Anson Jones to Isaac Van Zandt, May 9, 1843

Summary: Jones sent Van Zandt correspondence from a Dr. Joseph Robinson about the latter's slaves, who were stolen by Indians three years earlier. Requested Van Zandt to look in the archives of the United States to see if Dr. Robinson had corresponded with the U.S. on the matter (since the archives in Austin were unavailable) and if so, help him retrieve his slaves or be compensated for the loss.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Galveston May 9th 1843

Hon ISAAC VAN ZANDT

Charge d'Affaires of Texas

SIR

Enclosed herewith I send you a copy of a communication received at this Department from Doct. Joseph W. Robinson a citizen of Travis County, relative to the negro boys captured by hostile Indians in 1840.

Dr. Robinson also states that a correspondence has been had by a former representative of this Government and the Government of the United States on this subject, but as the Archives of this Department are still detained by the citizens of Austin I am unable to, know the nature of that correspondence or the present situation of the business. If such a correspondence has been had it will be found on the files of the Legation at Washington, which you will please refer to, and take such steps in the matter as will bring the same to a conclusion, and that Dr. R. may either have his negroes restored to him (if the circumstances should be found as stated,) or be compensated for their capture, and loss

I have the honor to be

With the highest respect

Your Obt Svt

Signed ANSON JONES

Source Copy Consulted: Anson Jones to Isaac Van Zandt, May 9, 1843, George Garrison, ed., Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1908, (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1911), 3 vols., 2: 177