The Lone Star Reloaded Series Box Set
Page 66
Wharton glanced at Travis before responding, “I’m not familiar with any British subjects in Texas prisons. If anyone from the British Empire has lawfully entered our country and has been charged with a crime, we will certainly give you access, as is customary.”
Elliott resisted the urge to shout. He tamped down his ire. Diplomacy, like chess, was a game of skill. He changed tack “Come now, John, let us not maintain any fiction here. You and I both know that when Britain sold those ironclads to the Mexican government they required competent seamanship. British sailors were contracted by the Mexican government.”
Wharton smirked upon hearing Elliott’s admission. “Frank talk is a rare commodity, Charles, especially in the circles in which we travel. But let me speak plain, Her Majesty’s government has caused us offense by selling and crewing the ships of the Mexican navy. Neither I, nor the president, is blind to the reality that the British Empire gets to operate by a unique set of rules.”
Elliott liked hearing others acknowledge that the British Empire was first among equals. “Then, I’m sure you’re interested in remaining in Her Majesty’s good graces. Let me arrange for the transportation of our sailors back home.”
Wharton was about to respond when General Travis placed his hand on the other’s arm. Travis smiled at Elliott. It reminded the Englishman of a wolf about to take a bite out of a weaker animal. “Good graces. What an interesting expression, Mr. Elliott, it covers a multitude of sins.”
Elliott eyed the young general, skeptically, as he continued, “Was it Her Majesty’s good graces that caused your government to be the last significant European power to recognize our independence?”
Without waiting for a response, General Travis continued, “Mr. Elliott, were we to release men who had served our mortal enemy, it would make us unpopular with the citizenry of Texas. Now, if you’re prepared to ask us to make a politically unpopular gesture, I’m sure you can appreciate we need something significant in return.”
The chargé d'affaires had expected something else, a retrenchment in the Texian position, based upon Travis’ reputation. But he implied an accommodation could be worked out. “What do you have in mind, General?”
Travis turned and looked out the window at the ships loading and unloading their cargo along the wharves below. “In the balance of power in the western hemisphere, Her Majesty’s government has, at every opportunity, tipped the scales in Mexico’s favor. Are you aware that even the Czar of Russian beat your government by five years in recognizing our independence? May I suggest that the British empire would do better to show that we are in her good graces by extending to the Republic of Texas most favored nation status? This would, I believe, result in lower tariffs for British goods coming into Texas as well as expanding British textile markets by offering more Texas’ cotton exports to Britain.”
Elliott nodded thoughtfully at Travis’ words. “I’m not authorized to make such significant trade policy actions, but I’ll be glad to present your proposal to the Foreign Ministry. In the meantime, as a sign of good faith, I would like to visit your prisoners from the Battle of Campeche.”
Travis slid his eyes back to Wharton, who responded. “Of course, Charles. I’ll provide you a pass before we leave today. On an unrelated note, I do have a proposal for you, regarding the disposition of a couple of ships we captured from the Mexican navy.”
Elliott leaned forward. Wharton’s machinations intrigued him. Denying any action regarding the British bankers and now, he wanted to talk about them as though they belonged to Mexico. This would be interesting. Elliott indicated he was listening.
“The ‘Crockett Doctrine’ remains Texas’ official position regarding unsubstantiated rumors that the new administration is seeking terms of annexation from the United States. Despite many in the American South and not a few in East Texas who are clamoring for annexation, we are committed to our independence. Rest assured the Clay administration approves of our position. It serves the interest of all three of our nations to quiet such voices of annexation. The best way to accomplish this is for Texas to step out onto the world’s stage and make a clear commitment to peace in the western hemisphere.”
Elliott chuckled, “Those are odd words coming from a nation who not half a year past declared war on your southern neighbor.”
Wharton smiled wryly. “In fairness, we were invaded, Charles. Give us our due, please.”
“What have you in mind, John?”
“Texas has extended an offer to the United States offering our fair city of Galveston to host a conference between the United States and Great Britain for the purpose of settling your boundary disputes.” Wharton leaned back, looking expectantly at him.
This wasn’t what Elliott had expected. It was a novel idea, but why would Her Majesty’s government allow a no-account nation play host to a conference. “That’s an interesting idea, John, but why should we agree to this?”
Wharton stood and went to the window, and pointed toward the channel, where the ironclads rode at anchor. “Why, Charles, I believe we have something your government would like returned. If your government will agree to our hosting a conference then as a sign of good faith, we will release those ships back to your bankers.”
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Book 4 Down Mexico Way
Book 5 In Harm’s Way
Book 6 Title Pending (Summer of 2019)
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About the Author
A sixth generation Texan, Drew McGunn enjoyed vacations to the Alamo as a kid. Stories rattled around in his head throughout school, but as with most folks, after college the nine-to-five grind intruded for many years.
His passionate interest in history drove him back to his roots and he decided to write about the founding of the Republic of Texas. There are many great books about early Texas, but few explored the what-ifs of the many possible ways things could have gone differently. With that in mind, he wrote his debut novel Forget the Alamo! as a reimagining of the first days of the Republic.
Drew’s muse is his supportive wife, who encourages his creative writing.