Rio Grande. Torn with internecine strife, assailed by France, 3 and confronted with rebellion in Yucatan, Mexico had scant means to carry on more than guerrilla warfare against Texas. 4 The time appeared auspicious for coming to an understanding. Accordingly the plan was conceived of sending an agent to Mexico and of instructing the Minister to the United States to attempt to secure the good offices of that government in undertaking the rôle of mediator.
On February 20, 1839, Barnard E. Bee was appointed to go to Mexico. 5 The fact that he was selected shows the importance which the Texan government attached to the mission. Bee had occupied the position of Secretary of War in Houston's first administration, and resigned from the office of Secretary of State to conduct the negotiations in Mexico. 6 He was given a double commission, one as agent to the government of Mexico, the other as Minister. 7 It was not believed that he would be received in the latter capacity, as that would be a virtual recognition of the independence of Texas, hence the double commission. Bee was authorized to negotiate for peace, and to make a treaty, if it could be secured with the unconditional recognition of the independence of Texas, and if possible, with the boundary at the Rio Grande. If Mexico would not agree to that boundary, he was empowered to make a treaty of peace and recognition, leaving the question of limits to be settled by a future treaty. He was given one other alternative, as follows: “Should Mexico express a willingness to establish peace, and recognize the Independence of Texas to the extent of her original boundaries when forming a part of the Mexican Confederacy, but peremptorily refuse to admit our claims to the entire territory embraced within the limits defined by the act of Congress [December 19, 1836], you may propose a compromise by negotiating for the purchase of all that portion of it which is not within the original boundaries, at a stipulated price; but the sum to be thus stipulated for it must not exceed five Millions of dollars. . . .” 8 In other words, the offer to purchase was practically identical with the terms of the proposal which President Jackson made to Mexico in 1829. 9
On March 13, 1839, General Richard G. Dunlap was sent to the United States as Minister. 10 He was a man of high standing, having been Major-General of volunteers in Tennessee. Hearing of the Alamo disaster, he had determined to join the Texans in their struggle for independence, and offered to raise two thousand volunteers, but the battle of San Jacinto made this unnecessary. He went to Texas in 1837, and later became Secretary of Treasury under Lamar, which position he held previous to his appointment as Minister. Upon arrival at Washington he presented the idea of mediation to the State Department. Forsyth expressed a willingness on the part of the United States to interpose, but with the proviso that it would not do so unless Mexico so desired. The answer of Forsyth was indicative of the cautiousness of the Van Buren administration. The answer, however, tended to stimulate the hopefulness of Dunlap. 11
Bee, in the meantime, had arrived at Vera Cruz. He found it both convenient and discreet to stay on the French frigate La Gloire until given permission to land. 12 News of his arrival being noised abroad, the Vera Cruz Censor published an article which spoke of “the audacity of those brigands in sending us their pedlar to ask us to allow the peaceable possession of their robbery. . . .” It further stated, “The Commandant said that he was not aware of the existence of a nation called the `Republic of Texas,' but only of a horde of adventurers, in rebellion against the laws of the government of the republic.” 13 In spite of this Bee was allowed to land. General Victoria, who was in command at Vera Cruz, immediately communicated with the Mexican Council of State regarding the Texan proposals. That body unanimously rejected any overtures based upon the idea of independence. While awaiting the reply of the Council, Bee received private letters which threatened him with imprisonment. Victoria, however, treated him with courtesy, and when the rejection came, urged that Texas reunite with Mexico. On May 24, 1839, Bee informed his government that his mission had failed, and a few days later set out for the United States by way of Havana. 14
In June Dunlap, at Washington, heard of the rejection of Bee, but he still believed that Mexico would not refuse the offered mediation. He took steps to obtain an interview with Martínez, the Mexican Minister; in this he experienced considerable difficulty, but when it was once attained, he soon believed himself on confidential terms with that astute individual. 15 To fully understand Dunlap's dealings with Martínez, it is necessary to know what had been transpiring in Texas.
After the return of Bee, James Treat had been appointed by Lamar a private and confidential agent to Mexico. 16 But little is known of the life of Treat previous to this time. He assisted Texas in 1836, while in New York; he had been in Mexico, and was acquainted with political conditions there. He was recommended to the Texan government by Hamilton, Bee, Dunlap, and others. 17
The principal point in the negotiation with which Treat was entrusted was the acknowledgment of the independence of Texas, the boundary to be fixed at the Rio Grande. The instructions also said,
Before submitting this ultimatum on the subject of a boundary line, you will feel the authorities of Mexico in relation to a different division of Territory. You may suggest to them a line commencing at the mouth of the Rio Grande mid way of its channel, up that stream to the Paso del Norte and from thence a due west line to the Gulf of Calafornia and along the Southern shore of that Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. This boundary will not be strenuously insisted upon but may be intimated as a counterpoise to any extravagant expectations on the part of Mexico and as a premonition to the Government of the ultimate destination of that remote Territory.
Treat was further authorized, as Bee had been, to offer not more than five million dollars for a relinquishment of Mexican claims to the Texan side of the Rio Grande. 18
In the instructions no mention was made of mediation. Treat observed this omission and asked his government for information. 19 Burnet, Acting Secretary of State, replied that the original instructions were deficient, and added others to the effect that the treaty
shall be acted upon . . . at the city of Mexico, or the City of Washington or at the Capitol of this Republic, leaving it to the Mexican Authorities to select the location. But as the mediatorial interposition of the Government of the United States has been conditionally proffered and will be cordially accepted by this Government it would probably be conducive to the permanency of the peace to be established, to conduct the negotiations at the Capitol of that Republic. It is understood that Mr Ellis the Minister from the Government of the United States to that of Mexico, has been instructed to signify to that of Mexico the desire of the United States to see the difficulties between Texas and Mexico amicably adjusted. 20
Treat proceeded to New Orleans and then to New York for the purpose of raising funds for paying his expenses before proceeding to Mexico. 21 He communicated with Dunlap and no doubt informed him of his instructions, 22 for Dunlap now suggested to Martínez that the boundary line be settled by running it to the Pacific; in other words, the line as proposed in a part of Treat's instruction. To this the Mexican Minister replied, “Not being empowered by my official attributes to enter into any argument on the very important points to which you refer therein, I shall be constrained to limit myself solely in the present case to the communication of its contents to my Government, whose decission on the subject will be communicated at your convenience.” This letter, to quote Dunlap's expression, made him “truly happy.” 23
Dunlap's mission had thus far accomplished little. He had enemies in Texas who were at work against him; Bee was in the United States and was available. The Texan Senate refused to confirm Dunlap's nomination and Bee was appointed. 24 He did not assume his duties, however, until April 20, 1840, Dunlap remaining at his post until Bee's arrival. 25
An incident of border warfare occurred opportunely to open the way for a renewal of the request for mediation. President Lamar had issued a proclamation forbidding the citizens of Texas to participate in the domestic feuds of Mexico. A small body of troops carried the proclamation to the Federalist camp beyond the Rio Grande; while returning, they were killed by Mexicans. 26 The facts were presented by Bee to Forsyth, who coldly replied, “Northing has occurred since the communications on that subject [mediation] from this Department to the Predecessors of Mr. Bee as the Representatives of Texas here, to render a change of the determination of this Government expedient,” 27 an attitude which Dunlap had failed to grasp.
After this rebuff, Bee, who was in ill health, went to South Carolina to visit his family, remaining away from Washington until the following December. Nathaniel Amory, Secretary of Legation, was left in charge. 28 This apparently peculiar action of the Minister, for which he later was called to account, was not without reason. The securing of the mediation of the United States, the primary object of the mission, had failed; moreover, a presidential campaign was in progress, and it was hoped that the successful candidate would be more friendly to Texas than the Van Buren administration had been. 29
Complaints concerning the depredations of Cherokees, Caddos, and other tribes from the United States were frequently made by the Texan government, 30 and Bee, upon his return to Washington in December, determined to take up the question. 31 In 1838, Forsyth had expressed himself in such a manner that the Texan Minister had not seen fit to press the matter. 32 Bee found him in the same humor on this occasion. 33 He was equally cold when J. Pinckney Henderson, the Texan envoy to England, was arrested in New York on account of a responsibility incurred by endorsement of notes. Bee contended that his office of Minister should have protected Henderson from arrest and that it was the duty of the United States government to prosecute the individuals who had caused his detention. 34 After a discourteous silence of six weeks, Forsyth deigned to reply that he considered the decision of the court as ample satisfaction. Bee had had enough; he decided to postpone matters until the new administration. 35
In order to understand the future negotiations with the United States, a brief summary of the dealings of Texas with other countries seems necessary. Relations with Mexico will first receive attention. Treat had arrived at Vera Cruz on November 28, 1839, 36 and left Mexico in October, 1840. 37 He succeeded, largely through the aid of the English Minister, Pakenham, in getting his proposals before the Mexican Council. 38 But Ellis, the American Minister, was intent on pressing claims for indemnity, and gave him little or no assistance. 39 After a protracted negotiation, Mexico stood firm in refusing the Texan proposals, and Treat left the country. Soon afterward, it was decided to make no further overtures to Mexico. 40 In France, J. Pinckney Henderson had succeeded in concluding a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, on September 25, 1839. It was ratified by the Texan Senate in February, 1840. By this treaty France became the first European country to recognize the independence of Texas; the compact was also the first formal commercial treaty entered into by Texas. General James Hamilton succeeded in concluding a similar treaty with Great Britain in November, 1840; but this treaty was not ratified until June, 1842. A commercial treaty with the Netherlands was signed September 18, 1840, and was ratified in June, 1841. 41
It is time now to return to affairs at Washington. The Texas government early in 1841 decided to open negotiations with the United States in regard to the making of a treaty of commerce. Certain other questions, such as Indian depredations and extradition of criminals needed settlement. 42 The inauguration and death of Harrison delayed negotiations, and it was not until April 12 that Bee saw fit to open discussion with Webster, now Secretary of State under Tyler. Bee called upon Webster who received him in a friendly manner, whereupon the subject of a treaty was broached, Bee suggesting that the negotiations be carried on in Texas. Webster replied that he would reflect upon it, but thought that both he and the Secretary of War would prefer to attend to it at Washington, implying that he would be willing to negotiate. 43 Without waiting to follow up his first success, Bee set out for South Carolina on another visit, leaving Amory in charge. He perhaps felt justified in leaving his post, as he had not received definite authority to negotiate a treaty. He was aware, however, that his absence from Washington was displeasing to the home government. 44
Further instructions concerning negotiations having been received, Amory informed Webster that his government was desirous of concluding a treaty as speedily as possible; he reviewed the Indian question, and suggested that the negotiations be conducted in Texas and that an arrangement be made by which slaves should be allowed to accompany their masters to the United States as body-servants. This suggestion was due to the fact that the introduction of slaves as body servants from Texas into the slave-holding States had been resisted. Some of the State laws prohibited it. In consequence, a treaty allowing it would have brought the national and State governments into collision. Webster replied that he was deficient in information concerning the Indian question, but would give it his immediate attention; he again objected to negotiations being carried on in Texas, and in regard to slaves as body-servants, he did not deem it necessary to provide for it. 45
During the five years since Texas had declared her independence, in lieu of any arrangement with the United States concerning commerce, she had been placed in the anomalous position of considering the provisions of the treaty of 1831 between Mexico and the United States as binding upon her in so far as they could be applied. This treaty was about to expire, a fact which was made known to Webster. 46 But the Secretary did not see fit to take up the matter at once, being engrossed in the Maine boundary question, although frequently urged by Bee after his return to Washington in June. 47 The Texan Minister, however, busied himself with planning the articles of the treaty, and wrote for a letter of authorization to conclude the agreement at Washington. On July 27, 1841, he wrote a formal letter to Webster in which he stated four fundamental propositions upon which he thought that the negotiation should turn. These were: (1) Free navigation of the Sabine River and the right to ship goods down the Red and Mississippi rivers, (2) establishment of the right of entrepôt on boundary rivers for the transshipment to foreign places of the produce of each country from that of the other, (3) settlement of questions concerning Indian tribes along the border, (4) commercial and maritime intercourse on and near the high seas, 48 The proposal did not bring matters to a head as had been hoped, and the middle of September arrived with nothing accomplished.
On the fifteenth of that month, wearied by delay, Amory, who was again in charge, submitted a synopsis of a treaty, which, in addition to the points stated in Bee's proposal, contained the following items: (1) Provisions for consular rights, (2) right of inheritance of estates of deceased persons dying intestate when temporarily abroad, (3) the treaty to continue ten years. In addition, Bee's proposal to regulate commerce on the high seas was considerably elaborated. Five days later Amory was informed that Webster had examined the synopsis, but that, owing to press of business (meaning, no doubt, the Maine boundary negotiations) and the secretary's absence in the north, nothing would probably be done before December; but December passed without a treaty. In the meantime full powers to negotiate were received. 49
In January, 1842, news reached Washington of the disastrous end of the Texan Santa Fé expedition. Amory immediately applied to Webster for assistance in behalf of the prisoners. 50 Waddy Thompson was sent at this time to Mexico by the United States government, one of the chief purposes being to obtain their release 51 and his mission, coupled with the assistance of other foreign ministers, was successful. 52 At the same time Amory presented his request for assistance, he urged the formation of the treaty; he called the attention of Webster to the fact that the Texan planters were handicapped by not having free use of the Red and Mississippi rivers, and that they should at least have the right of entrepôt at New Orleans with freedom of reshipment to foreign ports. Webster admitted the justice of the demands, but, instead of offering to make a treaty, urged Amory to get some Southern senators to procure the passage of a resolution granting the privilege. Amory followed the advice and applied to Calhoun and others. 53
Another incident occurred in the closing months of 1841 and in January, 1842, to disturb the Texan diplomats. In September, Bee had been informed that two vessels were being built in New York which were destined for the Mexican navy. They were found to be the Liberty and the Eagle. An attempt was made by Amory to have them confiscated by the United States Government They were seized, but sufficient evidence to warrant their detention not being procured, they were allowed to put to sea. 54
During the negotiations above noted, Bee had been absent from Washington, his journey taking him as far as New Orleans. The Texan government had undergone a change, Houston having become president December 13, 1841. The frequent absences of Bee and the barrenness of results of his mission gave ample excuse for Houston to bring about a change of diplomats. The letter of recall reached Washington in January, and Amory promptly forwarded the information to South Carolina. Bee, who had returned to the latter state, replied that he expected to be retained until the treaty was concluded. Soon after, he received a second letter of recall, the contents of which determined him not to return to Washington. 55
One of the letters of recall was especially severe; it said, “I [Anson Jones] am also directed by the President respectfully to inform you that he views your long absence from Washington as a desertion of your Post, injurious to the interests of this Government and disrespectful to that of the United States.” 56 Bee was naturally angered, and in a spirited answer defended his actions; he stated that Webster had asked that negotiation of the treaty be postponed until December, and, at the same time, that General Hamilton, in a letter from England dated September 3, had requested that he forbear for special reasons from concluding a compact. Bee declared that he had taken the requisite steps to meet Webster in December and had then set out for New Orleans by way of South Carolina. 57 Bee's defense, though vigorous, was lame. He does not appear to have informed his government of Hamilton's letter, and, furthermore, he was under no obligation to comply with the request. Good diplomacy demanded caution and immediate communication with the government at home. In December Bee was in New Orleans instead of Washington, in spite of the fact that December had been named as the time for negotiations to be resumed.
