England and Mexico, which is quite favorable to the

interests of British commerce and manufacturers. And

nothing [?] this Cabinet will take no step which might

interrupt their good understanding. Perhaps a still

more important reason for deferring the establishment

of diplomatic relations with Texas was to be found

in the pending relations between England and the

United States. Should the subject of difference between

these two countries lead to a war, Mexico will

be dragged into this contest on the side of England

and it is deemed important to do nothing which

might alienate the predilections of Mexico from

Great Britain. But, on the other hand, England

desires the separate existence of Texas as a barrier

to the United States on their S. Western frontier,

and appreciates the importance of Texas as

a market and rival producer of cotton

&c. to the United States. The Treaty for the sup-

pression of the African Slave trade is viewed

very favorably in England by the English Cabinet

especially as France refuses to ratify the Quintuple

Treaty.

The cause of Texas is not regarded with

favor at this time in England. I have been

several times assured that the public sympathy

is with Mexico. I have mentioned in a former

dispatch the Anti-Slavery party and persons in-

terested in colonizing portions of the British Ter-

ritories abroad, with whose speculations immigra-

tion to Texas would conflict. And Mr Joseph

Hume My _____ [?] a friend of Texas advised to me that

a hostile feeling toward France which had recog-

nized Texas, was among the chief reasons with

Lord Palmerston for concluding the Treaties with

us on the part of England.

Other subjects will be embraced in a dis-

patch which will accompany the present communic-

ation. I have the honor to be with the highest

respect

Your obedt servant

Ashbel Smith.