BRITISH CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING TEXAS
XX
EDITED BY
EPHRAIM DOUGLASS ADAMS
No 7.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston.,
April. 3d. 1845.
My Lord,
On the 22d ultimo, I had the honor to address a communica-
tion to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, in the United
States, mentioning, in the following terms, a report which had
reached me.
"———I have heard--and on what I am entitled to call good
authority--that preparations are in progress in the United States
for raising a force of ten thousand men, with a view to the in-
vasion of the Mexican Provinces south of the Rio Grande. I
have reason to believe that secret communications have for some
time been carried on, between certain of the Federal leaders in
those Provinces, and parties resident in Texas, who, at present,——
I am told.--are in the United States, urging forward the Mili-
tary preparations reported to be in progress."
The force to be raised, and the object for which it was to be
organized, were lately announced in Galveston, by Doctor Branch
T. Archer,
2 formerly Secretary of War in Texas, and (I am
informed) cousin to a gentleman of the same name, who is a
Senator of the United States' Congress, and who, during its last
Session, acted as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Re-
lations.
From the subjoined Note, addressed by the Acting Secretary
of State of Texas to the Chargé d' Affaires of the United States,
on
the
13th
of
December
last,
it would seem that the only course
now open to the Texan Executive, in regard to the question of
Annexation, is to submit it to the decision of the people
Department of State
Washington 13th Dec. 1844
To The Hon. A. J. Donaldson.
3
Chargé d' Affaires of the
United States.
Sir,
The Undersigned, Attorney General of the Republic of Texas,
charged, ad
interim,
with the direction of the Department of
State, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Note that
Mr. Donaldson, Chargé d' Affaires, etc., did him the honor to
address to him, under date of the 10th Instant, communicating
information, as to the Measures adopted by the President of the
United States to guard the interests of Texas against injuries
likely to result from the renewal of the war upon Texas by
Mexico, on account of the acceptance of the proposition for
Annexation made by the United States, and the avowed mode of
conducting that war, as detailed in the orders of General Woll,
and, the previous decree of the Provisional President; also com-
municating the Views and suggestions of Mr Donaldson on the
important question of Anexation; and expressing the desire and
expectation of the Executive of his Government that Texas will
continue to--"Maintain her connection with the cause of An-
nexation, so far, at least, as not to consider it lost, or abandoned,
on account of the late action of the Senate of the United States
upon it."
"The Undersigned is directed, by the President to assure Mr
Donaldson, in reply, that the existing relations between the
United States and Texas, so far as the subject of Annexation is
concerned, will not be affected by any opposing or unfavourable
action on the part of the Executive of the latter. But, in re-
ceiving this assurance, Mr Donaldson cannot but perceive that
the result, in relation to Annexation, may depend upon causes
over which the President can exert little or no control. Al-
though the popular wish and feeling of Texas have heretofore
been frankly and warmly expressed by her Citizens, in favour
of the Measure, yet Mr Donaldson cannot have failed to perceive
that the strength and ardour of that wish have been necessarily,
in some degree, diminished by the delay and apparent defeat of
the Measure, by the rejection of the late Treaty, by the Senate
of the United States. Still, as the Measure, in the opinion of
Mr Donaldson, is not lost, but destined to a speedy consumma-
tion, so far as the action of the United States can affect it, the
Undersigned trusts that the doubts and disappointments experi-
enced by the people of Texas, necessarily occasioned by the cir-
cumstances alluded to, will not have ripened into a general and
insurmountable opposition to the Measure, before the consum-
mation so confidently anticipated by Mr Donaldson.
The undersigned is instructed by the President to express his
unqualified admiration of the elevated spirit of philantropy per-
vading the communication of Mr Donaldson; and of the active
friendship manifested by the President of the United States to-
wards this Government, in his solemn protest and measures of
opposition against the barbarous mode in which Mexico has avowed
her intention to prosecute the war upon Texas.
The Undersigned avails himself, etc. etc. etc.
Signed Ebenr Allen.
The preceding Note.--important in respect both to its date
and its substance, forms part of the Correspondence between the
Secretary of State of Texas and Major Donaldson United States'
Charge d' Affaires, published by the Executive, in compliance
with a Resolution of the Senate of the Congress of Texas, dated
20th January 1845.
I have been informed that Major Donaldson has been em-
powered to arrange a Treaty of Annexation with the Texan Gov-
ernment, on terms more favourable to this Country than the con-
ditions proposed by the Congress of the United States.--Care
has been taken to identify the interests of leading men in Texas
with the success of Annexation, and active agents, are employed
in ascertaining and increasing the numerical strength of its par-
tisans, for the day of final appeal.
William Kennedy.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
April 4th.
P. S. H. M. S. Electra, which bears this Despatch, waits to
convey H. M's Chargé d' Affaires to Charleston. U. S.
PI. M. S. Eurydice arrived in Galveston roads on Yesterday,
from Vera Cruz. W. K.
Mexico.
8 April 1845
My Dear Sir,
I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving your letter of the
10th. Ultimo, enclosing two Despatches which you had a few days
previously addressed to Lord Aberdeen.
5
These Despatches appeared to me so important at the present
juncture, when we are all busy, in trying to persuade this Gov-
ernment to come forward, that I communicated their contents
generally to my French Colleague, and we agreed at once to
call upon the Secretary of State and talk the matter over with
him--for without divulging to the latter a word more than was
absolutely necessary for our purpose, I felt there was enough con-
tained in what you sent me to enable us to push matters a little
faster with these folks than they might otherwise be desirous
of going.—The fact is that the Ultra federal Party are push-
ing them hard at this moment upon the necessity of War--
and they are not resolute enough to combat the attack, but seek
by all sorts of palliatives to ward off the blow. To inspire them
with resolution has been our object and your letters have strength-
ened our hands vastly.
Mr Smith's Conversations with you prove that there is a grow-
ing desire in Texas to come to some amicable Arrangement with
this Country--I told Mr Cuevas so, but I took care at the same
time to add, that I came to that opinion in consequence of
what you
thought and wrote, founded, of course, upon what you
heard at Galveston--but I did not like to compromise Mr Smith
or the President by quoting them directly
This Government is quite ready to receive proposals from
Your quarter, upon the basis of absolute Independence;--and the
admission made to you by Mr. Smith, for Lord Aberdeen's Con-
sideration, that Texas would consent to bind herself to remain
an independent State, would tend much to facilitate matters.--
As to limits—that must be an after thought—the one thing need-
ful appears to me to be the Acknowledgment of the Independ-
ence of Texas by Mexico--how far Great Britain and France
will afterwards consent to guarantee the boundaries or other col-
lateral points, it is for those Governments to say.--We
can do
nothing without Authority.—For I well remember when Santa
Anna gave me the Memorandum in November last as a basis of
Negotiation, I distinctly stated that I merely took it ad refer-
endum, and declined anticipating in any way the intentions of
my Government thereupon.
It now only remains, until we hear from home, to get the
two Neighbours into some state of good feeling with one an-
other. I am quite sure any thing you might offer from Texas
would be received here, always allowing these valientes to talk
a little about derechos and patriotismo.
I am equally sure that the Congress would support Ministers
in any fair
plan
for the Acknowledgment of Independence—and
I hope with your influence and name, aided by Your French
Colleague, you will be able to induce your friends in Texas di-
rectly or through you and Saligny, to make us an offer.
I have been unwell, and tomorrow I go for some change to
the Real del Monte—but I shall be back on the 15th, when I
hope to hear from you by the Eurydice—I thought it right, how-
ever, to trouble you with these few lines before I started, that
you may know how we are going on, and how much we depend
upon your kind and active assistance.
Charles Bankhead.
Captain Elliot. R. N.
Dft.
Consul Kennedy.
Galveston
No. 3.
