These two vessels were intended to rehabilitate the Mexican navy. They were built in English ports, equipped, with the official sanction of Aberdeen, by a firm regularly supplying stores to the British navy, and at first it was also intended that they might be armed by similar firms, and commanded by English naval officers on leave. These last two plans were prohibited by Aberdeen after protest by Ashbel Smith, though in fact the ships were taken out by British naval officers who resigned their commissions. (Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 83-96.) The matter occupies much space in Ashbel Smith's despatches from May to September, 1842. (Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III. 955-1026, in Am. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1908, II.) The correspondence listed in this letter is to be found as follows: (1) letters to and from Ashbel Smith, in reference just given to Garrison, III, 986 and 977; (2) letters to and from the Admiralty, in F. O., Mexico, 158, Domestic Various (Addington to Barrow, and replies); (3) letter to Murphy, in F. O., Mexico, 157, Domestic, Mr. Murphy. This last communication though dated May 31, was not sent to Murphy until July 15. Further letters on the Montezuma and Guadalupe affair will be omitted in this printing, unless they contain other matters of importance.
