BRITISH CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING TEXAS
XXII
New York.
Augt 31. 1845
My Lord,
I have the honour to transmit herewith a statement of the
United States Naval force in various parts of the World, ex-
tracted from the Government paper of the 26th Instant.
2 Intel-
ligence from Texas to the 30th Ultimo reports the temporary
Cantonment of an American force of 11 or 1200 Men on St
Joseph's Island (which faces the Coast between the Mouths of
the Aransas Stream and the "Nueces,") and from the various
accounts I have seen in the prints of this Country I should judge
that reinforcements to the extent of about 2,500 Men are now on
their way to the same destination, but the whole strength could
hardly be completely assembled in Western Texas before the 10th
of next Month, at the earliest.
I presume that St Joseph's Island has been selected for the
disembarkation of the troops in preference to Corpus Christi be-
cause the entrance at that Pass has the advantage of rather
more water, than that at Corpus Christi, (about a degree further
to the Westward) and probably also because the Coast at that
point is rather nearer to San Antonio de Bexar, where I conclude
it is intended to canton the troops and form the main depots,
upon the ground of it's situation with respect to the main routes
into the Country, and superior comparative healthiness. It should
be said that there will be considerable inconvenience and diffi-
culty in transporting the troops and Materiel rapidly from San
Josephs to the Coast in consequence of the Shallowness of the
Bay and the want of a sufficient number of light boats: And
if the rains set in as early as September as they have done of
late years, the March through the lower Country will be ex-
tremely slow and trying
If the Mexicans are advancing rapidly in force, and are ac-
companied by strong levies of effective and well mounted ranch-
eros, thoroughly acquainted with the Country, and commanded
by active partizan Chiefs, of whom there is no want in Mexico,
the American force may find it more difficult to establish them-
selves firmly on their intended basis than appears to have been
contemplated. In fact the inconsiderable amount of the force
originally sent on, and the hurried and piecemeal manner in
which reinforcements are now following strengthen me in the
impression that the first movement in Texas was dictated chiefly
by a desire to commit the Legislatures and people of the two
Countries beyond any change of retraction, and not by appre-
hension of early irruption into Texas by Mexico.
Upon any other reasoning the manifest course, more particu-
larly at this season of the year, would have been to assemble
the expeditionary force at some convenient station in the Upper
Mississipi, where it would have been beyond the range of yel-
low fever, and from which it could have been conveyed by Steam
in a few days in complete strength and an effective condition
to the most eligible place of disembarkation, nearest to the points
which it was to act upon, or to cover. If there had not been
any movement into the Country by the American Government
till the Congress of the United States had met, I think there
can be no doubt that Mexico would have been contented to wait
for the final action of this Legislature, but other motives have
been operative in this quarter and I am afraid that it may now
be very difficult to avert a collision.
Amongst the impulses disposing the present Government of
the United States to provoke hostilities with Mexico (and if hos-
tilities do ensue it must be plain to the World that they have
been incited by this Government both primarily and immedi-
ately,) would be the desire of a pretext for taking sudden pos-
session of San Francisco Bay; and it is sincerely to be hoped
that the Government of Mexico may lose no time in shaping
their policy with respect to that part of their territory on large
and sound principles.
But whatever the secret intentions, or political necessities or
liabilities of this Government may be, as to the temper of Con-
gress and the Country on more mature reflection, and better in-
formation than have hitherto obtained, it is certain at all events
that the American force in advance has been exposed, in a Mili-
tary point of view, to serious and perfectly avoidable risks:
And if the Mexican Warfare and policy are vigorously and
judiciously managed, they have fairer means of disturbing the
early aggressive proceedings of this Government than it was rea-
sonable to suppose would have been given to them.
The outset of these operations has been defective, either as to
the need for such haste with a handful of men, or the period at
which they have been commenced, or the confused and desultory
manner in which the force has been prepared and directed to
the theatre on which it is to act, or finally as to the point of
disembarkation.
Mexico in my judgment is in a better situation than could
have been looked for, to fall at once and at advantage, upon
schemes of warfare best suited to her strength and necessities,
and to drop simultaneous suggestions of possible accommodation
upon principles that will diminish the risk of vigorously pro-
tracted hostilities with the sanction of the Legislature of this
Country; and without that sanction the Executive of the United
State have neither the power nor the means to do much mischief
to any other Country, or their own. Your Lordship will ob-
serve by the papers of this Country that the Governor of Louisi-
ana has been called upon by the General Officer in Command of
the S. W. division of the Army to reinforce the regular troops in
Texas with drafts from the Militia of New Orleans.
