"Extract from the Correspondence of the Richmond Enquirer," Civilian and Galveston Gazette, April 17, 1844

Summary: Reprinted an article from a Virginia paper about Texas annexation. The writer expressed satisfaction that efforts to make annexation a party issue have failed thus far and that annexation would be reviewed based solely on facts. Also asserted that if annexation failed, Great Britain would first sign a generous treaty with Texas and then move in to emancipate the slaves there. He believed that support for annexation was growing and awaited a favorable verdict from the Senate.

"If it was the object of the National Intelligencer to make a party question of annexation, I am happy to know that it has most signally failed of its object. Some of the most prominent Whigs here scout the idea, as much as Democrats do. Indeed I have heard it often said, on both sides, that they deem it a most propitious season, for the settlement of this momentous question. Neither of the great parties is invested with the Executive power--and neither, therefore can be jealous of the other for whatever of credit may attach to the negotiation. Each (with few exceptions says to the other, in God's name let Mr. Tyler have all the credit--while the country at large reaps the benefit of the great measure. Let the country take her lands and her custom houses and pay her debts; and in due season, garner up the enriching balance into her own coffers, for national uses."

I hope the public presses of both parties will administer their salutary rebukes to the Intelligencer, for this rude effort to destroy, in the germ a great national negotiation and urging its readers to form opinions on great matters before they see the proofs. If a treaty should be made, who knows but that there may be proofs before the President; and that these proofs will be laid before the Senate, which will justify alike the treaty. Who knows but that the questions before the Executive resolve themselves into these: Texas now or Texas never!--Texas for us, or Texas for Great Britain! Now I assert that these are the very and only alternatives submitted to the Executive, and that as such they will come before the Senate, or will not come at all!

And I assert, furthermore, that Great Britain has--through a duly accredited Diplomatic Envoy--formally proposed to Texas a Treaty, of which these two articles are to be the basis: 1st. To pay the value of Texas slaves, if Texas will emancipate.--2d. To receive Texas cotton duty free, if Texas will receive certain enumerated articles of British manufactures duty free--such as cotton and woollen goods--iron, and all manufactures of which iron, constitutes a part. I assert, furthermore, that Texas will instantaneously accept the second article, if annexation fails. And I assert furthermore, that as soon as this Free Trade Treaty is made (the abolition being refused, as it will be,) that 5,000 more Englishmen are to be introduced under the direct auspices of the British Government, for the very purpose of carrying abolition at the polls. And I assert, furthermore, that this purpose is known to some of the most prominent slave holders in Texas, and that they mean to thwart it, by returning to the United States, the moment the annexation fails and every one knows the utter incompetency of this Government, to prevent the smuggling back of those slaves into the United States. Let Senators and Representatives--let the Whig and Democratic press ponder on these things, and wait for the proofs, before they form any opinions, or take any steps to embarrass the national executive.

As we expected, the whole Texas excitement has already, in a good degree calmed off; and in place of bluster and noise, we are to have facts, arguments, and discussion. Threats of a dissolution of the Union, too, have ceased, suddenly. This, too, is very well.--To all such threats, upon such a matter, the public ear will be closed. In the mean time, the friends of annexation gain, instead of losing friends by the discussion of the subject.--Alex, Gazette.

Source Copy Consulted: "Extract from the Correspondence of the Richmond Enquirer," Civilian and Galveston Gazette, April 17, 1844, p. 2