F. 0. April 18th. 1845.
Sir,
The Earl of Aberdeen has reed your Despatch No 5 of the 26th
of Feby. last, referring to a Circular issued by H. M's Consul at
Charleston, on the Subject of the Sugar Duties Act of the last
Session of Parliament, and to the question put to you as to the
operation of that Act with respect to Sugar imported into the
United Kingdom, the Growth and Produce of the Republic of
Texas:--And I am directed by his Lordship to forward to you
Copies of the Instructions which his Ldp' addressed to H. M's
Consuls in the United States, with reference to the Sugar Duties
Act of last Session
7; and to state to you his Lordship's opinion
that under the Treaty between Great Britain and Texas, Sugar
the Growth and Produce of that Republic is admissible under the
low Rate of Duty
H. U. Addington
No. 10.
Her Majesty's Consulate.
Galveston.
April 25th. 1845
My Lord;
In a Despatch which I had the honor to address to Your Lord-
ship on the 2d Instant, transmitted by Her Majesty's Ship, Elec-
tra, I took leave to express the opinion that the only course now
open to the Texan Executive, in regard to the question of An-
nexation! was "to submit it to the decision of the people."
I have now the honor to enclose a printed Copy of a Proclama-
tion issued by the President of this Republic,
9 summoning Con-
gress to meet on the Sixteenth day of June next, to determine
upon the propositions for Annexation submitted to the President
by the Chargé d' Affaires of the United States, on the 31st Ultimo.
I also beg to enclose reports of public Meetings held in the
Counties of Liberty, Jefferson, Brazoria and Matagorda, indicat-
ing the bent of the popular mind in regard to the future position
of this Country. So far as the United States and Texas are
concerned, no one appears to doubt that Annexation is inevitable.
The French Chargé d' Affaires and Mr Ashbel Smith left Gal-
veston for New Orleans on the 10th Instant.--After their depart-
ure, it was publickly announced that, Mr. Smith had been re-
appointed Charge d' Affaires from Texas to Great Britain and
France. On the 17th Instant, a paragraph appeared in the
"Texas National Register," a Newspaper of Official character, pub-
lished at the Seat of Government, defending Mr Ashbel Smith
against the charge of being unfriendly to Annexation, and claim-
ing for him the credit of promoting that Measure recently, in
his capacity of Secretary of State.
General Houston is named, as likely to be one of the Senators
from the State of Texas, in the Congress of the United States,
during the Session of 1845-6. The organs of the American dem-
ocratic party mention him as a probable candidate for the Presi-
dency of the United States, after the retirement of Mr. Polk: It
has been for some time understood that this party are desirous of
having a Military leader, and it is believed, that General Houston
will be formally recommended to the support of the democracy
by their Veteran Counsellor General Andrew Jackson.
The "Houston Telegraph" of the 23d Instant, (a pro-Annex-
ation Journal) after expressing its regret that the President did
not summon Congress to meet at an earlier day than the 16th of
June, observes:--"The President, however, has doubtless good
motives for delay that are yet unknown to us. We have conversed
freely with the Hon. Secretary of the Treasury, and we have
learned from him, with pleasure, that the President will cordially
cooperate with the people in consummating the great Measure.
Although he has been suffering under a severe illness, that ren-
dered him incapable for several days of transacting business, he
assured his friends that he would make every necessary exertion
to expedite the Measure desired by the people."
The "Telegraph" further observes:--"The object of the Mexi-
can Government is to lie and deceive us, and thus to delay Meas-
ures until the opponents of Annexation can gain strength to de-
feat the Measure. They may dupe some of our Statesmen, but
they will not dupe the people of Texas. Their march is onward.
Their attention is fixed upon but one object, and they are deter-
mined to consummate it, in spite of every obstacle. They have
decided in favour of the Annexation of this Country to the United
States, and they will proceed steadily, and with unwavering con-
stancy, to adopt appropriate Measures to carry out their decision.
The President has performed his part in calling Congress: that
Congress will doubtless perform its duty by assenting to the Reso-
lutions of the American Congress.--The next step will be to call
a Convention of Delegates to form a State Constitution."
The "Telegraph" lays down the doctrine that neither the Presi-
dent, nor Congress, has a Constitutional right to call a Conven-
tion, or to apportion the representation; neither, it maintains,--
can this right be assumed without the consent of the people. The
journalist then proceeds to say:--"It is important, however, that
a Convention should be held at an early day, in order that ample
time may be allowed for the Delegates to form a Constitution
before the approach of the Sickly Season. We approve, therefore,
of the proceedings of the people of Brazoria Co."--(for which I
beg to refer Your Lordship to enclosure No. 2.)--"Who have al-
ready instructed their Senators and Representatives to meet at
Washington on the 3d Monday in May, and authorized them to
assume Conventional powers, and, acting in concert with the
Members of other Counties, to call a Convention and apportion
the representation. The President, we believe, will approve this
Measure, and; if adopted by a Majority of the Counties, will cor-
dially cooperate with them in expediting the Measure necessary to
effect this object. This also is the desire, we are credibly in-
formed, of a Majority of the Members of his Cabinet."--We hope,
therefore, that the Members of Congress, will hasten with all
speed to Washington, and make the necessary arrangements for
organizing a Convention."
A Meeting of the friends of Annexation was held in the County
of Harris on the 21st Instant, at which Resolutions were passed
assenting to the Measure of Annexation, as proposed by the Con-
gress; and selected by the President of the United States, and
expressing full confidence in the honor and justice of the Ameri-
can people
William Kennedy
To The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
P. S. April 26th.
Pro-Annexation Meetings have been held in the Counties of
Sabine, Galveston, Harrison, and Robertson. No Anti-Annex
-
ation Meetings have yet been held. The Galveston Resolutions
opposed to a call of Congress by the people
for the third Monday
in May.
W. K.
No. 6.
11
Foreign Office
May 3, 1845.
Sir,
The inclosed Copy of a Despatch which I have recently ad-
dressed to Her Majesty's Minister in Mexico together with its
inclosures,
12 will put you in possession of the measures which, in
concert with France, Her Majesty's Government have determined
to pursue with respect to Mexico and Texas in the present posi-
tion in which those Countries are assumed to be placed with re-
gard to each other, and also to the United States.
In shaping our line of policy, as laid down in my Despatch to
Mr Bankhead, we have considered the Government and people
of Texas to be upon the whole well disposed to maintain their
independence, provided that independence were freely and imme-
diately recognized by Mexico.
Should circumstances have materially altered since the date of
your [my] Despatch No 1 of the 23d of January; and, should
the Government and people of Texas have either accepted the
terms of annexation proposed by the United States, or have shown
a decided inclination to annex themselves to the United States,
even though Mexico were avowedly ready to recognize their inde-
pendence, it will be obvious to you that in such case the course
of policy which Her Majesty's Government have decided to pursue
under circumstances assumed to be different, will be liable to
undergo great modifications, if not a total change
It will therefore be for you, in the more correct appreciation
of the actual position of affairs which you will be enabled to form
when this Despatch reaches you, to determine whether, and how
far, it may be expedient for you to act upon the instructions
which it contained.
Assuming that no material change will have taken place, it may
be useful, although the whole matter is fully set forth in my
Despatch to Mr Bankhead, to state here succinctly the course
of policy which Her Majesty's Government have determined to
adopt. It is simply to offer, in concert with France, to Mexico
and to Texas, and through the channel of the English and French
Diplomatick Agents in both those Countries, the joint mediation
of England and France for the equitable settlement of differences,
and demarcation of Boundaries between the two Countries.
The basis of that policy is the immediate and unfettered recog-
nition of Texas by Mexico. To attain this paramount object
Great Britain has long employed her own unassisted efforts. The
fatal blindness of the Mexican Government to the true interests
of their Country has hitherto rendered all those efforts unavailing.
It is possible, however, that fresh representations from England
and France combined may at length prevail upon the Government
of Mexico to view their Situation in a correct light, and induce
them to take, though late, the only step which, in the opinion of
Her Majesty's Government, can avail to rescue them from endless
embarrassment.
It is not however to be expected that Mexico will consent to
acknowledge Texas without having taken good security for the
establishment of the common frontier of the two Countries, in a
manner conformable to right and justice, and such as shall offer
every element of permanency and of security against future en-
croachment.
With a view to ensure this essential object, the Government of
Great Britain and France now come forward to offer to Mexico
all the weight of their united influence, provided She agrees to
recognize the independence of Texas. As, however, the present
consideration of the question of frontiers would probably be at-
tended with much delay, we propose that, that consideration should
be reserved to a future but not distant moment, when, if desired
by Mexico, the question of Boundaries might be treated under the
joint mediation of Great Britain and France.
