WHAT DO YOU KNOW about the French Legation?
WHAT DO YOU KNOW about the French Legation?________ The French Legation was originally the private home of Count Jean Pierre Isadore Alphonse Dubois de Saligny (1841). As a lesser French diplomat, the Charge d’ Affairs entertained politicians of the new Republic of Texas hoping for legislative favors which never came. If you read my story about Dubois and the “Pig War”(1) you will know the details of his disastrous few years in the very rudimentary village of Austin, resulting in his recall to France.________ In 1849, Dr. Joseph W. Robertson bought the property as a home. He and his wife had 11 children and 9 enslaved workers. Later the former Legation was purchased by the State of Texas making it a museum. The Daughters of the Republic were appointed its custodians. DRT member “Miss Lillie” Robertson became enthusiastic keeper of its history and tour guide.________ The DRT and Violet Crown Garden Club (2) hired landscape architect Charles Pinkney (1906-1994) and iron worker For...