The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-05-20
M. Paekenham 10 Mr.. Calhoun.
WAsulscros, April 10, Ii


! The undersigned, her Britannia Msjesty's Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, has had
the honor To receive the note which the honorable
Mr. Calhoun, Secretary Of State Of the United States,
was leased yesterday TO address to him. containing
observations on espalch from her MaJestys Prin-
cpal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the
undersigned, of which the undersigned had the honor
the request of the late Secretary Of State, Mr. Up
shur, 10 furnish copy, for the complete inlor-
nation of the Government Of The United States
Mr.. Calhoun at the same time announces to the
undersigned by direction OF the President, that a
treaty has been concluded between United States and
Texas for the annexaon of Texas to this country
part OF its territory, which treaty will be submitted
without delay to the Senate for its approval
MIR. Calhoun further takes occasion to enter into
explanations as to the motives which have induced
the Government Of the United States TO adopt their
present policy with regard TO Texas; and he con-
cludes by presenting certain remarks founded
li,tica information, in defence Of the institution Of
slavery as now established in portion Of this Re-
public, and in proof Of the necessity of taking mea-
sures for its preservation.
II Is not the purpose Of the undersigned in the pre-
sent communication 10 enter into discussion with Nj
Calhoun respecting the project thus formally an
nounced on the part OF the Government of the United
States TO annex Texas TO the American Union--that
duty will, If thought necessary, be fulfilled by higher
aulhority-still less is the undersigned disposed
to trespass on Mr.. Calhoun's attention by
Offering any remarks upon the subject of slave
ry, eXpeunded in Mr.. Cahoun's note. That
note will be transmitted to her Majesty's Gov
eminent by the earliest opportunity and with this
nmation the undersigned would for the present con-
tent himself, It not for the painful impression
created on his mind by observing that the Government
of The United S'Mes, SO far from approaching at their
just value the explanations furnished by her Majesty
Government jn u spirit Of frank ness and good faith
well calculated to alay whatever anxiety this Govern
ment might have previously felt on the particular
points TO which those plantations have reference
pear TO have found arguments in that commu nication
in favor of contemplated annexation of Texas
thus, it were, assigning TO the liish Goyernmen
some share in he responsibility of uansac ion which
can hardly fail to be viewed in many quarters with
the most sriious objection.
All such responsibility the undersigned begs leave,
in the name of her Msjes'y's Government at and
most positively to disclaim. Whatever may be The
conseQ uences Of that transaction the British Govern
ment will look foI walJ without nxiety to the judg
meDt which will thereon be passed by the civilized
world, in far shall apply any provucaon fur
nshed by England for the adoption Of s0ch
With the political independence of Texas not only
has G,eat Britain disavowed all intention 10 inter iere
but IL Is we'll known fact that her ost jealous eI
ertions have been directed towards The completion f
that independence, by obtaining its acknowledgement
at the hands Of the only Power By which was seri-
ously disputed.
Great Britain has also formally dscaimed the de-
sire 10 establish in Texas any dominant influence;
and, with respect TO slavery, she is not conscious of
having acted in sense to cause just alarm 10 the
U ed States.
From the avowed desire Of Great Britain TO
slavery abolished in Texas it is inferred by the Gov
eminent Of the United States that England is endea-
yoriDg, through her diplomacy, 10 make the abolition
Of slavery a condition to the acknowIedr ment Of the
independence of Texas by Mexico. If Mr.. Calhoun
will have the goodness TO refer once more TO the
py of Lord Aoerdeen's despatch, which lies before
him. he will fnd the following exposition Of the in
entlons Of Great Britain tins point, which the
dergned atlered himself would have been sufficient
to forbid any such inference "With regard 10
Texas, avow that wish TO slavery abolish
ed there, else where and should rejoice If the
recognition Of that country by the Mexican Govern
ment should be accompanied BY an engagement, on
the part Of Texas, TO abolish slavery eventually and
under proper conditions, throughout the Republic
But although earnestly desire and feel it to be
our duty to promote such a communication we shall
not interfere unduly, or with improper sssunp-
ton Of authority, with either party" (eher Mexico
or Texas in order 10 ins the adoption Of such
a course. We shall counsel, but shall not seek
to compel or unduly control either party. SO far
Great Britain is concerned, provided other States act
with equal forbearanoe, those Governments will be
fully at liberty TO make their own unfettered ar.
rangements with each other, both IN regard TO the
abolition of slavery and TO all other points
The undersigned takes adj vantage OF this opportu.
nifty to 10 the Hon. Mr. Calhoun the assurance
of his high consideration.
Z. PACkENHAN.
| Hon 7 n C.,uorx lo