They are unfitted for the circumstances and warfare which
they would have to contend with in Texas, and will be a burden
and an expense rather than of use in this struggle. The Militia
best suited to such Service would be the hardy Yeomanry of the
Western free States, not the unpractised youth of the Southern
Cities, and I feel I hazard nothing in the prediction that if they
are detached in force at this Season to the Coast of Texas, they
will perish in great numbers, and with great rapidity. Neither
can it fail to strike the most careless observer that with the reg-
ular force in advance, there is need for keeping the Militia at
home, and prepared for Service, to guard against the contingency
of negro movement, perfectly probable in the pursuit of a war
with Mexico, undertaken mainly for the purpose of prolonging
and extending the System of Slavery; a fact, of which it would
be irrational to suppose that the Slave population of the United
States is not quite aware.
Before I close this despatch I may add that it appears from
the casual accounts I have seen in the papers, that a considerable
portion of the force sent to Texas is Artillery with an unusually
large number of Guns for so small an expedition.--So far as I
have been able to judge of the weather and Country in Texas
that arm would not be very effective in the warfare there except
for a few Months in the year, owing to the dry state of the
prairies and rush bottoms in the Autumn and Winter months;
and if the war should be carried beyond the Rio Grande the in-
convenience would be increased, by reason of the Mountainous
nature of the Country, and the impossibility of using any other
means of transport than Mules.
During the period of more than three years since my arrival
in Texas, there have not been more than 10 Months in all, pend-
ing which Military operations could have been carried on in this
Country, owing to deluges at one time, or drought and a want
of fodder at another, and the utter impractability of keeping a
force in the field during the great stress of the heat.
With the view to afford the Commander in Chief all the means
in my power of forming a judgment on the state of circumstances
in Texas, I have taken the liberty of forwarding this despatch
to him for his perusal.
Charles Elliot
To The Right Honourable,
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
New York
August 31st 1845
Private.
My Lord,
Since I closed my despatch No 26 of this date (forwarded
through the Admiral) I have heard a report which I think it
proper to mention to Your Lordship.
It comes to me from a Merchant of great respectability here,
and directly to him from a person closely connected with Mexico,
and he thinks, likely to be accurately informed
My informant states his belief that letters of Marque have
been for some time actually in Rio Janeiro, Havana, and other
ports in various parts of the World, ready to be issued by the
Mexican Consuls, as soon as they shall know of the commence-
ment of hostilities between the United States and Mexico. I
have no means of Judging of the truth of this statement, but
Your Lordship will no doubt know what degree of credit should
be attached to it. The Gentleman who mentioned the report to
me thinks that an early rupture is inevitable, founding his opin-
ion chiefly on the difficulty of restraining the American force in
Western Texas.
Charles Elliot
To The Right Honourable
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston,
September 6th. 1845
No. 23.
My Lord,
I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the Conven-
tion assembled at Austin closed its deliberations and adjourned
on Thursday the 28th Ultimo.
Enclosed herewith, are--a printed Copy of "the Constitution
of the State of Texas,"
5 adopted in the Convention, and a Copy
of a Proclamation by President Jones--invoking the decision of
the people of Texas, in reference to that Constitution, and "the
expression of their opinions for
and against
Annexation,"--to-
gether with their adoption, or rejection, of an Ordinance passed
by the Convention, having relation to Colonization Contracts.
It is to be observed that the final Vote respecting the State
Constitution and the question of Annexation is to be declared
"vica
voce."
--In the elections of the Republic the Votes, hitherto,
have been taken by ballot.
The opponents of Annexation in Gal-
veston appear to consider that (the open) Mode of arriving at
the sentiments of the people, as unfavourable to the uncontrolled
developement of opinion.
Appended to the printed copy of the "Constitution of the State
of Texas," is an ordinance adverse to the existing Contracts for
Colonization, and calculated, if not to invalidate them directly,
so far to impede their operation as to render them useless to
their holders—The interests to be affected by this Ordinance are,
all but exclusively European.—The German Association, lately
represented by the Prince of Solms, forwarded emigrants to Texas
on the faith of one of these Contracts.
When General Murphy arrived at Galveston, as Chargé d'
Affaires of the United States in June 1843; he instituted in-
quiries respecting the Colonization Contracts, and took occasion
to denounce the introduction into Texas of Settlers from
Europe.--He remarked that--"the inhabitants of Texas wanted
emigrants like themselves, and no others—Men speaking their
own language, and subject to their own customs and laws"
Mr Terrell—lately representing this Country in England——re-
turned to Texas, in the Brig "Hope Howes," from New Orleans,
on Tuesday the 2d Instant.--He appears desirous to correct mis-
representations that have been current of the course pursued by
Great Britain in reference to Texan affairs, but Annexation be-
ing considered virtually settled, it is not likely that he will be
afforded a suitable opportunity for explanation.--The number of
those who would testify to that which is right, at the risk of
detriment to their worldly hopes, or expectations, is not greater
here than elsewhere, and the will of the people being Sovereign,
the majority by which it is pronounced is by no means indulgent
to openly-avowed dissent, or tolerant of active opposition.--—Un-
ceasing endeavours--which circumstances have aided, have been
made to render the name of England a bugbear in this quarter,
and the fruit of these endeavours will doubtless remain after the
object which inspired them is accomplished.