The Instruction addressed by Monsr Guizot to Monsr. de Saligny,
of which a Copy is inclosed in my other Despatch of this date,
will shew you that the French Government concur generally in
this plan, and that Monsr. de Saligny is directed to concert with
you, in case no material change of circumstances should have
occurred, of the best mode of prevailing upon the Government of
Texas to accept the proffered mediation of Great Britain and
France for the Mutual settlement of their differences with Mexico,
on the basis proposed
You will accordingly concert Measures with Monsr de Saligny
for the accomplishment of this object.
Although the question of Boundary will not, according to this
arrangement, be brought on immediately, it will be desirable that,
in case Texas should accept our mediation for its Settlement, you
should use every effort to impress on the Texian Government the
good policy, not to say necessity, of moderating their pretensions
with respect to their common boundary with Mexico. It would
not accord with the principles of justice, by which the Mediating
Powers must regulate their conduct, to countenance the demand
by Texas of a line of frontier to which it would have obviously
as little founded in right, and to which She might lay claim
merely on the ground of expediency without reference to the
rights of Mexico.
In all reasonable and equitable pretensions Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment will be found well-disposed to support the Texian Gov-
ernment.
In case, at the period of the arrival of these instructions, cir-
cumstances should still, as we hope, be such as to admit of your
carrying them into effect, in conjunction with your French Col-
league, you will consider yourself at full liberty to open a com-
munication with Mr Bankhead in any Measure which you may
deem best for accelerating the attainment of the object entrusted
equally to both Missions.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot, R. N.
Foreign Office.
May 3. 1845
No. 7.
Sir,
Mr. Guizot having signified to M. de Saligny in the Instruction,
of which a Copy
14 is herewith inclosed, and which was put into
my hands, by M. Guizot's Orders, by the French Ambassador at
this Court, the concurrence of the French Government in the
proposition submitted to them on the part of Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment for bringing about by their united efforts, an adjustment
of the differences between Mexico and Texas, I transmit to you
herewith a Copy of the Declaration which Her Majesty's Govern-
ment proposed through Lord Cowley should be conjointly pre-
sented by the English and French Chargé d' Affaires in Texas to
that Government for their acceptance and signature.
Provided, therefore, circumstances remain in the state assumed
in my Despatch No 6 of this date, you will invite the French
Chargé d' Affaires, to join you in presenting this Declaration to
the Texian Secretary of State for the acceptance of his Govern-
ment.
As the Declaration contains nothing more than an engagement
on the part of Great Britain and France to employ their best
efforts to restore peace between Mexico and Texas, and to procure
the recognition of the Texian Republick by Mexico; together with
an engagement on the part of Texas to use every effort to main-
tain her Independence, I do not apprehend that you will experi-
ence any difficulty in procuring the assent of the Texian Govern-
ment to the terms of the Declaration in question
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot, R. N.
[Enclosure].
Draft.
Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, of Great
Britain and Ireland, and His Majesty the King of the French
being strongly impressed with the importance of restoring Peace
between the Republick of Texas and the Mexican Republick and
of the establishment and preservation of the Republick of Texas
as an Independent State under her own national Govt.; Their
said Majesties have respectively authorized the Undersigned Elliot
Her Britannick Majesty's [chargé d' affaires] and--to declare that
their said Majesties engage to use their best exertions with a
view to the restoration of Peace at the earliest possible period,
and to the recognition of the Independence of the Republick of
Texas by the Mexican Republick.
And the President of the Republick of Texas, has, on his part
authorized the Undersigned to declare on the other hand that the
Govt of Texas will use every effort to maintain the independence
of the Republick under its own separate and national Jurisdiction.
In witness whereof the Undersd. sign the present Declaration
and have affixed thereto the seals of their arms.
1845.
[Endorsed.]. Draft.
Declaration.
To.
Mr. H. Stewart
Editor of the Civilian
New Orleans May 9th 1845.
My dear Sir,
From the synopsis of General Houston's speech last night at
the Arcade, as it appears in some of the Morning papers of this
City, of this date, it might possibly be inferred that he had stated
that he had during his presidency been dealing unfairly in his
diplomatic intercourse with the European Governments.
This inference would be unjust, and not properly dedueible from
any thing he said on the occasion referred to. On the contrary
he used the opportunity to pay a deserved tribute to the disinter-
ested and open positions and actions of those Governments towards
Texas throughout her existence as a Nation. He said, however,
that upon the subject of Annexation, he had coquetted
a little
with the United States, upon the principle that a Manifestation
of over anxiety would not hasten, but retard the accomplishment
of the measure. The term coquetting
was not
applied to Eng-
land or France but to the United States, and used only as a
means of inducing them the more readily to embrace and carry
out Annexation
Signed W. D. Miller.
The foregoing is a true Copy of the original
Signed Robert D. Johnson.
Copy.
Charles Elliot.
Mexico.
20th May 1845.
Sir,
I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to
the President of Texas, a Document containing a full acceptance
on the part of the President of this Republick, and signed by
Don Luis Cuevas, Secretary of State--of the proposals sent from
Texas for the acknowledgment of the Independence of the latter
Power.
You will Jose no time on your arrival at Galveston to place
this important paper in the hands of Mr. President Jones--and
you will he good enough to point out to His Excellency that his
proposals are returned to him word for word as he entrusted them
to your care.
It is a matter of regret to the French Minister and Myself that
so much time has elapsed between the presentation of the Articles
to this Government--and the moment of their acceptance--but
you are too well acquainted with the dilatory habits of Spaniards
and Spanish Americans not to be able to explain this Circum-
stance to the President--The result, however, is very satisfactory,
for while Señor Cuevas has thought it necessary to accompany his
Signature with some observations, he has not hesitated strictly to
incorporate the four Articles in his Communication, and the re-
marks he makes therewith are of no consequence whatever.--There
are two Documents which I sent to you and which have reference
to the four Articles. They are, however sent separately, and you
will, I doubt not, be able to satisfy the President that they are
pressed upon us for the purpose of saving their exaggerated no-
tions of honour and pride.--and not intended by the Mexican
Government as in the slightest degree disrespectful to Texas.
The President of Mexico is most anxious that Your best exer-
tions should be used, in conjunction with your French Colleague,
that in the Proclamation, which it is hoped Mr Jones will issue
immediately upon your arrival, care will be taken that the terms
employed therein are general--and as much as possible in con-
formity with those adopted in the "Imcativa" [Iniciativa] pro-
posed to this Congress.--as should,--most unfortunately, the Con-
gress of Texas defeat the views of Mr President Jones, and accept
the égide of the United States in preference to National Inde-
pendence, it would seriously compromise this Government in their
view of the case, if any premature disclosure were made and after-
wards disavowed--for this purpose perhaps, a confidential Com-
munication of the enclosed Papers to the President and Govern-
ment of Texas would be best. Your experience of the Country
and it's Rulers constitutes you as the best Judge of how the Affair
can best be managed.
The second wish of this Government is as follows, and is equally
left to the exertion of your good offices. That the Person or
Persons who may be sent from Texas shall be of a conciliatory dis-
position, and that at the moment of his or their departure he or
they shall take the name of Commissioner or Commissioners--and
that the instant the Negotiations commence they will bring for-
ward their title of Plenipotentiary.--I am assured that they will
be received here with an earnest desire to establish relations be-
tween the two Countries upon a basis of good will and mutual
advantage.
The Baron Cyprey writes by this Conveyance to the President
Jones--I prefer requesting you to be the interpreter to His Excel-
lency of my best wishes for the early and satisfactory conclusion
of this long pending question--and I further beg of you to assure
His Excellency that my best endeavours will be used in promoting
the establishment of a lasting peace between the two Countries--
and of aiding the Texan Plenipotentiary in the exertions for that
purpose.
You will be good enough to communicate to me any informa-
tion which you may from time to time think will be useful here.
Charles Bankhead.
Captain Elliot.
P. S. Since writing the above, Señor Cuevas informed Me that
the enclosed Declaration contains all his resolution.
