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 Fortunat Weigl (1884-1973) to make improvements. The furnishings were donated by the Colonial Dames of America reflecting the era. The building first opened as a museum in 1956.________ In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission became custodian and planned its recent beautiful restoration and important upgrades. As a notable Texas museum it represents the early days of the Republic of Texas. The location is just east of Interstate 35 in the heart of Austin at 802 San Marcos Street.________ On the two and a half acre tract, originally 21 acres, there is the house, a detached kitchen and a carriage house which contains the museum’s offices and a gift shop. Some additions were not a part of Dubois’s residence. Some sources say he did not ever live in the Legation that he built, but it is known that he entertained lavishly there with dinner, French wine and cigars. All agree it was his slaughter of pigs belonging to Richard Bullock that was the final affront creating the Pig War that led to his dismissal.________ Small livestock, including pigs and chickens had free run in the small capital village of the new nation. Pigs belonging to the Bullock hotel invaded the Frenchman’s garden and even his house. The butler was instructed to kill the offending 15 or 20 pigs causing the irate owner of the hotel to attack Dubois’s man in the streets of Austin. Also, Bullock demanded $100 as compensation from the unpopular and ineffectual French diplomat. Dubois refused, wrote a letter to the Secretary of State about the “scandalous and outrageous” affront to his butler and declared a suspension of his duties as diplomat. Because of previous egregious acts of arrogance perpetrated toward Bullock and other “backwater Texans”, the Secretary was indisposed to grant a settlement. Instead the Texas President wrote to France requesting the withdrawal of the hapless Count from duties in the new Republic. Carole Sikes 6/2021________ (1)My story of the Pig War and Count Dubois can still be found at www.carolesikes.blogspot.com (2) Austin was known as the city surrounded by a “violet crown” of hills. Sources: Gayle Lawson (DRT), the Texas Historical Commission and the French Legation Website.