Bee was succeeded by James Reily. 58 In 1839 he had been appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate a million dollar loan for the Texas government. In 1840 Lamar had nominated him for district attorney for the fifth judicial district, but the nomination meeting with opposition in the Senate, was subsequently withdrawn. 59 Riley arrived at Washington on March 8, 1842; 60 he was clothed with authority to negotiate a treaty, and was instructed to sound the United States government on the subject of annexation, a matter which had not been broached since 1838. This is a significant fact, because it shows the attitude of the new Texan administration, Houston having been again elected president, and Anson Jones, a staunch supporter of annexation, being selected as Secretary of State. 61 Two days after his arrival, Riley was received by Webster; in this first interview he took up the matter of free navigation of the Red River and found Webster's attitude conciliatory. 62
News of the invasion of Texas by Vásquez reached Reily on March 24, and the following morning he called upon Webster, urging the pressing necessity that the United States keep her frontier Indians in subjection. In response to this request two thousand troops were massed along the Red River frontier, under General Zachary Taylor. 63
Webster still delayed entering upon treaty negotiations, his attention being absorbed by the Ashburton mission and the settlement of the Mexican claims. Reily, however, was insistent. On March 28 he laid before Webster a communication urging, among other things, the questions of free navigation of rivers and interchange of mails, and President Tyler made these two matters the subject of a special message to Congress. 64
Reily kept himself informed on the subject of annexation. On April 14 he reported,
I feel satisfied fully that the administration is decidedly in favor of the policy [annexation], and that the Question is a popular one with Congress; as to what would be the majority in the Senate should that body be called upon to act, it is impossible to say two thirds of the Senate being the Majority necessary to consumate treaties. Texas is fast increasing in reputation and character, and by many Northern men is viewed as a country which would be a valuable acquisition to the United States. I am led to believe that one great reason why the negotiation of a Treaty has been postponed and still delayed is, because the administration wishes to make but one Treaty, and that a Treaty of Annexation. 65
A week after the above report was made, Reily suggested to Webster that they enter into the consideration of a treaty along the lines submitted by Bee. 66 The time of the proposal appeared auspicious, for Webster replied that he would be happy to see him at the department whenever he might call. Reily hastened to take advantage of the opening, but was doomed once more to disappointment; Webster, however, promised that he would take the various points under consideration, hoping in a short time to be able to enter fully and definitely into the subject. 67
The effect of the Mexican invasion was now shown. In May Reily was instructed by his government not to press the treaty. Owing to the excitement over the Vásquez raid, it was deemed best to “suffer matters to glide along quietly until the U States Govt decides upon the policy of annexation.” Houston did not deem the conclusion of the treaty of commerce to be of vital importance, evidently hoping that annexation would be the outcome. 68
The question of mediation, after lying dormant for two years, was now brought up again. Reily proposed to Webster that the United States, as the leading power of the continent, ought to interpose with Mexico. Webster expressed a desire that the proposal be put in writing, so that, in case of necessity, the action of the United States might be justified. This Reily did, proposing three alternatives for Mexican consideration; first, recognition of Texan independence with limits as defined by the Texas Congress in 1836; if this were refused, recognition of independence, the question of limits to be left to future negotiations, and hostilities to cease until the settlement of the question; if this also were refused, a third proposal, namely, that hostilities cease for at least five years and then not be reopened without twelve months' notice. The suggestion met with the favor of Tyler and his Cabinet; General Thompson, United States Minister to Mexico, was accordingly instructed to offer the good offices of the government at Washington to end the war. 69
Webster's letter of instruction pointed out the differences between Texas and Mexico, in language and customs, the long period since the battle of San Jacinto, and the recognition of Texan independence by many states; he stated that the ultimate reannexation of Texas to Mexico was very doubtful; in consequence the United States looked upon the war as useless, and though she could not interfere, she considered it her duty to accept the office of mediator if desired. 70
A few days after instructions were issued to Thompson, Webster received a letter from Bocanegra, the Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, who complained that the citizens of the United States were injuring Mexico by aiding Texas; he stated that, had it not been for this aid, the Texans would have been unable to maintain their long resistance. He assumed the position that Texas was still an integral part of Mexico, and hence he must protest against the assistance which came from citizens of the United States. 71
Upon receipt of this letter Webster penned a long communication to Thompson in which he defended the action of the United States government. He assumed that Texas had been an independent country since the battle of San Jacinto and stated that it was impossible to stop immigration into Texas. This letter had been on its way but a short time when Webster received a second letter from Bocanegra. The first communication had assumed that, though citizens of the United States were guilty of breaches of neutrality, the government was innocent. He now openly charged that the “very cabinet of the United States, and the subaltern and local authorities, do observe a conduct openly at variance with the most sacred principles of the law of nations. ...”
To this Webster replied by instructing Thompson to inform Bocanegra that the President of the United States considered the language and tone of his letter as highly offensive, that the United States had always been governed by a strict regard for neutrality in regard to the war between Mexico and Texas, and that if Mexico saw fit to change the existing relations, the responsibility remained with her. This language could not be misunderstood; the attitude of the American government was growing warlike. 72 On July 11 Reily informed his government that the relations between the United States and Mexico appeared strained, and that Tyler had remarked that he did not see how war could be averted. The President had also told Reily that he was anxious for the immediate annexation of Texas. It was feared that the Senate would not ratify a treaty, but Reily felt certain that Tyler would act at once if the Senate would consent. News came at this time that a frigate for the Mexican government was about to be launched in England. Tyler immediately ordered the frigate Mississippi to the Gulf. 73
The day after Webster's last mentioned instructions to Thompson, Bocanegra wrote a letter to Thompson in which he made most bitter complaint against the United States. The note was extremely belligerent in tone, but the disturbed condition of Mexico and her inability to cope with Texas make it appear that the utterances of her minister were gasconnade. 74 Neither was the American government in a position to desire war. To press the question of mediation might arouse the suspicions of England. The long drawn out negotiations with Lord Ashburton were coming to a close. Bocanegra's last letter, which was dated July 24, must have reached Webster about the date of the conclusion of the treaty with England, which occurred August 9, though the ratification was not exchanged until October 13. Hostilities must not break out in the interim. In consequence the proposition of mediation was not pushed with ardor. Bocanegra ceased to be beligerent, but firmly rejected the idea of American mediation. 75
The determination of Mexico to reconquer Texas was demonstrated on the day after the final rejection of the American offer. On September 11 twelve hundred Mexicans under General Adrian Woll entered San Antonio. Severe fighting took place there during the following days, and on the eighteenth the Mexican force retreated; its object had been accomplished, however, for Mexico had demonstrated that war of more than a predatory kind was being carried on. 76
The desire for a commercial treaty now came again to the fore. During the month of July, Reily continued to urge upon Webster the necessity of making such a treaty, and on August 3 his efforts met with success. 77 The draft of the proposed treaty contained twenty-two articles; the first article contained the usual compact for perpetual peace and friendship; articles II-V dealt with commercial relations, freedom of commercial intercourse to be guaranteed, and duties to be reciprocal; the free use of the Red and other rivers rising in Texas or forming boundaries between the two was provided for; right of deposit for five years and reshipment of goods to foreign ports without payment of duty in the United States was allowed; articles VI-XII dealt with blockades, rights of neutrals, prizes and contraband of war; articles XIII and XIV were for the protection of the property of citizens of either country who held property in the other, and for the free transference of such properties; articles XV-XVIII provided for a consular service; articles XIX and XX dealt with the Indian question, each country agreeing to restrain the Indians within its respective borders and to return captives; article XXI provided for extradition of criminals. The final articles stated that the agreement in regard to trade was to last ten years, except the right of deposit above mentioned, and that peace and friendship should be perpetual. 78
Reily was proud of his accomplishment, and perhaps justly. “I was here alone,” he says, “unaided, unexperienced, the representative of a young Government, destitute of political weight and whose commercial importance had not developed itself, and forced to enter upon the discussion of points and topics in which Texas felt the most vital interest, with some of the loftiest and most powerful intellects of the United States; Under such circumstances the accompanying treaty was concluded. ...” 79
The above letter and treaty do not appear to have been despatched at once to his government by Reily. Having learned that some of the tribes along the border had expressed a wish to make peace with Texas, he thought it desirable to obtain the cooperation of the United States in treaty-making. He accordingly proposed to Spencer, Secretary of War of the United States, that commissioners be sent who should be clothed with authority to make the United States the guarantor of the treaty between Texas and the Indians. This proposal met with the approval of President Tyler, who agreed to appoint the necessary commissioners. 80 Reily appears to have acted in this matter entirely upon his own initiative. His boldness perhaps was due to the fact that he had already received his letter of recall. He had previously informed his government that he desired to end his mission by August 1, and had remained at his post beyond that date because he feared that his withdrawal might be prejudicial to the ratification of the commercial treaty by the United States Senate. 81
Reily found it necessary to depart before the arrival of Isaac Van Zandt, his successor; he kept the duplicate of the treaty in his possession until early in September when he forwarded it to the Texan Department of State. Reily heard that the document was lost at sea by the destruction of the steamship, Merchant. He promptly wrote Van Zandt to send to the State Department of Texas a copy of his despatch of August 3, which included a copy of the treaty. 82
Houston sent the treaty to the Texas Senate on December 19, 1842. In the accompanying message he pointed out that article V might be considered by England, France, and Holland as discriminatory in favor of the United States. The article in question stated that cotton from either country was to be admitted by each free of duty, and that goods manufactured in either but intended for reshipment to foreign countries might be admitted free. Houston suggested that the article be so amended that it would show that the concessions were for a valuable consideration and not gratuitous and free, and therefore common to all powers with whom Texas had commercial treaties. 83
The following day the fifth article was referred to the committee on foreign relations. Two days later the committee reported that they advised its ratification without change. The vote was unanimous. It would naturally be supposed that this would end the matter as far as the Texas Senate was concerned, but such was not the case. On January 11, 1843, the President was requested to return the treaty to the Senate; two days later he complied. January 16, the fifth article was reconsidered and modified as Houston had originally suggested, and in this form it was passed.
Upon his arrival in Washington in December, Van Zandt found various letters awaiting him informing him of the course of events in his country. General Woll had invaded Texas in September, and, as we have seen, had captured San Antonio. 84 The State Department of Texas urged that the United States be requested to do all in her power to stop the war. 85 Similar requests were addressed to England and France. Van Zandt immediately presented the matter to Webster, who replied that nothing could then be expected from that source, that Santa Anna was determined to make another effort to subdue the country, and that he advised Texas to make the best preparation she could. He said that there was no prospect of any immediate difficulties of a serious nature between the United States and Mexico. In the letter in which this information was forwarded, Van Zandt communicated to his government that he had received a letter from Ashbel Smith informing him that Mexico had rejected the English offer of mediation. 86 President Tyler's message, which was sent to Congress the day before Van Zandt's interview with Webster, spoke of Mexican complaints about American aid to Texas, but was silent on the subject of mediation. 87
In spite of this Van Zandt continued to urge that the United States interfere. Webster accordingly communicated with Almonte, the Mexican Minister, stating that Mexico must cease its predatory war, and must either recognize Texan independence or make war according to the rules of civilized nations. At the same time, he suggested to Van Zandt the propriety of asking England and France to co-operate with the United States. Van Zandt replied that such a step had already been taken. Webster concluded that the proper time to urge the matter would be as soon as the results of the Mexican expedition against Yucatan were announced, for it was believed that this was about to result in failure. 88
In January, 1843, news reached Washington that Commodore Jones had taken possession of Monterey, California. Van Zandt hoped that this might precipitate trouble between the United States and Mexico. On January 25 he reported to Tyler and Webster that he had been informed that England and France were willing to mediate and suggested a concert of powers. He was assured that Thompson, the American Minister at Mexico, had been instructed to offer mediation, and stated again that, as soon as the results of the Yucatan expedition were known, the United States would make a representation to the Mexican government in which strong language would be used, and that a copy of the communication would be forwarded to the French and English governments. 89
In February Anson Jones, the Texan Secretary of State, informed Van Zandt that France would be willing to act with England and the United States. 90 Before this reached him, however, Webster had informed Van Zandt that the Mier expedition had made it impossible for the United States to interpose; he said that Thompson had reported that the feelings were such in Mexico that all attempts at interposition were useless. Van Zandt then tried another tack; he pointed out to Tyler that England's interest was to see the integrity of Texas maintained and that, if Texas were driven to the last extremity, England would assist her. A few days later Van Zandt was informed that Webster had been directed to approach the French Minister on the subject, and that if the French government would unite with the United States immediate action would be taken. 91
Van Zandt now turned his attention to an attempt to convince Webster that Texas had acted in a proper manner in the expedition against Mier. He addressed him a lengthy communication in which he pointed out the atrocities committed by Mexico, and stated that Texas was merely acting in self-defense; he closed with the following appeal for intervention:
Mexico in her whole course of conducting the war against Texas has abundantly evinced the disgraceful fact, that no treaty or convention however solemn can bind her to the observance of either justice humanity or mercy and she has thus denied those great principles which hold together the fabric of the moral Universe. If therefore other nations in view of these circumstances and all the facts now before them as well as those herein contained should refuse their interference in the premises no other course will be left to Texas in the future prosecution of the war with Mexico, than to adopt the principles of retaliation and to visit upon the people of that country the evils and cruelties which have so long been suffered by ours.
For the mass of human suffering and misery which would thus be entailed upon the unfortunate, the defenceless and the feeble my Government will then stand acquitted to itself, to the world and to Almighty God. It remains to be seen whether the civilized world will look on with indifference and witness so disastrous a catastrophe.
These facts and reflections are respectively submitted to His Excellency the Secretary of State of the United States with a firm reliance that that Government, guided by that enlightened wisdom and respect for the laws of humanity which so eminently distinguish it will give to them the consideration which their importance demands; and take such action thereon as right and justice may require. . . .
His appeal, however, appears to have been in vain, as he reported that no reply was received. 92
A few days later Van Zandt again saw Tyler. According to the former, the President seemed anxious to intervene but was fearful to act without the unanimous consent of his advisers. He said that Webster had been directed to approach the French Minister upon the subject of joint interposition but had not done so. 93 Two days later Van Zandt saw Webster, who rather testily said,
Sir; your affairs assume so many different phases that it is impossible one day to tell what will be the appearance on the next. If your Government would take the advice of its friends, to remain at home, unite among yourselves, confine your soldiers to your own territory, and to the defence of your own soil, suppress insubordination, prevent marauding parties upon the frontier and consolidate your energies, then Sir, we might be able to do something effective. 94
In February, 1843, Santa Anna adopted a new policy toward Texas. His opponents, the Federalists, had been in power during the greater part of 1842, but in the closing months of the year the Centralists regained control. Santa Anna was in retirement on his estate at Vera Cruz and from there directed the policy of his party. It was not until March, 1843, that he emerged from his retreat. His attention was now necessarily turned to the strengthening of his position, and a continuation of the war with Texas would naturally dissipate his resources, all of which were needed to cope with the political situation. 95 If Texas could be brought back into the Mexican union it would also greatly strengthen his position. The expedient, though doubtful of success, was at least worth trying.
Judge J. W. Robinson, of San Antonio, was a prisoner in the fortress of Perote. On January 9, 1843, he had addressed a letter to Santa Anna asking that he be granted an interview in which he believed he could point out a way by which Texas might be restored to Mexico. The interview was granted, and as a result Robinson was despatched to Texas with proposals for an adjustment of difficulties. The most important features which were presented to Houston were a general amnesty, that Texas acknowledge the sovereignty of Mexico, and that she have the right of representation in the national congress. 96
The proposition of Santa Anna was at first received with scorn, but a change soon followed. Houston replied that it would be impossible to treat while invasion threatened, whereupon a truce was granted and Houston was able to proclaim a suspension of hostilities on June 15. 97 In February Jones had informed Van Zandt that if the United States “would open wide the door of negotiation to Texas,” he would be authorized to make a treaty of annexation. In July the Texan government had changed its mind, for it was now believed that Mexico might acknowledge the independence of Texas, and that if that were done it would greatly simplify the question of annexation. In view of this it was believed that Texas should bend all her energies to settling her difficulties with Mexico. 98
A change favorable to Texan interests had taken place in the State Department at Washington. Webster retired in May and soon afterward Upshur was appointed. 99 A little later Van Zandt was able to inform Jones that Thompson had been directed to say that the United States deprecated the manner of war carried on by Mexico and that she should either show herself a great nation by subjecting Texas, or a magnanimous one by acknowledging her inability to do it. 100
The subject of annexation now came rapidly to the fore. In October Upshur presented the issue in uncompromising terms. Was Texas ready to negotiate a treaty of annexation or not? In December a definite answer was given by the State Department of Texas, the general purport of which was as follows: The friendly powers had interposed with Mexico; the powers, meaning no doubt England and France, which had done the most to obtain an armistice, had done it with a view that Texas was to continue as a separate and independent nation; that, though Texas was free to follow whatever course she saw fit in the future, Houston thought in the present state of her foreign relations, it would not be politic to abandon the expectations of a speedy settlement of difficulties with Mexico for the uncertain prospect of annexation to the United States. 101
This attitude on the part of Texas was foreshadowed by Tyler's annual message to Congress in December. “Nor can this Government,” the message read,
be indifferent to the fact that a warfare such as is waged between these two nations is calculated to weaken both powers and finally to render them—and especially the weaker of the two—the subject of interference on the part of stronger and more powerful nations, who, intent only on advancing their own peculiar views, may sooner or later attempt to bring about a compliance with terms as the condition of their interposition alike derogatory to the nation granting them and detrimental to the interests of the United States.