C. B.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Republick has
received from Texas the preliminary conditions of an arrange-
ment or definitive Treaty between Mexico and Texas--which are
of the following tenour.
2nd. Texas engages that She will stipulate in the Treaty, not
to annex herself or become subject to any Country whatever
3rd. Limits and other conditions to be matter of arrangement
in the final Treaty.
4th. Texas will be willing to remit disputed points respecting
territory and other matters to the arbitration of umpires.
The Government of the Republick has in consequence asked for
the Authority from Congress which the latter has granted and
which is as follows.
His Excellency the President has thought fit to publish the
following decree
Jose J. Herrera. General of Division and President of the
Mexican Republick to its Inhabitants, gives Notice, that the Gen-
eral Congress has decreed and the Executive Government Sanc-
tioned what follows.
The Government has been authorized to listen to the proposi-
tions made by Texas, and to enter into an arrangement or make
such a Treaty as shall be fit and honourable for the Republick,
communicating it to Congress for their examination and approval.
Miguel Atristaiv--President of Chamber of Deputies.
Juan Rodriguez--President of Senate.
Francisco Calderon--Secretary of Chamber of Deputies.
J. J. Rosas---Secretary of Senate.
National Palace 17 May 1845.
J. J. Herrera--L. G. Cuevas.
In consequence of the preceding Authority granted by the Con-
gress of the Republick of Mexico.--the Undersigned Minister for
Foreign Affairs declares by Order of the President--that the
Supreme Government accept the four above mentioned Articles as
preliminary to a formal and definite Treaty; And moreover that
they are disposed to commence the Negociation in the way desired
by Texas--and to receive the Commissioner or Commissioners that
Texas may with this view appoint
Luis Cuevas.
Translation.
which ought also to be included in the Negotiation and that if
this Negotiation is not realized on account of circumstances, or
because Texas influenced by the Law passed in the United States
on Annexation, should consent thereto--either directly or indi-
rectly, then the answer which under this date is given to Texas by
the Undersigned Minister of Foreign Affairs shall be considered
as null and void.
Mexico. May 19. 1845.
(Signed) Luis. G. Cuevas.
No. 13.
Her Majestys Consulate
Galveston
May 21st 1845.
My Lord,
I have the honor to enclose a Copy of a Proclamation signed
by the President of this Republic on the 6th Instant, recommend-
ing the people to elect delegates to a Convention on the 4th of
next month, the said convention to assemble at Austin on the 4th
of July, for the purpose of taking prompt and definite action
upon the proposition for Annexation. This Proclamation has
been defended by General Houston and approved by the Mass
of the people.
The Congress convened for the 16th of next Month is not
expected to be in Session more than a few days. Its principal
business will be to signify its assent to the Resolution for Annex-
ation presented by the Government of the United States.
On the 12th Inst. an American Squadron, under the Command
of Commodore Stockton,
20 arrived in Galveston Roads, from Nor-
folk in Virginia. The Squadron, which still remains here, con-
sists of the Princeton, War Steamer, the Sloops of War Saint
Mary and Saratoga, and the Brig Porpoise, mounting in all, Sixty
guns.--The Porpoise has entered Galveston Harbour, having been
previously relieved of her battery by the Princeton.
territory claimed by Texas,-- namely to the Rio Grande.
I beg to enclose a Copy of a letter published in the "Galveston
Civilian," on the 17th Instant,
21 by desire of General Houston.--
General Houston is at present in Galveston, waiting, with his
family, for the departure of the New Orleans Steamer, being on
his way to visit General Andrew Jackson, at his residence near
Nashville, Tennessee.
William Kennedy
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
On board the Brig of
His Majesty The King of The French
"La Perouse"
No. 16.
May 30th 1845.
My Lord,
In the possibility that a Steam Vessel may be departing for
New Orleans when I reach the shore, and with the hope of saving
the Mail of the 16th. June, I have the honour of preparing this
despatch respecting my return to this place.
Having had no communication as yet with the shore I am
unable to afford Your Lordship any information respecting the
Condition of circumstances and feeling in this Country, but I
shall of course not lose one moment in placing myself in per-
sonal communication with the Government, and I hope I shall be
able to induce the President forthwith to proclaim the prelimi-
naries of peace
mandant Dubremil for the kindness he has been so good as to
extend to me. May I hope Your Lordship will take the occasion
of this Zealous participation in a Service of some public moment
to recommend to the protection of The King's Government, an
old and distinguished Officer in His Majesty's Service.
Charles Elliot.
To The Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
P. S. Galveston May 31st. 1845.
Since I have landed here I learn that the friends of Annex-
ation have succeeded in exciting a hot, and apparently general
feeling in favour of their project, and it is no doubt to be feared
that the concessions of the Mexican Government will have come
too late to act successfully upon the people of this Country. Their
humour however is variable, and reflection may yet restore them
to a sounder sense of what is best for their own interests. I ab-
stain, however, from dwelling upon such topics till I have had
an opportunity of conversing with the President at Washington, to
which place I proceed by the boat tomorrow morning in company
with M. le Commandant Dubremil, who has a letter from the
Baron Alleye de Cypres to His Excellency. The Baron had left
it to himself to deliver it in person, or not, as he should judge
best, and he has been so good as to accede to my suggestions that
it would be desirable to do so.
Charles Elliot.
Major Donnelson the Charge d' Affaires from the United States
arrived here this morning from New Orleans.
No 14.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston
May 30th. 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
No 3 of the 18th of April, (with enclosures) communicating the
opinion of the Earl of Aberdeen that, under the Treaty between
Great Britain and Texas, Sugar, the growth and produce of the
Republic, is admissible into the ports of the United Kingdom at
the low rate of duty--and I beg leave to inform you that I have
taken means to bring His Lordship's opinion under the notice of
the planting and Mercantile interests of this Country.
William Kennedy.
Henry U. Addington, Esqr.
Consular.
Foreign Office.
June 3d. 1845.
No. 1.
Sir,
I have received your Despatch marked "Separate" of the 4th
Ultimo,
25 alleging that Mr Kennedy had "behaved to you with
great disrespect"--that his Conduct had been so highly "improper
that you would have been justified in suspending him at once,"
that he is not a suitable "person for employment in Her Majesty's
Service"; that you have "not the least Confidence in his prudence,
or right feeling," that you are "sensible that he is quite capable
of making some mischievous publication on the spot," or of other-
wise creating public "inconvenience," and, finally suggesting that
he should be at once recalled.
I regret that you should have thought it your duty to make
Charges so serious against Mr Kennedy without adducing any
sufficient evidence in justification of them. I regret also the tone
in which those Charges are made. You have, moreover, entirely
misapprehended your own position and authority, in supposing
that you have the power to suspend a person who has been ap-
pointed by The Queen to reside and act as Her Majesty's Consul
at Galveston.
I have to desire that you will furnish me, at your earliest con-
venience, with specific information, supported by evidence and
statements of fact, upon each of the Charges which you have pre-
ferred against Mr. Kennedy, in order that I may be enabled to
judge what Measures it may be right that I should adopt in this
matter.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot, R. N.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston
June 10th 1845
No 15.
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Prince of Solms left
Galveston for New Orleans on the 4th Instant, on his return to
Europe.
The Prince has succeeded (though not without a considerable
outlay, owing, as I conceive, in a great degree, to a defect in the
original arrangements of the German Association) in planting a
Colony, numbering six hundred Souls, on a beautiful and pro-
ductive tract of land, situated about fifteen Miles above Seguin,
a village on the Guadalupe river of Western Texas. The name
given to this German Settlement is New Braunfels.--Provided
with farming implements and having a sufficient quantity of land
under cultivation to furnish subsistence for the ensuing year, the
future progress of the Colony may be considered easy and certain.
The Settlers have neither been molested by Indians, nor visited
by sickness,--which may fairly be ascribed to the judicious ar-
rangements of the Prince of Solms, who has encountered the diffi-
culties of his arduous undertaking with a measure of patience,
perseverance, and foresight which I believe but few Europeans
would have been prepared to manifest, under the same circum-
stances.
William Kennedy.
Henry U. Addington, Esqr.
