Barnard Bee to James Webb, May 24, 1839
Summary: Bee described to Webb his conversation with General Victoria about Texas independence. Victoria tried to argue that Mexico would never accept Texas independence and would wage war to keep it. Bee in turn said Texas could not be conquered. He predicted that if Texas offered land bounties, thousands of volunteers would flock from Europe to fight in the Texas armies, thus freeing the settlers already present from having to serve. Ended the letter by telling Webb he was heading for New Orleans and then on to Washington to try negotiations in the United States since it was useless to try to get recognition from Mexico.
VERA CRUZ, May 24th 1839
Honl
JAMES WEBB
Secretary of State
MY DEAR SIR,
Repeated communications have passed between General Victoria and the Government since my arrival. My letter requesting to be allowed to present myself at Mexico clothed with important communications from Texas, was immediately laid before the Council, and unanimously rejected, "if independence was my object". Private letters were received stating I would be ordered to the Castle etc etc. In the mean time General Victoria continued to treat me with marked attention, and I have just left him after an hours conversation. He says the acknowledgment of our Independence is out of the question; that Zacatecas, Sonora etc would soon be asking the same thing. I replied we were a different people, speaking a different language etc, while these states with a good Government would seek no change. He then urged, that Texas should at once propose to be reunited with Mexico, that she should be received with open arms, the past forgotten. I replied, that his proposition was a flattering one but that Mexico was now a Central Government, when Texas was attached to a Federal. He said she was a Representative Republic that Texas as a Department would have a right to be represented etc etc. I told him, Texas was valueless without Slaves, and that under his constitution, Slavery could not exist. He replied, that can be got over. Congress would assent to Texas holding them etc. In fine nothing could exceed his desire that we should come into the fold. He then went on, The French question is settled, the Federalists are put down, reform about to take place, and that with the great resources at command, Mexico would be compelled to wage an efficient War upon Texas, That companies from Europe with arms in their hands were ready to locate, only waiting the word, that utter annihilation awaited us, unless we came in. I replied, we were aware of their power, eight Millions of people, that for defence, I had no doubt of their prowess. But to his people in the aggregate, Texas offered not an inducement, that a laurel could never be gained there, that the province was remote--to get his soldiers there he would have to take them in chains,--that the war would cost them more than Texas was worth, and that after all we would retain it,--for the moment our standard floated in the breeze, the young of all nations would flock to it, and
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that with an exhausted Treasury and a heavy debt, I thought they had better listen to my proposals. We of course did not convince each other and I only give you the conversation to show how strenuously devoted to the reunion the old gentleman is. He even asked if I did not think I could persuade my Government to alter her views. "Remember", said he, "what an old man tells you. Mexico is the finest country in the world; avail yourself of its advantages, at a future day your son may be at her head."
But as to Santa Anna, we must give him time,--at this moment he does not dare take a move openly in favor of Texas. He is playing a great game. The press is put down. The Militia of the country disarmed. Soldiers are pressed into the Service. Mexia's followers made to fall in the ranks, Captains reduced to privates. Bonapart's conscription adopted. Despotism covers the land, and until he is firmly seated as Emperor, nothing will be done. In the mean time he will hector about Texas, (and in secret will negotiate with her), keep Bustamenta at the head of the Army etc--thus the mission has failed.
Texas must prepare for war, but with little probability of ever being invaded. I would not call a single farmer from his plough; let the soil be cultivated; you want population. Volunteers from all nations will flock to you. Ten thousand Germans, ten thousand French,--give moderate bounties in land, have a good Commissariat, and you need not give a dollar pay during the time they are in service, and with a moderate navy you have nothing to fear. All this will be the duty of the Government,--but I tell you the question is settled; Texas will be heard. I ought not to have come here; Washington was the place to open the subject. While I write, the secret Agent is in my view. I have had nothing to do with him except to gather all I could. The British Minister at Mexico will say to Santa Anna, you are going against the Wind Mills in Texas, pray pay us before you start etc etc
I leave by the first opportunity, my services you know are at the disposal of the President, from a volunteer in the army to a fireside counsellor. I will proceed on my reaching Orleans to Pendleton S.C. and will expect to hear from you there, as there will be ample time to return to Texas.
I have communicated with Mr Packenham and expect to hear from him. I have yet to tell you of the fate of the Padre Muldoon. As soon as he reached Mexico, I am told he was incarcerated, for coming with a Texian. He is said to have been imprudent on his journey, praising the Texians, and saying their Minister must be received, but I rather apprehend his difficulty has arisen from having left the palace against the consent of Bustamenta. He obtained, it seems a passport from Santa Anna.
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28TH MAY 1839
I wrote you a hasty letter by a vessel which had just determined to sail for New Orleans; this will have informed you that I am again on board the French Frigate Comt. Laine'. I leave for Havana in the Steamer Phaeton, and hope soon to be in Orleans, as I shall take the first vessel.
I remain with esteem, Yours
BARNARD E. BEE.
Source Copy Consulted: Barnard Bee to James Webb, May 24, 1839, 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: 447-449