Nassau Plantation: The Evolution of a Texas German Slave Plantation

Chapter 4. Germany and Texas in 1843 and 1844

53 ChaPter 4 Germany and Texas in 1843 and 1844 Decisions reached in Germany in 1843 put the Society on a path that would lead to financial disaster and relegate the plantation to a supporting role. Carl Count of Castell had his sights set much higher than a plantation, or a string of them, and he set about to insure that the Society adopted his vision. The plantation encompassed a little more than four thousand acres; a land grant amounted to hundreds of thousands of acres. Like gold fever, this was a mighty temptation, which clouded his judgment. Several letters by various members of the nobility testify to the count’s active involvement working behind the scenes to promote the Society. His friend, Carl Prince of SolmsBraunfels , supported him in his program.1 His efforts bore fruit in the second general assembly, which convened in Biebrich June 18 and 19, 1843, amidst an atmosphere of great optimism.2 All the initial subscriptions had been covered. The program had, in fact, met with such enthusiasm that the list was expanded to thirty shares. Ten members attended, several with the power of attorney to act on behalf of others. Count Castell, for example , was empowered to vote for five other members.3 In the absence of Christian Leiningen, the founder and nominal president, Count Castell also presided over the meeting. Viktor Count of Leiningen had returned to Europe from Texas 54 James C. Kearney early in June 1843 and reported his experiences to Count Castell.4 He apparently hand-carried Boos-Waldeck’s first “Comprehensive Report” from February back with him, and it was read aloud to the assembly. The assembly also read and approved a revised draft of the statutes and formally constituted itself as a corporation.5 The assembly also petitioned the Duke of Nassau to become the protector of the Society; he accepted. The authority of the executive committee was expanded so that it could make many decisions on its own with minimal consultation. Finally, several interesting motions were presented for consideration. The assembly determined that Count Boos-Waldeck had strayed from his authority, especially in buying land from private individuals rather than from the government. Nevertheless, the plantation was retroactively approved. An additional 10,000 florins was made available to him in New Orleans.6 The assembly requested, however, that Boos-Waldeck should redouble his efforts to secure a land grant from the Texas government. Each member was asked to contribute one-pound sterling to alleviate the plight of the poor preacher Ervendberg7 about whom BoosWaldeck had written. The assembly went on to approve the gifts that Boos-Waldeck had requested for the plantation and for persons in Texas who had been of service to the Society. These included works of Schiller, two pistols, and, for Charles Fordtran, a pocket watch with a golden chain. In addition, various members of the Society wished to donate items: 1. from Adolph Duke of Nassau, a tin pot together with silverware for twelve persons; 2. from Carl Prince of Solms, two dozen porcelain pipes; 3. from Friedrich Count of Alt-Leiningen, two table cloths for twelve persons; 4. from Count Castell, glassware for twelve persons; 5. from Count Isenburg, a kitchen table and accessories; 6. from Collorado Count of Mansfeld, an encyclopedia; 7. from Viktor Count of Alt-Leiningen, a technological lexicon ; and Nassau Plantation 55 8. from Eduard Count of Boos-Waldeck, a Meerschaum pipe. The assembly drew up another list of suggestions for the members who were not present. It included linens, books (especially those concerning agriculture), and purebred sheep for breeding, two sheepdogs, and an assortment of wines, medicines, bandages, and containers.8 Boos-Waldeck needed a replacement since he had announced his intention to return to Europe. Count Castell indicated his willingness to go to Texas for an extended period of time, perhaps as long as ten years. Consequently, a legal document was drawn up defining the terms and conditions as well as the remuneration for his time in Texas.9 Most importantly, the second assembly affirmed the idea of a large colonization project based on a land grant contract, but this was a general affirmation, devoid of particulars. Count Castell worked throughout the summer and fall of 1844 to use the authority and discretion granted to him to put the pieces in place. For all the pieces to fall in place, several things had...