Galveston June 12th 1845
No. 17.
My Lord,
The inclosed Copy of my despatch of yesterday's date to Mr
Bankhead with the accompanying Copy of a private letter of the
same date to him will I believe place Your Lordship in full pos-
session of the state of circumstances here at the present moment.
Those communications left these roads this afternoon in the Cor-
vette of His Majesty The King of the French the "La Perouse"
and I should hope would be in Mexico by the 22d Instant.
The unexpected departure of the Steamboat to New Orleans
tomorrow morning will be my excuse for the few observations I
can add to the information contained in the despatches to Mexico.
But I cannot refrain from expressing the hope that the altered
situation of Mexico, as respects the offer of a just settlement of
this dispute will facilitate the preservation of peace in this ques-
tion, and prevent the intended dismemberment of that Republic.
Whatever of plea or pretext may be strained to vindicate the
annexation of the Country in the actual occupation of the Texians
to the United States and howsoever practicable or otherwise that
may be, it seems totally impossible to divine the grounds which are
to justify the seizure of an immense territory by the United
States in which the Texians have never had a Settler. For surely
not much more serious attention can be given to the present Texian
legislative limitation, than to the Act passed through both Houses
of Congress and vetoed by General Houston in his first adminis-
tration, carrying the Western boundary of this Republic to the
Shores of the Pacific! If the present limits were admitted for
one moment, something might soon be heard of General Houston's
unconstitutional exercise of the Veto power on that and many
other occasions, and of the right inherent in the people to correct
the consequences of that arbitrary conduct, and reannex the whole
Country involved by Congress in the law in question. In every
view that I have been able to take of this very serious question I
cannot but think that the recent policy of Mexico, unfortunately
tardy as it has been, has still materially and advantageously altered
her Situation. And turning to Your Lordship's instructions of
the 3d May I hope it will be satisfactory to Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment that there has not been the least departure from the prin-
ciples upon which they were founded, as to the careful absence of
any thing in the nature of guarantee, or pledge of assistance, to
either party in this contest.
The tone of the President's proclamation
28 herewith forwarded
will also I trust be agreeable to Her Majesty's Government. It
may probably produce considerable effect amongst portion of the
people of the United States, and in the difficult circumstances
that he is placed, it is not more than truth and justice to say that
he has acted with courage, honour, and prudence. The approach-
ing Convention, (perfectly irregular and beyond the Law of itself,
assembled to take into consideration the extinction of the Nation-
ality of the Country, and with it the violation of their compacts,
direct and implied, with the powers with which they have treaties,)
appears to me to be a state of things that had better not have the
countenance of any Foreign representative accredited to this Ee-
public; (I mean by countenance, such assent as might be inferred
from his presence,) and I shall therefore set out for the United
States as soon after the assembly of Congress on the 16th Inst.
as I can conveniently get away.
In the brief Note I shall address to the Government on my
departure, I shall attribute it to infirm health, which indeed is
my sufficient excuse for leaving this part of the Continent without
delay. I am also sensible that my continued presence here during
the discussions in the Convention would be attended with mis-
chievous rather than advantageous consequences, and I trust my
departure will have Your Lordship's approbation. I avail myself
of this occasion to acknowledge Your Lordship's despatches to the
3d May, but what has already been accomplished, and the present
temper of this people necessarily relieve me from any movement
in the sense of those Instructions.
Charles Elliot,
[Enclosure.]
Copy.
Charles Elliot.
(Private)
My Dear Sir,.
Washington,
June 6th. 1845
I send you enclosed herewith a Despatch from the Baron Aeley
de Cyprey. The package for him contains a letter of acknowledg-
ment for his courtesy and kindness, together with a properly Cer-
tified Copy of the Proclamation, and some printed Copies, attested
by myself in the same manner as those herewith enclosed for your
own use
I have as you will perceive made some slight alterations in the
Proclamation from the first Copy, but none I think which you
will dislike.
Would it not be well that Mexico should make a formal
decla-
ration of a Cessation of hostilities on her part? I think it would
be well although I consider her Assent to the preliminaries, neces-
sarily presupposes, and promises such Cessation. But the people
here would be more satisfied and feel more secure if the declara-
tion was made formal and public.
The Bearer of this will be with you on Monday or Tuesday at
farthest and will return immediately to this place. Please write
by him.
It strikes me that the question of Annexation or Independence
will come up to be decided
by the people of Texas only when the
Vote is taken on the ratification of the Constitution which will
be proposed by the Convention. This Vote will probably be taken
in September or October next. What the state of public feeling
may be at that time it is impossible to determine. Ido not even
presume to "guess"
(Signed) Anson Jones.
To Captain Charles Elliot.
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No. 2 in Captn Elliot's Despatch to
The Earl of Aberdeen No. 17 June 12th. 1845.
[Enclosure]
Copy.
Galveston
June 11th. 1845.
Sir,
I have the honour to acquaint you that I arrived here on the
31st. Ultimo, and proceeding immediately to Washington, placed
the preliminary Conditions in the hands of the President of Texas
on the evening of the 2d Instant. His Excellency told me that
the general state of popular excitement in favour of Annexation,
so little looked for three months since, could be no sufficient
motive with him for failing to fulfil what he felt to he his obliga-
tions towards his own Country, towards Mexico, and towards the
Powers who had interested themselves in the peaceful and hon-
ourable adjustment of this struggle; and that he should therefore,
in the course of. a day or two, issue a Proclamation, making known
the actual situation of affairs with Mexico to the people of this
Country, and leaving it to them and their Constitutional Agents
to dispose of the result as.they should judge best.
With respect to the additional declaration made by the Govern-
ment of Mexico, he had no hesitation so far as depended upon the
Executive, in accepting it. That is, in express terms, he adhered
to the declaration he had formerly made to M. de Saligny and
myself as to the willingness of this Government to stipulate an
indemnity in the final treaty, if the limitary conditions were
satisfactory, and he certainly could offer no just objection to the
other reservation made by the Secretary of State to Mexico in the
contingency of movement in the direction of annexation. But
with no firm belief in the final completion of that scheme (for the
difficulties appeared to be very great, if not insuperable, both here
and in the United States,) he cordially hoped that the Ministers
of the two Powers would be able to induce the Government of
Mexico peacefully to wait the turn of events.
Concerning the appointment of Commissioners to proceed to
Mexico, he thought it must be unnecessary to say that in the
present temper of the public, and with the close assembly of Con-
gress, such a step would be unsuitable and mischievous; but he
might soon be in a situation to adopt that course, and in that case,
it might be depended upon that he would have careful regard to
your suggestions. I said I was gratified to hear that His Excel-
lency had resolved to publish the Proclamation, but I could not
conceal from him my own impression that what had taken place
with the authority of the Government since the month of March
last when he had placed the Preliminaries in our hands was enough
to justify the Government of Mexico in declaring their acceptance
of them to be null and void; and further that the course pursued
in Texas had left it perfectly open to the Government of Mexico
forthwith to take what steps they saw fit for the safety and rights
of the Country.
The President told me that he had convened Congress and rec-
ommended a Convention in the plain perception that no other
means were left to him of averting bad and irreparable conse-
quences. He had no doubt that He had acted wisely for the well
understood interests of this Country in those particulars; and he
could further assure me that the course most ardently desired
by the partizans of annexation here and elsewhere was military
movement beyond the Rio Grande by Mexico. Such a step would
immediately and decisively accomplish the measure. I remarked
that the policy to be pursued by Mexico was a subject to which
I was not competent to speak, but I thought it possible that the
Ministers of the two Powers might endeavour to induce the Gov-
ernment of Mexico to refrain from onward movement, till some
final decision was taken by the people of Texas, as long as this
Government and people were confining themselves within the
limits of their present occupation. That, however, was mere pri-
vate and personal opinion upon my part, and the President would
have the goodness only to accept it in that sense.
The Proclamation has reached me this day, and I am only pre-
vented from forwarding the Despatches to the "La Perouse" at
once by the unfavourable state of the weather which prevents
communication. The Copy herewith transmitted is attested by
the President himself. So far as I can observe there is no re-
mission as yet of this feverish excitement in favour of annexation,
provoked and kept alive by extraneous agency, and, judging from
present appearances, there can be little doubt that the annexation
resolutions will be adopted both by Congress and the Convention.