Later he says, “The Executive has not hesitated to express to the Government of Mexico how deeply it deprecates a continuance of the war and how anxiously it desired to witness its termination.” Further,
While . . . the Executive would deplore any collision with Mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations . . . it cannot permit that Government to control its policy, whatever it may be, toward Texas, but will treat her . . . as entirely independent of Mexico. The high obligations of public duty may enforce from the constituted authorities of the United States a policy which the course perserved in by Mexico will have mainly contributed to produce, and the Executive in such a contingency will with confidence throw itself upon the patriotism of the people to sustain the government in its course of action. 102
The attitude of Houston, when made known to Tyler, as Houston probably intended, must have strengthened the views thus forcibly expressed. The subject of annexation now became the ruling idea of the closing year of the administration. As annexation is beyond the scope of this paper, we will leave it and return to the history of the commercial treaty.
When the treaty was brought up in the United States Senate it soon became evident that its ratification in toto was unlikely, articles IV and V meeting with opposition; article IV dealt with the free navigation of the rivers having their courses partly within Texas; article V we have already examined. Internal difficulties and dissensions in Texas were given as causes of the opposition; the holders of Texas bonds also made objection to the treaty, insisting that some provision ought to be made for their payment. It was feared, besides, that the unsettled condition of Texas might cause her to become subject to some other power, in which event free navigation of rivers would be detrimental to the United States. 103
To quiet these objections, Van Zandt wrote a long memorial to William S. Archer, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, its object being to justify Texas and show why the treaty was desirable. To quote from the memorial,
The continuity and juxtaposition of the two nations—the frequent intercourse between their citizens, and the growing commerce carried on between them, render it essentially necessary, in order to avoid all difficulties and embarrassments, which might arise, as well as to perpetuate and strengthen the good feelings of friendship and national concord, which it is the interest and should be the desire of both Governments to foster and preserve, that definite rules, in the nature of treaty stipulations, should be established for their mutual regulation and government. 104
Van Zandt's efforts, however, were of no avail. News of the Mier disaster arrived inopportunely; the opponents of Texas were able to gather strength by pointing out the weak condition of the country where insubordination and dissension were rife. 105 On March 3, the Senate ratified the treaty, but struck out articles IV and V. Van Zandt reported in April that no further action on the part of the Senate could be expected until the amended treaty was submitted to the Texas Senate. In December, at the same time that he stated the position of Texas on the subject of annexation, Jones informed Van Zandt that the striking out of articles IV and V rendered the treaty unacceptable to his government and that consequently it would not be ratified in that shape. 106 Thus ended the negotiations for the commercial treaty which had so long absorbed the attention of the Texan diplomats. It and the subject of intervention were now together swallowed up in the larger question of annexation.
To summarize: shortly before the election of Lamar annexation was dropped and new issues became paramount in the Texan foreign policy. Bee and later Treat were sent to Mexico for the purpose of obtaining the recognition of Texan independence, but the overtures were rejected. Dunlap and afterward Bee attempted to induce the United States to act as mediator, but the idea was received coldly by the Van Buren administration.
Texas next opened negotiations for a commercial treaty, but before much progress was made Bee was recalled by the new Houston administration and Reily appointed. The Texas government at once showed that annexation was in mind. The Vásquez raid occurring in March, 1842, the United States was again asked to mediate, and in response Thompson, the American Minister to Mexico, was instructed to say that his government would act as mediator if Mexico desired. But before the American attitude could be made known, the Mexican government charged the United States with a breach of neutrality. After a spirited correspondence, Mexico ceased to be belligerent but rejected the idea of American mediation.
The question of a commercial treaty came to the front again in July, 1842, an agreement being reached between Webster and Reily. The treaty was ratified by the Texan Senate; the United States Senate, however, accepted it in a changed form which made it unacceptable to the Texan government and it never went into effect.
General Woll's invasion having occurred, Van Zandt, the successor of Reily, again asked for American mediation, suggesting that the United States act in concert with England and France. Webster's course, however, proved dilatory.
The Texan government now tried to interest the United States by making her jealous of the growing influence of England. Early in 1843 Santa Anna opened negotiations with Texas, and the need of American assistance for the time being was not felt. Webster soon afterward retired, and Upshur became Secretary of State. The matter of annexation was now rapidly brought forward and became the absorbing question of the day.
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 (of which I have no means of judging) the prospect is unfavorable. In fact, militarily considered, the bad state of the roads seems to be the chief existing obstacle to impede the advance of such a force, as it is to be presumed would be thrown into this Country with any purpose of invasion.
But regarded in other points of view Your Lordship will probably see reason to doubt whether Mexico would derive solid advantage from the destruction of property, and the breaking up of the Establishment in Western Texas. They could hardly push their success into the Eastern part of the Country; or at all events permanently maintain themselves in that neighbourhood; and the probability and consequences of reaction from the South Western parts of the United States are serious considerations.
It is much to be wished that these difficulties may be promptly adjusted. This harassing character of warfare retards indeed, the Settlement of this Country; But it does not appear to strengthen any reasonable prospect of the re-establishment of Mexican Authority in Texas, and futile attempts in that sense may readily induce more serious complications than any at present subsisting
It is generally rumoured that a descent is to be made upon the Island, 191 and if either of the light draught Steam boats have arrived in Mexico, it seems probable that Measure would be adopted (that is to say if invasion be intended) both to establish a basis for their own operations, and to cut off the Sea Communication with the United States.
Report, however, of every kind must be received with more than usual reserve under present circumstances in this Country, and I do not learn upon what better foundation this last statement rests than most of the others in circulation. I have thought it proper to mention it to Your Lordship because of its more general currency, but I can offer no opinion upon it's probability.
Charles Elliot. To the Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
ABERDEEN TO ELLIOT 192
Captain Elliot No. 16. F. O. Octr. 18. 1842. Sir.
With reference to Your dispatch No. 3, of the 14th of Augt. last, and the inclosure therein contained, in which you transmitted a list of the Texian Naval force, and their distribution, I have to desire that you will endeavour to add, as soon as you conveniently can to the information thus conveyed to H. M. Govt. the place at which each of the Vessels described in that list was built and equipped.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 193
Consular. No. 11. Galveston, October 20th. 1842. My Lord,
I have the honor to submit the Copy of a letter from certain persons resident at Matagorda, Her Majesty's Subjects and others, requesting that a Consul may be appointed for that Port, together with a copy of my own reply
Matagorda is situated off the Mouth of the Colorado River, and will probably become the seat of the Chief trade of the Western part of Texas, when it settles; but I am concerned to report that the late incursions of the Mexicans have seriously thrown back the condition of that Country.
It may be remarked that this point lies with[in] limits, which constituted part of Texas Proper according to the demarcation of former Governments.
Charles Elliot The Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen K. T.
WARD AND INGRAM, AND OTHERS TO ELLIOT 194 [Enclosure]
No. 1. To Captn. Elliott. Her Britannic Majesty's Chargé des Affaire for Texas. Matagorda Sept. 24th. 1842. Sir,
The undersigned Citizens of this Place, having learned with pleasure that a treaty of Amity and Commerce has been ratified between Great Britain and this Country, and anticipating an increase of the Commercial relations between the two Countries, believe that the appointment of a British Consul for this Port, would be attended with desirable results.
Understanding that you, Sir, have been appointed Her Majesty's Chargé des Affaire for Texas, and presuming that it would be within your province to make that Appointment, [we] request you to do so; and beg leave respectfully to name as a suitable person our fellow-citizen Mr. Jas. T. Hefford, who with his family have been resident among us for the last three years.
Mr. Hefford is a native and freeman of the City of London, has been some years a member of Lloyd's Coffee House, London, and a number of years engaged in commercial transactions, both in England and the United States. We have the utmost confidence in his ability and integrity and should feel obliged by his appointment.
Signed Ward &Ingram. A. Wadsworth &Co. J. R. Value &Co. A. Forster Axson. M. D. Thos. Harvey. Not. Pub. and others Copy. Charles Elliot.
ELLIOT TO WARD AND INGRAM, AND OTHERS 195 [Enclosure.]
No. 2. Galveston, September 196 19th 1842. Gentlemen
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 24th Instant, and regret that it is not in my power to make a British Consular appointment for the Port of Matagorda. But I am sensible of its growing importance and it will afford me pleasure to move Her Majesty's Government to comply with your request.
Charles Elliot. Messrs. Ward and Ingram. and other Citizens of Matagorda Copy. Charles Elliot
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 197
No. 12. Galveston October 20th. 1842 My Lord,
I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that Mr. John Neill born in the town of Ayr, North Britain, has applied to me at the suggestion of the President upon the behalf of his Brother, Mr. Andrew Neill, 198 (also born in the same place) captured in St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11th Ultimo; when that town was surprised by the Mexicans
Mr. John Neill who resides in that part of the Country informs me that he entertains no doubt the Mexican force is still to the Eastward of the Rio Grande, and thinks it may be depended upon that they will advance again. He is also of opinion that the prisoners may be detained at Matamoras[?] and under all the circumstances of the case I have considered it incumbent upon myself to make an effort to obtain his Brother's release, and have therefore addressed a letter to General Woll of which I have the honor to enclose a Copy. As it may not be consistent with the President's purposes in a Military point of view, that any communication should take place with the Mexican Forces, (if they do advance again) I have sent the original letter to General Woll to His Excellency at Washington, with a copy, and committed it to him to transmit it or not, as He may judge fit. At the request of Mr. John Neill I shall also furnish a copy to Mr. Pakenham.
Although I am satisfied that Mr. John Neill is a Subject of Her Majesty by birth, still I have felt great doubt and difficulty about this case, for it is also true that he has assumed the privileges of Texian Citizenship, as Mr. John Neill declares however, with a determination to return to Scotland. I thought it right to explain to Mr. John Neill that as his Brother had assumed the advantages and duties of Texian Citizenship, He had necessarily exposed himself to the consequences: And therefore if He had been captured with arms in his hands in any act of aggressive warfare against Mexico, or with any clear knowledge that He was resisting a regular Mexican force, there could not have been the least pretension to request his release, or any mitigation of the treatment to which He would be liable as a Prisoner of War, according to the usages of Civilized Nations
But the considerations detailed in my letter to General Woll seem to me to have left room for interference upon admissible grounds, and I hope the course I have taken will meet Your Lordship's sanction. The case is certainly dubious, but I have felt it suitable, (to the extent of my present interference) to afford Mr. Neill the benefit of that state of doubt, feeling Your Lordship would rather I should have erred on this side, than have rejected any sustainable claim upon the behalf of this Prisoner, preferred by his Brother.
Charles Elliot To the Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
ELLIOT TO WOLL 199
[Enclosure] True Copy. Charles Elliot. Galveston October 18th. 1842. Sir,
I have the honor to address You in behalf of a Subject of the Queen My Sovereign, captured with certain other Prisoners by the Mexican force under Your Command at St. Antonio de Bexar on the 11 Ulto.
The name of the prisoner is Andrew Neill, and by the declaration before me I find him described to be about 30 Years of Age, and born at a place called Lough Fergus Farm in the County of Ayr, North Britain.
I am aware that these persons, or at least most of them were captured with arms in their hands after some slight resistence, neither have I any means of shewing, or any purpose to imply that Neill himself was unarmed. But the moderation of Your late proceedings at St. Antonio, so honorable to You, strengthens me in the confidence that You will at once admit the distinction between the case of a few Individuals belonging to peaceful Classes, of life (universally absolved from the operation of the rules of War) and casually collected at St. Antonio de Bexar, in discharge of their Civil functions, and that of detachments of troops, or persons assembled with hostile intention against Your Government.
The exposure of that part of the Country to invasion unauthorized by Your Government, and it's liability to sudden attack by Indians, are considerations which will not be lost upon You in explanation of an act of resistance to a complete surprize, by the division under Your Command, effected, it should be observed before the day light had well broken.
You are probably disposed to avail Yourself of any reasonable plea for the release of all these parties; And I can hardly doubt that upon reconsideration you will admit the truth and cogency of their representation that they were ignorant of the nature and extent of force to which they were opposed, and were doing no more than protecting themselves, against what might have been an attack of Indians, or of other disorderly and dangerous persons, coming with no Warrant from constituted Authority, and with no other object than that of plunder.
Mr. Neill was at St. Antonio on his peaceful and lawful occasion. Being there He was in a situation, which He was amply justified in expecting attack from quarters that too frequently leave to successful resistence the single chance for life. He could know nothing of the approach of the force under Your Command, and through his assumption of arms on this occasion has warranted his Capture as a Prisoner of War; I must declare that it does not seem to me to justify his detention after this representation shall reach Your hand. Founding the claim therefore, upon these premises, and relying upon the amicable disposition of Your Government towards that of Her Majesty, I have to request that Mr. Neill may be released.
I have of course no authority to make any formal reclamation in behalf of the other Individuals taken upon the same occasion, and to whose case similar reasoning may be applied, but appealing to Your generosity and Military Spirit I hope to be excused for very earnestly recommending the release of all the persons taken at St. Antonio.
It would be an act of consideration worthy of the magnanimity of Your Government, and congenial with Your own character to accept their reasonable declaration that they had no purpose to resist a respectable portion of a regular force.
Charles Elliot. Her Britannic Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires to the Republic of Texas. To His Excellency Don Andrew [Adrian] Woll. etc. The Officer in Command of the Mexican Force in Advance.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 200
33 Craven Street, Strand. October 24th. 1842. My Lord,
Being anxious to avoid as much as possible trespassing upon Your Lordship's time with matters of a personal character, I have consulted Mr. Bidwell as to the existence of any precedent for a British Consul colonizing lands in a foreign Country, the seat of his public duties.
Mr. Bidwell's experience having failed to supply a precedent, I beg to submit to Your Lordship the course I propose to adopt, under the presumption that it is free from objection.
The conditional grant of land, which, under a general law of concession and contract, I received, in common with other Europeans, from Texas, would be wholly valueless without the application of a much larger Capital than I can command. I must, therefore, have associated capitalists with me in the undertaking or have suffered the contract, which is limited as to time, to expire. Instead of being associated with capitalists disposed to embark in the enterprize, I now propose to transfer to them my interest in the Contract, and confine myself to acting in the capacity of agent, which I presume to be in accordance with the Consular privilege to trade.
William Kennedy The Right Honorable The Earl of Aberdeen. K. T.
KENNEDY TO ABERDEEN 201
33 Craven Street, Strand London, October 27th. 1842. My Lord,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Her Majesty's Commission appointing me to be Her Majesty's Consul at Galveston, and Your Lordship's despatches (No. 1, 2, 3) together with Consular Instructions and documents appertaining to the office.
My proper appreciation of the trust with which I have been honored, will, I am sensible, be best evinced by a faithful, diligent, and discreet discharge of the duties connected with it. And in this particular I humbly hope I shall not be found wanting.
On Monday the 31st Inst. I shall leave London, for the purpose of proceeding to Liverpool, and there embarking for my post, with as little delay as possible
In accordance with paragraph No. 11, of the Consul Instructions for Her Majesty's Consuls, I beg to enclose impressions in duplicate of my seal of office and my official Signature annexed.
William Kennedy The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
ELLIOT TO ABERDEEN 202
No. 13. Galveston, November 2nd. 1842 My Lord,
Since I had the honor to address Your Lordship on the 20th Ultimo I have received a Communication from this Government, herewith transmitted, with my own reply. 203
If I may presume to offer an opinion upon the general subject of this country, thus brought under Your Lordship's notice, I should say that it's present critical condition arises from departure from that steady abstinence from aggressive War on Mexico, either by land or sea, which has always been General Houston's policy, in or out of place; I cannot say power, for this Government is without force or means.
The creation of a Texian Marine, at an enormous expense, and which there are no longer any funds to maintain, was unnecessary, for Mexico had no Military Marine to molest this country, and no merchant ships to capture. The proceedings, therefore, of the Texian Cruisers were calculated only to trouble and provoke friendly neutrals, to incite the foreign merchants, connected with the trade of Mexico, and to stimulate the supineness of the Government of that country, by futile manifestations before their Ports.
The result has been the creation of the present Mexican Marine.
The consequences of the Santa Fé expedition undertaken without knowledge of the country, without military resources, and without discipline, were the surrender of the whole party on the threshold of the Mexican territory, the incitement of the frontier population, ill affected to their own Government, and not ill neighbours to the Texians, retaliatory incursions on the part of the Mexican Government, the strengthening of the confidence of that Government and its troops in their capacity to contend with this people, the organization of a corps armed with the same descriptiion of weapon, (the rifle) and finally, something little short of the breaking up of the whole Western Country of Texas.