For my own part, I am unable to perceive the advantages to
be derived, by the present inhabitants of Texas, from the accom-
plishment of Annexation, as contrasted with the attainment of
peace and independence.--Popular impulse,--(however generated)
for the time bears down every suggestion of prudence and public
spirit, but the day is not remote when the feverish Joy of the
National "espousals" must yield to cold considerations of a State
debt, without internal resources for its liquidation--of the liti-
gation of Land Titles before an unfamiliar, and, practically for-
eign tribunal--and of a State revenue to be drawn from a source
inadequate and unwilling--which has never yet supplied one
third of the amount that will inevitably be required for the effi-
cient working of the new Administrative machinery.
Since my despatch No 22 of the 23d Ultimo, small bodies of
regular troops, and volunteers, with arms and stores, have been
transported from the United States to Western Texas. Up to
the date of the present communication, no intelligence on which
reliance can be placed has, to my knowledge, been received at
Galveston from Mexico. The last accounts from Corpus Christi
represent Mexican traders as still resorting thither.
In my despatch No 10, of the 25th of April last, I mentioned
that the "Texas National Register" (official Journal) had de-
fended Mr Ashbel Smith against the charge of being unfriendly
to Annexation. The "Galveston Civilian" of this day, contains
a reply to the same charge from Mr Smith himself, of which I
take leave to enclose a copy.--It's author is still in the United
States.
William Kennedy.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
New York.
September 13th 1845
No. 27.
My Lord,
I have thought it may be convenient to forward for Your Lord-
ship's perusal, the protest of Mr L. D. Evans, a Delegate in Con-
vention from Fannin County (extracted from the Texian Na-
tional Register of the 14th August) against the passage of the
resolutions inviting the troops of the United States into Texas.
Without dwelling upon any particular measure of a Body, un-
constitutionally assembled to sacrifice the separate existence, and
revolutionize the institutions of the country, Mr Evan's protest
has certainly strengthened me in the belief that the movement
of the United States troops beyond the Sabine was made mainly
to commit the Legislatures and people of the two Countries be-
yond all possibility of retractation. But beyond that motive, I
cannot but think, that the advance of the American force within
the territory which the Government of Texas in the preliminary
conditions sent on to Mexico palpably admitted to be subject to
Negotiation and compromise, affords conclusive proof that the
Government of the United States desired to provoke hostilities
by Mexico; probably with the view to the sudden seizure of cer-
tain positions on the Coast of California. I avail myself on this
occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordships despatches
to No 12 inclusive, and a Circular despatch of the 30th June.
To The Right Honourable Charles Elliot
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
Private.
New York.
September 14th 1845
My Lord,
I have the honour to forward for Your Lordship's perusal a
series of letters signed J. H. E. dated at Corpus Christi on the
8th, 13th, and 27th August which I have extracted from the New
York Tribune of the 12th and 13th Inst
They appear to me to contain a good account of the Country
in which the American force is now posted, and I think are other-
wise very worthy of Your Lordship's notice. Prom a paragraph
towards the close of the Communication No 1—I collect that it
is not intended at present to maintain the positions West of the
"Nueces," but I should add that my own private letters from
Texas, and the tone of the Government press in this Country
would lead to different inferences. I have also extracted the 3d
Edition of the same paper of this day's date, containing the latest
information which I have seen from the Expeditionary force.
This letter is sent to the Admiral for his perusal
To the Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
Charles Elliot.
P. S.
New York. Sepr. 15.
By an American Brig arrived yesterday from Tobasco (sailed
on the 20th Ulto) reports have reached this place of a revolu-
tionary Movement in that quarter against the Mexican Authorities
Consular
Foreign Office
September 17th 1845
No. 3.
Sir,
I have read with painful attention the explanations contained
in your Despatch, Consular No 1 of 1st of July last, which, in
compliance with the Instructions conveyed to you in my Despatch
Consular No 1 of the 3d of June, you have given me on the
subject of the Charges which you preferred against Her Majesty's
Consul at Galveston.