But it may I think, be depended upon that the late policy of
Mexico, and the present attitude of this Government will have
greatly increased the difficulties of the annexation party here, and,
most particularly, in the United States.
With firm adherence on the part of Mexico to the protest against
annexation, active preparations for defence, and the continued
exhibition of the offer of Settlement on the basis of Independence
till some decisive action is completed by the people of Texas in
the sense of annexation, (unless some forward movement should
be made by them beyond the limits of their present occupation,
or by the Troops of the U. S. into Texas,) I trust that this very
serious business may yet be adjusted advantageously and satis-
factorily.
My last despatches from England are of the 3rd May inclosing
me Copies of those to you of the 1st Idem: But what has already
been accomplished, and the present temper of the public here,
relieve us from any necessity of movement at this point under
those Instructions
The President desires me to convey to you his best thanks for
your kind and able interposition in the negotiations at Mexico.
Signed Charles Elliot.
To His Excellency, Charles Bankhead.
Mexico.
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 1 in Captain Elliot's Despatch to
The Earl of Aberdeen. No 17. June 12. 1845
[Enclosure].
Copy.
Galveston
June 11th. 1845.
Private
My dear Mr Bankhead.,
Beyond the information furnished in my despatch I have to
tell you that the President described the state of feeling here to
be that of fever, and like all fevers he said it must run it's course
for good or for evil.
articles in the Government Newspaper, which had led to an influx
of Agents specially charged to work upon the people and damage
his influence. His simple chance of useful intervention depended
in his mind, upon complete abstinence from opposition just now.
That would be futile or indeed worse, would fan the flare.
But he thought he observed symptoms of an abatement of the
excitement already, and he requested me to conjure the Baron and
yourself to keep Mexico from any kind of onward Movement.
Such a step he says, would be fatal to the prospect, and the good
prospects of averting all this mischief.
I should tell you that I learnt as soon as I landed from a source
of information entirely to be depended upon that Commodore
Stockton was using every effort to induce the President to issue
a Proclamation calling out Volunteers for the purpose of occupy-
the Country to
the
Rio
Grande
at
once.
The President frankly admitted to me that such was the case,
and told me (I use his own words as nearly as I can remember
them) that he said to those parties "I see not one single motive
for Annexation if it is not for security and protection, or if we
are to
do
our
own
fighting,
and I tell you plainly that I will not
be made the scape goat in such an affair as you have proposed
to me. The United States Government must take all the respon-
sibility, and all the expence and all the labour of hostile move-
ments upon Mexico. I will issue no Proclamation of the kind,
you wish, and authorize no movement unless
Mexico
makes
a
move
-
ment
upon
us.
Somebody else must break up the state of peace.
It shall not be me." You will see by the Proclamation that he
has kept his word, and I remark already that it is a heavy blow
to the violent partizans of the scheme here. Donnelson who
arrived from the U. S. the day after I got here, and who I met
on his way to Washington will probably enough disavow Stockton
and at all events the Proclamation will be a sad disappointment
to him, for he will be able to judge of it's effect on the wise por-
tion of the people of the U. S.
I see good reason to think, however, that the Mexican Governt
should concentrate force on the line of the Rio Grande as soon
as possible, and do what may be practicable without a moment's
delay to protect Matamoras against a Coup de Main. I believe
too it would also be well to turn up breast works at the Brassos
Santiago, and mount a few heavy guns and Mortars there. I
should also particularly suggest that a very careful watch should
be had on movements from this quarter on the Commachee and
other frontier tribes. I make little or no doubt that they would
attempt to tamper with them, and I am also strongly inclined to
believe that Stockton's force here has a large supply of arms and
ammunition ready for distribution amongst this people.
But if I may venture to offer an opinion I think it would be
very unwise of Mexico to take the initiative in hostile or onward
movements. That step should be left to the Government of the
U. S. which will find it no easy or irresponsible affair during the
recess of Congress and in the entirely altered attitude of Mexico
as respects Texas, with a closely divided state of parties in their
own Country upon the subject, and indeed serious divisions in
their own ranks in regards to it.
I forward herewith for the Baron's and your own perusal a
copy of a private letter which I have this morning received from
the President, and I take the liberty to suggest that it might be
of advantage if the Mexican Govermt. would forthwith issue a
Proclamation declaring that no onward movements would be made
whilst none were made by the Texians, or U. S. troops, that is,
in the present state of the relations between the two Countries.
Saligny is at New Orleans and writes to me that he thinks it
best in the present state of affairs to remain there till he has
received answers to his despatches of the 3d April, which may be
looked for by the "Great Western" on the 9th or 10th Inst. He
has begged Elliot
32 to remain for him at the Mouth of the Mis-
sissippi till that date. The "Great Western" will bring dates of
the 14th or 15th Ulto. I should mention that the President told
me in confidence that a considerable number of the Delegates to
the Convention ostensibly favourable to Annexation, were not at
all
so
in
reality,
and would go there steadily determined to send
such a Constitution to the U. S. as would not be accepted by that
Legislature. I give it to you as he said it to me, but can offer no
opinion upon the possibility of the Statement
Houston is gone to New Orleans and the Hermitage to sound the
depths in those quarters, and calculates his chance of running for
President in succession to Polk, and I shall think it very wonder-
ful if they do not continue to catch him, and throw him over
afterwards, adroit as he is. He is a fellow of infinite resource
too, and under the cards he may be working the right way to get.
It would be like him. The American force here consists of
"Princeton" (Steamer) "Saratoga" and St. Mary's Corvettes of
20 guns each, and Porpoise 10 gun brig. Their main business
here is to, spend money or as they have it in the U. S. to "log roll."
I beg to mention to you that I am on the point of leaving this
Country for I really do not think it proper to remain here whilst
this Convention is sitting. The Measure is purely revolutionary,
and I see not suitable excuse for remaining in Texas whilst the
people are unlawfully, or at all events beyond the Law, debating
upon the extinction of their Nationality, and the violation of their
compacts with the Powers who have treated with them. My
health too is shaken heavily, and I have private distresses with
which I will not trouble you, but they are sad to bear.
If the Governt. of Mexico have anything to communicate to
this Governt. under present Circumstances, I would suggest that
it had better be done directly through the General Officer in Com-
mand of the Army of the North, and if this Government should
happily defeat the Annexation Scheme, they will be able to com-
municate freely and directly. Till that Scheme is thrust further
back than it stands at present, I do not think it right to remain
here. The President has behaved as well as he could, and I hope
the Governt of Mexico will carry on any Communications they
may have with this Governt. in a conciliatory spirit and respectful
terms. It would be sound policy to do so, and a contrary course
would help their enemies.
Very kind regards to Mr [Mrs.] Bankhead and Doyle if you
please, with a thousand Compliments to the Baron and his family.
Very sincerely yours.
Charles Elliot.
P. S. I have just reed, a line from Saligny dated 9th June.
The Despatches by "Great Western" were looked for hourly, and
he would come on by "Enrydice." The President begged me most
particularly to remind the Baron and yourself that the Memoran
-
dum
of
our
Conference
should be kept
secret.
To Charles Bankhead, Esqr Mexico.
Galveston.
June 15. 1845.
No. 18.
My Lord,
Since I had the honour of addressing Your Lordship on the
12th Inst. I have had an attack of Ague and fever, and finding
that the best chance of interrupting this disorder and restoring
myself to a fit state for Service is by immediate change, I pro-
pose to go to New Orleans by the Steam Boat which has been
delayed here till today. I shall wait there for [until?] the Presi-
dent's Message has reached me, and if there should be anything
[nothing?] to detain me to the Southward in the circumstances
arising out of the Assembly of Congress I shall venture to pro-
ceed forthwith to New York, holding myself in constant readiness
to return here whenever that step may be necessary or desirable.
