Isaac Van Zandt to Abel Upshur, February 21, 1844

Summary: Van Zandt wrote to Upshur thanking him for getting the War Department to issue an order for the return of Dr. Robertson's slaves. He told Upshur he was glad the United States was fulfilling its treaty requirements and striking a blow to Indians who were raiding "defenceless settlers of Texas".

LEGATION OF TEXAS

Washington D.C. Feby 21st. 1844

SIR

In reply to my note of the 14th. of September, last concerning two negroes the property of Dr J. W. Robertson of Texas which were captured by the Indians and are now in the possession of James Edwards of the Cherokee nation, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 6th. instant, with the accompanying copy of a letter of the Secretary of War of the 3rd. inst, communicating to the Department of State the decission of the War Department upon that subject, from which it appears that orders have been given to the Cherokee Agent to deliver up the boys in accordance with the 33rd. Article of the treaty of 1831.

I shall hasten to communicate to my Government information of this determination, that the necessary steps may be taken to receive the negroes refered to from the Cherokee Agent.

The proper decission of this long standing question will afford much satisfaction to the Government of Texas. While it furnishes another evidence of the friendly disposition of the Government of the United States, and of its determination to fulfill in good faith its treaty stipulations, it is at the same time calculated to exercise a most salutary influence upon the border tribes of Indians, who have heretofore committed their depredationis upon the defenceless settlers of Texas, and fled to the United States where they have found a market for their captives and spoils.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer Mr. Upshur renewed assurances of his distinguished consideration.--

(signed)

ISAAC VAN ZANDT

Charge d'Affaires

of Texas

To the Honorable A. P. UPSHUR

etc, etc, etc

Source Copy Consulted: Isaac Van Zandt to Abel Upshur, February 21, 1844, 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: 258