Ashbel Smith to Anson Jones, April 27, 1843

Summary: Smith summarized some of the dispatches he sent on to Jones. These included Monsieur Gizot's reply to Texas protests of Mexican atrocities, remarks from other Frenchmen concerning emigration to Texas, and information about a proposal to abolish slavery in all French colonies (which Smith felt was certain in the near future and had ramifications for Texas). Ended by advising that no letters of marque be issued because of French abhorrence of the practice.

38[sic] LEGATION OF TEXAS,

Paris, April 27, 1843.

Hon ANSON JONES

Secretary of State

SIR,

I have the honor to transmit to your department a copy of Monsieur Guizots note in answer to my communications to him concerning the manner in which hostilities are waged by Mexico against Texas. My preceding despatches contain full details on this subject.

My attention was attracted a few days since to a Circular from the Prefect of the Department of Doubs concerning emigration to Texas. The gravity of the matters therein alleged and the official character of the Circular appeared to me to entitle it to notice. I accordingly write to Mons Guizot on this subject. Copies of the Prefect's Circular and of my note to Monsieur Guizot are herewith transmitted.

I also send copies of a letter of Mr H. Castro and of my answer thereto, in relation to the laws of Texas concerning the descent of property belonging to persons emigrating from Europe and dying in Texas. I was informed that the Grand Duchy of Baden would oppose the emigration of its subjects, until satisfied on this point. The same inquiry was formerly made by that Government of Mr. Gallatin the American Minister here, in relation to the laws of the United States.

A long report has been made to the French Chambers by the Duke de Broglie adverse to Slavery generally, and proposing its abolition

in the French Colonies. I need not enter into the details of the plan proposed by the report of the Duke de Broglie as the subject will not be taken up at the present session; and it is moreover the opinion of the best informed here that this plan will not be adopted eventually. I regard however the abolition of Slavery in the French Colonies as certain at no distant period. The abolition party in Europe is numerous, powerful and very active; and is determined ere long to attack the institutions of slavery in America by every means it can employ. This subject is fraught with much importance to Texas.

I find no reason to change any thing in the favorable accounts given in my recent despatches of our relations with France and Great Britain.

I had a very full consultation some days since with Admiral Baudin concerning the granting of Letters of Marque. He says public sentiment in France is so universally hostile to privateering, that for the honor of Texas he would advise not to deliver any commissions. I have accordingly determined to do nothing in this matter until I shall have consulted with Col Daingerfield whose arrival I am expecting daily. It has moreover appeared to me that His Excellency the President consented to the issuing of Letters of Marque very reluctantly.

I have the honor to be

with great respect

Your very obedient servant.

ASHBEL SMITH.

Source Copy Consulted: Ashbel Smith to Anson Jones, April 27, 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., 3: 1441-1442