Burnet told Collinsworth and Grayson that they were to proceed to Washington as representatives from Texas to obtain help in ending the war with Mexico and achieving Texas independence. He also instructed them to find out the terms required for Texas to join the Union. Finally, Burnet laid out six terms Texas demanded before annexation to the United States, including declaring all laws passed by the Texas government valid, keeping slavery legal, and protecting citizens of Texas who were foreign born.

Henderson instructed Hunt to travel to Washington to join the Texas minister there and continue to lobby for both the recognition of Texas independence and then annexation of Texas to the Union. He wanted Hunt to point out the stable organization of the Texas government and the commercial and defensive advantages the Union would acquire after annexation. The most opposition was expected to come from the northern states and abolitionists because of slavery. At the very least, Hunt needed to convince the United States government to maintain their soldiers at the border to fend off Indian attacks.

Wharton related some optimistic news concerning independence and annexation. He claimed Britain and France would not object to annexation to the Union and that Secretary of State Forsyth told him confidentially that the only thing preventing annexation were sectional disputes. Wharton believed annexation was only two years off once the North realized its political power was waning. Finally, he described in detail a conversation he had with President Jackson about the latter's message against recognizing Texas independence.

Hunt urged Henderson to send an agent to Britain asking for recognition of Texas independence. He believed that such a move would force the United States to move forward with annexation. He also claimed that the North would eventually acquiesce because continued opposition would result in a breakup of the Union and the annexation of Texas by a southern confederacy.

Irion gave Henderson his instructions as minister to England and France. He was to proceed to England to secure recognition from that country and then request treaties and loans from that government. Anticipating questions about slavery, he told Henderson to say that slavery was cruel but the circumstances and climate of Texas required it and that slaves in Texas were treated better than anywhere else. If his mission was successful, Henderson was then instructed to proceed to France for the same purpose.

Hunt outlined several grievances Texas wished to address to the United States. Texas wanted the U.S. to stop an upcoming smuggling of slaves from Cuba into Texas, which violated a Texas law. Hunt also told Forsyth about continuing Indian attacks on the borders and requested assistance in stopping the raids and any trade with Indians that encouraged such attacks.

Forsyth replied to Hunt's letter describing an impending slave smuggling operation through the United States into Texas. Forsyth said he needed more specific details about the plot and if Hunt could provide them, then the U.S. would do everything in its power to prevent the smuggling.

Hunt responded to questions by Forsyth about specific details of an intended slave smuggling operation through the United States into Texas. Hunt could not offer details but claimed the practice was common because of the high price of slaves in the U.S. Also claimed that stopping the trade required a large naval force in the Gulf, which he hinted would be better served by the U.S. rather than Texas.

Forsyth informed Hunt of the military and naval measures taken by the United States to prevent an upcoming slave smuggling operation from Cuba to Texas.

Hunt thanked Forsyth for the prompt assistance in stopping the slave trade from Cuba and Indian attacks. Also invited the United States to send troops into Texas and build forts to prevent more Indian incursions.

Henderson described to Irion his efforts to secure recognition from Great Britain. Lord Palmerston told Henderson that Britain would not recognize Texas until he felt the latter could survive as an independent nation. Britain was afraid Mexico might reconquer Texas, was uncomfortable with Texas slavery, had citizens who held substantial investments in Mexico, and other reasons to delay recognition. Henderson tried to answer these objections by saying Texas could easily defend her borders and that his government had always fought against the African slave trade. Failing to get recognition, he then tried, with mixed results, to get Palmerston to agree to open British ports to Texas ships. Finally, Henderson asked permission to go to France, where he felt he might have better results.

Henderson forwarded to Irion the former's letter to Lord Palmerston requesting England to open her ports to Texas ships. He argued that such a move would save Texas cotton planters tons of money because up to now, they only way they could trade with England was through the United States. By opening their ports, the British could get direct access to Texas cotton. In the same letter, Henderson gave some reasons why Britain should recognize Texas independence; the most important of which was that the U.S. had already done it.

