RoT Diplomat Arrives in Mexico

[Craig Tx]

From the Texas State Historical Association

Diplomat of the Republic arrives in Mexico

On this day in 1839, diplomatic agent James Treat arrived in Mexico City to negotiate for recognition for the Republic of Texas. As early as 1836, along with Samuel Swartwout and other New York real estate venturers, he was actively but unsuccessfully interested in the annexation of Texas. That Mexico should accept a formal peace treaty and recognize the independence of Texas was important to this group.

Treat's long residence in Central America and Mexico qualified him for the diplomatic task at hand. His experience and intimate acquaintance with the public officials in Mexico convinced him that they would never propose the unpopular Texas question to their congress, or vote it through, unless they gained some private profit for doing so. Treat believed that by using his personal influence for recognition he might succeed where others had failed. Upon his arrival in Mexico City, Treat at once began the activities which led him through devious paths beset with hopes and disappointments.

The negotiations dragged on for the greater part of a year, only to end in complete failure in October 1840 when Mexico rejected the Texas propositions for peace. Treat died the following month while returning to Texas.


Craig