The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 17, July 1913 - April, 1914 Page: 416

The Southwestern Historical Quarterly

Mr. Van Zandt in reply to Mr. Upshur's first observation ad-
verted to an expression in a despatch of the Secretary of State
of Texas, (quoted in his own despatch of the 18 September) to
the effect that it did not seem to the Government of Texas that
the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by Mexico
would interpose an insurmountable obstacle to annexation with
the United States, if that combination should therefore be con-
sidered convenient. It seemed on the contrary, that it might
smooth the way to that result, by means of subsequent treaty be-
tween the two Countries
Both the President and the Secretary of State, with whom I
have conversed this morning, told me that this observation had
been thrown out to induce the more hearty efforts of the Govern-
ment of the United States with that of Mexico to secure the
acknowledgment of their Independence by Mexico; but having
that Independence recognized, it was not the wish of the present
Government, nor they firmly believed would it be found to be
that of the majority of this people, that any treaty or other
scheme of Annexation should be entertained.
Returning to Mr Upshur's conversation, as reported by Mr
Van Zandt in the despatch of the 18th. September, I should in-
form Your Lordship that it conveyed generally the determination
of the Government of the United States to endeavour to effect
the annexation of Texas during the next Session, if the Govern-
ment of Texas consented to. the promotion of' such an arrange-
ment.
To Mr. Van Zandt's remarks speakingg in that particular, as
an unauthorized person) that though it certainly seemed to him
that such a proposal might find favor in Texas, still he could
not but remind Mr. Upshur of the former failure of the scheme
of annexation in the United States, Mr. Upshur replied that cir-
cumstances had materially changed since, that it was the great
measure of the present administration; that they had already
sounded leading persons in the Senate, and that though it was
probable they would be stormily opposed, still they believed they
should be able to carry the project.
He wished Mr Van Zandt to report the subject of the present
conversation to Texas by express, and to ask for immediate in-
structions in order that affairs might be sufficiently advanced by

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