Ashbel Smith to William Henry Daingerfield, June 28, 1843

Summary: Smith gave his opinion to Daingerfield on several matters. First, he informed Daingerfield of Mr. Barnard's application to be Dutch consul of Galveston. He then gave updates about efforts in England to encourage abolition in Texas, which Smith was against because he did not believe such a move would encourage emigration to Texas. Finally, he asked Daingerfield to send correspondence through diplomatic channels.

3 ST JAMES STREET LONDON

June 28th 1843

MY DEAR SIR

Mr. E L Barnard of Texas now in London has made application through Mr Herckennrath our Consul at Amsterdam for the appointment of Dutch Consul at Galveston. Mr Barnard wishes you to second his application on any proper occasion in such manner as you shall feel authorised to do. Mr. Barnard brings me from Genl Houston a very special and commendatory letter of introduction which I have forwarded to Mr Herckennrath at Amsterdam. The acquaintance I have had with Mr Barnard in Europe has impressed me very favorably in his behalf. I regret very much that you have not come to London. I wish much to confer with you on some public matters. I mean on subjects which concern Texas. You are aware doubtless that the abolition of slavery in Texas is now agitated. Mr. S. P. Andrews of Houston is now in London devising with the Quakers and others the means of effecting this object. They have had an interview with Lord Aberdeen who assured them that the "Government of Great Britain would omit no legitimate means to accomplish this great end." I need scarcely say to you that my opinions are quite adverse to abolition, and I would add, that I have no belief that any considerable European or rather British emigration would shortly flow into Texas as is promised even were slavery abolished. I will not however attempt to consider this important subject in a letter. My departure from London is now delayed untill the 10th. or 12th. of July. Will you have the goodness to enclose any letters you may have for me--no newspapers in a strong envelope, seal and direct it to me officially with an [explanatory ?] word in one corner that they are from your Charge' d'affaires at La Haye etc. and ask Mr Pickford British Consul at Paris No 39 Rue St Honore to forward in the Ambassadors bag. This is entirely correct and you need

have no delicacy whatever in making this request of Mr Pickford as it is daily done by Foreign Ministers. Do not fail to write to me at the same time and believe me very truly yours

(Signed) ASHBEL SMITH

WM HENRY DAINGERFIELD Esqr

etc. etc. etc.

Source Copy Consulted: Ashbel Smith to William Henry Daingerfield, June 28, 1843, 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: 1098-1099