New Orleans

Saturday, Dec. 3, 1836

Dr. Sir

Previous to leaving Columbia, I addressed a

note to you, containing my reasons for so doing. We arrived

at New Orleans on the 27th Nov. after a passage of four days.

The affairs of Texas, though still an object of

interest here, do not excite that enthusiasm with which they

were formerly contemplated. It appears as though old Uncle

Sam after relieving the immediate distress of one of his children,

now stands with his hands thrust into his pockets to the elbows,

calmly and attentively surveying the position of the infant

Republic. My own opinion as to the course he will pursue is

formed, and time must determine whether it be correct. The

independence of Texas will be recognized immediately; but a for-

ceful effort will be made, and will prevent its immediate

annexation. Many of the Southern people are opposed to the

measure, as they consider it an unwarrantable interference with

the affairs of Mexico, openly to take under their protection her

refractory daughter—and the states of the North cherish a still

stronger feeling against the measure, as it consequently lessens

their own form by throwing into the Union another slave state.