The state of my health should not have induced me to leave
Texas at present if I did not feel that there can be no reasonable
doubt as to the course of the present Congress respecting annex-
ation, and renewed reflection has strengthened me in the im-
pression that I had better not be here at the period of their formal
action upon this subject, be it what it may. The continued pres-
ence of the American Naval force named in the margin,
34 off this
Bar, and the circumstances, leave me without doubt that it is the
settled purpose of the Government of the United States to avail
themselves of any opportunity or pretext to take Military pos-
session of this part of the Country, at least, and by that step so
far to commit the two Governments and Legislatures as to dimin-
ish all risk of retractation or disturbance here or in their own
Country
But I will not dismiss this topic without taking the liberty to
repeat an opinion I have in another place expressed to Your Lord-
ship--; that is, that Mexico has much more efficacious Means of
responding formidably to forcible aggression by the United States
than seems to be generally contemplated here or there. There is
more of aptitude in the United States for the accession of terri-
tory on that Side, by the mode of gradual encroachment in the
unsettled Countries, than by regular Military operations and con-
quest. And if the policy and resources of Mexico are judiciously
directed to prevent the first and arrest the last, I think that the
result of regular Military modes of proceeding will not answer
the expectation of the persons and councils in the United States
intending the forcible dismemberment of the Mexican Confederacy.
The danger to Mexico from the United States is in the Settler,
and intrigue and conspiracy, not in their Armies and Navies, and
the true point to be watched, and placed on a safe footing at once,
I am strongly inclined to believe, is Upper California.
Texas, in the actual occupation of the Texians, cannot be
safely disturbed by Mexico, and the Country beyond those limits
as far as the Rio Grande, is for the most part perfectly desert,
and unfit either for settlement, or protracted Military operations.
If the Texians and Americans are betrayed as far as the Rio Grande
in pursuit of their Aggressive Schemes there may be less diffi-
culty in effectually checking them than is generally believed.
Charles Elliot.
To the Right Honourable,
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston
June 24th 1845.
No. 16.
My Lord,
In the absence of Her Majesty's Charge d' Affaires who left
Galveston for New Orleans on the 15th Instant, accompanied by
Mr John Macdougall, I have the honor to inform your Lord-
ship that the Congress of Texas (which assembled on the 16th
Instant,) has passed a Joint Resolution accepting the proposition
for Annexation submitted to the Texan government by the Gov-
ernment of the United States.
I beg leave to enclose a printed. Copy of the Joint Resolution
36
passed by the Congress of Texas, relative to Annexation.
Another Joint Resolution has passed the Texan Congress, au-
thorizing the introduction of United States' troops into Texas.
It is understood that Military occupation will be taken of the
tract of Country lying between the Nueces and the Rio Grande;
for the purpose of making the latter river the boundary between
Mexico and Texas.
William Kennedy
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
[Enclosure].
Mexico
June 29—1845.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your De-
spatches of the 11th Instant containing the Proclamation of Mr
President Jones on the receipt of H. Ey. of the preliminary
Articles of which you were the bearer.--It is very gratifying to
find that the tenour of this Document is so conciliatory towards
Mexico, and evidently by it's language desirous of cultivating
Peace and Goodwill, rather than the alternative of Annexation.
Senor Cuevas's mind had been much disturbed by the exag-
gerated Statements he had received respecting the State of Affairs
in Texas but I was fortunately enabled by your valuable assist-
ance to calm down his excited feelings, while, at the same time,
I strenuously, and I think with success, conjured him to allow
no false or interested statement to urge this Government into
any onward, or unfriendly Step while the Measure respecting
Texas is pending—but to wait calmly for the decision of the Con-
vention, which by a letter you were so good as to send for Mon-
sieur de Cyprey's and my information, is not likely to take place
before October.
I am endeavouring to induce this Government to issue a Proc-
lamation for a Cessation of hostilities, in return for that so
spontaneously made by the President of Texas
And Mr Cuevas assured me that no language but that of Con-
ciliation would be used in accompanying the publication of the
latter Document in the Government paper here.
Charles Bankhead.
Copy remaining with my papers.
Captain Charles Elliot.
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No l in Capt Elliot's Despatch No. 23.
to the Earl of Aberdeen. August. 13. 1845.
Mexico.
June 29. 1845
[Enclosure]
Sir,
It is with deep regret I learn from your private letter that you
think it expedient to leave Texas during the Sitting of the Con-
vention
I am sure you will pardon my earnestly requesting you to re-
consider this intended proceeding—for it is absolutely necessary
that this Legation should be accurately
informed from time to
time of what is going on in Texas--and, moreover, Lord Aber-
deen particularly enjoins you to do so in his Instruction of 3rd
May.
I take the liberty of adding that my opinion is fully supported
by my french Colleagues and by the Mexican Government.
I send this by H. M. S. Persian,
and I fervently hope that
She may arrive in time to prevent your putting your plan into
execution.
Charles Bankhead
Copy remaining with my papers.
Charles Ellilot.
Captain Charles Elliot.
[Endorsed.] Inclosure No 2 in Capt Elliot's Despatch No 23
to the Earl of Aberdeen. August 13. 1845.
No 10.
40
Foreign Office.
July 3d. 1845.
Sir,
I have received from you no Despatch of a later date than
that of the 2d of April, marked "Secret," in which you reported
the arrangement into which, in conjunction with the French
Chargé d' Affairs, you had induced the President of Texas to
enter, with a view to obtaining the recognition of Texas by Mex-
ico. In the same Despatch you mentioned your intention of pro-
ceeding in person secretly to Mexico, in order to carry out more
effectually the scheme of action thus devised in Concert with the
Texian Government.
I have subsequently learned from Her Majesty's Minister in
Mexico your arrival in that City, and the success which had
attended the united efforts of the Missions of England and France
both in Mexico and Texas, by the conditional acceptance by the
Mexican Government of the terms proposed to them by the
Government of Texas.
I am happy to be able to convey to you the approbation of
Her Majesty's Government of the energy and ability with which,
in conjunction with M. de Saligny, you prosecuted this matter
with the Government of Texas. It might have been preferable,
however, that you had not proceeded in person to Mexico; and
at all events it would have been better that you had not pro-
ceeded thither secretly, or under a feigned name or character, in-
asmuch as the mystery which necessarily attended such secret
expedition was liable to give rise to erroneous notions and false
interpretations of our motives and intentions, especially on the
part of the United States.
The policy which Her Majesty's Government have pursued with
respect to Texas and Mexico has been perfectly clear and open.
It has never required any concealment. We naturally desired to
preserve the independence of Texas, with which State we had
entered into engagements, and concluded Treaties, but we also
considered that the welfare of Mexico required that She should,
if possible, be preserved from immediate contact with the United
States.
We thought it probable that upon such separation the peace
of the North American Continent, and therefore of the World,
might materially depend. We accordingly employed our efforts,
but openly and fairly, to accomplish this object. We looked
upon it's furtherance as no less desirable for the United States
than for Mexico, since we do not believe that the aggrandizement
of the United States will in any way contribute to their strength,
or to the advancement of the material interests of their people.
On the contrary, we believe that such aggrandizement will be
found to have a precisely opposite effect, and that it will eventu-
ally excite discord in the bosom of that great Country. But such
dissention could scarcely fail to act injuriously upon British in-
terests, considering the vast amount of British Capital which is
engaged in Commerce with the United States. Our well under-
stood national interests require that the United States should
remain peaceful and united amongst themselves; but the system
of extention of their territory which they are now pursuing seems
to us to place their internal peace and union, as well as the peace
of the whole Continent in jeopardy. For that reason therefore,
as well as for those above pointed out, we have constantly sought
to uphold the independence of Texas. But in pursuing this policy
we have no specified British interests in view, apart from general
interests, for we do not conceive that any material or direct
British interest is involved in the independence of Texas. Had
it been so, it would undoubtedly have been the duty of Her
Majesty's Government to promote such interests by every fair
means in their power; but we should still have pursued that ob-
ject as a clear and obvious publick obligation, without the small-
est concealment.
I have entered thus at length into explanations respecting the
policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to Texas and
Mexico, as well as the United States, with reference to those
Countries, in order to demonstrate to you that the Mystery which
you unfortunately threw round your recent preceedings was not
only unnecessary, but liable to be misunderstood in such manner
as to make your policy appear in a light the very reverse of that
which it ought to bear.