As you have in part expressed concern at having made those
Charges, and have in part withdrawn from the prosecution of
them, I am unwilling to dwell further upon the subject of them,
than to express my regret that you should have allowed yourself
to have been led away by a momentary feeling of irritation into
the serious error of bringing accusations against one of Her
Majesty's Subjects, which were calculated so greatly to injure
him in the estimation of Her Majesty's Government.
At the same time, however, I make allowances for the hasti-
ness of the act, considering your infirm state of health, at the
time at which it was committed, and I willingly acknowledge the
candour with which you have admitted your error.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot.
Texas.
No. 13.
10
Foreign Office.
September 18th. 1845.
Sir,
I perceive by your Despatch No 23, of the 13th of August, en-
closing your Correspondence with Her Majesty's Minister in
Mexico on the subject of your departure from Texas, prior to the
passing of the Act of Annexation to the United States, that you
have somewhat misapprehended the drift of my Despatch No 10,
of the 3d of July, with reference to your contingent continua-
tion, or departure from Texas, while the question of annexation
was still pending in that Country.
In the uncertain prospects under which that Despatch was
written, it was impossible for me to give you fixed and definite
instructions for the guidance of your conduct under every cir-
eimstance which might arise. Much was therefore necessarily
left to your discretion. But you will find it pretty clearly in-
timated in the concluding part of that Despatch that Her
Majesty's Government rather contemplated your remaining at
your post until the Act of Annexation should have been passed.
As, however, the preceding correspondence between yourself and
this Office has left Her Majesty's Government in uncertainty as
to whether, on tne arrival of my Despatch of the 3rd of July,
you might not have already quitted Texas, the alternative of your
remaining in Texas, or in some part of the United States, until
you should have received further instructions from home, was
mentioned.
Her Majesty's Government would on the whole have preferred
that you had remained at your post until the Annexation had
been formally decided by the Government of Texas; but they
are not disposed to blame you for not having done so, and are
willing to admit that the reasoning by which you support the
expediency of your departure is not without force, although they
are inclined to take a different view of the matter, and are of
opinion that your waiting passively the vote of Annexation,
would in no way have compromised either Your Government or
Yourself.
You will still continue to reside in some port of the United
States until Her Majesty's Government shall have been able to
see more clearly what turn Affairs may have taken, or may be
likely to take, in Texas, and to instruct you accordingly.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot. R. N.
No. 28.
New York.
September 29th. 1845
My Lord,
Intelligence from Galveston to the 6th Instant reports the dis-
solution of the Assembly at Austin on the 28th Ulto.
The popular vote on the Constitution was to be taken viva
voce, and should it appear by the returns to have been adopted,
the President was to issue his proclamation on or before the 2d
November next, for the election of the officers and representa-
tives of the State Government, who however were not to enter
upon their functions until after intelligence had been received
of the acceptance of the Constitution by the Congress of the
United States. I learn from private sources of information
worthy of credit, that efforts were made to establish an ad in-
terim Government at once, but other influences prevailed. The
Constitution and authorities of the Republic will therefore con-
tinue in force till the Measure of Annexation is completed in
this Country; Neither can I dismiss the impression that the Gov-
ernment of Mexico has it in it's power by very prompt and judi-
cious proceedings, if not to defeat this plot, at all events to give
it a shape and result that will materially mitigate it's mischiev-
ous consequences
My own papers from Texas have not yet reached me, but I
have extracted from a Journal of this Country an ordinance
submitted to the people with the Constitution of the State. I
believe that it is mainly directed against a particular Coloniza-
tion Contract between General Houston and certain Citizens of
this Country, made in the early part of the year 1843, and al-
leged by his enemies to have been irregularly if not illegally
completed. But the Measure may have a more general bearing,
and affect interests which Her Majesty's Government would con-
sider it right to protect. I have therefore submitted it for Your
Lordship's notice.
The latest dates I have seen from Corpus Christi are of the
16th Instant. The American forces there consisted at that time
of about 2,200 Men of all arms, but reinforcements to the extent
of about 1500 more were looked for in the course of a few weeks.
When the whole is assembled, I remark that at least a third of
it will consist of Artillery.
It did not appear that General Taylor expected to be attacked,
and nothing certain was known of the positions or extent of force
of the Mexicans.
Charles Elliot.
To The Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
No. 29.
New York.
Sep. 30. 1845.
My Lord,
The accompanying Newspaper
13 containing a Schedule direct-
ing that the Constitution of the proposed State of Texas, as
passed by the Body lately assembled at Austin, should be sub-
mitted to the people, has this morning reached me in time for
the Mail of tomorrow from Boston.
