R. A. Irion to J. Pinckney Henderson, June 25, 1837

Summary: Irion gave Henderson his instructions as minister to England and France. He was to proceed to England to secure recognition from that country and then request treaties and loans from that government. Anticipating questions about slavery, he told Henderson to say that slavery was cruel but the circumstances and climate of Texas required it and that slaves in Texas were treated better than anywhere else. If his mission was successful, Henderson was then instructed to proceed to France for the same purpose.

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS,

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

City of Houston, June 25th. 1837.

To the Hon.

J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON

SIR,

You will receive herewith your Commissions as Agent and Minister Plenipotentiary of this Republic to Great Britain and France.

The recognition of the Independence of the Republic of Texas being the immediate and most important object of your mission you will proceed with the least possible delay to London, for the purpose

of submitting this subject to the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

The ample powers embraced in your Commissions, your intimate knowledge of the wishes and interests of the people, of our political condition and the implicit confidence which the Government reposes in your fidelity, zeal and ability in the service of the country, render detailed instructions on this subject unnecessary.

It seems proper, nevertheless, to remark that in negotiating for this purpose it should be borne in mind that Texas is now absolutely an independent Power, is recognised as such by the U. States, with a civil and military Government in successful operation; that she is fully competent to maintain this attitude among nations, notwithstanding the efforts of her enemies; consequently she has a right to expect to be recognized on the basis of reciprocity, and place by such acknowledgment on the footing of the most favored nations;--on which conditions you will uniformly insist.

On the subject of Slavery you can say with candor and truth, admitting that its institution was cruel and impolitic, that, under existing circumstances, owing to the peculiar organization of the Government, the nature of the climate, the habits of the people and the locality of the country, it must continue as provided by the constitution and laws: at the same it is a striking fact that the condition of slaves in this Republic is far more tolerable than in the U. States, from whence alone they can be introduced. Why then should their emigration be discouraged?

By emigration their condition is greatly ameliorated without increasing the number of slaves.

In the event of success in obtaining the recognition of independence you will then present your credentials as Minister Plenipotentiary, and ascertain as correctly as possible the nature of treaties into which that Government will be inclined to enter with this; report such information and wait further instructions.

It is the desire of the President that you will make the necessary inquiries relative to a Loan, and advise this Government whether it can be effected in Europe, and if so, on what terms.

The President directs that you express to that Government the very friendly disposition of the citizens of this Republic towards the people of England, and their high regard for the Sovreign who presides over that powerful Kingdom.

Should you deem it advisable to visit France for the purpose of soliciting the recognition of our independence by that Power you will observe the same policy as that indicated in regard to England.

Very Respectfully your

obt. Servant R. A. IRION

Sec. of State

Source Copy Consulted: R. A. Irion to J. Pinckney Henderson, June 25, 1837, 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., 3: 808-809