John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt, July 24, 1837

Summary: Forsyth replied to Hunt's letter describing an impending slave smuggling operation through the United States into Texas. Forsyth said he needed more specific details about the plot and if Hunt could provide them, then the U.S. would do everything in its power to prevent the smuggling.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON [CITY,]

24th. July 1837.

SIR,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 18th. instant. In answer to that part of it, which represents that information has been given to the government of Texas of arrangements having been made to introduce African negroes into that country by the way of the United States, I have the honor to state, that this government is prepared to use all the means necessary to prevent the execution of such a design. Efficient steps cannot, however, be taken by the United States for that purpose until more detailed information, respecting the scheme shall be furnished. It is desirable, therefore, to know what grounds your government has for believing that such a project is in contemplation, and the particulars of the information given? Who are to be the actors and participators in the plan? At what point or points, and when are the negroes to be landed? The Texian Government may be assured, that so soon as this information is supplied, the President will lose no time in adopting the most efficient measures to frustrate any attempt to violate the laws of the United States, or to make any portion of their territory the pretext for evading the laws of a neighbouring State against the Slave trade.

I embrace this opportunity to offer you renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

(signed) JOHN FORSYTH.

To His Excellency

General MEMUCAN HUNT

etc etc etc[sic]

Source Copy Consulted: John Forsyth to Memucan Hunt, July 24, 1837, 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., 2:249