Hunt sent a dispatch describing his opinions on the connection between annexation and slavery. He believed the United States must annex Texas or the South would never feel secure against the rising influence of abolitionists. Hunt also suggested that making a treaty with Great Britain will defeat any chance of annexation.

Hamilton wrote to Fox outlining why Great Britain should mediate in the struggle between Texas and Mexico. He gave four main reasons: 1. Texas was preparing to blockade Vera Cruz and if Britain tried to stop it they might alienate the South; 2. Britain would benefit greatly from Texas trade, especially in Texas cotton; 3. It would be awkward for Britain to recognize Texas before Mexico does, and until then Texas might conduct all its trade with France; 4. By ending the conflict Britain could get Texas support in ending the slave trade. Hamilton also pointed out the mineral riches of Texas, the fact that they were descendants of Anglo-Saxons, and that Texas was even willing to negotiate accepting a border on the Nueces River to satisfy Mexican bond holders.

Bee described to Webb his conversation with General Victoria about Texas independence. Victoria tried to argue that Mexico would never accept Texas independence and would wage war to keep it. Bee in turn said Texas could not be conquered. He predicted that if Texas offered land bounties, thousands of volunteers would flock from Europe to fight in the Texas armies, thus freeing the settlers already present from having to serve. Ended the letter by telling Webb he was heading for New Orleans and then on to Washington to try negotiations in the United States since it was useless to try to get recognition from Mexico.

Henderson sent Burnet a copy of a letter given to him by Lewis Cass detailing the latter's opinion on what Texas should do to gain recognition. Cass said Henderson should approach the Belgians, whom he thought were favorable to Texas, and their recognition would in turn encourage France to follow suit. Since England was reluctant, the Texas government should obtain recognition from every other European power as soon as possible so that England would be swept by the tide of European public opinion.

Hamilton informed Lamar about a plan to send a Texas warship to France for supplies and under a letter of marque. He said the ship, built in Baltimore by Henry Williams, would get much better rates for arms and munitions if it were fitted out in France. Such a move would also incline France to give Texas a loan and raise prospects of more aid later on.

Taylor wrote to Lamar asking him to clear up a misunderstanding concerning his black servants. The British government filed a protest against him in Barbados and seized his slaves because they believed he was trying to export them to Texas. Although Taylor claimed his servants were freemen, the British interpreted Texas law as stating that any blacks brought into Texas after a certain date were automatically slaves. Taylor asked Lamar to clear up this misinterpretation and get his servants back from the British.

Lamar wrote to Russell in response to a letter he received from John Taylor, in which the latter was being prosecuted for allegedly shipping slaves to Texas. Lamar said the British interpretation of Texas law concerning slaves was completely misunderstood because under that law only blacks who had already been slaves would stay in servitude in Texas. The law was never meant to enslave free blacks who came to Texas.

Waples gave his opinion about the incident of Mr. Taylor's prosecution for allegedly shipping slaves to Texas. Taylor wanted an inquiry to clear his name but Waples did not think that was necessary. He was confident the British could not prove the charges because Texas law did not turn free blacks into slaves.

Lipscomb sent to Barren a copy of the contract made between Taylor and his buyer for the black servants he was sending from Barbados to Texas. Included is an affidavit by a notary public swearing that the contract was accurate and the only one in existence.

Hamilton updated Lamar on the likelihood that Britain would soon compel Mexico to recognize Texas independence. Hamilton asked to be appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Britain until Texas and Britain could exchange ambassadors. Also reported on a Col. Edwards, who was demanding that Texas return 200 slaves that Edwards claimed were sold to him and then emancipated under the Slave Treaty. He promised to look into the matter.

Porter informed Burnet about an incident involving a dispute between Texas citizens and United States marshals. A marshal from Arkansas crossed into Texas and demanded the return of a number of slaves, upon which the citizens of the Texas county threw him out. The marshal threatened to return with an army. Porter called the incident a threat to the liberties and rights of Texas citizens.

