The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-05-03

| Sir: AS much agitation appears to have prevailed
of late in the United States, relative TO the designs
which Great Britain is supposed to entertain with
gard to the Republic of Texas Her Majesty's Gov
eminent deem expedent to take measures for stop
ping at once the misrepresentation which have been
circulated and the errors into which the Government
| of the United States seems to have fallen the
subject Of the policy of Great Britain with respect
to Texas. That policy is clear and simple and may
be stated in few words. Great Britain has recog-
Missed the Independence Of Texas, and, having done
so, she is DESTROYS Of seeing that independence final
and formally established, and generally recognised
especially by Mexico. But this desire does not
arise from any motive of ambition seIf-interest,
that interest, at least, which attaches to the
general extension of our commercial dealings with
other countries.
We are convinced that the recognition Of Texas by
Mexico must conduce to the benefit of both these
countries, and, as we take interest in the well be-
ing of both, and in their steady advance in power and
wealth, We have put ourselves forward in pressing
the Government of Mexico to acknowledge Texas
as independent. But in thus acting we have no oc-
cult design either with reference to any peculiar in
erest which we might seek to establish in Mexico
in Texas or even with reference to the slavery
which exists, and which we desire to see abol-
ished in Texas.
With regard 10 the latter point it must be and is
well known both to the United States and to the whole
world, that Great Britain desires, and is constantly
exerting herself to procure the general abolition of
means
she has adopted, and will continue to adopt for this
humane and yirtuous purpose, are open and undis
guised She will do nothing secretly or underhand.
She desires that her motives may be generally under
stood, and her acts seen by all.
With regard to Texas, we avow that wish to
See slavery abolished there, as elsewhere, and we
should rejoice if the recognition Of that country by
the Mexican Government should be accompanied by
an engagement on the part Of Texas to abolish sla-
very eventually, and under proper condition. through
out the Republic. But although we earnestly desire
and feel it to be our duty to promote such consum
nation, we shall not interfere unduly, with i'm
proper assumption of authority, with either party, in
order to insure the adoption of such a course. We
shall counsel but shall not seek to compel or I'M
duly control, either party. So far as Great Britain
is concerned, provided other States act with equal
forbearance, those Governments will be fully at lib
erty TO make their unfettered arrangements with
each other, both in regard to the abolition Of slavery
and TO all other points.
Great Britain, moreover, does not design to estab-
lish in Texas, whether partially dependent on Mexi-
CO or entirely Independent, (Which latter alternative
we consider in every respect preferably any domi.
nant influence. She only desires to share her infu
ence equally with all other nations Her objects are
purely commercial, and she has thought or inten-
ton Of seeking to act, directly or indirectly, in poll
teal sense, on the United States through Texas.
The British Government, the United States
well know, have never sought in any way to stir up
disaftecton or excitement Of any kind to the slave
holding States of the American Union. Much as we
should wish TO see those States placed the firm
and solid footing which conscentiously believe TO
be attained by general freedom alone, have never
in our treatment of them made any difference be-
tween the slave holding and free States of the Union
All are, IN our eyes, entitled, as component men,
bers Of the Union, to equal political respect favor
and fortearance, on our part To that wise and just
policy we shall continue TO adhere and the Govern
menis of the slave holding States may be assured
that, although shall not desst from those open
and honest efforts hch we have constantly made
for procuring the abolition of slavery throughout the
world we shall neither openly secretly resort TO
any measures which tend to disturb their inter
nal tranquility, or thereby to affect the prosperity Of
the American Union.
lou will communicate this despatch to the United
States Secretary Of State and he should desire it,
you will leave copy of it with him.
i am, &C., ABERDEEN.
Right Hon. RICHARD PAKEHHAM, &c.
Mr.. Calhoun 10 Mr. Pokenham.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, April Is, 1914.
The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United
States, has laid before the President the note Of the
right honorable Mr. Pakenham, Envoy Extraord nary
and Minister Plenipotentisry of Her Britannia Ma
jesty, addressed TO this ID partment the Goth of
February last together with the accompanying copy
of despatch of Her Majesty's principal Secretary Of
State for Foreign Affairs to Mr.. Pakenbam. In re-
ply, the undersigned is directed by the President to
inform the right honorable Mr.. Pskenham that while
he regards with pl, asure the disavowa of Lord Alb
erdeen Of any intention the part of her Malesiy's
Government st, resort TO any measures either open
y secretly, which can tend to disturb the internal
tranquility of the slave holding States and thereby
affect the tranquility of this Union" he at the same
time regards with deep concern the avowa for the
first time made TO this Government "tbat Great
Britain desires and is constantly exerng herself to
procure the general abolition of slavery throughout
the world"
abolition of slavery in her possessions and colo
niss, no other county bad right 10 complain Ii
belonged to her exclusively determine according to
her own views of policy, whether il should be done
or not. But when she goes beyond, and avoes !, as
her settled policy and the object Of her constant
erion, to abolish it throughout the world she makes
il the duty of all other countries whose safety or
prosperity may be endangered by her policy to adopt
such measures as they may deem necessary for their
protection.
It is with still deeper concern the President rcpa rds
the avowaI Of Lord Aberdeen Of the desire of Great
Britain TO see slavery abolished in Texas; and as he
Iniers, Is endeavorng through her diplomacy to ac
compsh IT., by making the abolition of slavery one i
the condi hons on which Mexico should acknowledge
her independence IL has confirmed his pre- yous i'm
prcssions the policy of Great Britain in reference
to Texas, and made II his duty to famine with much
care and socitude what would be its effects on the
prosperity and safety of the United States shoad she
succeed in her eDdeavors The nvestip alton has re-
suited 10 the settled conviction that it would be diff
cult tor Texas, in her actual condition. to resist what
she desires without suPpos,ng the influence and ex-
ertIons OF Great Britain would be extended beyond
he limits assigned by Lord Aberdeen and that il
Texas could not resist the consumma ion of the OBJ
ject of her dese would endanger both the safety and
prosperity of the Uuion. Under this COW clion it is
cit 10 be the impsrious duty of tn federal govern
men, the common and protector of the
States Of the Union, TO adopt, in selfdefence the
most e1ectusl me assures to defeat il.
This is not the proper occasion to state at large the
grounds of this conviction 1t is sufficient to say
that the consummstioD of the avowed object Of her
wishes in reference TO Texas would be followed by
hostile feelings and relations between that country
ADD the United States, which could not fail to place