Isaac Van Zandt to Anson Jones, October 16, 1843

Summary: Van Zandt sent Jones further updates on the possibility of annexation. He said the prospects for annexation were the brightest he had ever seen and urged Jones and the President of Texas to pursue the matter. Two reasons for this were British efforts to monopolize Texas trade and western efforts to secure Oregon and thus accept Texas as a quid pro quo. For these reasons, he also urged Jones to get Mr. Raymond, the Texas legate in the United States, to stay in his position since he was the best man to conduct negotiations. Finally, he dealt with a minor incident involving a Texas merchant allegedly violating trade duties in the city of New York.

Dispatch No. 109

LEGATION OF TEXAS

Washington City D.C.

October 16th. 1843

Honorable

ANSON JONES

Secretary of State

SIR,

On the 18th. ultimo I had the honor to make a communication to your Department on the subject of annexation. I have now the honor to submit for your information, and consideration a communication upon the same subject this day received by me, from the Hon A. P. Upshur, Secretary of State of the United States. This communication you will perceive, places that question at once in a tangible shape, it comes to the point, and presents the issue; Are we ready to negotiate a treaty of annexation, or not?

This question has engaged the attention of the Government of Texas, at different times since 1837 and has been pressed at all times, whenever there was an apparent prospect of success. From this I infer that heretofore there has been no policy of the Government more settled, than that of annexation to this country. The instructions from your Department suspending my former instructions upon this subject, I did not construe as an evidence of any radical change in the mind of the Government, as to its wishes in regard to the question, but that the desire of the Government still was to be annexed, whenever practicable. The Government at present is using every effort to obtain a peace with Mexico, not perceiving that a treaty of annexation can in any wise militate against that object. I entertain the opinion that the subject now presented by the Secretary's letter will be met in a corresponding spirit, on the part of our Government, and that the powers will be furnished to the Texian Representative here to conclude such a treaty. This opinion, as an individual, I have expressed to the Secretary of State, at the same time disclaiming any authority on the part of my Government for such an opinion.

Believing that the question of annexation is fraught with consequences of the first magnitude, and if consumated calculated in an eminent degree to advance the welfare, and prosperity of the country, I have thought it my duty to dispatch this communication by a special messenger, in order to apprise your Department as early as possible, and that no time may be lost in ascertaining on my part the determination of the Government. Having no means to employ a special agent for this purpose, and moreover, as it is difficult to embody in a communication without much time and labor, the many facts which it would be important to be known to your department touching this matter, all of which are familiar to Mr. Raymond Secretary of Legation, at my request he has consented to take charge of this dispatch and depart for Texas immediately. To him I must refer you for information in regard to many matters bearing on this question.

I am of opinion, that at no time since the question was first presented to this Government, have there been so many circumstances combining to secure the favorable action of the Senate of the United States. The late declarations of Lord Aberdeen in the British Parliament, in reply to the interrogatories of a certain Noble Lord, show the designs of the British Government in regard to the institutions of the United States through Texas, and make at once, the question, one of vital importance to the slave holding states. The possibility of England's (as many believe) securing an undue influence in Texas, and thereby monopolizing her growing trade, seems to have touched the secret springs of interest so fondly cherished by northern manufactures, and presented the question in a form hitherto unheeded. The West are intent on the occupation of Oregon, in order to wrest it from the grasping power of Great Britain--it is believed that the interest of the two questions of the annexation of Texas, and the occupation of Oregon can be combined, securing for the latter the south and southeastern votes and for the former some northern and the entire western vote. Those presses which have discussed the matter place it above party grounds and unshackled with party trammels. This I think is highly advantageous for if it were made a strictly party vote, neither of the two great parties have sufficient members to carry it. Should the treaty be concluded some provission would necessarily be made for our Government liabilities--this would at once secure the influence of the holders thereof in this country. The influence, of the old United States Bank agents, though the bank itself is dead in law, would prove a host in itself. It has been told me, and by one entitled to confidence that some of these holders of our liabilities have lately interested in a pecuniary way, a distinguished lawyer, a whig senator from one of the northern States, who if necessary would settle in Texas in

order to prosecute measures to secure their claims. Then, if under all these circumstances we should reject this proposition, there can be but little probability that so propitious a moment will soon, if ever again occur.

With these hasty remarks I submit the matter for the determination of His Excellency the President, aided by his Constitutional advisers, with a fervent wish that his decission may redound to the welfare and prosperity of Texas.

In view of the financial condition of Texas, and believing that the Legation under the circumstances might dispense with the Services of a Secretary, Mr. Raymond had expressed to me his intention, at an early day, to tender to the President his resignation. Now, should the Government decide to make the treaty of annexation, I conceive that it will be highly necessary that the services of a Secretary of Legation should be retained, at least for the present. If therefore you should concur with me in opinion I hope that you will so manifest it to Mr. Raymond, that he may be induced to continue his services as Secretary of Legation. His knowledge of the duties of his station, aside from other considerations, renders it desirable that he should be retained, if an action be decided on.

It is but due to Mr. Raymond, and it affords me much pleasure on this occasion to bear testimony to your Department, of the promptness, fidelity and ability with which he has at all times discharged his official duties, and while I most cordially commend him to you, I feel assured that the confidence which is now or may hereafter be reposed in him by Government will never be misplaced.

If the Government determine to furnish to its agent here full powers to negotiate the proposed treaty, I think the instructions, which accompany them, should be as full and explicit as possible under the circumstances

I have also the honor herewith to communicate to the Department the copy of a letter received from Hon. Fernando Wood of New York, giving information of certain alledged violations of official duties, by J.H. Brower Esq, Texian Consul of that city. Upon the receipt of this letter, I addressed a note to Mr. Brower acquainting him of the charges against him, and requesting his statement of the circumstances connected with the affair. His reply is herewith enclosed. The two statements, between which there appears to be a very great variance, contain all I have learned in relation to the occurrence. So far as I have heretofore had an opportunity of knowing, Mr. Brower has deported himself properly, and given general satisfaction. Unless other testimony be adduced to show his culpability, I apprehend he will receive no serious censure from the Department.

Should this view concur with that of His Excellency, the President, I would respectfully suggest, that perhaps it might not be improper

for the Department to address a communication to Mr. Brower, impressing upon him the importance of avoiding as much as possible strifes, and difficulties of every character with those who have business with him, pertaining to the consulate.

I have the honor to be with the highest sentiments of regard

Your very obdt. servt.

ISAAC VAN ZANDT

Source Copy Consulted: Isaac Van Zandt to Anson Jones, October 16, 1843, 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: 221-224