Hamilton described to Lipscomb the treaties he had signed with Great Britain, specifically the African Slave Trade Treaty. Although this treaty allowed the British navy to search Texas ships even remotely suspected of carrying slaves from Africa, Hamilton felt he needed to accept it in order to get recognition. He pointed out that the United States had to accept similar terms in their own treaties with Great Britain. He then tried to soften the blow by listing six conditions in the treaty that put such searches under Texas control and made them as limited as possible. Deferred to Lipscomb whether the treaty was acceptable for Texas as an independent power but urged him to forward it to the Texas President for approval.

Mayfield continued to urge Bee to meet with the United States ministers about relations between the U.S. and Texas. He specifically wanted Bee to get a treaty of Amity and Commerce signed, work out the exact borders between the two countries, regulate the movement of slaves, and deal with Indian incursions. He also requested Bee to forward the correspondence between John Q. Adams and Don de Onis to Judge Webb, since the latter was going to Mexico and needed the correspondence to stipulate the boundary lines between Texas and Mexico.

Bee updated Mayfield on his mission in Washington and current issues between Texas and the United States. He included a dispatch describing his efforts to get the United States to reprimand an Arkansas deputy marshal for violating Texas sovereignty while hunting down runaway slaves. In addition, Bee declared his intention to enter negotiations for a treaty between the United States and Texas dealing with Indian affairs and commerce and updated Mayfield on the status of five consuls sent to the U.S. by Texas Secretary of State Waples.

Hamilton updated his superiors on the signing of three treaties with Great Britain concerning commerce and the slave trade. He said Lord Palmerston could not accept the treaties yet because an old rule required simultaneous acceptance by both parties involved and the Texas Senate did not stay in session long enough to ratify it. Hamilton assured his government that relations were still good and Britain would ratify the treaties as soon as the Senate did so in October. Also included a copy of the protocols as stated by Palmerston.

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.

Bee told Roberts that, after talking with Daniel Webster, he believed it was unlikely to get a treaty with the United States dealing with slavery. The only recourse he could see was to persuade the U.S. Congress to pass legislation on the subject.

Roberts answered Eve's inquiry about a request by the United States to hand over a thief named Moro Philips. Philips had stolen two slaves from Louisiana and fled to Texas, upon which the U.S. demanded that the Texas government return Philips for trial. Roberts and the President of Texas refused because the U.S. and Texas did not have a treaty covering the return of fugitives between the two governments. Roberts was also disinclined to carry out the request because the U.S. had specifically said that, if the roles were reversed, they would not honor such a request from Texas.

Roberts wrote to Bee about the urgency of getting a trade treaty ratified with the United States. Roberts was especially concerned about free trade along the rivers bordering the U.S. and Texas(specifically the Red River and the Mississippi) and the rights of Texas to use their own ships on those rivers. He gave Bee a set of justifications for these demands and asked him to speak with Daniel Webster about them as soon as possible. As a minor note, he also told Bee to discuss the issue of moving slaves in between the U.S. and Texas if possible. Concluded by saying the President of Texas anxiously awaited the forwarding of the trade treaty for confirmation by the Texas Congress.

Riley happily informed Jones on the successful signing of a treaty of amity and commerce between Texas and the United States. The most important provisions were gaining access to rivers for trade and the elimination of duties on cotton and other products. He failed to get a stipulation of "free ships make free goods" because that would interfere with seizing Mexican commerce and contraband; also failed to get a provision allowing slave trading. However, he did get assurances of U.S. cooperation in stopping Indian attacks. All in all, Riley believed the treaty was very advantageous to Texas and urged its ratification.

Terrell told Van Zandt to meet with United States officials to discuss problems concerning the mail and customs duties. He wanted the mail to pass freely across the border and felt the U.S. should not have any objection to the suggestion. More importantly, Terrell wanted the U.S. to stop traders from evading Texas customs duties along the Sabine river because the Texas government was losing a lot of revenue to such "smuggling".

Jones updated Smith on state affairs and the condition of the Texas economy. He first told Smith to issue letters of Marque for ships on the Pacific Coast to raid Mexican ships. He also authorized Smith to negotiate with France for a loan and favorable trade status as well as establish relations with Spain. While he admitted that the Texas economy was suffering, Jones was confident that expected tariff duties and other income would improve Texas's economic standing. He closed the letter by describing an argument he had with a Mr. Castro over European emigrant settlements in Texas.