When the Character of the Mexican Government and people is considered it seems reasonable to think that adherence to wiser courses, would have long since made it a matter of indifference to Texas whether Mexico acknowledged its independence or not, for a profitable and growing forced trade with the North Eastern Provinces of Mexico was inevitable, (rapidly populating, and strengthening the western part of Texas) and which the Mexican Government could not have disturbed, without the greatest danger of intestine commotion; and could only have regulated by a treaty of peace, and moderate fiscal arrangements. It is a remarkable fact in support of this view, and otherwise of much interest, that the Mexican force which surprised St. Antonio in the course of last September, was accompanied by traders who bought up all the Merchandize deposited there, at very handsome prices, and carried it back under the protection of the retiring force.
Nothing certain is known here of General Woll's situation (a circumstance which will enable Your Lordship to judge of the condition of this country in respect to Military vigilance, and information,) but it is generally believed that he is on the “Nueces” and that he has been reinforced, In the meantime considerable numbers of Texian Volunteers, perhaps about 1000, have assembled at St. Antonio de Bexar and in the neighbourhood, and it is declared with the determination to cross the Rio Grande, and ravage that line of frontier. It is to be hoped that no measure of that kind will be attempted, for with very high impressions of the gallantry of these levies, it must be added that they are without discipline and I am afraid there can be little doubt that the result would be signally disastrous.
Your Lordship will I believe be disposed to think that there is soundness in the opinion that the strength of this people lies entirely in adherence to a system of defensive War. By drawing the Mexicans into the heart of the Country, driving their own cattle before them as they retired, destroying the crops, and never suffering themselves to be betrayed into measures of serious attack, till they had the full advantage of an exhausted enemy, remote from their own resources, some moment of tempestuous weather, and a wooded position from which they could use their rifles without danger of dislodgement by a regular force, (and the banks of the numerous streams abound in such cover) it appears to be as certain as any event in war can be thought to be, that the Mexicans would suffer another heavy discomfiture. With perfect knowledge of the country on the part of the Texians, it is hard to believe that an opposing force, taken at proper advantage, would succeed in getting out of it
Movements upon these principles, enabled General Houston to achieve the successes of 1836 when the country was much weaker than it is at present, and with leading of equal skill, and equal address in the management of the particular force which this country can assemble the like results might be looked for again. Recent events have afforded no evidence of such qualities.
Arrivals from New Orleans to the 26th Ultimo bring intelligence from Campeché to the 14th Ultimo at which date there was a considerable Mexican force concentrated there. The next arrivals will probably bring intelligence of some decisive event in that quarter, and the nature of that event will as probably determine the course of the rulers of Mexico with regard to this country.
Sudden and violent revulsions of authority are so usual in Mexico, and there is so much difficulty on the part of such a Government in commanding the efficient working of the mixed armament with which they are now operating, that it is possible large allowances should be made for the chances of trammel or difficulty in some of these particulars
Other motives and impulses of which Your Lordship must be fully informed are also acting upon the Mexican Government, and Your Lordship will of course be able to judge of the purposes of that Government much better than I can have any means of doing. But speaking as a Seaman, and with a long experience in these seas, I may add that at this season of the year, and during the winter months, there would be great risk of disaster from bad weather and dangerous navigation, particularly on the Campeché Bank, to a Squadron of Mexican transports and vessels of War.
Before I conclude this despatch I think it right to acquaint Your Lordship that the heavy rains and tempestuous weather of the last month and September have seriously damaged the crops of this year, and upon the whole this Country is struggling through a state of great difficulty of all kinds.
Charles Elliot The Right Honorable. The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T. P. S. The last despatch I have had the honor to receive from Your Lordship in this Series is No. 11 of July 16th and I am afraid that some communications from the department must have been lost in the Steam boat “Merchant” cast away in the early part of last month on the passage from New Orleans to this place. Charles Elliot.
NOTES AND FRAGMENTS
August Santleben, author of A Texas Pioneer (reviewed in The Quarterly, XV, 91), died at his home in San Antonio, September 18, 1911.
Mrs. M. Wheeler, Treasurer of the Texas Division, U. D. C., died at Victoria, December 15, 1911.
Thomas Scurry, former Adjutant General of Texas, died at Dallas, December 17, 1911.
Andrew B. Briscoe died at San Antonio, January 28, 1912.
Captain Sam B. Barron died at Palestine, February 2, 1912. Captain Barron's home was Rusk, where he had lived since 1854. He was the author of The Lone Star Defenders: A Chronicle of the Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' Brigade.
Judge James H. Robertson died at Austin, March 2, 1912.
A sketch of the life of the late Senator Walter Tips, written by his friend, Dr. H. L. Hilgartner, was printed in the Austin Statesman, January 21, 1912.
A description of the Southern soldiers' monument to be erected at Victoria, and unveiled June 3, 1912, was printed in the Houston Post, December 9, 1911, page 8.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES
The Annexation of Texas. By Justin H. Smith. (New York: The Baker and Taylor Co. 1911. Pp. ix, 496.) 204
Exceptional opportunities and laborious industry have enabled Dr. Smith to give us a solid and comprehensive history of the annexation of Texas, based on a minute study of practically all the sources. Every phase of the subject is painstakingly, and, in most cases, it seems, conclusively covered. As gathered by the present reviewer, his most important conclusions, which agree in the main with recent investigations based on narrower sources, may be stated as follows: (1) The Texas revolution was “a legitimate measure of self-defense” against the despotism of Santa Anna. (2) The rebels were aided by people of the United States, and there were “no doubt substantial violations of the neutrality law,” but these “cannot be shown to have been the fault of our national authorities.” (3) “Very good reasons existed” for the recognition of Texas in March, 1837, and Jackson did well to follow the implied advice of Congress to recognize it. (4) Sectional influences caused the rejection of the Texan overtures for annexation in 1837, but by 1844 annexation sentiment was “largely non-partisan.” (5) British interest in Texas was very great, and though Aberdeen's government seems not to have entertained the idea of annexing Texas, in 1844 it calmly contemplated war, if necessary, to prevent its annexation by the United States. (6) Tyler's desire to effect annexation, therefore, though partly due to personal and political ambition, was backed by patriotism and sound statesmanship; and “the method adopted to avert the peril was the most available and very likely the only effectual one that could have been devised.” (7) Actually Texas was independent at the time, and the annexation treaty violated no principle of international law. (8) “Real opposition to the acceptance of Texas makes but a very small showing” in the rejection of the treaty, domestic politics being mainly responsible for its failure. (9) There was “no clear-cut issue between annexation and anti-annexation” in the election of 1844, and Polk's victory was not an endorsement of “immediate annexation”; nevertheless, “a large majority of the people” were “in favor of accepting Texas at an early date.” (10) Fear of injuring Clay's chances, and thereby furthering annexation, deterred England and France from a joint protest against annexation in 1844, but the subsequent withdrawal of France compelled England to work indirectly by inducing Mexico to recognize Texas on condition that it should remain independent. (11) Houston, Jones, and other prominent Texans favored the British plan, but the people were wildly in favor of annexation.
The book naturally contains some errors of fact, but they do not of themselves materially affect its value. Unfortunately, however, another fault may weaken the confidence of some readers in its worth. This is an occasional lack of perspective which is sometimes merely amusing, but which at other times leads to inconsistency and at still others to questionable conclusions. As an example of the first, take the statement (p. 39) that the Texan Mier expedition—in which the total loss was 261 men—“considerably impaired . . . the fighting strength of the nation.” And, remembering all of the facts, what must be thought of the argument (p. 386) that the practical Louis Philippe was influenced in his attitude toward annexation by the hope of eventually inheriting Spanish-America (including Texas) through the failure of the Spanish Bourbon line? As an example of inconsistency, on page 209 Calhoun represses disunion talk, but at the same time on page 211 he stimulates it. On page 392, England “could not afford to fight” the United States, but on page 394 it stood ready “to undertake a war in order to establish at the Sabine a perpetual barrier against us.” As an example of the third, it seems to the reviewer that, in order to heighten the danger of British influence, too much is made of the apparent changes of public opinion in Texas during 1837-1845 (pp. 69, 70, 74, and Chapters 17 and 20). And one feels that the influence of slavery is slighted before and exaggerated after April, 1844, in order to emphasize a “change of front” in the administration and to explain the Calhoun-Pakenham incident.
The system of citation used, though trying and sometimes uncertain, is probably defensible; but, whenever it is possible, copies should be distinguished from manuscript originals. For example, it should be stated that a note containing the word “improperly,” to which the author attaches a good deal of importance, is a copy. It seems less justifiable to cite articles from which considerable assistance was drawn without giving the names of the writers. And unexplained references to “a well known historian,” “the author of this passage,” etc., are at the present day inexcusable. However, these are faults of taste. The book as a whole stands for itself, and on most points it probably says the final word. It is fittingly dedicated to the memory of Professor Garrison.
Eugene C. Barker.
Hunter's Magazine, published at Ozona, is amply fulfilling its promise to chronicle “frontier history, border tragedy, pioneer achievement” in Texas. The first volume was completed with the October issue. Plans for improving and enlarging the magazine are announced.
The following articles have recently appeared in The Texas Magazine (Houston): Historic Briscoe County, by Adele B. Looscan (December); Mirabeau B. Lamar, by Julia Beazley (December); George W. Smyth, by Mrs. Lipscomb Norvell (February); Alexander Horton, by Katie Daffan (March); Reminiscences of a Castro Colonist, by H. D. Fretelliere (March).
AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION THE ANNUAL MEETING
The regular meeting of the Association was held at the University of Texas on March 2. On recommendation of the Executive Council a number of new members were elected. The following resolution was adopted endorsing a bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Hon. Morris Sheppard for the erection of a National Archives Building at Washington:
Resolved by the Texas State Historical Association in annual meeting assembled, That the President and Secretary be authorized to unite with the Texas Library and Historical Commission in a joint memorial to the House of Representatives of the United States, requesting that more adequate provision be made for safe-guarding the archives of the national government, and endorsing the plan of erecting a National Archive Building.
Resolved, further, That a copy of this memorial be sent to each Senator and Congressman from Texas.
The treasurer's report was received and approved. It is printed below, and it shows the Association to be in a fairly satisfactory financial condition. On recommendation of the Executive Council, the name of The Quarterly was changed to The Southwestern Historical Quarterly. Though as much Texas matter will hereafter be published as was formerly, the change of name will enable the Association to enlarge the scope of The Quarterly by publishing material on other portions of the Southwest. This, it is hoped, will lead to betterment of the Association's finances, and to a considerable enlargement of The Quarterly. Officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follows: Judge A. W. Terrell, president; Miss Katie Daffan, Mr. Beauregard Bryan, Dr. M. J. Bliem, Mrs. A. B. Looscan, vice-presidents; Dr. Charles W. Ramsdell, corresponding secretary and treasurer; Judge Z. T. Fulmore and Mrs. D. F. Arthur, members of the Executive Council.
At a meeting of the Fellows, Miss Elizabeth H. West was elected a Fellow, and the following members of the Executive Council were elected to the publication committee: Judge Z. T. Fulmore, Dr. W. J. Battle, and Mr. E. W. Winkler. The president and the recording secretary and librarian, Professor E. C. Barker, are ex efficiis members of the committee.
THE QUARTERLY OF THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Vol. XV APRIL, 1912 No. 4
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE: A. W. Terrell, Eugene C. Barker, E. W. Winkler, Z. T. Fulmore, W. J. Battle. EDITOR: Eugene C. Barker. ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Chas. W. Ramsdell, E. W. Winkler. AUSTIN, TEXAS. PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ASSOCIATION. Price, FIFTY CENTS per number. [Entered at the Postoffice at Austin, Texas, as second class matter.]CONTENTS.
Diplomatic Relations of Texas and the United States, 1839-1843 Thomas Maitland Marshall
British Correspondence Concerning Texas, II. Edited by Ephraim Douglass Adams
Notes and Fragments
Book Reviews
Affairs of the Association
The Texas State Historical Association
PRESIDENT:
A. W. Terrell.
VICE-PRESIDENTS:
Beauregard Bryan, Milton J. Bliem,
R. L. Batts, Luther W. Clark.
RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN:
Eugene C. Barker.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND TREASURER:
Charles W. Ramsdell.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:
President A. W. Terrell,
Ex-President Dudley G. Wooten,
Ex-President David F. Houston,
First Vice-President Beauregard Bryan,
Second Vice-President R. L. Batts,
Third Vice-President Milton J. Bliem,
Fourth Vice-President Luther W. Clark,
Recording Secretary and Librarian Eugene C. Barker
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer Charles W. Ramsdell,
State Librarian E. W. Winkler.
Fellows Eugene C. Barker for term ending 1913.
John C. Townes for term ending 1914.
Z. T. Fulmore for term ending 1915.
Members W. J. Battle for term ending 1913.
S. H. Moore for term ending 1914.
S. P. Brooks for term ending 1915.
Bride Neill Taylor for term ending 1916.
Dora Fowler Arthur for term ending 1917.
The Association was organized March 2, 1897. The annual dues are two dollars. The Quarterly is sent free to all members.
Contributions to The Quarterly and correspondence relative to historical material should be addressed to
EUGENE C. BARKER,
Austin, Texas.
All other correspondence concerning the Association should be addressed to
THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION,
Austin, Texas.
FELLOWS AND LIFE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The constitution of the Association provides that “Members who show, by published work, special aptitude for historical investigation may become Fellows. Thirteen Fellows shall be elected by the Association when first organized, and the body thus created may thereafter elect additional Fellows on the nomination of the Executive Council. The number of Fellows shall never exceed fifty.”
The present list of Fellows is as follows:
Barker, Prof. Eugene C. McCaleb, Dr. W. F.
Batts, Judge R. L. Miller, Dr. E. T.
Bolton, Prof. Herbert Eugene Neu, Mr. C. T.
Casis, Prof. Lilia M. Pennybacker, Mrs. Percy V.
Clark, Prof. Robert Carlton Ramsdell, Dr. Chas. W.
Cooper, President O. H. Rather, Dr. Ethel Zivley
Cox, Prof. I. J. Shepard, Judge Seth
Dunn, Mr. William Edward Smith, Prof. W. Roy
Estill, Prof. H. F. Terrell, Judge A. W.
Fulmore, Judge Z. T. Townes, Prof. John C.
Gaines, Judge R. R. West, Miss Elizabeth H.
Gray, Mr. A. C. Williams, Judge O. W.
Hatcher, Mrs. Mattie Austin Winkler, Mr. Ernest Wm.
Houston, President D. F. Wooten, Hon. Dudley G.
Kleberg, Judge Rudolph, Jr. Worley, Mr. J. L.
Looscan, Mrs. Adele B.
The constitution provides also that “Such benefactors of the Association as shall pay into its treasury at any one time the sum of thirty dollars, or shall present to the Association an equivalent in books, MSS., or other acceptable matter, shall be classed as Life Members.”
The Life Members at present are:
Autry, Mr. James L. Kirby, Mr. Jno. H.
Ayer, Mr. Edward Everett McFadden, Mr. W. P. H.
Baker, Mr. R. H. Minor, Mr. F. D.
Brackenridge, Hon. Geo. W. Moody, Mr. W. L.
Bundy, Mr. Z. T. Morehead, Mr. C. R.
Cochrane, Mr. Sam P. Neale, Mr. Wm. J.
Courchesne, Mr. A. Parker, Mrs. Edward W.
Crane, Mr. R. C. Rice, Hon. W. M.
Davidson, Mr. W. S. Schmidt, Mr. John
Dealey, Mr. George B. Sevier, Mrs. Clara D.
Dilworth, Mr. Thos. G. Todd, Mr. Charles S.
Donaldson, Mrs. Nana Smithwick Walker, Mr. J. A.
Washer, Mr. Nat M.
Gilbert, Mr. John N. Webb, Mr. Mack
Hanrick, Mr. R. A. Willacy, Hon. John G.
Kenedy, Mr. Jno. G. Williams, Judge O. W.
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THE QUARTERLY OF THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The management wishes to announce that the back volumes of the Quarterly can be purchased and that a complete set will be available as soon as the reprints are made. The first four volumes will be reprinted some time this year and will be sold at the following prices, on the installment plan, or for cash on delivery:
$4.25 per volume unbound;
$5.00 per volume bound in vellum cloth;
$5.50 per volume bound in leather.
Volumes V and VI are still to be had in the original copies for the following prices:
$3.00 per volume unbound;
$3.75 per volume bound in vellum cloth;
$4.25 per volume bound in leather.