It further contains a Copy of the President's proclamation,
from the terms of which it will appear that he has also sub-
mitted the question of Annexation or Not to the popular vote;
and it occurs to me that there is some ambiguity of expression
as to whether that last question is to be taken viva voce, or other-
wise.
Charles Elliot
To the Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
New York.
October 6th. 1845
No. 30.
My Lord,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord-
ship's despatch No 13.
I take the liberty to remind Your Lordship that I did re-
main in Texas till the 15th of June last, that is till the day
before the Meeting of Congress when there could be no reason-
able doubt that the Measure of Annexation would be formally
adopted by that body and the Executive within a very brief
period. The Measure was immediately adopted, and I believe
that the ill success of the efforts to set aside the Government at
once is chiefly to be attributed to my departure before they could
be made.
My own view and intention has always been to return to New
Orleans in the event of any change of temper or affairs in Texas
indicating the advantage of my near neighborhood to that point,
and I may perhaps be able to form some judgment in that re-
spect when the result of the election for the 10th Congress are
fully known. So far as they have yet been reported there is
no ground for movement upon my part in that direction, but
I should say at the same time that they do furnish some slight
evidence of recovering strength in the Anti-Annexation party in
particular sections of the Country; that is, if I may judge from
a few of the names of the Elected Candidates.
Should any considerable portion of the new Congress in Texas
be wisely and honourably disposed, and should there be the least
pretext for retracing what has been done, in the course of the
ensuing Congress in the United States, it is probable that the
President of Texas will forthwith call a Session, and do what
may be in his power to save the independence of the Country.
Late though it be, I still lean to the opinion that it is in the
power of Mexico to give a shape to these affairs which would
effectually break up the present Scheme of Annexation in the
United States, and defeat the other dangerous designs with which
She is menaced from this quarter. If there should seem to be
any necessity for my movement to New Orleans or Texas before
I could receive Your Lordship's sanction, I should state my im-
pressions to Mr. Pakenham, and guide myself by his opinions.
Charles Elliot
To the Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
No. 28.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston
October 16th. 1845.
My Lord,
I have the honor to enclose a printed Copy
16 of a Speech de-
livered by Mr. Terrell, lately representing the Government of
Texas in England, to a party of political and personal friends
by whom he was entertained at Galveston, on the 2d of this
Month Although (acting in conformity with a rule to which I
have uniformly adhered since my residence at this Consulate) I
was not present at the entertainment,--I am enabled to assure
Your Lordship that the enclosed copy of Mr Terrell's Speech
is deemed by that gentleman to be a faithful record of his senti-
ments. The party assembled on the occasion was small in num-
ber, but respectable; its paramount object was to afford Mr Ter-
rell an opportunity for explanation. Of this opportunity--when
time, and place, and circumstance are duly considered--it will
be admitted that he availed himself with a considerable boldness.
There are but two passages in the Speech which seem to call
for present remark: these I have marked: One, in page 2.,
adverting to the probable disposition of the Federal Union, in
consequence of the extension of the territory of the United
States;--the other, in page 3d., commenting upon the alleged
design of Her Majesty's Government to effect the abolition of
Negro Slavery in Texas.--With regard to the first of these pas-
sages, the apprehensions it embodies are entirely speculative, and
with quite as little prospect of being realized now as at any
previous time:--with regard to the second passage, Mr Terrell
errs in attributing the excitement respecting Slavery in Texas to
Your Lordship's remarks in the House of Lords,--spoken, if I
mistake not, in August 1843.—The excitement had its origin in
the town of Houston, in March 1843, and the leading facts in
relation to it were submitted to Your Lordship in my Despatches
of the Slave Trade Series for that year. It was immediately after
England that the Southern States of the Union appeared to take
the Movement of which Mr Andrews was the representative in
alarm on the subject of Slavery in Texas, and that direct and
strenuous endeavours were made by the American Executive to
accomplish the Measure of Annexation as speedily as possible.
William Kennedy.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
No. 31.
New York.
November 14th 1845
My Lord,
I have the honour to forward to Your Lordship a Galveston
Newspaper
18 of the 18th Ultimo containing the report of a Speech
delivered by Mr Terrell at a public dinner recently given to him
by some leading Citizens of that place.
The respect which is so generally and justly felt for him in
Texas will no doubt have great weight to his opinions on the
subject of Annexation in point of policy and interest. And he
has joined to those views what should be matter for serious re-
flection throughout the Country in this honourable exposure of
the misrepresentation and indirect proceedings by which the peo-
ple were beguiled and precipitated into a shameful measure of
National annihilation.
