The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 13, July 1909 - April, 1910 Page: 170
341 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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170 Texas Historical Association Quarterly.
commission authorizing the negotiation of the loan was issued,"
and on the 8th the commissioners' private instructions were drawn
up.2
It was this latter document which conferred upon the commis-
sioners their diplomatic authority. After giving directions con-
cerning the armed vessels that were to be fitted out and sent from
New Orleans, the supplies to, be purchased there, the loan and the
donations that might be tendered, the instructions continued:
Finally, you will proceed to the City of Washington, with all
convenient speed endeavoring at all points to enlist the sympathie
of the free and enlightened people of the United States in our
favour by explaining to them our true political situation and the
causes which impelled us to take up arms; and the critical situa-
tion in which we now stand. You will approach the authorities
of our Mother Country, either by yourselves, or confidential
friends; and ascertain the feelings of the Government toward
Texas, in her present attitude. Whether any interposition on the
part of that Government in our favour can be expected, or whether
in their opinion, any ulterior move on our part would to them,
be more commendable and be calculated to render us more worthy
of their favour, or whether by any fair and honorable means, Texas
can become a member of that Republic. If not, if we declare In-
dependence, whether that Government would immediately recog-
nize and respect [us] as an independent People. Receive us [as]
allies, and form with us a treaty of Amity both offensive and de-
fensive. If all should fail on the part of the Government, or a re-
fusal to intermeddle in our difficulty, You will immediately notify
this Government whether good or bad, of your success,3 and govern
yourselves accordingly. On the failure of success with the Gov-
ernment, you will redouble your energies in arousing the sympa-
thies of the Patriotic citizens of the north to rally to our assist-
ance.4
'Commission issued by Governor Smith, December 7, 1835, Austin
Papers; also in G srrison. Dip. Cor. Tex., I, 51-52
2Private Instructions, December 8, 1835, Austin Papers; also in Gar-
rison, Dip. Cor. Te., I, 52-54.
"What is meant, evidently, is "If all should fail on the part of the
government, and there should 'be a refusal to intermeddle in our diffi-
culty, you will immediately notify this government of your success,
whether good or bad."
Garrison, Dip. Cor. Tex., I, '53. The wording of these instructions
seems to imply that the Texans exneeted that in some way annexation
might be Aeeomplished before recognition was secured. They would not
have objected at this time as they did later on (sce below, p. 230) to a
cession of Texas by Mexico to the United States, previous to recognition.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 13, July 1909 - April, 1910, periodical, 1910; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101051/m1/190/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.