Henderson, James Pinckney, Family

James Pinckney Henderson (1808-1858) was a statesman, soldier, and first governor of the state of Texas. He was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, to Lawson and Elizabeth (Carruth) Henderson. After serving in the North Carolina militia in 1830, he was elected Colonel of a Regiment. He moved to Canton, Mississippi, in 1835, became interested in news of the Texas Revolution, and began enlistments for the Texas service. He arrived at Velasco, Texas, on June 3, 1836, and was commissioned by David G. Burnet as Brigadier General and sent to the United States to recruit for the Texas army. Henderson organized a company in North Carolina and sent it to Texas, reputedly at his own expense. Upon his return to Texas in November 1836, he was appointed Attorney General of the Republic under Sam Houston and in December 1836 succeeded Stephen F. Austin as Secretary of State.

Early in 1837 Henderson was appointed Texas minister to England and France and was commissioned particularly to secure recognition and treaties of amity and commerce. Largely through his efforts both England and France entered into trade agreements with the Republic and ultimately recognized Texas independence. While in France, Henderson met Frances Cox of Philadelphia, whom he married in London in October 1839. He returned to Texas in 1840 and set up a law office at San Augustine. In 1844 he was sent to Washington, D.C., to work with Isaac Van Zandt in negotiating a treaty of annexation with the United States. The treaty was signed on April 12, 1844, but was rejected by the United States Senate on June 8, 1844, and President Houston ordered Henderson, over his protest, home.

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