All the remaining volumes can be had for:
$2.00 each unbound;
$2.75 for a vellum cloth binding; and
$3.25 for the leather binding.
Any member desiring to exchange loose numbers for bound volumes may do so by paying 75 cents for the cloth binding and $1.25 for the leather per volume.
ADDRESS THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, Austin, Texas, Book Department.
INDEX TO VOLUME XV
Aberdeen, George Gordon, Fourth Earl of, accession to the Foreign Office, 227-8 note 1, 244 note 1; instructions, cited, 297; letters, 294-6, 309-17, 321-3, 339-42, 345; letters to, 244-65, 317-19, 324-30, 332-3, 335-9, 343-9, 351-5; ratifying conference, 311, 333.
Abolition of Slavery, by Mexico, 228; in Texas, 216, 225-6, 231, 238-40, 245, 248.
Acevedo, Antonio de (Fray), 72, 73.
Acoma (Keresan pueblo), Indians, 100; location, 121; population, 1680, 121; revolt, 1680, 126-7.
Adaes Indians, 168.
Los Adaes (mission), 3, 6, 12, 15, 18 note 2, 48, 60-2.
Adai Indians, 15, 168; French treatment of, 5; reception of the Spanish, 51.
Adams, Ephraim Douglass, 172; British Interest and Activities in Texas, critical note, 274 note 6; Correspondence from the British Archives concerning Texas, 201-65, 294-355.
Addington, Henry Unwin, 294 note 1; letters, 294, 309, 330-1.
Adjutant-General's Office, abolished, 1856, 155; Archives, condition, 1852, 151-2; burning, 1855, 152-5; revival, 1860, 155.
Aes Indians, 168.
Affleck, J. D., 91.
Aguayo, Marquéz de San Miguel de, 18 note 2; appointment as governor of Texas and Coahuila, 20-1; Carta ..., critical note, 64; conference with Saint Denis, 44, 44 note 3, 45, 45 note 2, 56; councils of war, 31, 33, 39; expedition into Texas and Louisiana, 1719-22, 1-65, 80, 187; investigation of the abandonment of East Texas, 2 note 1; public services before appointment as governor, 20-1, following the expedition of 1719-22, 21-2; Representación ..., critical note, 64; route, 33-45; supplies and recruits, 25-9, supply-ship, 33, 53, 56. (See also The Aguayo Expedition...; Buckley, Eleanor Claire; Espinosa, Isidro Felix.)
The Aguayo Expedition into Texas and Louisiana, 1719-1722, 1-65.
Ais (mission), 12 note 1, 18 note 2; refounding, 49; site, 49-50.
Alabama Indians, 168.
Alameda (Tigua pueblo), 127-129.
Alamo, fall, 269.
Alarcón, Martin de (Governor of Coahuila and Texas), 4-5 note 3, 15 note 1, 18 note 2; correspondence with La Harpe, critical note, 10-11 note 4; delay at San Antonio, 7, 8 note 1; disregard of instructions, 13; expedition, 1718, 2, 2 note 4, 22; order, effect upon La Harpe's movements, 5 note 1; reception at Concepción, 1718, 7; Relación de los empleos ... del Sargento mayor D. Martin de Alarcón ..., critical note, 64-5; relinquishment of government, 21 note 5.
Albadadejo, Joseph (Fray), 32; assigned to Ais mission, 49 note 6.
Aleman, Ana María de, 28.
Alibamu Indians, 168.
Allen, S. T., 175 note 2.
Amoladero, Bayou, Aguayo's crossing, 49 note 5.
Amory, Nathaniel (Texan chargé, United States), 273, 275-6; diplomatic negotiations in the United States, 275-8.
Anadarko Indians (Nadaco), 168; account of the attack upon Los Adaes, 16.
Anayo, Cristóbal (Sarjento mayor), 124.
Anayo, Francisco de (Capt.), 113.
Andreu (fiscal), 197-8.
Andrews, H. B., committee report, extract, 151-2.
Andrews, S. P., 87.
Angelina (Aynay woman), 42-3, 42-3 note 5.
Animas, Rio de las (i. e. Brushy Creek), 38, 38-9 note 4, 39 note 1.
Annexation of Texas, 213, 279; alleged intrigues of the United States for, 249; British interest against, 302; efforts for, 302; Houston's attitude, 279, 279 note 4, 280; Kennedy's influence, 265; negotiations, 289-93; offer of Texas to the United States, 226, 267, pressure upon Texas, 300; prospects, 1842, 254-6; Smith's conclusions regarding, 279, 357-8; state of opinion in the South regarding, 1842, 302; state of opinion in Texas, 1836, 213, 1837, 213, 215, 1840, 226, 1842, 254-5, 257, 264-5, 302-3; state of opinion in the United States, 1842, 254-5, 280, 303.
Anti-slavery Society, British, 248, 248 note 1, 261 note 2.
Apache Indians, 32, 32 note 4, 34-5 note 1, 73, 76, 101; alliance with the Kadohadacho, reported, 190; campaign against, 1732, 81; co-operation in the Pueblo revolt, 1680, 102, 102 note 4, 107-8, 125, 142-3; dangers from, 83; French-Téxas campaign against, 77; hostilities against San Antonio, 80; in Texas, 1718-50, 186-8; neighboring tribes, 76 note 1; range, 75, 78, 80, 200; relations with the Jumano, 67-8; treaty, 1731, 187; tribal relations, 67-8, 77-83. (See also Jumano, Kiowa Apache.)
Apache Indians, Eastern, hostility to Spain, 187; missionary activities among, 186-200, before 1752, 188-196; missionary progress among, to 1749, 188-9; motives for entering missions, 200; peace of 1749, 188-9, 191, requests for missions, 188-9. (See also Dunn, William Edward.)
Aranda, Antonio de (Fray), 118.
Arbuckle, Matthew (U. S. Army), 273 note 5.
Archer, Branch Tanner, casting vote, 178; inaugural address as president of the Consultation, 1835, extract, 175.
Archives of Texas, appropriation for printing a volume, 166; burning, 1845, 148-51, 1855, 151-5; temporary custody after the Archive War, 148-50; office of the Adjutant-General, 151-2; Navy Department, 155; State Department, 154; War Department, 154.
Arista, Mariano (Gen.), 263, 263 note 2.
Arkokisa Indians (Ocoquisa, etc.), 168.
Army of Texas, 205, 300, 353-4; composition, discipline, headquarters, strength, supplies, 1837, 211.
Arricivita, Juan Domingo (Fray), Crónica Seráfica y Apostólica ..., critical note, 63.
Arroyo, Joseph de (Capt.), 30.
Arroyo de los Jumanos, 80.
Assinais, see Hainai.
Attoyac Bayou, 49 note 5.
Austin, Stephen Fuller, colony, 169, 172; disapproval of the Declaration of Causes, 184, 184-5 note 2; letter extract, 184-5 note 2; letter to, extract, 177; plan for the action of the Consultation, 175, 178-9; remains removed to the State Cemetery, 87; suggestions for the action of the Consultation, 175 note 1, 176, 178-9.
Austin, 34, 250; commercial unimportance, 1842, 318-19; diplomatic representatives at, 1842, 319; government removed from, 1842, 331; growth, c. 1839-41, 233; newspapers, 152; route to, from Houston, 1842, 255, from New Orleans, 253; selected as capital till 1850, 140.
Austin (Texas corvette), armament and situation, 1842, 326.
Axson, A. Forster (M. D.), 346-7.
Ayeta, Antonio de (Fray), 94, 98, 99.
Aynay Indians, 42; cacique, 43.
Backhouse, John, 204.
La Bahía, 34, 61; mission, 60-2.
Bahía Road, 34-5 note 1.
Bandelier, Adolphe Francis Alphonse, 94, 95, 96, 97.
Barcía, Esteban (Alférez), 123.
Barker, Eugene Campbell, 1, 360; book review, 357-9; The Texan Declaration of Causes for Taking up Arms against Mexico, 173-185.
Barrera, Juan Manuel, 27.
Barrett, D. C., 177, Plan for the Declaration of Causes, 178-80, 182, 183.
Barron, Sam B. (Capt.), obituary, 356.
Bastrop, 307.
Beazley, Julia, 359.
Beaurain, —, Chevalier de, 10-11.
Beaver Creek, 69 note 3.
Becerra Luque, Francisco (Capt.), 29.
Bee, Barnard E., 271, 273; chargé d'affaires to the United States, 272, 273, 275, 278-9; diplomatic negotiations in the United States, 273-6, 280, 293; Mexican mission, double commission, 241, 268-70, 293; recommendation of Treat, 271.
Benavides, Alonso (Fray), 97, 116.
Benjamin, Gilbert Giddings, The Germans in Texas: A Study in Immigration ..., review, 170-1.
Bera, Domingo de (Fray), 118.
Bermuda Islands, 243-4 note 1.
Bernal, Juan (Fray), 103-4 note 4.
Bidai, Indians (Bidays), 41.
Bidwell, John, 298; letters to, 202-4, 297-8, 318-21, 342-3.
Big Cedar Creek, 41.
Big Jim (Shawnee leader), 168.
Big Mush (Cherokee chief), 168.
Bigotes (Apache chief), 199.
Big Tree (Adoeette, Kiowa chief), 168.
Bill's Creek, mission on, 48 note 3.
Blockade of eastern Mexican ports, by France, 1838, 321, 321 note 2; by Texas, 1842, 297, 297 note 2, 312, 314 note 1, 320-1, 325, 327-8, 341.
Blondel, — (French commandant, Natchitoches), 15-16, 18; attack upon los Adaes, 6, 10-11; censured by La Harpe, 16-17; letter, synopsis, 17; testimony, 17.
Boca de Leones, garrison, 82.
Bolivar, head of Brazos navigation, 307; shoals near, 306.
Bolivar Ferry, location, 206.
Bolton, Herbert Eugene, 1, 267 note 1; contributions to the Handbook of American Indians, critical note, 63, review, 168; etymology suggested by, 42-3 note 5; identification of the site of Dolores presidio, 47 note 3; of the Nasoni mission, 48 note 3, of San Francisco mission, 43 note 2, 45 note 3, of San Francisco Xavier de Nájera, 55; The Jumano Indians in Texas, 1650-1771, 66-83; manuscript collection, critical note, 63; The Mission Records at San Antonio, critical note, 63; The Native Tribes about the East Texas Missions, critical note, 63; notes, 8 note 1, 12 note 1, 34-5 note 1, 39 note 1; “Notes on Clark's The Beginnings of Texas,” critical note upon, 63; Summary of the founding of San Lorenzo Mission, note upon, 197 note 1.
Bonilla, Joaquin de, 125 note 8.
Bosque, Fernando de, 75.
Bosque River, confluence with the Brazos, 40, 40 note 2; name, 40 note 2.
Boundaries of Texas, 229, 232, 346, Texan claims, 269, 271-2, 280.
Bowie County, 307; cotton crop, 1840-2, 308. (See also Counties on Red River.)
Bowie Knife, “Arkansas tooth-pick,” 221.
The Bowl (Cherokee chief), 168.
Bowles Creek, missions on, 45 note 3.
Brazoria, 209; business, 206; site, 206.
Brazoria County, cotton crop, 1840-2, 308; cotton lands, value, 306.
Brazos de Dios Rio de los, 39 note 1, 40.
Brazos de Santiago, 205.
Briscoe County, 359.
Brower, John H., 278 note 1.
Brushy Creek, Aguayo's crossing, 38; confluence with Little River, 39 note 1; name, 38-9 note 4.
Bua, Nicolás (Governor of San Juan), 101-2.
Bucarely, Antonio (Viceroy), letters to, cited, 83-4, 196 note 2.
Buckley, Eleanor Claire, 165; The Aguayo Expedition into Texas and Louisiana, 1719-1722, 1-65.
Buffalo, range, 72, 78-9, 192.
Buffalo Bayou, 157; debouchment, 207.
Burnet, David G., 174, 271-2.
Burnley, Albert T., 230-1, note 3.
Bustillo y Zevallos, Antonio de (Governor of Texas), Apache campaign, 1732, 81, 187; investigating expedition, 1754, 198-9; memorial, extract, 82-3, residencia, autos, extract, 81.
Cabello, Domingo, 189 note 1.
Cabeza Indians, 76.
Caddo Indians, 168; depredations in Texas, 273-4.
Cadillac, Antoine de la Mothe (Governor of Louisiana), attitude toward Spanish occupation of East Texas, 56 note 2; expedition sent by, 1717, 3 note 2.
Cadodacho Indians, see Kadohadacho.
Cadodacho River, 23.
Campeche, 61; decisive operations in, expected, 354; troops at, 354.
Campbell, Alexander, letter to, 160-1.
La Cañada (New Mexico town), attack upon, 1680, 114; deaths of Spaniards reported, 135; defence, 135; escape of Spaniards, 114, 120, 133, 137; site, 113, 113 note 2.
Canary Islands, colonists from, 61-2.
Candelaria (mission, San Gabriel River), 168.
Canning, Charles John (Earl Canning), biographical note, 252 note 2.
Cantona Indians, chief, 77, 79 note 4.
Cantor, Bartolomé (Chief, Galisteo), 118-19 note 3.
Cantú, Juan (Capt.), 30.
Carbajal, Agustín de (Capt.), 124.
Cárdenas, Alonzo de (Capt.), 29, 31, 47.
Carpio, Bernardo del, 27.
Carranea, Juan, 28.
Casañas de Jesús María, Francisco (Fray), testimony regarding the Jumano, 78.
Castillo, Diego del (Capt.), expedition, 1650, 69, 69 note 3, 70-1, 71 note 2.
Castro, Henri, colony, recollections of, empresario grant, 262 note 4.
Catqueza Indians, 77, 77 note 4, 78.
Cattle, export from Texas, 236; region of Texas, 224.
Catua (Tesuque Indian), 103-6, 111, 117, 125, 132.
Caynaaya Indians, 77-8.
Chanes, Rio de (i. e. Llano River), 80.
Chávez, Fernando de (Sarjento mayor), 109, 114.
Chenti Indians, 81.
Cheocas (Aynay chief), 47.
Cherokee Indians, depredations in Texas, 273-4; relations with Texas, 169; treaty, Feb. 23, 1836, rejected, 169.
Chilton, Horace (U. S. Senator), 162.
Chocolate Bayou, cotton lands, crops, 1841-2, 308.
Cibola Indians, 77, 77 note 4, 78.
La Ciénega (Tanos and Keresan pueblo), 120 note 1; chief, 103 note 4, 104-5 note 3, 105; location, 115; racial affiliations, 115, 115-16 note 5, 116; revolt, 1680, 117, 136, 138.
Clark, Robert Carleton, The Beginnings of Texas, critical note, 63.
Cleto, Rio (?), 57.
Climate of Texas, 234-5, in relation to labor, 225-6.
Coahuila, boundary, 229; governor, 20; Jumano on the border of, 76-7; separation of Texas from, 178.
Cobian Busto, Antonio, 26-7.
Cochití (Keresan pueblo), 120-22.
Codallos y Rabal, Joseph (Dr., vicar-general), 30-1, 57.
Colombia (steamer), slave trade, 228.
Colón, Miguel (Capt.), 29, 31.
Colonists for Texas, Espinosa's suggestion regarding, 24; secured by Espinosa, 24.
Colorado Indians, 76.
Comanche Indians, 84; pressure upon the Apache, 188.
Commercial Agent of Great Britain in Texas, suggestion for, 218, discussed, 223-4.
Commissioner of Claims, 155.
Common Law, adopted in Texas, 236-7.
Concepción (Hainai mission), 10-12, 45-8, 56, 60.
Concepción (mission, San Antonio), site, 55.
Conchas, Rio de las (i. e. Concho?) 70.
Concho River, 74; identity, 68-74.
Confederate Memorial Society, 87.
Confederate Monuments, Kaufman, 266; Victoria, 356.
Confederate Museum (Richmond, Va.), 81.
Constitutional Conventions of Texas, 1845, 148; 1875, 164-5, 266.
Consul, British, requested, 301-2.
Consultation of Texas, 1835, 174-85; MS., compared with the printed Journal, 176 notes 1-5.
Contraband trade, 305.
Copano Bay, 206; confusion with Corpus Christi Bay, 205-6; description, 205.
Corn, planting, 1837, 207; production, 220, 235, 307.
Corpus Christi Bay (i. e. Copano Bay), 205.
Correspondence from the British Archives concerning Texas, 201-65, 294-355.
Cortinas, Juan (Capt.), 29, 31, 47, 48.
Cost of living, in Galveston, in Texas generally, 1842, 298.
