EARLY BELGIAN COLONIAL EFFORTS - The University of Texas at ...

The cultural and ethical atmosphere of the Republic was not explained by Pirson
in a coherent manner. Pirson was greatly enamored with the Anglo-American people,
drive, and success. 184 He further related that the Republic was governed, both
politically and commercially, by immigrant white American males. 185 His
representation of the Native American Indians, however, was a stereotypical one
apparently formed from his association with both the Americans and Texans he came in
contact with. One can say, however, in Pirson’s defense, that the killing of three
settlers, a scalping or two, and the apparent kidnapping of a child by “Apaches” while
he visited Austin, anchored some of Pirson’s opinion in reality, at least from his
European perspective. 186
His correspondence shows a certain impatience with many of the government
representatives he dealt with, such as General Hamilton, who were incapable of
delivering on various promises made on behalf of the Republic. He remarked that the
general in particular was not beyond receiving substantial personal remuneration, all
while employed by the state. 187 Additionally, Pirson clearly felt that many of the
individuals drawn to the Republic were drawn by the five-year debt amnesty of the
Republic and the rather open nature of the government; in other words, those with good
reason to leave their past behind. 188
Pirson’s last matériellement discussed political circumstances. Here again,
Pirson did not present a coherent picture or analysis. It is clear, however, that the
184
Pirson to de Briey, 15 January 1842, AMAE 2013and BL.
185
Ibid.
186
Pirson to de Briey, 8 February 1842, AMAE 2013 and BL.
187 Ibid.
95