446
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
I am induced to bring the subject again before Y. E. by the interest which I and many others feel in having an unembarrassed trade with Cuba opened. From all the information I can obtain, it see~s that the net proceeds of Cotton would generally amount to more could it be shipped hence to Cuba direct than it does when sent to New Orleans; and the Havana market, which is increasing calls annually for more than Texas will produce for some years to come. If there would be a saving on this Export, there would be a still greater on return cargoes of W. I. produce, such as. Sugar, coffee, & other bulky articles of ready sale in Texas, since their direct transportation hither would save, not only the freight and charges to New Orleans, but the enormous expences which all heavy commodities incur by landing and reshipment at that Port. There are other advantages to be derived from this trade as shown in the aforesaid communication to which I refer Y. E.; but those of the most immediate importance would arise from the barter of the articles above mentioned; and, could it be ascer- tained that a direct voyage might without difficulty be made for that traffic, I think I could have the first Experiment made this fall or winter. The Suggestions-which I have to make for the ultimate or prompt attainment of the object are these. As Cuba is the only part of the Spanish Dominions where any great motive exists for feeling an interest in the recognition of our Independence by the Court of l\Iadrid, and as that Government might as yet be liable to slight a sudden application on our part for such an act unless previously im- pressed in our favour from some other quarter, it is probable that the event might be most easily brought about by an influence emanating from that Colony. It is said that the Prince of Anglona, the present Governor General of Cuba is actuated by the same liberal and exten- sive views for which his predecessor Tacon was distinguished; and I hence I [sic] infer that he could be easily made sensible of the advan- tages that must eventually result to the country he Governs from the establishment of commercial relations between it and this Republic: if so it is not improbable that he could be induced to use his influence with the Spanish Government in a manner that would facilitate the operations of our future diplomacy with that Court. I am moreover of opinion that by calling his attention to the subject more immediate benefits might be obtained from the exercise of his legitimate powers as Governor General, which I think would allow him to sanction under some restrictions a direct trade between Texas and Cuba before our Independence has been acknowledged by the Peninsular Monarchy. I am informed that under a former ad- ministration of the Government of Cuba, I think that of Tacon. vessels of Mexico were on some footing admitted into Havana for the pur- poses of trade, though the Independence of that Republic had not then been recognized by Spain; and if this privilege was permitted to the Commerce of an unrecognized and nominally hostile nation it is to be presumed that the same concession might be made to a people occupying a similar position with the exception of having always been friendly. We may at least suppose that he would be willing to remove
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