Costales, Gabriel (Capt.), 29, 51, 57.
Cotton, crops in Texas, 207, 308; export, from Texas, 219, 301, 304-5; importance, 220, 235; lands suitable for, 219-20, 306; plantations in Texas, 206, 226; planters' wish for a commercial treaty with England, 217-18; price, 218, 234-5; production, 204, 213, 219, 234-5, 304, 306-7; quality, 226, 306; trade, 208, 213, 218, 226-7, 235, 237; transit duty, 216; transportation, 206.
Cramayel, Jules Edouard, Vicomte de, 287 note 2.
Crawford, John (British consul, New Orleans), 250-1.
Crawford, Joseph T. (British vice-consul), letters, 202-17; mission to Texas, 202-17, comment, 209-10 note 3, stay in Houston, 1837, 209.
Cristóbal, Juan, 28.
Crockett, Elizabeth (Mrs. David), monument, design approved, 266.
Crockett, George L. (Rev.), gift to the Association, 87; notes on Ais Mission, 50.
Crockett Courier, cited, 164.
Crops, 13-14, 206-7, 211, 304, 355.
Crozat, Antoine, attitude toward Spanish occupation of East Texas, 5 note 2; monopoly in Louisiana, 3.
Cuartelejo, 68, 69 note 3.
Cuellar, Pedro de, 124.
Cuitoat Indians, 76 note 1.
Currency of Texas, 221, 254.
Customs, receipts, 1840, 222; service, 207-8.
Cuyamunque (pueblo), 112; location, 110; revolt, 1680, 112, 133.
Daffan, Katie, 156, 359, 360.
Daggett, — (Capt.), company, 163.
Deadose Indians, 41, 168.
Dehezas, Marcos de (Alcalde mayor, Taos), 103-4 note 4.
De León, Alonso (Gen.), 59; Derrotero ..., 1689, critical note, 65; Derrotero ..., 1690, critical note, 65; expedition, 1689, 77; route, 1690, 34.
Destruction of Historical Archives of Texas (Winkler), 148-55. Burning of the Office of the Treasurer of the Republic of Texas, 148-51; Burning of the Office of the Adjutant General of Texas, 151-5.
Deutsch-Texanische Monatshefte, German-Texas history in, 85.
Dibrell, Ella Payton Dancy (Mrs. Joseph B.), 85.
Dickinson, John, 185.
Diez, Joseph (Fray, Guardian), 2.
Dios, Juana de, 27.
Diplomatic Relations of Texas and the United States, 1838-1843 (Marshall), 267-93.
Dobbs, C. E. W. (Rev.), 156.
Dollar Notes of Texas, value, 1840, 221.
Dolores, Mariano de los (Fray), passim, 189-200.
Dolores (mission), 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 49, 53, 60-1.
Dolores (presidio), 12, 43, 44, 47, 48.
Dominguez, Juan, 129.
Dominges de Mendosa, Damiana (Doña), 124.
Douai, Adolf, 171.
Douay, Anastase (Père), 76.
Douglas, Peter John (commodore), biographical note, 240 note 1.
Dulchioni Indians, 16.
Dunlap, Richard G., 273, 269-73, 293.
Dunn, William Edward, 83 note 3, 94 note 3, 165; Apache Relations in Texas, 1718-1750, summary, 187-8; Missionary Activities among the Eastern Apaches previous to the Founding of the San Saba Mission, 168-200.
Eagle (Mexican naval vessel), 277-8.
Eaton, — (Rev.), 343.
Ecleto River (?), 57.
Edwards, Charles, 253; biographical note, 253 note 1.
Eliza Russell (British merchantman), case, 315, 315 note 2, 316, 316 note 3, 317, 335-6.
Elliot, Charles (Sir), 201, 341; additional expense-allowances, 331, 334; appointments: as chargé to Texas 244, 309, as consul-general to Mexico, 243-4, as consul-general to Texas, 252, 294-5; arrival at Galveston, 1842, 327, 332; biographical note, 201, 243 note 1; consular despatches, note upon, 309 note 3; diplomatic negotiations in Texas, 315 note 2, 316, 327-31, 335-8, 348-52; instructions to, 295-6, 309-14, 317, comment, 325, 327-8, 335-6; letters, 252, 324-50, 352, 352 note 2, 353-5; letters to, 243-4, 252, 294-300, 309-17, 321-3, 330-1, 341-2, 346; negotiations regarding the Eliza Russell and the Little Penn, 315, 316; office records, note upon, 201-2; ordered to Texas, 294; salary, 295; services, 171; Texan residence, 331.
Eltham's Landing, 91.
Emigration to Texas, from Great Britain, British protection for, 224, 226, warning against, 227-8 note 1, 334; from the Western United States, 214.
Emperor (schooner), 214.
Encarnaciôn del Verbo, Rio de la (i. e. Trinity River), 42 note 2.
Escalante, Silvestre Velez, letter, correction, 72 note 3.
Escanjaques Indians, 76 note 1.
Esmiquilpa, 27.
Espejo, Antonio, expedition, 1582-3, 68, 96.
Espinosa, Isidro Félis, passim, 1-79.
Espíritu Santo Bay (La Bahía), 53-4, 56; Aguayo at, 55-6; corporal, recommendations, 61; French designs and movements against, 22, 31, 56-7; Spanish occupation, 6 note 1, 22-4, 32-3, 55-61. (See also Bahía; Espíritu Santo de Zuñiga; Loreto.)
Espiritu Santo, Rio del (i. e. Colorado River), 38 note 1.
Espiritu Santo, Rio del (i. e. Little River), 39 note 1.
Espíritu Santo de Zuñiga (mission), founding, 57-8, 61; grant to Fray Agustín Patrón, 58.
Eve, Joseph, diplomatic negotiations in Texas, 336; instructions to, noted, 336; residence in Texas, 331.
Eyeish Indians, 168.
Faraon Indians, 83.
Farfan, Francisco (Fray), 137.
Fields, Richard (Cherokee Chief), 168.
Finances of Texas, 216-17, 221-3, 227, 254, 258-9.
Fisher, S. Rhoads, 210.
Fisher, William S., 175, 210.
Flaco (Lipan chief), 168.
Flax, production in Red River county, 307.
Flores, Antonio de 27.
Flores, María, 27.
Flores, Nicolás (Capt.), Apache campaign, 1723, 187.
Flores y Valdes, Nicolás (Sergeant), 29.
Fourth Texas Mounted Volunteers, Company I, 164.
France, commercial treaty with Texas, comment, 217; encroachment in East Texas, 6-8, 10-19, 22; hostility to Mexico, 1838, 268; Indian policy, 3-4, 7, 13; influence in Texas, 245; joint intervention between Texas and Mexico, negotiations for, 286-8; mission to Texas, 237; opposition to annexation, 358.
Franciscans, College at Querétaro: 2, missions, 28-9, 46-8, 196-200; opposition to the mission of San Joseph y San Miguel de Aguayo, 28-9, representative, 7-8; College at Zacatecas: 2, missions, 1-3, 32, 49, 52, missions, capital, 49, representative 7-8.
Francisco (Chief, San Ildefonso), 110.
Francisco Lorenzo (San Felipe Indian), testimony, 122. (See also Juan Lorenzo).
Franco-Texan Bill, Houston's advocacy of, 246; provisions, 246 note 2; reintroduction, 255.
Fray Cristóbal, Parage de (New Mexico), junction of refugees at, 1680, 147; retreat from, 1680, 147.
Fretelliere, H. D. Reminiscences of a Castro Colonist, cited, 359.
Furs, export from Texas, 236; trade in Texas, possibilities, 234.
Galisteo (Tanos pueblo), 103-4.
Galveston, 259; British consulate, 248-297-9, 318-20, 326, 339-41, 351-2; communication with Houston, 1842, 327, 331; with New Orleans, 221, 324; cost of living, 298; French consulate, 318; Growth, about 1838-41, 233; lawlessness, 221; port, 219; Protestant Episcopal Church, 343; route from, to Austin, 1842, 253; time from, to foreign ports, 234, 253; trade, 299; United States consulate, 318.
García, Alonso (Lieut. Gov.), 100, 109, 126-29, 144-47.
García, Lorenzo (Capt)., 29.
García, Martín de (Fray), 199-200.
García, Mathías (Capt.), 31.
García, Pedro (Tano Indian), 98.
Garcitas River (?), 59 60; Aguayo's crossing, 57.
Garrapatas, Rio de, identification, 38.
Garraway, Joseph, 218 note 1; letter to, 218-27.
Garza Falcón, Alexandro de la, 83-4.
General Land Office of Texas, 148, 152, 154; act regarding, Dec. 22, 1836, provisions, 216.
Georgia, cotton producing capacity, 204, 219; slaveholders' competition with Spanish, prophesied, 225.
The Germans in Texas ... (Benjamin), review, 170-1.
Germar, Albert Max von, translation of Texas laws, note upon, 87-8.
Gerónimo (Indian), 80 note 3.
Gillespie, James (Capt.), company, 163.
Gillett, James S. (Major, Adjutant-General), 152; letter to, 155.
Giraud Creek, 74 note 1.
Godo, El de (Apache chief), 199.
Goitía, Joseph de, 113.
Gomez, Andrés, 142.
Gomez, Antonio, 134-5.
Gomez de la Cadena, Francisco (Fray), order to, 136-7.
Gomez Robledo, Francisco, 105, 132, 135.
Gonzales, — (Fray), 188.
El Gordo (Apache chief), 199.
Grain, export from Texas, 236; loss, 1836, 207; production in Texas, possibilities, 234; region of Texas adapted for, investigation suggested, 224.
Granillo, Luís de (Alcalde mayor), 125-127.
Grayson, Peter W., 210, 215.
Great Britain, alleged encouragement of Mexican hostility to Texas, 300; cooperation in joint intervention between Texas and Mexico, negotiations regarding, 286-7; influence and rule in North America opposed, 246, 246 note 3; interests in the Southwest in relation to the Northwestern boundary question, 247; interests in Texas, 287, 293, 301-11; mediation between Texas and Mexico, 240-1, 241 note 1, 257, 286, 301-2; 312 note 3, 313-14, 329, 342; mission to Texas suggested, 1841, 240; opposition to annexation, 358; relations with Texas, 310-11; Texan diplomatic agent, 215, 215 note 1; trade: with Mexico, 235-7, 239-40, with Texas, 218-19, 223-4, 235-7, 239-40, 318-19. (See also Elliot, Charles; Kennedy, William; Mediation; Mexico; Pakenham, Richard; Palmerston, Henry John Temple, third Viscount; Trade; Treaties.)
Greer, John A. (Secretary of the Treasury), annual report, 1845, extract, 150-1.
Guadalajara, Diego de, expedition, 1654, 69, 71, 71 note 3, 73.
Guadalupe (Mexican steamer), case, 322, 322 note 3, 323, 328, 241.
Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe mission), 53, 56; capital, 2; ecclesiastical control, 2; founding, 60-1 note 3; refounding, 48-9; site, 1.
Guadalupe, Rio de (i. e. Comal River), 36, 36 note 1, 37.
Guadalupe River, 36 note 1, 37 note 1, 233; buffalo plains, 29; crossing of Aguayo, 36-7, of De León, 34, of Terán, 34; Jumano near, 77; mission, plan for, 189-91; Peña's description, 37; source, 36 note 1.
Guadarrama, Joseph de, 123.
Guerra, Gabriel (Fray), 32, 32 note 3.
Guerra, Joseph (Fray), 45.
Guinda, Pedro de, 26-7.
Gutierrez Varona, Felix (Fray), assigned to San Lorenzo mission, 200.
Hackett, Charles Wilson, 165; The Revolt of the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico in 1680, 93-147.
Hainai Indians, 16, 42, 42-3 note 5, 57, 76, 168-9; Alarcón's retreat from, 11; mission, 42-3 note 5, 45-8; pueblo promised, 46; Saint Denis among, 5 note 1; Spanish establishment, French opposition, 5 note 2, 6 note 1.
Hamilton, James, 230, 241, 245, 257, 259, 271, 315.
Hamilton, Joseph (British naval commander), 213, 217, 219, 223.
Hardeman, Mary E. (Mrs. William P.), 162.
Hardeman, William P. (General), 162.
Hart, Caroline, see Neill, Caroline Hart.
Harvey, Ike S. (Capt.), scouts, 163.
Harvey, Thomas, joint letter, 346-7.
Hatcher, Mattie Austin (Mrs. Maurice S.), Municipal Government of San Antonio de Bexar, correction, 24-5 note 3.
Hefford, James T., 346-7.
Henderson, James Pinckney, 210, 217, 223, 274, 315.
Hermita de Nuestra Señora, New Mexico, Indians' attempt to fire, 1680, 141.
Herrera, Cristóbal de, 111.
Herrera, Manuel de (Capt.), 29, 59.
Herrera, Sebastian de (Sarjento mayor), 109.
Hidalgo, Francisco (?Fray), missionary efforts among the Apache, 188.
Hidalgo, Pedro, attack upon, 1680, 111-12; escape to Santa Fé, 133-4.
Hodge, Frederick Webb, conclusions regarding the Jumano, 66-9, 74-5, 83; Handbook of American Indians ..., review, 167-9.
Hogg, James Stephen (Governor), 163.
Hood, John B. (Gen.), 163.
Hood's Texas Brigade, Its Marches, Battles, and Achievements (Polley), review, 90-1.
Hook, James, biographical note, 230 note 1; identity, 230 note 1; letter, 230-40.
Hope, — (Capt.), 205, 209-10 note 3.
Horcasitas (mission), 168.
Horton, Alexander, 359.
Houston, A., 175 note 2.
Houston, Sam (Gen.), 178, 210, 331; administrations: first, Texan diplomatic relations, 267, second, 278-93; advocacy of French interest in Texas, 246-7; army, 163; attitude toward annexation, 249, 279, 279 note 4, 280, 290-1, 358; desire to stop illegal slavetrade, 214; jealousy of Hamilton, 260; Kennedy's flattery of, 260; letters, 160-1, 259; life, Kennedy's plan to write, 261-2; messages, comment, 214, 255, 257, note 2, 285, 330; military service in the United States, 160; monument at Huntsville, unveiled, 85; motion, Consultation, 1835, 183-4; proposal of Santa Anna to, and Houston's reply, 1843, 289; on declaration committee, 1835, 175, 175 note 2; order, alleged, to burn San Felipe, 156, 156 note 2; orders, 148, 325, 328; proclamation, cited, 289; public policy, 211, 263, 279, 279 note 4, 280, 293, 328-30, 338, 342, 352; reception of Elliot, 1842, 328-9; re-election as president, 246-7; requests: for British mediation, 1842, 329, for joint mediation, 1842, 336-7; regarding Santa Fé prisoners, 258-9; resolution, Nov. 4, 1835, 177; revocation of blockade order, 314 note 1, 325, 336; San Jacinto campaign, 156-60, 354; treaty with the Cherokee, 1836, reasons for rejection, 169; treatment of Crawford, 209-10; warlike intentions, 1842, 300.
Houston Family Homestead, Lexington, Va., 160.
Houston (city), 148, 204, 207, 209, 233, 253, 331.
Houx, N. P., 164.
Huddle, William Henry, 162.
Hunter, John Dunn (Cherokee Indian), 168.
Hunter's Magazine, notice, 359.
Hurtado, Nicolás (Fray), escape, 1680, 126.
Hyerbipiamo Indians, mission, 55.
Immigration into Texas, capital necessary, 254; character, 1841-2, 254; effect, 1840-1, 230-1; inducements offered for, 220; from the South, 301; monthly rate, 1840, 220.
Imports into Texas, 1837-8, 219; 1840, 305 note 1; direct, from France and England, 1840-2, 305; from the United States, 1840-2 305.
Independence of Texas, 231-2; defended by Kennedy, 244 note 1; maintenance of, 210, 212-13, 256-7, 344.
Indians of Texas, numbers 1841, 233.
Ireland, Anna Maria (Mrs. John), death, 162.
Isleta Tigua (pueblo, New Mexico), 68, 104, 109, 127, 130, 142.
Jacona (New Mexico pueblo), 110, 112; part in the revolt, 1680, 112.
Jediondas Indians, 73.
Jemes Indians (Hemes, Xemes), 100, 115; pueblos: abandonment, 121, location, 110; revolt, 1680, 124-7.
Jemez (pueblo), 106, 128; refugees from, 1680, 128.
Johnson, Moses (Dr., Treasurer of the Republic, 1840), 150.
Jolly, Stewart L., 203.