Smith updated Van Zandt on the Texas question among the European governments. All attempts to mediate between Texas and Mexico had failed, even though France joined in the mediations, because the British refused to let them succeed. At the same time, Smith learned that Britain outfitted two steamers for the Mexican navy in violation of British law. He speculated on the usual reasons for British actions toward Texas and then presented Van Zandt with some new theories. These included British offers to finance abolition in Texas or carve two territories out of Texas and make one of them a free state. Also thought Britain might be letting mediation dangle so as to make Texas suffer enough from Mexico so that the former might concede to abolition. Smith said Texas must never condone emancipation because to do so would be the death knell of the southern states. Finally, he included a letter urging Texas to get the United States and France to secure Texas independence for their own interests, especially since the two steamers built by Britain were financed by anti-slavery men determined to effect emancipation in Texas.

Smith gave Jones his opinions on the present state of Texas affairs in Europe. He requested the French government to protest to the Mexican government atrocities committed against Texans and received a lukewarm response. He then said conditions looked bleak for getting either a loan from France or achieving a favorable trade status, especially concerning tariffs on cotton. As an alternative, Smith encouraged Jones to seek relations with Belgium and Spain because the former was interested and the latter might pressure Britain into recognizing Texas.

Smith summarized the contents of some of his previous letters. Specifically, he reminded Jones that, in his opinion, Texas should lift the ban on duties for French wine because Texas would never get a similar concession for cotton exports to France because the latter would always favor their colonies's cotton. Smith went to London to try to get a loan from Britain(which he believed was doubtful) and secure relations with Spain. At the end of the letter, he informed Jones that he was suspending letters of marque because of rumors that Mexico might have ceased hostilities with Texas; also listed the men he had appointed as consuls in France.

The letter written by Dr. Robertson to Jones concerning the former's stolen slaves. Robertson wrote that two of his slaves were taken by Indians and ended up in the possession of a Mr. Edwards, who was a white man living with the Cherokee nation. Robertson went to Edwards' house but was unable to locate him and so lodged a complaint with the Secretary of State requesting the recovery of his property.

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.

Jones sent Van Zandt correspondence from a Dr. Joseph Robinson about the latter's slaves, who were stolen by Indians three years earlier. Requested Van Zandt to look in the archives of the United States to see if Dr. Robinson had corresponded with the U.S. on the matter (since the archives in Austin were unavailable) and if so, help him retrieve his slaves or be compensated for the loss.

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.

Van Zandt updated Jones about the issue of Mr. Robinson's stolen slaves, which were taken by Indians. He looked through the official correspondence and concluded that the United States claimed the Indians were not under its jurisdiction and that the present treaties only stipulated the return of captives and not property. Mr. Amory, a Texas legate, continued to lobby the U.S. ministers and it appeared that the U.S. was now willing to negotiate on the matter. Van Zandt said he would leave for Washington very shortly to discuss the matter and advised that Robinson should gather all the proof of ownership he could to smooth the way for a return of his property.

Smith informed Jones about the movement in Britain to abolish slavery in Texas. He believed the British government was reluctant to mediate between Texas and Mexico until Texas abolished slavery. Outlined the plans under consideration in Britain to achieve that goal, including offering a loan to the Texas government, buying large tracts of land in Texas, and encouraging mass emigration by Europeans to the area. He also heard talk of turning Texas into a colony of fugitive slaves. Smith urged Jones to resist abolition because he thought no mass emigration would occur if abolition occurred. Plus, he believed Britain was only pushing for abolition in Texas in order to undermine slavery in the United States and boost trade in cotton and sugar in the British colonies.

Smith told Jones he was going to Paris unless he thought support for emancipation in Texas among the English population got too strong.

Smith gave his opinion on proposals in England to encourage abolition in Texas. He told Daingerfield that the most talked about plan was to convince Texans that if they abolished slavery, a huge influx of immigrants would arrive from Europe. Smith believed, however, that no such influx would occur and so advised the Texas government not to accept any proposals for ending slavery at that time.

