Samuel Roberts to James Hamilton, July 5, 1841

Summary: Roberts responded to Hamilton's news about Britain not accepting the treaties. The Texas government and populace had begun to think that their refusal, which Hamilton assured was solely due to established protocol, arose from antislavery sentiment coming from both Britain and Mexico. Some people were in fact preparing for war if need be. Nevertheless, Roberts assured Hamilton that affairs were looking up in Texas because the Indians were experiencing defeats, which allowed Texas settlers to grow cotton in peace. He also told Hamilton that General Green was appointed to replace him in Britain once the treaties were signed.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

City of Austin July 5th, 1841.

SIR

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to Mr. Mayfield who is at present absent, of the 15th May. It has been detained about ten days between Galveston and this place owing to the sickness of the messenger who had been sent up with it.

We had previously heard of the refusal of the British Government to ratify the two treaties taken out by Mr. Ikin, because the third one, for the suppression of the african Slave Trade, did not reach this Country in time for ratification by our Senate. Your assurances that this decision of the British Government is made without the smallest change in the friendly disposition of Her Majesty's Government; but in strict Conformity with established rule, relieves this Government of much apprehension, for from recent indications we thought we had reason to attribute it to other motives.

Information reached this Department last night of the return of Judge Webb to Galveston, permission having been refused to him to land even. In order that you may be fully possessed of all the circumstances attending his rejection, I have caused copies of the Several Communications which passed between him and Mr. Pakenham to be made which are enclosed. The translations of the Mexican Communications were made very hurriedly and are imperfect. They are pretty literal however and will convey to you at least the meaning of the writers. I call your attention particularly to the closing paragraph of the letter of the 10th June. The affected horror of the Mexican Secretary for the Slave trade which he asserts is carried on in this Country, presents a new point of objection and was evidently introduced, more for the effect it was supposed it would have upon the councils of England than from any principle of State policy. Taken too in Connexion with the refusal of the British Govmt. to ratify the two first Treaties, because the African Slave trade Treaty had not been ratified by us, although this was in strict Conformity with established usage, as you assure us it was, it certainly presents matter for reflection if not uneasiness.

I should not dwell so much upon this point, or view it in so serious a light if it was not for the great excitement produced, as far as we have yet heard, in every part of the country, where the news of the rejection of Judge Webb, has reached. Public meetings are being held and war speeches made all over the Country. It seems now, in fact, almost inevitable. In what condition we are to become the assailant, no one knows better than you do, and if this news reaches you before you have closed your Negotiations for the loan, the consequences must be disastrous in the extreme. The emergency is such that General Lamar has resolved to go at once down to Galveston, for the purpose of satisfying himself on many points of which he is now in some doubt and while there the policy to be pursued will be finally settled. You may I think prepare yourself, for what I feel confident must come War. More I cannot say at present; but if I go to Galveston whatever is determined on shall be immediately communicated to you from that place.

In the event of War, the Congress will probably be Convened immediately after the election, say about the 25th Septr. I mention

this now, that you may if you think it necessary be prepared, upon further Notice, to set out so as to be here early in the session.

The President deeply regrets that there should have been the least room for doubt in your mind as to the proper construction to [be] placed upon the appointment of Gen Green to succeed you at the Court of St. James. It was understood by President Burnet from the phraseology of your letter that you only desired to remain there long enough to exchange the ratifications of the treaties you had made upon the accomplishment of which you wished to come home, and it was upon the supposition that the ratifications would be exchanged in March or very early in April, that the President tendered the appointment to Gen Green, tho[sic] his Commission in fact was never made out. This it is hoped will sufficiently account for the appointment of Gen. Green almost simultaneously with you.

Though nominally in a state of War the country is in fact at present at profound peace. The Indians who have been our most troublesome enemies heretofore have been uniformly so terribly beaten and at such immense odds too, that they are beginning to despair and are gradually falling back, and the settlements as rapidly advancing upon them. They [are] becoming weary of a Conflict from which they reap nothing but disaster and death. This State of things enables our planters to give all of their time or nearly so, to the cultivation of the Soil. This year, it has amply repaid them. The increase in the cotton crops will be very great and the supply of bread stuffs will greatly over run the demand. This is an important fact to be know[sic] in Europe especially at this particular juncture of affairs. I have taken pains to inform myself, and you may rely upon my accuracy. A long drought might do injury still; but it could not, I think, be very serious.

I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your most Obt Servt

SAML. A. ROBERTS

Acting Secy of State

To General JAMES HAMILTON.

Memorandum of documents sent to Gen Hamilton accompanying above letter.

Letter of Judge Webb to Mr. Pakenham dated June 1st 1841.

Ditto Mr. Pakenham's reply to Judge Webb " June 10th "

" Judge Webb to Mr. Pakenham " " 16th "

" Mr. Canedo to Mr. Pakenham " Decemr11th 1840.

" Mr. Comacho to Mr. Pakenham " June 8th 1841.

" Judge Webb to Secy of State of Texas " " 29th "

Source Copy Consulted: Samuel Roberts to James Hamilton, July 5, 1841, 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: 939-941