Jones, Anson (President), 149, 290, 292; appointment as secretary of state, 279; attitude toward annexation, 279 note 4, 358; instructions, 287, 289-90; letter, extract, 278, note upon, 278 note 3; policy, 279, 279 note 4.
Judicial System of Texas, 236-7.
Julimeños Indians, 195.
The Jumano Indians in Texas, 1650-1771 (Bolton), 66-84. (The Jumano mystery, 66-8, the identity of the “Rio de las Noezes,” home of the Jumano, 68-74, data regarding the Jumano in Southwest Texas between 1683 and 1718, 74-9, between 1716 and 1750: the Jumano in alliance with the Apache, 80-3, the Jumano at war with the Taovayas, 1771, 83-4.)
Justice, administration of, in Texas, 1837, 211.
Kadohadacho Indians, 13, 19, 23, 23 note 4, 168; alliance with the Apache, reported, 190; among the Assinais, 57; at Concepción mission, 56; at the refounding of Concepción mission, 47; Delisle among, 76; fort among, ordered by Felipe V, 23-4; French fort among, 3, 3 note 3; friendly to the French, 190; with Saint Denis, 45.
Kaiser, John Boynton, 165; note, 87-8.
Karankawa Indians, 168-9.
Kennedy, William (British consul, etc.), 201; achievements in Texas, 262, 265; Arrival at Austin, 1842, 257, 257 note 2; biographical data, 172, 201, 244 note 1; channel of his official communication with England, 250-1; confidence in his own ability, 299; consular appointment, British, 248, 297-9, 318-21, 326, 339, 351-2; consular appointment, Texan, 261-2, 318; course toward Hamilton at Austin, 259-62, 264; empresario grant and colonization schemes, 261-2, 351; experience with the Bank of Louisiana, 1842, 253; flattery of Houston, 261; influence upon the ratification of the slavetrade treaty, 245, 255, 257, 257 note 2; instructions to, 340-1, 352; itinerary, 1841-2, 252-3, 259, 260-1 (return); letters, 244-58, 260-1, 264-5, 297-300, 317-21, 324, 326, 351-2; letters to, 259-60; 339-41; mission to Texas, 1841, 244-61, 264-5; public services, 299; recommendation of Rate, 318 note 1; return to England: 1839, 248, 1842, 264; The Rise, Progress, and Prospects of the Republic of Texas, notes upon, 62, 244 note 1, 318; salary, 298-9, 340; trading privilege, 340, 351.
Keresan Family (Queres), 100, 115, 115-16 note 5, 120-7; New Mexico pueblos, location and population, 1680, 120-1.
Kerr, James (Major, surveyor for De León's colony), 60 note 1.
Kiamichi (printed Kiamiska) River, 307.
Kichi Indians, 168.
Kiowa Apache (Natagés, Natajés), 83, 197; dangers from, 195.
Labor in Texas, conditions, 1840, 225-6; question on the coast plantations, 226; system, 248; wages, 1842, 298.
Lafrentz, Ludolf F., death, 85.
Lamar, Mirabeau Buonaparte, 210, 359; administration, Texan diplomatic relations during, 267-78; diplomatic appointments, 267-8, 270-279; proclamation of neutrality, noted, 273; public policy, 267-8, 293; Santa Fé expedition, 256.
Lands of Texas, bounty, 160, 220; cotton-producing capacity, 219; cultivation, 1836-7, 211-12; grants, 216; empresario, 261-2, 262 note 4; “land poverty,” 1840, 223; prices, 1837, 216, 1840, 219, compared with United States prices, 304-6; public, 222, 227, 262; scrip, 216; surveyor's fees, 223; tax, 223; titles, investigation of, suggested, 224.
Lara, Juan Antonio de, 12.
Larios, Juan (Fray), 75.
Lavaca River, 211; forts on or near, 58-60, 60 note 1.
Laws of Texas, administration of, 1837, 211, 1840, 220; modeled on those of the United States, 220.
Lawson, H. M., 152.
Leiva, Dorotea, Juan, Nicolás, Pedro, 119.
Linwood Crossing, 47.
Lindsley, Philip, obituary, 266.
Lipan Indians, 84, 168; pacification, 188.
Lipscomb, Abner S., letters, cited, 273 note 5; letters to, cited, 272 note 6, 273 notes 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, 274 notes 3 and 5.
Little Brazos River, name, 37 note 1, 40.
Loan of Texas, “Belgian commissioner,” 264, 264 note 2; Belgian-Texan agreement (“international agreement”), proposed, 263, 263 note 3, 264 note 2; in France, rumors regarding, 242, 242 note 1; speculation in Texas liabilities in expectation of, 221; terms proposed by Texas, 221-2.
Looscan, Adele Briscoe (Mrs.), 359.
López, Nicolás (Fray), 72, 75, 75 note 2.
Loreto (presidio), description, 58; founding, 56-8; garrison, 58; site, 58-60, 60 note 1.
Lorezana, Antonio de (Fray), 123.
Lyle, D. C., gift to the University, 160.
Lytton Springs, 37 note 1.
McLaughlin, James W. (Dr.), 171.
Mainzer Adelsverein (German Emigration Company), 170.
Maldonado, Lucas (Fray), 127.
Maldonado, Xavier, 12 note 1.
Margil De Jesús, Antonio (Fray), 10, 11, 28, 32, 47, 52; appeal to the Viceroy, 13-14; Carta . . ., critical note, 64; connection with the mission of Guadalupe, 49.
Marion (“landing”), 206, 209.
Marquez, Vernavé (Sarjento mayor, alcalde mayor), 120; defence, 1680, 136.
Marshall, Thomas Maitland, Diplomatic Relations of Texas and the United States, 1839-1843, 267-93; The Southwestern Boundary of Texas, 1821-1840, correction, 272 note 1.
Martin, Hernan (Capt.), expedition, 1650, 69, 69 note 3, 70-1, 71 note 2.
Massanet, Damian (Fray), 35-6 note 1. 36 note 1, 39 note 1, 41 note 1, 42 note 2, 77 notes 3 and 4, 78; expedition, 1691, 79 note 1.
Matagorda (seaport), 219; British consul asked for, 345-7, Elliot's inability to appoint, 347; British consular supervision, 319; consulate of France at, 319, of the United States, 319; growth, c. 1838-41, 233; location, 346; trade, 1842, 319, prospects, 346.
Matagorda Bay, 77, 205; description, 206.
Mayeye Indians, 168.
Mayfield, James S. (Texan Secretary of State), 275-6.
Medina, battle of, 344.
Mendosa, Leonor de (Doña), 124.
Mendoza, Juan Dominguez de, expedition, 1684, 71-75, 77.
Menefee, William, 175 note 2.
Merchant (steamship), loss, 285, 355.
Metropolitan Hotel (Austin), 153.
Mexico, apathy, 243; archives, material for history of the Jumano, 66-7; atrocities, 287-8; cause upheld, 227-8 note 1; causes for indignation against Texas, 241; claims against: American, 274, 279, British, 227, 241, French, 321; commerce with Great Britain, 236; commercial advantages, 235; corruption, 242; dismemberment, injury to British interests, 229; disorganized condition, 1841, 242; flight of Spaniards to, 1680, 128; infatuation, 263; invasion of Texas, 1842, 256-7, 263, 265, 279-80, 283, 300, 339, 343-5, 347-50, 353-4; mines, as a place of punishment, 22; navy, 211-12; 277-8; 282; possibilities of development, 233-4; prejudice against foreigners, 243; relations with the United States, 286; revolution, 1841, 246; Saint Denis's expedition to, 5 note 1; subjugation of Texas, prospects, 210, 212-13, 216; suspension of hostilities with Texas, 1843, 289; Texan bill authorizing offensive war against, vetoed, 330, 330 note 2; Texan invasion of, projected, 1842, 317, 320; Texan peace overtures, 268-9, 274, rejected, 242, 270; violent revulsions, frequency, 354-5; weakness, 269, 282, in relation to Texan trade, 236.
Millard, Henry, 175 note 2.
Mills, John T. (?Judge), 307.
Mills, Roger Quarles (U. S. Senator), obituary, 162.
Missionary Activities among the Eastern Apaches previous to the Founding of the San Saba Mission (Dunn), 186-200. (Apaches in Texas, 1718-1750, 186-8, missionary efforts before, 1752, 188-96, the mission of San Lorenzo, 196-200.)
Missions of New Mexico, 99-100.
Missions of Texas, ceremonial at the refounding of, 46; maintenance ordered, 22; map, facing 33; treatment in the Handbook of American Indians..., 169. (See also Adaes; Candelaria; Concepción; Dolores; Espíritu Santo de Zuñiga; Guadalupe; Horcasitas; Missions of Texas, Eastern; San Antonio de Valero; San Francisco de los Téjas; San Francisco Xavier de Nájera; San Joseph de los Nazonis; San Joseph y San Miguel de Aguayo; San Sabá.)
Mitchell, Asa, motion, Nov. 6, 1835, 178; on declaration committee, 1835, 175 note 2.
Mitchell, J. D., letter, extract, 60 note 1.
El Mocho (Apache chief), 168.
Moqui Indians, language, 130; pueblos, revolt, 1680, 130.
Montes de Oca, Joseph (Fray), 123.
Montezuma (Mexican steamer), case, 322, 322 note 3, 323, 328, 241.
Montgomery Patriot, extract, 149-50.
Moore, John C. (Col.), 90.
Moore, Littleton W., obituary, 266; portrait in La Grange courthouse, 266.
Morales, Juan de (Fray), death 1680, 113-14.
Morfi, Juan Agustín, Memorias para la Historia de Texas, cited, 18 note 1.
Morning Star (Houston), extract, 149.
Muñoz, Francisco (Fray), escape, 1680, 124-6.
Musa, Lorenzo (Jemez pueblo Indian), 124-5.
Nabedache Indians (Amediche), 169; Saint François among, 16, 16-17 note 9, 17.
Nacogdoche Indians, 169; missions, 48-9, 49 note 3, 56.
Nacogdoches, missions at and near, 1, 49, 49 note 5.
Nacono Indians, range, 44 note 1; reception of Aguayo, 44; religious sentiment and custom, 44, 44 note 2.
Nadadores (mission), 76.
Nambé (New Mexico pueblo), 112-13.
Nasoni Indians, 10-11, 16, 18, 31, 48.
Natchitoch Indians, 3, 5-6, 16, 19.
Navaho Indians (Navajó), 101, 121.
Navy Department of Texas, archives burned, 1855, 154.
Navy of Texas, 215, 219, 327; creation unnecessary, 352; effective force, 1842, 325-6; inability to put down piratical slave-trade, 214; maneuvers, 1842, 317, 320; results, 352-3.
Neche Indians, 169; chief, 43; mission, 43, 45; village, 43 note 2.
Neill, Andrew, capture at Béxar, 1842; 347-8; citizenship, 348; release requested, 347-50.
Neill, Hal H. (Judge), obituary, 162-3.
Neill, John, 347-8.
New Braunfels, 36.
New Mexico, 78, 232; conditions, 1680, 99-101, following the revolt, 130; conquest and occupation, 1598-9, 96-7; early exploration, 96; history, 1598-1680, character, 97-8; Jumano Indians in, 66-8, early history of, 66; Juntas, 94, 141, 143, 146-7; mining district, 235; Pueblo Indian revolt, 1680, 93-147, 1680 and later, 66; pueblos, 96; revolt and reconquest, documents, critical note, 93-5; Spanish colonial system, 186.
Nieto, Joseph (Capt.), 118-19 note 3, 119 note 1; death, 1680, 119.
Norvell, Mrs. Lipscomb, 359.
Nueces, Rio de las (i. e. Colorado River), 81; identity, 75.
Nueces, Rio de las (i. e. Concho River), identity, 67-74, 75, 76, 229, 233.
Nugent, T. L., 163.
Nunn, David A., obituary, 164-5.
Olivares, Antonio (Fray), 28, 37, 38, 64, 79.
Omtua (Tano Indian), 103-6, 111, 118, 125.
Oposmes Indians, 75.
Orcoquisac (mission), 18 note 2.
Oribe, Pedro (Capt.), 30, 57.
Orejones Indians, 169.
Ortega, Francisco de, expedition, 1632, 70 note 1.
Otermín, Antonio de (Governor of New Mexico), passim, 93-145.
Owen, Clark, 90.
Pachalaque Indians, 169.
Pakawa Indians, 169.
Pakenham, Richard (Sir), 203, 358; action as mediator between Mexico and Texas, 240-1, 329; aid to Treat, 274; biographical note, 209 note 1; instructions to, 296, 312 notes 3 and 5; interposition: in behalf of British Santa Fé prisoners, asked, 258, of the Texan prisoners, suggested, 259; letter to, 209-17; negotiations regarding the Eliza Russell and Little Penn cases, 315-16; orders to, 240, 241 note 11.
Palmerston, Henry John Temple, third Viscount, 203, 204, 245, 262, 310, 316; biographical data, 227-8 note 1; letter, 243-4; letters to, 227-40; order, 241 note 1; refusal to recognize Texan independence, 223 note 1; superseded, 1841, 244 note 1; treaties negotiated by, 230-1 note 3.
Palo Guacho River (?), Aguayo's crossing, 51; name, 51 note 1.
Pamaque Indians, 169.
Pampopa Indians, 169; mission for, 28-9.
Pardiñas, Juan Ysidro (Governor of Nueva Viscaya), 78.
Parker, Daniel, plan for the Declaration of Causes, 176, 178.
Parker, Quana (Comanche chief), 169.
Parmer, Martin, 176.
Pasteal Indians, mission for, 28-9.
Pastellano (Apache chief), 196 note 2.
Patroon Bayou, Aguayo's crossing, 51; name, 51 note 2.
Payaya Indians, chief, 77.
Peace Pipe, ceremony, 43.
Pease, Elisha Marshall (Gov.), 154-5.
Pecos (Jemez pueblo, New Mexico), 103-4, 109, 116-21.
Pedrosa, Juan de (Fray), 119.
Peña, Juan Antonio (Fray), 10 note 4, 15, 20, 59.
Las Peñuelas, Rio de (i. e. San Marcos River), 37.
Pérez de Almazán, Fernando (Lieut. Gov. and Capt.-gen., Governor of Texas), 29; 30, 81; conference with Rerenor, 51-2; detachment under, 31-2, 32 note 6.
Pérez de Mezquía, Pedro (Fray), 8.
Perlas, Rio de las (i. e. Concho River), 73.
Petris de Cruzate, Domingo Jironza (Governor of New Mexico), 71-2.
Pilar (presidio), description, 52; foundation, 52, 53, 168; garrison, 52-3; site, 52.
Pio, Juan (Fray), attack upon, 1680, 111-12; death, 133.
Piros Indians, 100, 104.
Pita, Joseph (Brother), 32, 32 note 4.
Plum Creek, 37, 37 note 1.
Pocket (brig), case, 215.
Po-he-yemu, Land of, 99.
Poajoaque (New Mexico pueblo), location, 110, 112; revolt, 1680, 112-13.
Polaques Indians, 75.
Polk, James Knox, election, 1844, 358.
Polley, J. B., Hood's Texas Brigade ..., review, 90-1.
Pollock, J. M., The Unvarnished West, ..., review, 89.
Polupames Indians, 75.
Popé (Tewa medicine-man), 99, 101-4, 107, 113, 123.
Population of Texas, character, 220-1, 224, 232-3, 238; estimates: 1836, 238, 1840, 220, 1841, 233, 1842, 254, 1847, 221 note 1, by nationalities, 1840, 220, 1841, 232-3; increase, 1836-41, 238, 241; 1837-40, 226.
Posadas, Alonso (Fray), 69-75.
Powell, Archibald, 164.
Power, Charles (British merchant, Galveston), 299, 301 note 1; family connections, 301; letters, 301-9.
Pringle, William, 250-1; empresario grant, 261 note 3.
Pirson, — (Capt), mission to Texas, 1842, 264.
Puaray (Tigua pueblo, New Mexico), location, 127; population, 1680, 127; revolt, 1680, 128.
Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, linguistic stock, 100; conditions, 1680, 100-1; revolt, 1680, 93-147; organization, 101-6 (date and notification, 103-4, discovery, premature uprising, 105-6, plans, 101-2), outbreak, 106-31; Spaniards' defensive efforts following the outbreak, 131-47.
Queres Indians, 115, 115-16 note 5; revolt, 1680, 120-4, 127.
Quintana, site, 206.
Rábago y Terán, Pedro (Gov.), 197; in command of San Xavier presidio, 198.
