Edward Everett to Ashbel Smith, October 24, 1843

Summary: Everett requested Smith to forward him any documents relating plans for the abolition of slavery in Texas between the Britain and the latter.

LONDON, 24 October, 1843

MY DEAR SIR,

The friendly personal relations which exist between us as well as the sincere interest taken by the Government of the United States in the welfare of Texas, induces me to take a liberty hardly warranted perhaps by diplomatic etiquette. I am anxious to ascertain the precise character and present state of the negotiation publickly announced by Lord Aberdeen towards the close of the session of Parliament as being in progress between your Government and that of Great Britain for the Abolition of Slavery in Texas. I am de-

sirous of communicating to the Department of State at Washington any information which you may be able and willing to impart to me on that subject confidentially, or not, as you may think proper.

I shall be much gratified if you should have it in your power, consistently with your duty, to comply with this request; if otherwise I am sure at least, I shall have your forgiveness for preferring it.

I am, Dear Sir, with great respect,

faithfully yours

signed EDWARD EVERETT.

ASHBEL SMITH Esqr.

etc. etc. etc.

Source Copy Consulted: Edward Everett to Ashbel Smith, October 24, 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., 3: 1144-1145