In doing this I have thought it expedient to point out to you
the error into which you have unintentionally fallen, and which
is liable to create serious embarrassment and misunderstanding,
in order that you may hereafter be enabled to avoid any repeti-
tion of it.
I do not think it necessary to enter upon this occasion into
the question of the probable result of your late proceedings, since
any reflections in which I might indulge must, in the uncertain
position in which matters stand at present in Texas, be purely
speculative. Her Majesty's Government see no reason to enter-
tain any sanguine hope that the President of Texas will have
been enabled to resist the popular clamour for annexation. It
is therefore unnecessary at the present moment to give contingent
instructions for the guidance of your conduct in the scarcely
imaginable case of the maintenance of their independence by the
people of Texas. In the event of the annexation of that Country
to the United States being completed, you will remain at your
post, or at some port of the United States, as you were author-
ized to do by my Despatch marked "Separate" on the 3rd. of
April last, until you receive further instructions from this Office.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot. R. N.
No 19.
New Orleans.
July 3rd. 1845.
My Lord,
The President's Message,
42 herewith transmitted, reached me
this Evening, and seeing that there can be no further need for
my stay in this quarter at present, I shall proceed to New York
forthwith, holding myself in constant readiness to return to Texas
at any moment that my presence there may be thought requisite
or desirable. I learn by private letters from Texas that the
Steamer Princeton was despatched direct to Norfolk, with these
accounts, so that the detailed intelligence of what has passed in
Texas will no doubt reach Her Majesty's Government from Wash-
ington before this despatch can arrive in England.
It would be erroneous to suppose that the unanimity of the
Vote in the Texian Congress is decisive of the real feeling of the
whole people of that Country. On the contrary, these scrambling
and hurried proceedings in this grave affair afford reason to
think that discussion was considered dangerous, and the acqui-
escence of persons in that body well known to be adverse to An-
nexation is only evidence that they were borne down by the ap-
prehension of Violence, or at least by a sense that it was hopeless
openly to resist the unscrupulous management and misrepre-
sentation in operation at this moment.
Her Majesty's Government will find in these proceedings of
Congress, and the official Correspondence herewith transmitted
remarkable proof of the extent to which the people have been
deceived and worked upon both in the United States and in
Texas. So far as it has yet gone however this Measure is no doubt
an immense triumph to the great Slave Trade interests of this
Country.
Men, Women, and Children, My Lord, have risen in value at
least 30 per Cent since this scheme was proposed by Mr Tyler
in 1844; And the Annexation of Texas which some of the States-
men of this Country have ventured to actuate in the phrase
that it would constitute an "Exodus" for their Slave population
signifies in the plainer speech, and, more reverent use of terms
applicable to this painful transaction, that they have robbed a
Market from a weak and peaceful neighbour where Slavery had
no legal existence for the disposal and consumption of their sur-
plus human produce. Their avowed purpose is that the Slaves
are to be worked off in Texas till Slavery can no longer be turned
to profitable account, and then that the wreck of the race is to
be driven forth into the Mexican Provinces, to mix themselves
with the inhabitants of those Countries.
But turning from this extravagance, I take the liberty to
offer the opinion that the triumph these parties have achieved
will be found to be insubstantial and transitory. Misrepresenta-
tion and political intrigue, and disease and sordid Motives of
all kinds are of no texture to withstand the right feeling, and
sober purposes of the great body of this people on this subject
of Slavery. The reaction will be strong, and not slow of com-
ing; and so far as the durability of the institution of Slavery
is considered I believe that the Annexation of Texas will by no
means work steadily in the sense that its advocates suppose.
But there are other consequences to be feared from the success
of such schemes as this, and the time may not be distant when
it will be manifest that the true friends of the honour, happi-
ness, and integrity of this great Confederacy were those just and
able Statesmen who warned their fellow Citizens against the evils
of this bad plot.
I learn from a good source this Evening that two Corps of
infantry are to be sent immediately to Matagorda by Sea, and
that a regiment of Cavalry is to march into Texas from Port
Jessup. It was said that the whole force under orders would
not exceed 1,500 men. The Squadron before Galveston had broken
up and returned to this Country.
I take the liberty of forwarding Your Lordship the Copy of
a Despatch I addressed to Mr Bankhead yesterday, and I would
also mention that if your Lordship forwarded me any instruc-
tions by the Mail of the 19th May, they have not yet reached me,
having probably crossed me on my way up from Texas to this
place.
Charles Elliot.
To the Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
FOOTNOTES:
physician in Pennsylvania, until 1831, when he went to Texas. After
independence, he was for a time speaker of the House of Representa-
tives. He also filled the position of secretary of war, but retired from
active political life in 1842, because of ill health. (Appleton, Cyclop.
of Amer. Biography.)
in Senate Journal, 9th Texas Cong., 195-197.
Aberdeen, Nos. 10 and 11, March 6 and 7, 1845. See ante p. 729 seq.
Session of Parliament," and of circulars to consuls dated November 18
and December 24, 1844. These could not be traced.
1845.
have been omitted. No. 4 related to British sugar duties and noted
transmission of copies of correspondence with British consuls in the
United States. No. 5 acknowledged receipt of despatches.
by date are:
Bankhead to Aberdeen, No. 19, March 1, 1845.
Pakenham to Aberdeen, No. 39, March 29, 1845.
Aberdeen to Cowley, No, 46, April 15, 1845.
Cowley to Aberdeen, No. 184, April 28, 1845.
Aberdeen to Bankhead, No. 15, May 1, 1845.
Bankhead's despatch notified Aberdeen that Mexico was now willing
to recognize Texan independence, while Pakenham wrote of a change ir
the Texan attitude. Aberdeen, therefore, instructed Cowley to ask France
to join in a "last chance" effort to prevent annexation, but definitely
excluding any plan of war or force. France acceded and the despatch tc
Bankhead urged haste upon Mexico. Then two days later came the
present instructions to Elliot (Nos. 6 and 7) with the plan of a "Decla
ration." This plan arrived too late, however, and was never presentee
to the Texas government. (For analysis and partial citation of docu-
ments see Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas, 203-207.)
for date and place.
vate, March 27, 1846, but is here inserted in its chronological order.
letter was written. The enclosed document, he therefore personally car-
ried back to Texas.
No. 480, Doc. 2, p. 70 seq., but is here reprinted because of the slightly
different wording of Bankhead's translation, and the additional signatures.
ton," bore the annexation resolutions to the Texan government.
British ship of war Electra, nominally going to Charleston, S. C. When
out of sight of land, he transferred to the Eurydice, and reached Vera
Cruz, April 11. Thence he proceeded to the capital, and once there Bank-
head took charge of affairs and pressed the Mexican government to ac-
cede to the Texan proposals. A long delay followed, and much hesita-
tion, irritating to Bankhead. Late in April, Elliot went to Jalapa, near
Vera Cruz, and waited for the Mexican decision, which Bankhead was
finally able to send him on May 20. Elliot sailed for Texas on the French
ship La Perouse, and reached Galveston on May 30. Since Bankhead
was the British diplomat in charge in Mexico, Elliot did not report to
Aberdeen the details of this negotiation in Mexico. These are to be
found in Bankhead's reports, F. 0., Mexico, 185.
thereto were transcribed by the copyist, but were withdrawn by the
censors of the foreign office, presumably under the rule that letters con-
taining reflections on individuals are not to be copied. It may be of in-
terest to note as indicating the liberality of the Public Record Office,
and of the foreign office, in opening archives to historical research, that
this was the only instance in connection with the publication of this
Texan material, in which the censors withdrew the correspondence.
poise (Brig).
in correct chronological order, though not received and transmitted by
Elliot until August, owing to his absence from Texas.
1845, have been omitted. No. 8 acknowledged receipt of despatches.
No. 9 noted the transmission of coipies of correspondence with British
consuls in the United States relative to the sugar duties, but these copies
could not be found.
How to cite:
Ephraim Douglass Adams, "British Correspondence Concerning Texas", Volume 20, Number 2, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v020/n2/contrib_DIVL2419.html
[Accessed Sun Nov 23 3:33:46 CST 2008]