Indeed it is beginning to be generally understood by the peo-
ple of Texas, though probably too late, that the demand for the
entrance of the troops of the United States, and the foregone
compliance of this Government, were not attributable to any well
founded apprehension of Mexican invasion, but chiefly to sur-
render the Country forthwith into the Military possession of the
Executive of the United States, for the purpose of overawing the
friends of the independence of the Republic, and of silencing any
inconvenient reconsideration of the subject in the Legislature of
the United States. A state of actual war with Mexico would
probably have that last effect; and a pretext for suddenly engag-
ing the force in Texas in proceedings of still further aggression
and invasion upon Mexico, rendering collision inevitable, could
always be found at a short notice, in the event of any political
pressure upon the administration here arising out of the renewed
discussion of the principles and details of the present Scheme of
Annexation, in the Congress of the United States.
The latest accounts from Galveston are of the 1st Instant, and
at that date the general result of the popular vote on Annexa-
tion was not known, but it was sufficiently ascertained that there
would be a large majority in favour of it. I remark, however,
that the vote taken on the occasion at Galveston, did not amount
to much more than half the whole vote of the County. The
Annexation party polled what may be taken to be about their
whole strength, 270, but the opponents of the measure refrained
in a great degree from a viva voce vote which they probably felt
in the present temper of the Country, would only unavailingly
expose them to suspicion and ill-will. Their vote however reached
121. In Harris County in which Houston is situated, similar
feelings seem to have prevailed. Upon the whole judging from
the information I have received, I think there may be some
ground for the opinion that the Anti-Annexation party is rather
recovering strength, and if Congress in the United States should
not fulfill the expectations raised in the Correspondence of Major
Donnelson with the Government of Texas, it is possible that the
reaction there will be stronger and more general than is antici-
pated in this quarter.
There is a respectable party in Texas cordially in favour of
maintaining the Independence of the Republic, and some of the
most influential persons in the Country are probably only wait-
ing for a favourable opportunity, and some turn of the popular
tide, to head the movement. At my last dates, the United States
force in Texas consisted of about 4,000 troops, and there had
been no change in their position.
The continuance of the illicit traffic on that frontier, notwith-
standing the presence of the force, strengthens me in an impres-
sion I have for some time entertained that it would be a wise
and safe policy for Mexico at the present conjuncture, to declare
the Brassos San Jago a free port for the vessels of all friendly
Nations, admitting goods there on an ad valorem duty, not ex-
ceeding 5 per Cent. If that Measure were accomplished by a
rigid enforcement of the prohibitions against the entrance of
goods by the land frontier, I think the land traffic would soon
be beat down by the safety and superior cheapness of the other
channel. No better mode of checking some of the very dan-
gerous purposes of this Government against Mexico has pre-
sented itself to my mind, and I am sure that it consists with
the security of Mexico to fall forthwith upon sound means of
diminishing the Commercial intercourse with the Americans by
the land frontier. The present purpose of this Government is
to make Texas the emporium of a great smuggling trade into
the Northern Provinces of Mexico, but I believe it is more in
the power of Mexico, by judicious courses, to make Matamoros
an emporium for an extensive trade with the United States.
If goods can be purchased much cheaper at Matamoros than
at New Orleans (or Galveston, as part of the United States)
the people in Texas will purchase them there, and they will find
their way by that channel through the whole South West of the
United States. The Mexicans have but to beat the Americans
in a liberal Commercial policy, at their frontier ports, (no hard
task,) and the trafficking spirit of the Neighbouring people will
effectually secure to them the fruits of their victory.
I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lord-
ship's despatches No. 14 and 15.
Charles Elliot
To the Right Honourable
The Earl of Aberdeen K. T.
Secret.
New York.
November 26th. 1845.
My Lord,
Since I last had the honour of addressing Your Lordship I
have received some information from a quarter where mistakes
are not likely, which Her Majesty's Government may desire to
know.
The substance of it is that the Executive of the United States
is fully committed to the expectations raised by Major Donnel-
son's correspondence with the Government of Texas, especially
as to provision for their debt in some satisfactory form, or the
security to Texas of the whole of their legislative territorial pre-
tensions. It seems that Major Donnelson found it necessary to
address a letter to this effect to two leading Members of the late
Convention at Austin (whose names are known to me) to secure
their support. And I think Your Lordship may depend that Mr
Polk has subsequently authorized the Agents of Texas at Wash-
ington to communicate to their Government his unreserved adop-
tion of Major Donnelson's pledges, and his determination to use
all the influence of the Administration to give them full effect.
