&c., and . . . Texas, in a few years more, will be able to supply them with the goods and produce of all kinds, and by direct importations from Europe. Therefore, the success of the independence and the final establishment of the Republic of the Río Grande, is much to be desired by every friend of Texas, and cherished by every Texian.[73] From Mexico City, an unidentified writer wrote a letter on August 13, 1839, which was published in the Louisianian (New Orleans) and found its way into Texas. The writer urged careful consideration in Texas of the propositions which he presumed Anaya was making in reference to the recognition of the independence of Texas and the conclusion of treaties of commerce and amity. He contended that if Texas would furnish and equip twelve to fifteen hundred volunteers to the Federalist cause that they could so deal with the Mexican army as to make Texas safe from any reinvasion by Mexico. He believed that the success of the Federalist cause would be assured.[74] Even the newspaper, La Enseña (Mexico City), urged that the independence of Texas be acknowledged, and "a great number of Mexicans, recognizing that reconquest was impossible, were in favor of this recognition."[75] However, it was believed that any Mexican Federalist who operated under the Texas flag should be considered a traitor to his country. The mere fact that one rose in arms against his government apparently was not enough to constitute treason; for in Mexico of that day, rebellion seems to have been the normal thing. The Mexican attitude is further reflected in the reports of an informer in Mexico. As respects the feelings of this people, [wrote A. S. Wright,][76] it is hostile 73. George Fisher to the Editor of the Morning Star, Feb. 29, 1840, in the Morning Star, March 3, 1840. 74. Louisianian (New Orleans), quoted in Austin City Gazette, Nov. 6, 1839. 75. Alessio Robles, Coahuila y Texas, II, 206 n. It must be noted here that the United States diplomatic agent in Texas reported that Anaya had pledged that if the Federal party triumphed in Mexico, the independence of Texas would be immediately recognized. Alcée La Branche to John Forsyth, Legation of the United States, Houston, Oct. 25, 1839, in "Correspondence and Reports of American Agents and Others in Texas, 1836-1845," Justin H. Smith, "Transcripts," V, ms. 76. A native of the United States, educated at St. Mary's College near Baltimore, A. S. Wright lived many years in Spain, became a trader in Mexico, claimed Texas citizenship, was employed by the Texan government in 1838 to furnish information regarding the frontier Indians, became the secret agent of Barnard E. Bee in Mexico in 1839, and continued to give information to the Texan |