Anson Jones to Ashbel Smith, December 26, 1842

Summary: Jones updated Smith on state affairs and the condition of the Texas economy. He first told Smith to issue letters of Marque for ships on the Pacific Coast to raid Mexican ships. He also authorized Smith to negotiate with France for a loan and favorable trade status as well as establish relations with Spain. While he admitted that the Texas economy was suffering, Jones was confident that expected tariff duties and other income would improve Texas's economic standing. He closed the letter by describing an argument he had with a Mr. Castro over European emigrant settlements in Texas.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Washington [Texas] Decr. 26th 1842

Hon. ASHBEL SMITH

Charge d' Affairs of Texas etc.

SIR,

Since the letter of Mr. Terrill of the 10th Inst. the President has concluded to review his decision in relation to granting letters of Marque and Reprisal, and to grant a very limited number. Two blank Commissions are herewith enclosed for your disposition, which you will fill up and use, in case you find suitable persons to receive them. They should be granted with the greatest possible caution and only to individuals of such well known character and respectability as will constitute the best possible guarantee that this country

will not be injured in its interests, or the commerce of neutral and friendly nations depredated upon by them. There is but little Mexican commerce in the Gulf of Mexico or on the Atlantic, but it is believed that cruizers on the Pacific side of the continent might take valuable prizes, in case they proceeded there with entire secrecy. It is with reference to this fact principally that the President has consented that these Commissions should be granted. Should you issue any you will please report the same immediately to this Department.

Enclosed I also send you a full power to treat with the Govt. of France for its guarantee, of a Loan to Texas. In case this can be done you are authorized to stipulate for such commercial privileges to France as shall be a just equivalent for such guarantee, within the instructions heretofore given you on this subject. It would be very desirable also to obtain the privilege of introducing Texas cotton into France at a diminished duty or free of duty, for a limited number of years, as in the United States. This would give an immediate impulse to the growth and cultivation of the principle staples of this country which at this time would be of most essential benefit to its welfare. There will be no objection to admitting French wines into Texas free of duty (as heretofore) in the event of France being willing to grant a corresponding immunity to Texas, in any shape.

The letter of Plenipotence I believe is somewhat deficient in formality This arose from the fact that the Department not being in possession of the Archives (which are still detained at Austin) I had no form for my guide in drawing it up. It is presumed however that it will answer the purpose. Another will be sent as soon as a proper form can be obtained.

Your correspondence with the Spanish Minister Gen. Sancho on the subject of the Blockade of the Mexican ports, and the establishment of amicable relations between this country and Spain is highly approved by the President Should it result in an offer on the part of that country to treat, no time will be lost by this Govt in availing itself of the opportunity to establish those relations with that ancient power.

So soon as you shall have had time to conclude the important negotiations with which you are at present interested, instructions and power will probably be sent you to conclude treaties with Belgium and the Hanse Towns. Much will depend however upon the appropriations which may be made by Congress at its present session. The extravagance of the late administration in the useless waste of Millions,--the failure of the crops this year,--and the general depression of monetary affairs throughout the South at this time, unite in producing a most unfavorable state of things here at present, and the

extremest economy has to be used both by the Govt. and by individuals. I feel full confidence however, that the country will triumph over its present difficulties, and learning wisdom from the severe lessons of the past, advance steadily in prosperity, and increase in wealth and strength.

Our currency still continues considerably embarrassed, and although but little over $125,000 of Exchequer Bills had been issued when Congress met, those Bills still continue to be depreciated 50 pr. cent. When once the Tariff question is settled, if the present rate of duties should be continued, upon imports generally, it is believed these Bills will soon be at par.

The proposed appropriation of Congress this year for the entire expense of Government and for all disbursements is only about $130,000. The Collector of Customs at Galveston informes me that he will receive, at that one port, alone over $150,000 during the present financial year. This will leave, the whole amount of duties to be collected at all the other ports of entry, and the direct Taxes (saying nothing of the land Dues) unexpended, and at the disposal of Congress next year.

Mr H. Castro has written to this Department complaining that unfounded assertions injurious to his character had been made, and was answered that his Exequator having been refused by His Majesty the King of the French, was a fact upon which the President was necessarily bound to base his conclusions in the premises. Mr C also complained that the contract with Mr. Bourgeois and Ducos for a concession of land to establish a colony upon was an infringement of his rights and calculated or intended to prejudice the success of his own colony. To this he was answered that no such infringement had been made and that the contract with Mr. Bourgeois and Ducos was an act of State policy, and not intended in the least degree, to conflict with or prejudice the one made with him. Mr Castro was never assured, as he seems to think, by this government, that he was to have the monopoly of colonizing in this country, with French emmigrants.

A contract was recently concluded with Capt Victor Pirson of Belgium to introduce a colony of one thousand European emigrants upon the Rio Grande. It is however the intention of the President to grant no more concessions for colonization purposes, at present.

Very respectfully

Your obtd servt,

ANSON JONES

Source Copy Consulted: Anson Jones to Ashbel Smith, December 26, 1842, in 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: 1407-1409