According to my information it is probable that the President
will confine himself in his opening Message to a recommendation
of the immediate acceptance of the State Constitution, leaving
all the other details, (for fear of embarrassment) to be the sub-
ject of a separate Communication, as soon as the main part is
carried. I am further informed that one idea of the Govern-
ment of the United States was to propose to Mexico that the
Northern and Western limits of the new State should remain as
they are legislatively claimed by the Republic of Texas till the
descending line of the Rio Grande reaches the Presidio del Rio
Grande (a point noted on Arrowsmith's Map,) and thence, that
the lower river and all the Country South and East of the Pre-
sidio, as far as the "Nueces" shall be restored to Mexico, the
harbour, however of Brassos Santiago, to be ceded to the United
States, and the navigation of the river to be common. A fur-
ther scheme appears to be that the whole Country between the
Rio Grande and the Pacific, North of the parallel 36°. 30".
should be purchased of Mexico, and it is the impression of the
party by whom I was informed, that no arrangement would be
satisfactory to this Government, and a large party in the Legis-
lation of the United States that did not involve the acquisition
of San Francisco Bay.
Whether this information is entirely accurate, or to what ex-
tent it is, I cannot undertake to say; but it reaches me from
such a source that I have considered it right to communicate it
to Your Lordship, as well as privately to Her Majesty's Minis-
ters at Washington and Mexico. It is to be hoped that the Gov-
ernment of Mexico, (taking warning by the past, and heedful of
the palpable purposes of this Government, and of the people of
the growing parts of this Country) will, before it is too late,
shape their future policy by a steady regard to the strength and
security of the Country in their actual possession, or which they
can effectually defend. And if the Government of Mexico will
conduct their negotiations with the United States upon these
principles, skilfully and temperately, availing themselves of the
Sectional jealousies in this quarter, and avoiding any agreement
upon the Texas question unless the menaced difficulties in Cali-
fornia can be simultaneously and satisfactorily adjusted, I be-
lieve that they may lay the foundations of a better balance of
political power on this Continent, involving more of security to
themselves and all the kindred races, South of them, than there
appears to be otherwise much reason to hope for.
Charles Elliot.
To The Right Honourable.
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
Foreign Office.
December 3. 1845.
No. 16.
21
Sir,
Your Despatch No. 30 of the 6th of October last, has been
received and laid before the Queen.
Until the final Annexation of Texas to the United States shall
have taken place, Her Majesty's Government consider it indis-
pensable that you should be at your post at the Seat of Govern-
ment in Texas, in order to maintain the Communications be-
tween the two Governments, and to keep Her Majesty's Govern-
ment regularly and authentically informed of all that takes place
in Texas.
I have therefore to desire that you will forthwith repair to
your post, and that you will remain there until you receive orders
from Her Majesty's Government to leave it.
Aberdeen.
Captain Elliot, R. N.
No 34.
Her Majesty's Consulate
Galveston
December 8th. 1845.
My Lord,
In my Despatch No 7., of the 2d of April last, mention was
made of certain Military operations contemplated by Doctor
Branch T. Archer, formerly Secty of War in Texas, and others.
Since that period, Doctor Archer, and the partner of his coun-
sels, General Thos. J. Green,
23 who formed one of the Texian
expedition beyond the Rio Grande, in 1842, has spent the greater
part of their time in Washington, United States, where they ap-
pear to have been favourably noticed by the President, and the
leading Members of his Cabinet.
Mr Terrell's Speech at Galveston, of which I had the honor
to enclose a Copy to Your Lordship, in Despatch No 28, of Oc-
tober 16th, has not been published in any Texan Newspaper
save that in which it originally appeared. Nor, so far as my
information extends, has it been transferred to the columns of
any Journal in the United States. The only notice I have seen
of it, East of the Sabine, is contained in a Whig Newspaper,
the "New York Courier and Enquirer," which taunts the official
Journal at Washington with its silence touching the grave
charges advancel by Mr Terrell against the Government of the
United States.
Since my Despatch of the 16th, no event of importance has
occurred here. In addition to the encampment at Corpus Christi,
small bodies of United States troops have been stationed at Aus-
tin, Goliad and San Antonio, all of which places are on the
Western frontier. The establishment of the force at Corpus
Christi was effected slowly, and at a great expense, and an active
enemy might have found it no difficult matter to cut off the
troops as fast as they landed. The want of good water, with
other local causes, has produced much sickness in the Corpus
Christi encampment. It appears to me that if war were to be
conducted with the same absence of System and prodigality of
outlay that have characterized this frontier occupation, a great
European Power, having the command of the Gulf, could carry
on a campaign in Texas more efficiently and less expensively than
the United States--provided always, that the European Power
would take the trouble to ascertain what really are the strong
and the weak points of American organization. This, experience
shows, the pride of an old Sovereignty will hardly permit it to do.
