The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-07-02
feat Of Early Texas History.

tIrcdl CNtUlS Olicu ucpcuu upou Oii iSuui-
stances trivial in their nature and Of no
apparent Importance. The fate of ma
tion may turn upon what is regarded as
the merest accident, without significance
or effect of any kind. Take the case of
Texas, in the crisis of her existence, by
way of illustration The battle of San
Jacinto had so broken the aggressive
power of Mexico that Houston and his
gallant associates found themselves in
situation to maintain, temporarily at least,
,he independence of the young republic.
But their resources were limited, the
population of the country small and wide
ly scattered,and the prospect of establish
ing y permanent and scli-sustaining gov
ernment prccarious and remote. The
great powers looked with doubt and sus-
picion upon the struggles of n handful Of
adventurcrs. The primary object was to
obtain the recognition of the independ-
ence Of Texas, and the means OF defend
ing the country against the invasion of
Mexico. Gen Hamilton of South Caro-
lima and Judge Barnby ofKentucky were
engaged to visit England and solicit her
good olhcos in behalf ofthc oytempori7ed
| republic They were instructed to make
the best representation possible Of the
condition and resources Of tho country to
request the acknowledgement OF Its lnde-
pendenoa, aud to apply for loan which
her pressing necessities had rendered M
dispcnsabc The commissioners were
accomplished and sagacious men, OF chiv-
alrous bearing, enthusiastic believers in
the future Of Texas, and confident that
with timely assistance the foundation OF
an empire might be securely laid
But they were met in London by
obstacles apparently insurmountable
Texas was comparatively unknown to the
British ministry. The relations of Eng
land and Mexico were of not unirlend'
ly character. The intercourse of the two
countries was not extensive or OF great
commercial importance, but her majesty
had representative at the city Of Mexico
and the usual forms of diplomacy were
observed by The two governments. Hence
the application of the commissioner
smacked of presumption, more especially
as the could furnish no satisfactory ev
idence that Texas had the means of sus
tanning herself against her more powerful
Deighbor, from whose tyranny she wa
but partially emancipated, Still tn
glowing account given of the resources
the country, and the prediction OF he
future greatness, created much interes
/ in London. The commissioners wer
jealous and saguine. They painted tn
. country as Astounding in all the element
E Of national wealth They representa-
!, her vast capacity for the production
h cotton, and set forth the advantages tina
: England might derive from encouragn
0 the infant republic, Great Britain i
proverbially cautious and reserved, an
2 naturally hesitated about taking the in
! itiative in introducing Texas to the fam
4 ly of nations,
g But Hamilton and Barnby we're resC
n lutte and preserving, and ministers 80 ia
I yielded to their persuasions as to sen
Is out an agent charged with the responsible
!, ity of reporting upon tho condition an
|, prospects of the country after a person;
!. examination. The gentleman selecte
was a fine dashing young fellow name
!. Elliot, the younger son Of noblemal
: He had been employed in diplomat
capacity at one of the inferior courts G
the continent, where he had acquitte
himself to the satisfaction of the govern
ss ment. There was an implied promise {
., O. the recognition Of Texas in case Of fa'
Of orable report from Elliott and the con
st missonors had encouraging assurances {
IN procuring loan in that contingenc
" They returned cloted at their partial SUI
rs cess, and the intelligence thereof was r
- - ceived with great joy in Texas.
!. Gen. Houston, president of tho republi
m was one of the most perfect specimens
se manly beauty to be seen in the countr
" He was considerably upward Of six fe
in hight as straight as an arrow,
~ symmetrical proportions, and as gracet
ed in his movements as n panther. lie hi
nd finely turned head and shoulders, al
Nh their easy play was wonderful to behol
lie affected picturesque and rath
a theatrical style Of costume but what
H. an ordinary man would have been foppis
It. ness and affectation, his great person
advantages rendered natural, proper, al
p becoming. In anticipation of the visit
Elliot,he had ordered a magnificent velv
is robe from New York-a sort of reg
.es garment, that set off his masculine attra
tions in a splendid manner, but viii
or would have brought ridicule and derisi
upon almost any other man. 1t is VI