The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 20, July 1916 - April, 1917 Page: 213
426 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Diplomatic Relations Between France and Texas
but the overtures of Texas had been rejected. Since that time
she had begun to feel herself secure against Mexico, and no longer
desired annexation, because the people of Texas, being essentially
interested in agriculture, would, if they became a part of the
United States, be oppressed by the protective tariff of that coun-
try. The United States had, however, recognized Texas. Hen-
derson declared that Texas was in a position similar to that of
France in the July Revolution to which Louis Phillipe owed his
throne. In conclusion, he said that he hoped that "the spirit
which prompted her own glorious revolution would induce His
Majesty's Government to take the initiative in the recognition of
a Republic desirous of forming political and commercial relations
with this great and polished nation.""
Early in August, 1838, France had established a successful
blockade of the Mexican ports. On the Atlantic side, Mexican
commerce was in dire straits, and there were attempts to smuggle
goods into Mexico through Texan ports. This was a matter of
great concern to Texas, for France might consider such evasions
due to the connivance of the Texas government and extend the
blockade to Texan ports. This would inflict a great injury upon
the "flourishing prospects" of Texas as it would cut offl commer-
cial intercourse with the United States.7 Therefore, on Septem-
ber 7, 1838, Irion, the Texan Secretary of State, wrote to Hen-
derson: "The President desires you to convey to the French
Government his request that they will extend the operation of
their fleet to the coast of Texas as far as may become necessary
to prevent the evasion of their blockade of the ports of Mexico."s
Henderson looked upon the question in a different light. As
a basis of the Texan claim for recognition, he had set forth "her
ability to maintain her independence, unaided by other nations."
He considered that such a request from the Texan government
would be tantamount to saying that Texas was not able to defend
herself against Mexican aggression and asked aid. He was
strengthened in his opinion by newspaper reports of an occurrence
at Corpus Christi. A small Mexican force had seized that port,
'Henderson to Mol(, June 1, 1838. Ibid., 1208-1216.
7Irion to I-Ienderson, August 7, 1838. Ibid., 1217-1218.
Irion to I-Ienderson, September 7, 1838. Ibid., 1219.213
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 20, July 1916 - April, 1917, periodical, 1917; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101070/m1/219/: accessed May 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.