Some artillery and small arms have been landed at Galveston,
but the Island remains without regular troops, or defences. This
would seem to be a singular oversight, if hostilities have been
anticipated; as Galveston is the Key of the Country, and presents
peculiar advantages for the establishment of a large force,--cov-
ered and supplied by a fleet in the Gulf.
Annexation having opened a new career to Texan politicians,
each party pretending to popular favour and office has been en-
deavouring to prove itself entitled to the credit of having car-
ried the Measure The first movement in this direction is
ascribed to General Houston, who, in a speech made at New Or-
leans, on the 28th of May last, is represented to have said that
he was the friend of Annexation, although he has "coquetted a
little with Great Britain."
General Houston returned from the United States to Texas
in October, and, on the 12th ultimo, attended a Public Dinner
given to him at Galveston. This Dinner I was invited to attend,
but declined the invitation, for reasons of obvious propriety.
Mr Ashbel Smith and the Mayor of Galveston severally called
upon me, from General Houston, conveying from him expressions
of regard, and of the pleasure he would feel in meeting me. My
reply was that I had personally no grounds for ill will to Gen-
eral Houston, but that a sense of what was done [d ] to the
Commission which I held, must deprive me of the pleasure of
Meeting him, so long as the statement contained in the report
of his New Orleans Speech--that he had "coquetted" with Great
Britain,--remained uncontradicted. It being authoritatively de-
nied that General Houston had made the remark, I suggested
that the contradiction, to be of value, should be as public as the
report. A public address subsequently delivered by General
Houston, afforded a suitable opportunity for any explanation he
might deem befitting, but the occasion passed without any refer-
ence to the New Orleans Speech;--and there the Matter rests.
The controversy as to who carried, or was most earnest in the
endeavour to carry, the Measure of Annexation, has induced the
publication of various official and non official documents of which
I beg leave to enclose the more interesting: namely,
24
1st Letter of Instructions from the Secty of State of Texas
to the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Jan-
uary 20th 1842.
2d. A similar letter, from the Secry of State of Texas, to
the Texan Charge d' Affaires to the United States, dated Febru-
ary 10th 1843
3d Secret Message of President Houston to the Texan Con-
gress, dated Jany. 20th 1844.
4th. Letter of President Houston (Confidential) to the Texan
Chargé d' Affaires at Washington, U. S., dated January 29th and
February 15th 1844
5th Letter (Strictly confidential) from President Houston to
General Murphy, U. S. Charge d' Affaires in Texas. dated Feb-
ruary 3d. 1844.
6th Ex. President Houston's letter to Certain Citizens of
Washington (Texas) dated October 20th. 1845.
7th Ex-President Lamar's letter to Citizens of Galveston,
dated November 15th 1845
I also enclose herewith a printed Copy of a Proclamation by
President Jones, announcing the result of the appeal to the peo-
ple in regard to the ratification, or rejection, of the State Con-
stitution, and a printed copy of a Proclamation naming a day for
holding the elections under that Constitution.
There are three candidates for the representation of Texas in
the Senate of the United States--General Lamar, Houston and
Rusk: it is supposed that Houston and Rusk will be elected.
A considerable number of German emigrants have arrived this
season. I propose to transmit a return of the whole number to
the close of the present year.
William Kennedy
The Earl of Aberdeen, K. T.
No. 26.
FOOTNOTES:
1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches.
18, 1845, have been omitted. Both acknowledged receipt of despatches. Ab-
erdeen to Elliot, No. 17, December 3, 1845, notifying Texas that Great
Britain will still hold her to her treaty obligations, is in Garrison, Dip -
lomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, III, 1203, in Am. Hist.
Assoc. Report, 1908, II.
he early in life removed to Texas, and was brigadier-general of volunteers
in the War of Texan Independence. In 1842, he led the disastrous Mier ex-
pedition, was captured, and not released until September, 1844. He pub-
lished "The Mier Expedition" (1845). (Appleton, Cyclop. of Am. Biog -
raphy.)
endared by Garrison as in the Telegraph and Texas Register, November 26,
1845. No. 2 is in Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of
Texas, II, 123, in Am. Hist, Assoc. Report, 1908, II. No. 3 is in Secret
Journals of the Senate, 294-296. Nos. 8 and 9 (as well as Nos. 1, 3, 4 and
5), were later transmitted by Elliot also (F. O. Texas, 16, Elliot to Aber-
deen, No. 7, January 20, 1846) and were stated to have appeared in the
"National Register Newspaper of the 29th November last."
How to cite:
Ephraim Douglass Adams, "British Correspondence Concerning Texas", Volume 20, Number 4, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v020/n4/contrib_DIVL5406.html
[Accessed Sun Nov 23 3:01:22 CST 2008]