Ramón, Domingo (Capt.), 32; Carta ..., 1716, critical note, 64; Derrotéro ..., critical note, 65; despatch of escort, 12 note 1; expedition, 5-6, 31, 32 note 4, 47 note 4, 43-4 note 4; flight, 12-13; founding of Dolores presidio, 48; founding of San Francisco mission, 43-4 note 4; identity, 58 note 1; occupation of Espíritu Santo Bay, 32-3, 56; put in charge of Loreto presidio, 58; route, 1716, 34-5 note 1, 37 note 1, 39 note 1.
Ramos, Marcos, 113.
Ramsdell, Charles William, book reviews, 90-2.
Randolph, Sue (Mrs. C. H.), obituary, 162.
Randolph's Ferry, 42 note 2.
Rather, Ethel Zivley (Dr.), 71 note 1. 165.
Reagan, John Henninger (Judge), monument at Palestine, 166.
Reagan Park (Palestine), 166.
Recognition of Texas Independence, 210, 281; by Belgium, 226 note 1; by France, 226, 230, 237, 274; by Great Britain, 201, 223 note 1, 224-7, 226, 230-1 note 3; by Holland, 226 note 1; by Mexico, negotiations, etc., regarding, 227, 269, 271-2, 281, 286, 289, 312 note 3, 313-14, 353; by the United States, 226 note 1, 267, 231, 237, 267, 357.
Reily, James, 279-85.
Republic of the Rio Grande, alleged Texan cession to, 229.
Resources of Texas, 234-5, 258; rapid development, 241.
Revenues of Texas, 216-17; receipts, estimated, 1840, 222.
Revolution of Texas, 210-11; campaign of 1836, 211-12; compared with the American, 173-4, 185; truce, 1843, 289.
Riotte, C. N., 81.
Rivera, Payo Enriquez (Archbishop, viceroy), aid to New Mexico, 1680, 146 note 3, 147.
Rivera, Pedro de, 39 note 1; Diario, critical note, 65; route, 1727, 34-5 note 1, 36 note 1.
Rivière aux Boeufs, 59.
Roads of Texas, 344; safety, 1837, 211. (See also Bahía Road; Highway; San Antonio Road.)
Robeline (La.), Mexican colony near, 53; missions near, 52-3.
Roberts, Samuel Alexander, 276-7.
Robertson, James H. (Judge), death, 356.
Robinson, James W., 177; negotiations to regain Texas for Mexico, 289.
Rodrígues, Antonio, 27.
Rodríguez, Agustín (Fray), expedition, 1581, 96.
Rodríguez, Joseph (Fray), 32; assigned to Guadalupe mission, 49.
Rodríguez, Juan (Ranchería Grande chief), 31, 41, 45, 54.
Rodríguez, Vicente (Capt.), 200; investigating expedition, 1754, 198-9.
Rogan, Octavia Fray, 165.
Rosario (mission), 168.
Ross's Brigade, Third Texas Cavalry, 356.
Rossy, Alexander, 88.
Royall, R. R., 175 note 2, 178.
Rye, cultivation in Texas, 220; production in the Red River country, 307.
El Saco (of Taos), 107.
Sacramento (presidio, Coahuila), 82.
Sacrificios I., 242.
Saint Denis, Louis de, passim, 1-57.
Saint Louis, Fort, site, 58-60.
Salado Creek, 35, 39 note 1; name, 35-6 note 1.
Salado, Rio (i. e. Pecos River), 73; Jumano on, 77; presidio on, proposed, 189.
Salas, Juan de (Fray), visit to the Jumano, 68-9, 70 note 1.
Salas, Petronilla de (Doña), 113.
Saligny, Alphonse de, 302; letter to, 303-9; reception in Texas, 230, 237 note 2; Texan diplomatic residence, 331.
Salinas, Gregorio, 22, 78-9.
Salineros Indians, 78.
Saltillo, 54, 62, 91; archives, 21 note 1, 29 note 4, 64, 199 note 1; Texas recruits from, 25.
San Antonio (Texan schooner), 326.
San Antonio (villa), 33, 34, 34-5 note 1, 47 note 4, 53, 54, 59-61, 91, 159, 206; alcalde, 28; Apache troubles, 1731-3, 80; Ayuntamiento (cabildo), 28, 89; capture, 1842, 283, 285, 339; concentration of missionaries at, 22; description, 206; early transportation from, 91-2; first railroad, 92; inhabitants' poverty, 194-5; juntas: 1732, 81, 1750, 193-6; Mexican retreat from, 343; mission records, 55; missions in and near, 199; missions, president, 188; permanency, 62; salt deposits near, 32; Texan troops near, 353-4; Texans near, captured, 344; Vasquez's invasion, 263 note 2.
San Antonio de Béxar (presidio), 28, 31, 60-1 note 3; Aguayo's activity at, 32-3, 54; Apache attacks upon, 1718, 187; date of founding, 2; description, 55; garrison, 55, 190; rebuilding, 55; removal discussed, 192, 194-6; Saint Denis's alleged designs upon, 56; site, 2, 55.
San Antonio de Valero (mission), 28, 55, 60-1 note 3, 189; celebration of Aguayo's arrival, 32; date of founding, 2; irrigating ditch, 35; site, 2.
San Antonio Road, 34, 42 note 2, 45 note 3.
San Augustine, 34-5 note 1; mission at, 1, 49-50, 55.
San Cristóbal (Tanos pueblo), 115; inhabitants' advance against Santa Fé, 1680, 138.
San Diego de Jemez (pueblo), population, 1680, 121; revolt, 1680, 124, 127.
San Felipe (Keresan pueblo), 121-24.
San Fernando de Austria (villa), 197, 199.
San Fernando, Villa Nueva de (near Eagle Pass), 83.
San Francisco de los Patos, 20-1.
San Francisco de los Tejas (or Neches, mission), 1, 12, 16-17, 60-61.
San Francisco Xavier de Nájera (mission), founding, 54-5, 60-1 note 3.
San Gabriel, Rio de (i. e. Lavaca? River), 59.
San Gabriel River, 39 note 1; Aguayo's crossing, 38; name, 38-9 note 4; Ramón's crossing, 34.
San Jacinto, battle, 157-9, 163, 281; effect, 226; campaign, 207, 156-60.
San Joseph de los Nazonis (mission), 31, 48, 60-1.
San Joseph y San Miguel de Aguayo (mission), 20, 28-9, 60-1.
San Sabá (mission), 186.
San Sabá River, Indian fights, 81, 187; missions on, plans for, 196, 199-200; presidio on, proposed, 189.
San Xavier (presidio), 198, garrison, 190.
Sánchez, Benito (Fray), 31, 45, 46, 48.
Sanson, John W., 171.
Santa Ana, Benito Fernández de, 189-196.
Santa Ana (Queres pueblo, New Mexico), revolt, 1680, 124, 126; location, 120-1.
Santa Anna, Antonio López de, 184, 263; change of policy, 288-9, 293; designs regarding Texas, 1842, 256, 263; efforts to regain Texas, 289, 293; efforts to invade Texas, 286; Houston's attitude toward, 329; reform of the Mexican constitution, 174; retirement, 289; San Jacinto campaign, 156-9; schemes, 1835, 184-5.
Santa Clara (pueblo, New Mexico), 110, 112, 113, 115, 135.
Santa Fé (New Mexico), 68, 70, 93, 105, 114, 115, 128; cabildo, 94; defensive measures, 1680, 131-8; district population, 1680, 99; garrison, 97; plot against, 1680, 102; refugees at, 1680, 120, 136-7; retreat from, 1680, 123, 142-4; siege, 1680, 109, 115, 119, 127, 130, 134, 138-42, 145 note 3, 146-7; Tewa near, 109-10.
Santa Fé Expedition, lack of authority, 256; prisoners, 259, 277; purpose, 256; results, 256, 353.
Santleben, August, death, 356; A Texas Pioneer, review, 91-2.
Santo Domingo (Queres pueblo, New Mexico), 106, 128.
Sanz de San Antonio, Mathías, mission to Mexico, 1718, 7.
Satanta (Kiowa chief), 169.
Saucedo, Manuel (alférez), 12 note 1.
Scurry, Thomas, death, 356.
Shepard, Morris, 360.
Shepherd, William Robert (Dr.), 165.
Sheridan, Francis, 218 note 1; letter, 218-27.
Sherman, Sidney (Col.), regiment, 163.
Sía (Queres pueblo), 126.
Sibley, Henry Hopkins (Gen.), brigade, 164.
Slavery, effect upon the cost of living, 298; influence upon annexation, 174, 358; relation to the Federalist movement, 228-9; restriction, 233; Southern sensitiveness regarding, 248.
Slaves, as body servants, treaty provisions regarding, 275-6; British officials forbidden to employ, 298; hire, 238; importation into Texas, 214, 228-9, 237; number in Texas, 213-15, 226, 233, 239; price: in Havana, 225, in Texas, 225; producing capacity, 306; treatment in Texas, 213.
Slave-trade, efforts for suppression, 227-8, 230-1 note 1, 246; in Texas, 213-14, 224-6, 228, 237. (See also Treaties.)
Small, C. C., 59.
Smith, Ashbel (Dr.), 90, 297, 318 note 2, 311, 333.
Smith, Henry, 210.
Smith, Justin Harvey, The Annexation of Texas, correction, 272 note 1; review, 357-9.
Smith, Ralph J., Reminiscences of the Civil War and Other Sketches, review, 90.
Smyth, George W., 359.
Solis, Gaspar de (Fray), Diario . . ., 1767, critical note, 65.
Southwestern Historical Quarterly, 360, 52.
Spanish Lake, mission near, 52.
Spencer, John C., 284 note 3.
State Department of Texas, Adjutant-General's office temporarily merged into, 155; archives, 1855, 154; budget, 1840, 222.
State Gazette (Austin), extract, 152-3.
Steamboats on Texas rivers, 1841, 233.
Steele, Alfonso, obituary, 163-4.
Sugarcane, cultivation in Texas, 220; plantations in the coast country, labor question, 226; Texas lands suitable for, 219.
Suliejames Indians, mission for, 28-9.
Suma Indians, ranchería, 72.
Sumter, Jesse, obituary, 266.
Swearingen, Samuel, letter to, 156-60.
Talaban, Juan de (Fray), 123.
Tankawa Indians, 169.
Tanoan family in New Mexico, 100.
Tanos pueblos, 103, 115-17, 120.
Taos (Tigua pueblo, New Mexico), 99ff.
Tarrant, E. H., 152.
Tawakoni Indians, 169.
Tawéhash Indians, 66-7, 70, 75, 76 note 1, 82-3, 169; tribal relations, 83-4.
Taylor, R. H. (representative), 152.
Teâo Indians, 76.
Teichmueller, Hans, 266.
Tejas Indians, 12-14, 41, 72, 76 note 1; country, 21, 34, 69; report of Saint Denis's Indian Council, 56; tribal relations, 77-8, 80; Urrutía among, 21.
Tejas Road, 31, 33, 39 note 1, 40.
Telles, Xiron, Joseph (Capt.), 146.
Terán, Domingo (Gen.), 35-6 note 1, 39 note 1; Descripción y daria demarcación . . ., critical note, 65; expedition, 1691, 77-8; route, 34, 36 note 1.
Terrell, Alexander Watkins, 360.
Terrell, George W., 286 notes 2 and 4, 327, 336, 352 note 2.
Terreros, Alonzo Giraldo de (Fray), 196-99.
Tesuque (Tewa pueblo, New Mexico), 103-12.
Tewa Indians, 99-100, 119-20; pueblos, 109-10, 112-13, 123.
Texas Academy of Science, 171.
Texas Library and Historical Commission, 85, 165-6.
The Texas Magazine, notice, 359.
Texas National Register, extract, 148-9.
A Texas Pioneer (Santleben), review, 91-2.
Texas State Historical Association meeting, Mar. 2, 1912, 360; resolution, 360; treasurer's report, 1911-12, 361.
Thomas Creek, presidio on, 47 note 3.
Throckmorton, James W., statue, McKinney, 85.
Tigua Indians (Tiguas), 100; pueblos, 107, 127-8; revolt, 1680, 127-31.
Tinoco, Manuel (Fray), 119.
Tips, Walter, 256.
Torres, Sebastian de, 112.
Torres, Tomás de (Fray), 112.
Trade of Texas, 208, 246 note 2, 299; balance, 305; contraband, suggested, 305; direct, with England, desired, 216, 218; foreign, possibilities, 234; Galveston, 299; ports, 207, 210; with France, 217, 237, 240; with Great Britain, 218-19, 223-4, 235-7, 239-40, 318-19; with Mexico, possibilities, 234; with Northeastern Mexico, 353; with the United States, 216, 218, 234-5, 237, 240, 283-4.
Transportation, 91-2, 206, 305. (See also Travel.)
Treasurer's Office of Texas, burning, 1845, 148-51.
Treasury of Texas, exhaustion, 258.
Treasury Department of Texas, 1845, 149-51; Secretary's report, summary, 222-3.
Treviño, Juan Francisco (Governor of New Mexico), 98.
Tyler, John (President), 286; agreement to appoint United States treaty-guarantee commissioners, 284; attitude toward annexation, 254, 282, 357; attitude toward intervention, 281, 288; message, extract, 290-1.
United Daughters of the Confederacy, Judah P. Benjamin Chapter, 266; John H. Reagan Chapter, 166.
University of Texas Transcripts, critical note, 63.
Upshur, Abel Parker, 290.
Urrutía, Joseph, 21, 82, 188, 189 note 1, 191, 194-5; Apache campaigns, 187-8; attitude toward Apache missions, 190-1; experience among the Cantona, 79.
Váldez, Juan (Lieutenant-General, Bexar), 28-9.
Valero, Marqués de (Viceroy), 28.
Van Zandt, Isaac, diplomatic negotiations in the United States, 285-93.
Vasquez, Rafael (Gen.), invasion of Texas, 1842, 263 note 2, 279-80, 293.
Velasco, Fernando de (Fray), 103-4 note 4; death, 1680, 119.
Vergara, Gabriel (Fray), 32; part in refounding Concepción mission, 45-7; proposal for Apache missions, 188.
Vetancurt, Agustín de, Chrónica . . ., critical note, 3; Menologio Franciscano . . ., critical note, 95-7 note 3.
Viage Que . . . hizo Juan Dominguez de Mendoza, critical note, 71-2 note 4.
War Department of Texas, archives burned, 154; budget, 1840, 222.
Washington on the Brazos, 148-50, 157, 163; alleged head of Brazos navigation, 307.
West, Elizabeth Howard, 166, 360; note, correction, 60-1 note 3.
Wharton, John A., 175-8, 181-2.
Wharton (Texan brig), armament and situation, 1842, 326; blockade duty, 320.
Wheat, cultivation in Texas, 220; production in Red River County, 307.
Wheeler, Mrs. M., death, 356.
Wichita Indians, 66-8, 84, 169.
Williams, Bryan T., 164.
Williams, F. A. (Judge), 164.
Williamson, Robert M., 175, note 2; alternative draft? for the declaration of causes, 181, 182 note 2, 182-3 note 5, 183; plan for the declaration of causes, 178 180-1, 183.
Wilson, Harvey T. D., 172.
Wilson, Robert, 172.
Winkler, Mrs. A. V., death, 85.
Winkler, Ernest William, 360; book reviews, 89-90, 167-171; Destruction of Historical Archives of Texas, 148-55; obituary of Alfonso Steele, 163-4.
Woll, Adrian (Gen.), capture of San Antonio, 1842, 339; invasion of Texas, 1842, 283, 293, 343-5, 353; letter to, 349-50; situation, 1842, 344, 348, 353.
Wood, George T. (Gov.), monument, 166, 266.
Wood, J. B., 177.
Xavier, Francisco, 99, 107, 113, 133-44.
Ximenes, Francisco (Capt.), 113.
Yatase Indians, 3 note 3.
Yojuane Indians, 169.
Young, Lee, 163.
Ypanda Indians (i. e. Pelon?), 81.
Yxande Indians, 81.
Zavala, Lorenzo de, 175 note 2.
Zavaleta, Juan de (Fray), 72.
Zuñi (pueblo), 146 note 3.
Zuñian family in New Mexico, 100.
2. Garrison, “The First Stage of the Movement for Annexation.” in The Am. Hist. Review, X, 72-96; Garrison, Westward Extension; Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas; Reeves, American Diplomacy under Tyler and Polk; Smith, The Annexation of Texas. 3.
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How to cite:
"Issue View", Volume 015, Number 4, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v015/n4/issue.html
[Accessed Sun Nov 8 4:36:35 CST 2009]