Smith wrote to Daingerfield asking him not to leave Paris until Smith arrived. He wanted to get to Paris sooner but he needed to exert his influence in stopping any Texas abolition plans in England. Also informed Daingerfield that Belgium might recognize Texas after Smith met with their ministers in Paris.

Smith apologized to Daingerfield for not arriving in Paris sooner but he had to stay in England to head off Texas abolition plans.

Smith updated Jones on European affairs concerning Texas. Mr. Andrews, an anti-slavery Texan, was in England gathering support for abolition, which would further England's goal of emancipation around the world. Smith met with Lord Aberdeen and stated emphatically that Texas would not surrender its slaves because to do so would be dishonorable. He outlined for Jones all the proposed plans for Texas abolition and how each would not work, especially since most potential emigrants were more worried about war than slavery. On the continent, news was brighter because France was backing away from demanding abolition, peace between Texas and Mexico increased Texas's standing in Europe, and England's influence in Spain was declining.

Van Zandt reported to Jones on his work in Washington. Several agents have dropped off patent paperwork, census material, and other documents, which Van Zandt was forwarding to Texas. The major event he reported on was the calling of a council between Texas, the United States, and Indians. He felt optimistic about the council, even though the U.S. appeared lukewarm toward it, and urged Jones to forward tobacco and other presents as a sign of good will towards the Indians. Closed the dispatch by informing Dr. Robinson that the U.S. would soon issue an order allowing him to reclaim his stolen slaves.

Van Zandt updated Jones on the question of annexation. Even though his recent instructions had been to suspend such talks, he heard from Secretary Upshur informally that the United States was interested in annexation again. Gave Jones a summary of his meeting with Upshur, in which both parties informally expressed support for annexation but neither side could commit itself because their respective Congresses had not authorized it. As a result, Van Zandt advised Jones that the time was right to pursue annexation again and suggested that the President of Texas should confer the necessary authority for his representatives in Washington to negotiate on that subject.

Van Zandt forwarded to Jones his correspondence with United States officials dealing with the upcoming Indian Council. He also updated Jones about the case of Dr. Robertson's stolen slaves and indicated that the U.S. would probably return them very shortly. Finally, he said he had discovered an illicit trade between natives and U.S. traders and made the necessary complaints to the U.S. government.

Smith enclosed several letters to Jones. The most important one concerned Texas anti-slavery men who met with the British government pushing for compensated emancipation and implying that the Texas government supported the idea. Smith called their actions "disreputable".

Jones responded to Smith's letters and gave him instructions. He told him not to make any official correspondence concerning Texas's declaration of independence until further word came from Europe. Also told him to forget about pursuing loans because finances in Texas have gotten much better. Finally, he praised Captain Elliott for his efforts in mediating between Texas and Mexico and expressed regret that Elliott might have to leave for Britain.

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.

Everett requested Smith to forward him any documents relating plans for the abolition of slavery in Texas between the Britain and the latter.

Smith updated Jones on events in Europe related to Texas. The American Minister of Spain advised Smith not to seek recognition from Spain because of its instability but Smith was optimistic that once affairs settled down, Spain would have good relations with Texas because both supported slavery. He also said Texas was no closer to a loan from France and he was not optimistic about it. On the subject of emigration, he said colonists under Mr. Castro left Antwerp for Texas and the English colony already set up in the area would likely fail. Ended his letter by listing the men recommended as consuls.

Smith responded to Everett's enquiry. He said he could not divulge the precise plans that were under consideration in England but did summarize remarks made by Lord Aberdeen to the effect that Britain was anxious for abolition in Texas. Also said he was not sure if he was authorized to divulge his letters so he would send information to Isaac Van Zandt in Washington, who would in turn send to Everett whatever was appropriate.

