of counteracting whatever measures the Congress of Texas might take, which ought to meet the first Monday in this month; for, according to news received here by means of periodicals, part of the members of the Congress of Texas ought to meet at Austin, and part at Washington, by which means they are divided, and this will be a good opportunity to operate. Furthermore, although the Constitution provides that the Congress cannot change the form of government, they can present to the people alterations. The presentation to the Texian people of the question of reunion in the form prescribed by the Constitution is highly important as a political movement, although "Mexico does not or will not recognise the government of Texas." This being the manner prescribed, the great difficulty will be found conquered in the beginning of the affair. Pursuing such a course, the negotiations will be established, and then the people could operate without embarrassment and with efficiency. I take advantage of the present occasion to tender to your excellency my high considerations and respect. |
| J.W. Robinson |
| General Tornel's reply to General Santa Anna's note of the 6th inst. |
| Mexico, Feb. 11th, 1843 |
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Excellent Sir, - I gave to his excellency the substitute President immediate notice of your respected letter of the 6th instant, in which you were pleased to make known the affair of the Texian prisoner, Wm. Robinson, whose original letter accompanied it, and being informed of all, he advises me to request you to act with all the necessary powers to hear him and grant that which is proper; or to hear only, and transmit the result to the supreme government, in case you consider it necessary. Satisfied that your excellency will proceed in arrangements with the Texian prisoners with your customary caution and prudence, always preserving the rights and interests of the nation of which you are so glorious a defender, the government abstains from giving directions of any kind, resting, as it should, in the just opinion that your excellency should direct this matter according to your own judgment.
In the hope that you will bring it to a full termination, useful and honourable to the Republic, please accept my expressions of high consideration, &c., &c., |
| Jose Maria de Tornel |
| Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to Jose Maria de Tornel. |
| Manga de Clavo, Feb. 18th, 1843 |
Excellent Sir, - In accordance with the authority communicated to me [467] by order of his excellency the substitute President, to call the Texian prisoner, Wm. Robinson, and hear him concerning the terms in which it was considered that the reincorporation of that department with the Republic might be obtained, and the propositions which he makes to secure so desired an object, I directed him to come from the fortress of Perote to this hacienda; and after long conferences, in which he perfectly convinced me that he was not wanting in influence or means to produce the conviction in Texas of the importance to the colonists of again embracing the protection of our laws, I have accepted and signed the propositions, a copy of which I herewith enclose to your excellency, and have set Mr. Robinson immediately at liberty, that he may, without loss of time, proceed to the fulfillment of his offices. The care and prudence which I have taken to avoid a single expression which can in any manner compromise the rights of the nation, so dear to all Mexicans, so sacred to me in my natural sentiments, because it has made me its keeper, will not escape the penetration of your excellency. And I simply announce that certain concessions can be granted that the right of sovereignty shall remain undisturbed, of which the present situation of Texas forms a necessity and guarantee that the colonists should not fail to demand as the foundation of their future tranquility and welfare. As the whole subject is submitted to negotiations, in which the government should act with due caution, nothing should be hazarded to |