Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1844-05-25
Nr. CnLhoun % Mr. PnLenhnm.

Mr.. Calhoun 10 Mr.. Pakenhan
DEPARTMENT. STATE,
WASHINGTON, APRIL lS, 1874.
The Undersigned Secretary Of State of the United States
has laid before the President the Of the right honorable
Mr. Pakenan, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Penipo-
Tertiary Of Her Britannia Majesty addressed this Depart
ment the 26h Of February last together with the
panyng copy of despatch Of Her Maestys Principal Sc
cretary Of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pakenham. In
reply the undersigned is directed by the President to inform
the right honorable Mr.. Pakenham, that while he regards
with pleasure the dsavowo Of Lord Aberdeen any nten-
ton the part Of Her Majesiys Government to
any measures either openly secretly, which tend
disturb the internal anquityo the slavehodng States
and thereby affect the tranquility Of this Unon," he the
same time regards with deep the avowa for the first
time made TO this Government "that Great Britain desires
and constantly exeng herself TO procure the general abo-
lltion Of slavery throughout the world"
81 long as Great Britain confined her policy the aboli
ton OF slavery IN her possessions and colonies other
country had right to complain II belonged 10 her exclusively
determine according her own views Of policy whether
should be done or not But when she goes beyond and
il her settled policy and the object OF her
exertons, to abolish IL throughout the world she makes it
the duty OF all other countries whose safety prosperity
may be endangered by her policy adopt such
they may deem necessary for their protection.
Il IS with still deeper the President regards the
aVowa Of Lord Aberdeen Of the desire Of Great Britain
see slavery abolished in Texas and he iners eneav-
orng, through her diplomacy accomplish IT, by making the
abolition OF slavery Of the conditions which Mexico
should acknowledge her independence Il confirmed his
previous Impressions to the policy Of Great Britain
ference 10 Texas, and made II his duty examine with much
and socitude what would be its effects on the prospe
Y and safety Of the United States should she succeed in
her endeavors The investigation has resulted the settled
conviction that i would be difficult for Texas in her actual
condition. to resist what she desires without suppnp the
influence and exerions Of Great Britain would be extended
beyond the limits assigned by Lord Aberdeen and that IL
Texas could not resist the the object Of her
DESIRE would endanger both the safety and prosperity Of the
Union Under this conviction, it felt the mperous
duty Of the Federal Government the
and protector OF the States OF the Union, adopt self
defence, the most eflectua measures TO defeat it.
This II not the proper large the grounds
Of this conviction. Il is sufficient say that the consum
nation Of the avowed object Of her wishes in reference 10
Texas would be followed by hostile feelings and relations he
tween that country and he United States which could not
fail TO place her under the influence and control Of Great
Britain That, from the geographical position Of Texas,
would expose the weakest and vulnerable portion Of our
frontier inoas, and place in the power Of reat Britain
the most ecnt means Of efecng the neghborng States
Of the Union what she be her desire to do in all
countries where slavery exists. To hoard CONSEQUENCES
which would I've dangerous the prosperity and safety
this Union, without resong to the effective measures
TO prevent hem would hc the part Of the Federal Go
vernmen, abandonment Of the solemn obligation inn
posed by the guaranty which the States adopting the
suon entered into protect each other against
might cndanger their safety, whether from without or Within
Acting in obedience TO this obligation, which our federal
system OF Government rests the President directs me 10 in
form you that treaty has been concluded between the Uni
ted States and Texas for the annexation Of the latter to the
former part Of its territory, which will be submitted with
delay TO the Senate for its approval This step has been
taken the eectua il not the only means of guard
ing against the threatened danger and securing their perma
nent peace and welfare.
II j. well known that Texas has long desired To be annex
ed to this Union that her people, time Of the adoption
Of her Constitution, expressed by almost unanimous VOTE
her desire TO that effect and that she has never ceased to
desire the most certain D promoting her snfey
and prosperity The United States heretofore declined
70 meet her wishes, but the time has arrived when they
longer refuse consistently with their own security and
peace, and the sacred obligation imposed by their
'tona compact Tor mutual defence and protection Nor
they any way responsible for the circumstances which have