Van Zandt described recent issues and diplomatic events. First, he told Jones that prospects for annexation were looking more favorable, especially since men like John Quincy Adams were alarmed. Second, he updated Jones on the upcoming council with Native Americans and said U.S. officials were going along with it, albeit reluctantly. Third, he commented on his instructions to demand reparations on behalf of a Texas collector on the Red River. He said he would do so but the case looked very weak and urged both the collector and the Texas government to secure more testimony. Finally, he told Jones that the U.S. was dragging its feet on returning Dr. Robertson's slaves because of the reluctance of some members of the Cabinet. All in all, Van Zandt felt confident that Texas would see brighter days ahead.

Elliot forwarded to Jones copies of the treaty between England and Texas to suppress the slave trade.

Smith told Jones he was forwarding copies of his correspondence with Edward Everett and Lord Aberdeen.

Elliot requested Jones to revise the treaty between Texas and Britain suppressing the slave trade. Whereas the treaty had earlier stipulated that any slaves found on Texas ships would be confiscated and transferred to Africa, Elliot wanted British ships to be able to send them to Trinidad or Demerara instead so that the freed slaves would not have to suffer a long journey. Included a declaration for Jones to sign to that effect if the Texas government agreed.

Smith summarized various pieces of news concerning Texas in European courts. These included increasingly favorable relations with France, European emigration to Texas (which Smith thought was doubtful to produce any meaningful increase in population), his intended trip to London, his attacks on British abolitionists, and the likelihood that Britain and France would soon pressure Mexico to cease hostilities.

Brower forwarded a letter to Van Zandt concerning meetings held between Texas agents in New York and the New York Chamber of Commerce. Since Congress had proposed a bill to allow free trade in Texas cotton, the agents had asked New York to immediately allow such trade even though the bill had not passed yet. The Chamber refused, citing various objections such as offending other foreign powers and the issue of warehousing. The agents tried to answer the objections but to no avail.

Jones replied to Elliot saying the Texas government gladly approved the request by Britain to allow British ships to take slaves found on Texas ships to Trinidad.

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".

Van Zandt updated Jones on his work in Washington. He was convinced that an incident involving the United States military took place on United States soil after studying a topographical map. He was also still arguing about reparations for a Texas collector on the Red River and hoped to receive full compensation but would not know for a while. On a more positive note for Texas, he finally succeeded in convincing the U.S. government to return Dr. Robertson's slaves and suggested that the latter apply to the U.S. for his property. However, he also learned that Congress held up talks for Texas annexation because they distrusted President Tyler's motives.

Van Zandt informed Jones about the recent death of Secretary of State John Upshur. He said this was a near fatal blow for Texas because Upshur had been a fervent supporter of annexation and was working on treaty details when he died. Van Zandt then advised Jones not to seek a treaty of alliance instead because it would not give nearly as many benefits as annexation. On a more positive note, he had a meeting with President Tyler and discovered the latter was still anxious for annexation, so Van Zandt proposed to continue to work toward that end.

Elliot requested Jones to allow the British ship Hyacinth to enforce the anti-slave trade treaty in the Caribbean.

Van Zandt and Henderson told Jones about the successful signing of a treaty of annexation between themselves and John C. Calhoun. Although it was not the most ideal treaty, they had to frame it so that the Senators of the United States (both North and South) would ratify it, which meant not directly asking for the protection of slaves, annexing Texas as a territory rather than a state, and leaving the question of the assumption of debts absent. President Tyler assured them that if the Senate rejected the treaty, he would call for a joint resolution to be sure of its passage. Van Zandt also received a promise from Calhoun that the United States would send army and naval units to Texas to protect against any aggression from Mexico until the treaty was ratified.

Terrell informed Smith on his efforts to gain better commercial treaties with Britain. The British were reluctant to do so since the United States was moving toward annexing Texas, so Terrell told them that annexation was not a done deal and in fact Britain could short-circuit the process with more favorable trade treaties. Went into detail on the possible provisions those treaties entailed, including better rates for Texas products in British colonies in return for allowing lower rates for British imports into Texas. Also summarized his view of the British attitude on the slavery question, which he interpreted as being anti-slavery but not inclined to interfere in Texas internal affairs.

Crawford informed Donaldson that he had issued an order to his agent with the Creek Indians to retrieve Dr. Robertson's stolen slaves and return them to him.